I think we can agree on the fundamental of bad breeding practices for the
sake of fashion in each breed that we each love. Where once Arabians were bred
for stamina, loyalty, strength and beauty - in that order (since Arabians ARE
beautiful without TRYING when bred classically), for the past 2-3 decades,
people with more money than sense have been breeding them to suit whatever
fashion or fad is prevalent. What they couldn't breed INTO the Arabian, they
created - with the help of sleazy trainers - such as glassier eyes (coke), low
slung western tails (cutting nerves), higher Park horse tails (cutting and
setting or ginger), higher movement (shackles, soring or chains) and the like.
But the worst effect of idiots breeding Arabians is that they have the MONEY to
BUY the latest fad in the show ring and them advertise them as if they are the
best of the breed - and before we know it, these substandard horses have
reproduced hundreds more just like them. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, I understand
the number of PB Arabians registered has dropped - and AHA and big breeders are
all concerned. I am DELIGHTED! At the very least, the market might have a CHANCE
of stabilizing so that there are fewer Arabians dumped at auction. IN addition,
I HOPE that it suggests at least that people are thinking twice about what and
how many they breed. If and when the actually USING horse is to be produced
because THAt is where the market is going, we will see a better quality Arabian
- or any other breed - being available. In the meantime, we will still do our
homework, still breed to the classic type - including athleticism and
temperament - and will STILL breed ONLY what we can afford and are willing to
keep for their lifetimes if we do not sell them. Thus, our stunning 2006
filly,,,,what a shame, we might end up keeping her:)! Her black brother is
staying so of course, he might want her company...lol! But both are exemplary
individuals - classically beautiful, well structured, and with superb minds and
breedable pedigrees - for sport and show! I don't know what we do about the
greedy or uneducated breeding horses. I know that we don't breed to them or buy
from them - but shoot, we are little guys! Just do your homework and stay away
from any breeding that does not follow form to function - regardless of either
the "great deal" or the show record - since show records are not genetic - and
frankly mean nothing if not a discipline requiring some sort of actual ability.
Too many breeds are being trashed these days - DIG IN!
