This message is from: Steve McIlree <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> We haven't yet received the new Herald, so I haven't had an opportunity to read Fred's message which Ursula quoted, but I would like to make a couple comments.
The first thing I would like to have clarified is the number of surveys which were returned. Was this truly a census of the membership or a small self-selected group? (Those who were either motivated enough or bored enough to take time to complete and return the survey). I would also like to hear more from Margaret Bogie regarding the flaws in structure and tabulation of the survey. Then, what kind of conclusion is being drawn from the 79% pleasure riding and 59% pleasure driving statistics? Does this mean that pleasure riding horses should be favored over pleasure driving horses? Or does it mean that PLEASURE riding and driving horses should be favored over COMPETITIVE riding and driving horses. Or does it mean that pleasure riding and driving horses should be favored over draft or pack types? Is a pleasure riding horse really significantly different than a pleasure driving horse? I certainly can't fathom any clear meaning from this statement, I hope that the members of the BOD will take time to ponder. So let us suppose that there is a clear answer to the above, what in the world could the NFHR do to influence the "philosophy on the future breeding of these Fjords"? Change the breed standard used in the Evaluation process to favor one type of horse over another? I think not. So what could the organization do that would really influence what breeders do within their individual breeding programs? As long as there is a diversity of goals in the Fjord breeding community, I believe that there will continue to be a diversity of types in the horse. I believe that the BOD as representatives of Fjord breeders and owners should be trying to encourage this diversity rather than let those preaching "marketing 101" to influence the future of the breed in North America. The Morgan breed went down that road, and now the horse that could do anything is seen as a snorting Saddlebred substitute. Keep the diversity and market IT. -- Steve McIlree -- Las Cruces, NM/Omaha, NE, USA What a piece of work is a horse! In action how like an angel! In apprehension how like a man! --James Agate(1877-1947)
