Re: HORSES & ECONOMICS

[Knaptyme@aol.com]

Sandy;

I applaud you for the good sense to sell a horse that would not a good
endurance horse to a someone who wanted a family horse.  Some breeders
wouldn't or just flat out couldn't because profit means more than anything
else.

When I bought my horse, I knew nothing about his pedigree.  He was eight years
old and I had already started him in endurance riding.  He was not registered.
Nobody had taken the time.

I spent hours on the phone and finally tracked down the stud owner.  Needless
to say, she was impressed that I had done that.  But when we got to talking
and what my plans where for this horse, I found out several of his ancestors
had done very well at endurance.  He is out of FireFall V.  Half brothers,
etc., had done very well in endurance rides including Tevis.

I "found" him in a backyard half starved and beaten to death.  3 years ago, it
took me over 30 minutes to catch him and 10 X 12 stall.  Now he sees me in a 2
acre pasture and comes running.

I understand the importance in knowing where your horse came from.  I found
that out when I took the time to find my horses ancestors.  But don't let that
be the deciding factor.  There are many horses out there yet who are waiting
to be discovered and we should give them the chance.  

If they don't work out for endurance, sell them to the nice family who is
looking for a good horse.  God knows they will appreciate the training that we
have provided.  Just make sure that you sell it to a good home, not someone
who is fascinated with horses.  Otherwise, we will eventually have to rescue
it.

Diane