Backyard breeders

[rockin r]

I have often wondered if "pet quality" colts (or even show quality) were gelded before being sold if it would help this over population/ uneducated breeder situation.

I agree. But the problem with this is that "Pet Quality and Show Quality" is in the eye of the breeder. What you or I consider pet quality, someone else may consider show quality and vice versa. IMO if you sell just one colt/stallion intact, you are adding to the problem. I know people who have bred for next year and they still have most of last years foal crop that they could not sell. I have 2 stallions on my property. If they were to ever leave here, there would be no debate with the prospective buyer, HE WILL BE GELDED!!! I have not bred since Ziggi was born 4 years ago. And do not intend to anytime soon. There are just too many unwanted horses. We have people stop here all the time wanting to buy a horse for their kids, or to "Mow the lawn"..Nope, none here for sale. Nor will I refer them to anyone I know......

 

[REO]

Some Breeders who only breed registered horses are not reputable breeders.

This confuses me.

 

[shelia]

This confuses me.

Sorry. What I mean is just because someone sells only registered minis does not make them a reputable breeder. I think it is important to know who you are buying from in some way or another. Find out whatever information you can on them and talk to them. Trust you gut instinct too. It is a long term investment.

I am glad I get questions. I know sometimes my posts don't come out the way I meant them to.

 

[REO]

Oh ok!

I getcha now

 

[bevann]

I so agree with Minimor.Lots of show horses have very unhappy lives as compared to the family pet.Many top name show horses are thrown out in a field and permanently pregnant.Who knows what happens to them when they can no longer produce.I am one of those who thought I would make money breeding and selling Minis, but it took me over 20 years to figure out I couldn't do it doing it my way.Vaccinating everything(including foals)trimming feet every 4-8 weeks, halter &lead breaking foals,trailer breaking foals,registering with AMHA&AMHR,screening buyers, not taking horses to auctions(did 1 time &went in the bathroom&cried because I didn't know who had bought my babies-turned out it was Penland of Sweetwater,no wonder I cried)bought back most horses when people no longer wanted my babies.I also kept my seniors who had been good to me.They die and are buried here.I lost lots of money, but made LOTS of friends.I was a backyard breeder and am now just a backyard lover and owner of Minis.

 

[JMS Miniatures]

The problem just isn't irresponsible breeders its also uneducated buyers. I think some buyers look at these minis as real cute, cuddly little horses and most look for the cheapest one out there. The thing is minis are still a horse, they cost the same for upkeep as a big horse, they can also be just as dangerous as a big horse. You have to treat them the same respect as you would with a big horse. There are still some people out there that will go buy a big horse to train up when they are inexperienced themselves. Things is irresponsible breeders are in the big horse industry as well, there are sale barns out there where you can buy a big horse for just $100 and people will buy them thinking they got one heck of a deal when in reality they didn't. So the important thing is to educate buyers for big or small on how to look for a responsible breeder.

Another thing is us breeders need to take responsibility in the foals we produce. We need to be educated in conformation and what to look for and what we should avoid, and we need to take it real seriously. Also we need to geld more, I've seen too many stallions I would love to own but as geldings. Not only are we responsible from the moment they are born but to the day they die. After all you are the one that has created that foal for your purpose, whether it be to show or to sell or whatever your pupose is to breed them for. You also have to be responsible on selling them. We can't sell them at give away prices anymore, its just hurting the breed in general. If you can't afford to keep them then you can't afford to breed them. Hold on to those foals til you get the price you want. Train them up and make them become respectful compainions. Either for show or the perfect family pet. We also need to communicate to our buyers, answer any questions they have, ask them questions, invite them to your home to see the horse in person.

Another thing as breeders we are responsible for keeping up with vaccinations, trimming, deworming, encourage buyers to do health checks. Also we need to keep up with registry paperwork. Its important to breed registered stock. It doesn't help the industry very well if people continue to breed unregistered stock. It can lead to more unwanted horses.

I've made mistakes when I first got into this breed, I've met some great breeders and met some not so great breeders. I've purchased some not so great horses, and some that have done well in the show ring. I haven't bred the best foals in the world, I'll admit that. Thats why I've stopped breeding and just showing my 3 geldings instead. One thing I don't regret is I've gelded more colts then I have bred. I would say my experience is due to being not educated. Do I know it all no, I'm still learning, but I would like to help someone not do the same mistakes as I have.

Another thing I've find amazing is it seems like every farm has to own a stallion(s), I've had own them sure, but don't think I will ever again. Breed for the best, send your best mare to breed to the stallion you like, if more people did this less mares would get bred.

 

[Wings]

Most responsible breeders who have searched and gotten the best quality they can find and afford will still have some pet quality minis for sale from time to time. If a person wants a mini for just a pet, this is the best way to go. they have great deals on these. they are less likely to have health issues down the round which can be very expensive and heartbreaking.

If you buy a pet quality mini then DON"T BREED IT! There is a good reason it is being sold as pet quality. If you find later you want to get more involved in minis you do lots of research and get breeding quality.

Why waste your time and money on something that you have no background on. With no way to trace where it came from. If you want your children to be happy with a pet or you just want one for yourself, you need to be very careful what you buy.

It costs less in the long run to care for a well bred mini, than one than has been bred with no regard to to health problems.

Caring for a mini over its lifetime is going to cost more than what you paid anyway you go.

I like this post.

I've met so many people who think minis are bad natured, badly put together beasts because all they have ever met is the $100 bargain buy from "that guy down the road." It can be a bit disheartening!

 

[bevann]

I have tried very hard to educate my buyers, but you can't fix STUPID.sold 2 very nice little mares to a family as pets they didn't want to breed.Then they go to our state fair and see a breeder who cranks out Minis .Buy the daughter an unreg colt for Christmas because he is just sooo cute.Put him in with the 2 mares.time passes They go out July 4 and find a palomino colt-didn't even know the mare was pregnant.Every time I visited I ENCOURAGED castration, but the dad didn't want to cut off the horse's ba--s.I can't do that to him.Mom's attitude was-he's too little to do anything.They still have the yearling colt in with the 2 mares and are convinced that he won't breed his mother or the other mare since they never see them come in heat.The blacksmith keeps telling them to cut both.Neither of the colts are well behaved and 1 has tried to mount the daughter.Maybe it will take the kid getting hurt as a wake up call.I can't fix STUPID with them no matter how hard I try.