This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 6/1/2002 6:27:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> 3) I wouldn't breed a mare until she has proven herself in the show ring for > > many years. So I say not until 9 or 10 years old. > I agree with most of your post except for this one! Heartily. But then, I'm not into showing horses at all. I like to use my horses for various purposes, but for myself, don't see much point in spending a lot of time and energy on show clothes, money for classes, money for all the other essentials for shows and ending up with a silly little ribbon. I know, I know, a lot of it is reputation, yeah, sure. But given a choice of a lovely trail ride, teaching a handicapped child to ride, or some other useful, fun thing to do with a horse, and then a choice to show.... guess what I'd pick! That having been said, the world would be missing some wonderful horses if mares were not bred until 9 or 10 years of age. Brian wrote a good post several years ago about breeding age, and I wish I still had it. But if you know you've got a good horse, with a great temperment, flawless conformation and also ability, there is no reason to not breed a mare that is unproven in the show circuit. JMO. Pamela
