angelspeeper
Well-Known Member
I have a lifetime of experience with big horses, but felt horribly under qualified to deal with these minis. It seemed everything I knew of big horses didn't really fit with these little guys. I didn't know you weren't suppose to give Quest or Bute to minis, these were staples for the big horses. Beet Pulp???? What was that... never heard of it until I got into minis...now wouldn't be without it! And so...
I "stalked" these forums gathering as much information as I could. I learned a ton of things here. I am grateful to those who have taken me under their wing and taught me all the ins and outs.
I came into minis because an accident that left me unable to ride or handle the big horses. We started out with two little guys that were bought for my kids to show. We still have one of them, and he is a much loved "pet". We have bought other minis and have continued to show...upgrading our horses as we could. I just bought our first stallion (a weanling), and wanted to show him off. (as I am very excited to be a part of his future) But it seems that if you are a newbie or wanting to be a "breeder", that you are not welcome here. I don't come on here very much anymore because of this. I love to see people's posts of their "new" foals. But I have seem some very unwelcoming posts lately. I ask that the "veterans" to remember that unless you were born into a family who already owned minis....at one point you were in our shoes...needing information.
When I logged on to announce my new stallion the first thing I saw was.....a post on "backyard" breeders followed by another one a little later on "how many are still breeding?" Upon reading these I felt very unwelcome to announce my new stallion. While no matter what animal you refer to...there WILL be unethical breeders, and that is a shame! But I feel offended by some (which will remain nameless) that unless you are some large farm or lifelong veteran that you have no right to even THINK about breeding. All large farms started out as a small breeder. That doesn't make you unethical. I know of a long-time breeder who has a large, well known, farm that leaves a lot of room for improvement in the "ethical" department.
I ask you where will the miniature breed be without small breeders? Even the beloved "Buckaroo" started out at a small family farm that grew into a large farm. (for the record this was NOT the above referenced farm!!) I love Little Kings. They have helped me out so much! But my point is...
Some of the posts I have read called the newbies..."stupid". Now I find that very offensive. If these "newbies" can't come on here for advice...where will they get it? It makes me very sad that newcomers won't feel welcome to ask questions and learn, and that certain "veterans" are looking down on others who aspire to become breeders. I for one will show my stallion, and if he doesn't prove his worth of being a stud, well....snip snip!! He will be a gelding. I just think it is unfair to judge all by what a few do. Some of us actually WANT to improve the breed.
feeling very unwelcome indeed!!
I "stalked" these forums gathering as much information as I could. I learned a ton of things here. I am grateful to those who have taken me under their wing and taught me all the ins and outs.
I came into minis because an accident that left me unable to ride or handle the big horses. We started out with two little guys that were bought for my kids to show. We still have one of them, and he is a much loved "pet". We have bought other minis and have continued to show...upgrading our horses as we could. I just bought our first stallion (a weanling), and wanted to show him off. (as I am very excited to be a part of his future) But it seems that if you are a newbie or wanting to be a "breeder", that you are not welcome here. I don't come on here very much anymore because of this. I love to see people's posts of their "new" foals. But I have seem some very unwelcoming posts lately. I ask that the "veterans" to remember that unless you were born into a family who already owned minis....at one point you were in our shoes...needing information.
When I logged on to announce my new stallion the first thing I saw was.....a post on "backyard" breeders followed by another one a little later on "how many are still breeding?" Upon reading these I felt very unwelcome to announce my new stallion. While no matter what animal you refer to...there WILL be unethical breeders, and that is a shame! But I feel offended by some (which will remain nameless) that unless you are some large farm or lifelong veteran that you have no right to even THINK about breeding. All large farms started out as a small breeder. That doesn't make you unethical. I know of a long-time breeder who has a large, well known, farm that leaves a lot of room for improvement in the "ethical" department.
I ask you where will the miniature breed be without small breeders? Even the beloved "Buckaroo" started out at a small family farm that grew into a large farm. (for the record this was NOT the above referenced farm!!) I love Little Kings. They have helped me out so much! But my point is...
Some of the posts I have read called the newbies..."stupid". Now I find that very offensive. If these "newbies" can't come on here for advice...where will they get it? It makes me very sad that newcomers won't feel welcome to ask questions and learn, and that certain "veterans" are looking down on others who aspire to become breeders. I for one will show my stallion, and if he doesn't prove his worth of being a stud, well....snip snip!! He will be a gelding. I just think it is unfair to judge all by what a few do. Some of us actually WANT to improve the breed.
feeling very unwelcome indeed!!
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