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[RC] To breed or not to Breed - Ridecamp GuestPlease Reply to: Jody jody.buttram@xxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ========================================== Well, now here is one I can relate to. I have a string of proven mares and bloodlines. What I did was started with one mare when she was 3 that I was raising. When they turn 3 I bred them. That way the 3 to 4 year old year is productive. They aren't old enough to race, but you still get some use out of them while they are growing up. Then after the baby arrives, you start the conditioning after weaning. That leaves the last half of the 4 year old year and into the spring of their 5 year old year to leg them up. When 5, start the slow distance riding at rides. If they have a filly, well then you can do the cycle all over again. I currently have an 8 year old mare that is competing and doing very well, multi days, 100's and faster 50's. I have a 4 year old mare that she raised that has produced yet another filly at the barn. So, what I ended up with is a 3 generation mare line that is from proven blood and a proven mare. Another plus is that you don't have to stop riding them after they are going to breed. You have the baby upfront. Key here is to be sure you have an established bloodline and mare to help ensure the quality. Jody and the three generation girls--Jets Irish Rose, Jets Gaelic Storme and now....Petit Jets Legacy (Squirrel) ============================================================ I can tell you after sleeping in a tent, then in my truck, then in the back of a trailer, then in a gneck trailer w/no LQ, and now in the new-to-me LQ one, you don't sleep any better the night before in nicer digs - you're just more comfortable while you're lying there obsessing :) ~ Tina Hicks ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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