>>>> http://www.womenandhorses.com/newsletter-2006january.html
Since we were talking about "good conformation" and breeding for certain traits recently, here's a quote from the above article I think is relevant to our breed: >>I like the so-called "old fashioned" head of the Standardbred, Morgan, >>Saddlebred, and Walking Horse. An Arabian head is fine - on an Arabian, but >>the Arabian head shape should not be the universal definition of "good" in >>heads.<< I tend to believe that certain traits should basically be ignored in certain breeds...the big head of the old TWH is a prime example. The big TWH head doesn't interfere with anything the horses have needed to do. But, if you start breeding "for" more refined heads, what will you lose. I'm not saying never breed a horse with a non-traditional-for-that-breed trait if everything else about the horse is great. My TWH mare happens to have a lovely head, and still has nice gaits and good conformation. She would have been a great brood mare for the breed's future, had her health been better. In that case though, I think the head should be a "don't care" trait - just a lucky break for the beauty of the breed. Karen Thomas, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.11/837 - Release Date: 6/6/2007 2:03 PM
