I'm sure you have thought long and hard about breeding. But I have to say this, and it's coming from the voice of experience. It's a big mistake. On several levels, actually. One the expense. Two, I have learned it takes alot more knowledge then I have to raise one right. Three. Yeah their cute, but they are just like pups, they grow up, you can buy one already grown and broke cheaper then you can raise one.
I could go on and on, but I won't:). It just bothers me to see average horse owners breed average horses. It should be left to pros. That's what I've learned, that's why I'm not breeding Rocky and Belle anymore. JMO:)
I wish you luck.
Becky
I just had to come back and throw in my 2cents worth on this one. You know what they say about opinions and @$$holes, so take it for what it's worth. ;o)
I think that there is a need for "average" horses. If we left all the breeding to the pros, the "Average Person" may not be able to afford to buy a horse. And the characteristics that the "Pros" breed for isn't always what the Average Person wants.
Most professional breeders (and this is in the Gaited Horse world because it's my only point of reference) breed for show characteristics... i.e. high head carriage, big pacey gait (because it's easier to modify), fiery temperament(because they look "showier") etc., etc. That's the LAST thing your average pleasure horse owner wants. This kind of breeding has almost ruined some of the gaited horse breeds, in my opinion, and I think it has in some of the others too, like Quarter Horses, with those too-small feet and massive amounts of muscle.
Hair, you've said yourself (in so many words) that great horses like Cyn would never have been bred by a professional breeder. The characteristics she has wouldn't be "valuable" to them, but they're worth their weight in gold to you and ecurbh.
All I'm saying is that CindyDawg wants to raise a foal, who are we to say that she shouldn't.
Off Soapbox