I do not buy mares, haven't now for over twenty years, except on a whim and not to keep. In that case of course, I go for temperament, usually temperament alone as, if you are going to sell, it is temperament that sells a horse. Anyway, I do, obviously have to buy Stallions from time to time as even I accept that you cannot keep breeding back!! Cody was the last one and, luckily, I had had my eye on him since I first saw him. I took a chance as, although he had won a lot, and he had mares in foal, he had none born. I went for the colour (Silver) the type and the bloodlines. I knew his conformation was sound as I had spent two two years criticising him in the showring! I have not been disappointed in a single foal he has had- I know a lot has to do with my excellent mares, but he has done his bit as well. So, it is never any one thing- the whole horse has to be right. I would tolerate a mare of a colour I was not wild about, but not a Stallion.