Breeders Are The Leaders

[ohmt]

The breeders who with EVERY foal have planned and hoped to further the breed and not just make a buck are the breeder leaders. There are few of them, unfortunately, though quite a few on this fotum which makes me smile.

 

[LaVern]

Marty I agree that we have to be responsible in our breeding and marketing. But so many are on this kick that, Oh, things are so terrible, and to be born a horse is almost a sentence to doom.

Maye it its just our area, but I don't see it. I see fat horses out in pastures, living the life of riley, with people breaking there backs to be sure they are cared for. Heck, most of mine never have had to do anything, except have a kid once in a while and eat and rub on me.

I have seen the the days when it was not fun to be a horse. They were bred to work until they couldn't work anymore and then they went to the plant. Heck this country was built on the backs of horses, (and women).

I think that is a good time to be a horse.

Now maybe some of these horror stories are true, that you see on the internet, maybe they are exagerated, lots of things are. All I know is that my horses and the breeders that I know large or small, take good care of them. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe North Dakota is the only place where you see happy horses.

 

[Minimor]

Well, I see plenty of poorly kept horses...horses that are starving, horses that are abused, horses that are just plain poorly kept and who suffer in silence. This was true years ago and it's true now. Yes, some of them are big horses but there are plenty that are miniatures too.

I have to remember that I got into minis as a result of rescuing two starving little horses...two starving little horses that were initially GIVEN AWAY by a breeder on this forum--several homes later they ended up here with me, where life is good.

I've never agreed with the practice of breeding large numbers for the sake of getting a few good ones--keep or sell the good ones and dispose of the others in whatever way is possible...I know a few who do this, minis and big horses. Give away the excess, or--in the case of a couple of breeders of big horse breeds--send them to the canners...then breed some more. Yep, those are real leaders.

 

[JMS Miniatures]

I hear and see talks about opposing slaughter houses for horses every day but some who discuss and cuss continue to breed, it just adds to the problem. Shoot their was a possible slaughter house being built like a couple of hours from me but the public voiced their opinion how much they are opposed to this thank goodness. You hear about how horses are getting tossed out, starving to death, selling at auctions for $25 at times its a big problem. I feel like the horse population is starting to be like the dog and cat population and I've seen first hand dogs and cats destroyed at the shelter almost every day its heart breaking and I hate to see the same fate with our horses.

I don't think everyone is saying don't breed, but breed responsibly.

 

[LaVern]

I guess I don't get out enough to see all this, bad stuff.

And I am one of those breeders that do give away those that I don't see fitting in my program. A few years ago I gave away a National Reserve Grand Champion halter horse. I knew the horse was that good, but also knew that I could not do the horse justice.

I have given away so many matched teams of geldings that I can't count them. Some are still being driven and enjoyed.

And I am also guilty of another thing, that is over feeding. I can't stand to see a horse without feed, good pasture and lots of room.

And I will continure to breed miniature horses and give horses away, and take them back if the situation warrants.

I hope this does not turn into another dome a glume thead about how terrible things are and how terrible the person that want to raise horses is.

And yes Breeders Are the Leaders. Mary Lou would not have a Forum for us to post our opionions on, if someone hadn't started breeding Miniature Horses.

 

[muffntuf]

I don't think this is doom and gloom - just responsibility....its a sound decision. No one has pointed a finger at a particular farm, just an overall look at what is going on.

 

[vvf]

Yes, breeders can be leaders... but there is a time to be responsible in our breeding.... Times are tough and yes there are alot of horses out there that are dumped... Maybe it is the breeders that need to set the example and scale back breeding for a couple years.. It couldn't hurt and it might help

 

[mshasta88]

I'm so glad that there are others that feel the way I do. I'm going on into 10 years of breeding minis and now feel I have the best stock I've ever owned.

 

[horsehug]

Myles, I kind of liked some of the ones you used to own also.

Susan O.

 

[mshasta88]

Of course Susan, When I despersed my herd some the last to go where the ones I got from you cuz I was hoping to keep them. I would love to some day get China Doll back but they wont sale her and I don't blame them. I also have been thinking about taking Shadow to the Pueblo show in a couple weeks.

 

[horsehug]

Myles, I just had to tease you a little bit. You have very nice horses.

Susan O.

 

[mshasta88]

I know

I just wanted to make sure you knew that I loved and still love you horses

 

[Tab]

I still consider myself a breeder even if that will be 5 foals for the rest of my life, but I think minis are still over bred. You aren't necessarily giving up by breeding less, and the people who get in it just for a project foal are really kind of adding to the problem. Good quality isn't selling, heck nothing is selling, that is where there should be some limits breed wide. It would help the industry if there were less horses altogether, due to the economy there is a huge decline in demand. Horses are fun and due to expenses there isn't a whole lot left over for fun.