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Re: [RC] Breed destruction - heidiI've been biting my tongue to stay out of this thread but can't stand it any longer. So many are bashing the Arab show breeders for trashing the useful Arabs, and then turn around and fail to see the same thing in QHs, and other breeds. The ranch QH that can go all day, as many days as needed, is becoming a thing of the past. The QH that can walk fast, and actually, really, trot, is hard to find. They have been bred for low head carriage (it's easier to breed "'head down" than train it) till they have no self carriage, always on the front end. Even the fairly good ones are often unsound in front by the time they are 6. The QH show breeders have been working longer to trash a fine breed than the Arab folks, and they've about got it done. QHs used be one of the most useful, versatile breeds in the country, hard to find one now. I like and enjoy the Arabs I know and ride, but I also have a tremendous respect and affection for the good QHs I have had. Dot, as usual, you're right on the mark. The QH has suffered as much (if not more) than the Arab from the show ring fads and the breeding without utility in mind. Horses like your old Scotch and Soda horse could do pretty much anything that had to be done, and do it pleasantly and well. There are still a few holdouts breeding QHs like that, just as there are those who still breed traditional using Arabs. And a good using horse of any breed is a pleasure, just as it is sad in any breed to see the perversions brought about to please the extremes of the show ring. One last word, having worked with quite few of both, I think QHs are more forgiving of rider./handler errors. In other words, perhaps more suited for beginning riders. Many Arabs don't suffer fools gladly, many QHs will put up with a lot of s**t and still do a good job. You may be right that Arabs are less prone to suffer fools, although I've seen many that suffer children and beginners quite happily. I think you have a point that QHs will often tolerate more unjust punishment, but I've sure seen Arabs put up with a lot of other stuff when they can clearly ascertain that the rider isn't doing it to them on purpose. Shameful things like my broken saddle tree come to mind. I've also never given a second thought to packing our Arabs (everything from deer on our stallions to trail maintenance equipment on our various broodmares--picked by who happens to not have a foal at side when the need arises). One of my favorite visuals is of my husband Paul on "Junior" carrying a chainsaw on the pommel of his English saddle, and then starting it up while mounted and sawing off an overhead limb. These sorts of dispositions were the norm and were sought after in virtually every saddle breed in earlier days--it was certainly prized in the Arabian, and was bred in the QHs as well. There are still Arabs around with that traditional sort of mindset--it is just hard to find them sometimes among the more modern versions. <sigh> Heidi ============================================================ Every horse can be taught to walk faster than you think. It is one of the most important qualities of a good riding horse. Some have it naturally, others need to learn. On the other hand, if you are riding a tired horse, an easy jog is more efficient, covers more groumnd with less effort. (it's the rebound effect of the two beat trot) ~ Dot Wiggins ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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