Re: Re: breeding for endurance

["Michelle Fink" <michrowe@frontier.net>]

> The sad truth is, the horse is the expendable variable in the equation.
All
> the other items will outlast the horse that is used up (or found to be
> unsuitable) and replaced every other ride season. I know not everybody
(and
> hopefully not the majority) feel that way. But enough do to "justify" the
> bargain hunting attitude.

Give me a break, guys.  I don't think many people with bargain horses buy
them to use them up.  I think most people with bargain horses are probably
in the same boat as me: we realize most bargain horses that are half way
decent to begin with respond *extremely* well to consistent vet/farrier
care, handling, and good feed.  They provide the same great companionship
and we probably have as much fun as the people riding "designer" horses.  I
have a $650 horse from a breeder that I bought because I wanted the breed,
he has nice bloodlines, and he was an excellent buy.  He was darned ugly
when I got him (underconditioned and at a gawky age plus a little wary from
lack of handling). With feed, turnout, and handling, he's just gorgeous.

m (aka Michelle Rowe), CO
http://www.redwrench.com
p.s. I'm finally using my married name of Fink. :-)