Re: Prospects/Prices/etc

["Mary Burgess" <mburgess@theglobal.net>]

Hey Jerry -
	For what it's worth, and for all the opinions expressed on the subject, I
think you said it all!  As a small breeder of "using" horses, I wish that
everyone had your wise approach to purchases!  In all my years in the
business, I suspect that I have most frequently sold at a loss to good
homes because I love my animals, I love working with babies, and I hope
that customers who return satisfied will one day allow me to break even! 
The costs of raising good animals is astronomical, and I am often
frustrated by shoppers who don't know the difference between a "lottery
ticket" as you said, and an animal that has had daily comprehensive care
since the minute of his or her birth.  I rejoice in all persons rights to
choose the animal that is right for them: for their purse, for their
disposition and for their needs.  I truly believe that a good match with a
horse is like a good marriage, and I know that my horses do not suit all
tastes (nor do I care to have many homes acquire my horses), but I get very
depressed sometimes when I continually hear that "breeders are making a
killing!"  Thanks for stating it all so succinctly.  Mary Burgess, Black
Bear Arabians, www.blackbeararabians.com
----------
From: JERRY BARFIELD <barfield@primenet.com>
To: 'RIDECAMP' <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Subject: Prospects/Prices/etc
Date: Monday, January 12, 1998 06:21 PM

Most every opinion has been expressed on this subject, but I wanted to add
my bit for all to consider.

1)  Based on what it cost me to feed, worm, vaccinate, and take care of
feet, that $100 weanling will have cost you $5850 by the time he is 5
-assuming that you never had to call the vet and have the ability and
knowledge to do all training yourself. (If you figure out how to get a baby
through 5 years without doing something that requires vet treatment please
let me know)  This option assumes that you either have a horse to ride for
the next five years or that you have much more time than money.
2)  The direction of the Arabian show world over the recent years would not
lead me to a "show" breeder for my next endurance prospect.  The high
croups and somewhat light loins that get pinned in halter classes are not
what get you to the other side of the mountain and back.  Not to mention
the long cannon bones required for the height that sells in the show ring.
3) 	Development and conditioning are very important in this sport, but the
better raw material is going to yield a better end product.  You can make a
usable knife from rock, but the steel version works much better and lasts
longer.
4)  If you are going to go to a breeder for your horse, look for one that
has a program based on generations of using horses-one outstanding
individual does not make a program and does not materially increase the
odds that the offspring will have the good qualities that you are looking
for, but a program that for generations has produced horses with
predominately good performance qualities greatly increase the odds of 
those being passed to the offspring.
5)  If you are willing to pay for the "made horse', look to the rider,
trainer, or breeder with a record of longevity in their horses.  I would
feel much better about the long term prospects of a horse purchased from
someone who finished in the top ten for 5 years on the same horse than I
would buying from the regional champion who rode a different horse every
year, especially if the horses from the past years where never heard from
again.
6)  If you want to play the lottery you should be prepared for the very
real chance that you did not get the winning ticket.  You might be the
lucky one; however, almost all of the riders that I know of in my area that
bought "bargain" horses have probably spent more time (and money) with the
vet, farrier, and riding back to base camp in trailers than they have on
rides.
7)  Price, per se, does not guarantee a good horse: however, if you buy a
prospect from a program or individual with a good track record I believe
you greatly improve your chances and you are usually going to pay for the
knowledge and time devoted by the breeder/seller.
8)  My comments are somewhat more applicable to those who want to compete
rather than just finish: however, I believe they would also apply to those
who would like to finish on the same horse for the next 15 years rather
than start over every few years.  Each of you will have to make your
decision based on your personal situation and desires, I just wanted to
point out that the purchase price is only a small part of the costs
involved-don't forget time, follow-on expenses, and possible
disappointment.  
9) 	For those who buy an older horse from whatever source-unless you know
the background do not assume that the hard tissues have been developed for
endurance riding.  These horses still need a lot of LSD to be ready to go
fast, even if the heart, lungs, and muscles are ready, chances are the
tendons and ligaments are not.  If you are willing to do competitions at a
moderate pace, you can certainly start much sooner than with a young horse,
but don't assume that strong muscles and good recoveries mean the horse is
fit to race.

  
Jerry Barfield
Southwind Arabians
Breeding Endurance Horses by Design
Member:  Al-Marah Breeders Alliance
----------