Maybe it’s not fair... I am hoping Duchess weighs in.
Some of the cosmetic faults she mentions are fair... it’s true that sometimes foundation apps have some sparse tail and faces only a fancier could love. But I don’t think scrawny, ewe necked or platter feet is fair or even accurate, is all... That’s not my experience... Maybe they aren’t all pretty, but in my experience they are hardy and strong. As for the mottled skin... that’s a feature some may not like, but I don’t think we need to go out of our way to call it ugly. There was no need to insult a whole breed in order to compliment Bob’s new horse.
There is a lady in this region who use to compete on old style apps. And according to her, I know nothing about app bloodlines so I’m taking her word for it, her mare was came from good bloodlines. It was my first time seeing one....I have to say, yes she was hardy and strong, but she was butt ugly, pretty much the way AAM described them. There is nothing wrong with calling it like it is. It doesn’t matter, if you still like them, fine, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are not the most attractive breed. I can understand feeling irritation over some one saying it, I get irritated every time an Arab rider at a ride, comments about my bulky QH. But I finally had to admit, yeah, they probably aren’t the best breed to compete on, they do require more conditioning, but I just let them say what they want then go out and beat them:)
Becky
:) I am weighing in - finally. It’s been a very busy day so I’m way behind. AAM’s opinion is held by a lot of people and the government worked real hard to promote that. The original app was bred to do anything and do it well. Oh, by the way, I love Bob’s new horse. I got sidetracked here.