I actually agree with the rest of this post about being fair to everyone or improving the breed, but I raised an eyebrow over the Justin Morgan comparison. Really?? The whole point of that story is that pretty is as pretty does, and I don't see a whole lot of the tinies "out-pulling, out-working, or out-trotting" their larger counterparts!
I don't want "bigger," personally, but I do want "big enough." There's a difference. And to each their own anyway!
You can't kick out a horse who was never registered in the first place.
Why would it NOT be registered? Coming from two current AMHR horses, the foal would of course hold papers, but has a high risk of loosing them with age.
I feel sort of sorry for your horse, Des.
So her only value to you is in how much she can win? I thought your horses meant more to you than that! What about Midnight and your other non-show horses? And for many of us a 35-36" horse is perfect as they have more power than the A's with a longer stride but don't seem so much like ponies as the larger B's. I like the ponies but if I want one, I'll buy a Welsh.
I feel that you have misinterpreted my posts and their points. Speaking from a professional perspective should have no significance to that of MY personal preference is. First of all, IF I simply only wanted to win, I would not have a barn full of the stock that I do! You stated it yourself, what about Midnight and the rest of over half my herd that are seniors and not show horses? They share the same life as my "show horses" and our big horses too. Meals, turnout, vet & farrier visits and just the same attention. If I "only wanted to win" explain why over half my herd are senior PETS? I love showing and it is my hobby. I should not be flamed for that! And to clarify, I said nothing about winning, but rather that "no body wants a horse that is just over into another division." which I still feel is true, whether you are speaking of AMHR miniatures or ponies or horses or even DOGS! Why have a 34.5" horse when you can have a 36" or 37" horse that has the chance of doing better for a number of any reasons. I constantly hear "We did pretty well, since we were the smallest horse in the ring." I am NOT saying bigger is better, and a good horse can hold their own where ever they stand; but it has been stated many times that an inch or two can make all the difference. I do have a small B show horse of 35", so I understand what it is like to be on the small side of the class(Who by the way, doesn't "win" all the time either, but I still love him to bits. We've had many challenges to overcome and I'm happy to still call him mine).
And back to your post, since we were speaking of Joy, I will. I have never stated that a horse like Joy is my ideal dream horse. She has flaws and things that I personally would not want in a breeding program - One huge one is her colouring(I do not like Tobianos). I also LOVE a horse with excessive movement(a park harness style) and yet I show Joy in Western Country Pleasure. She also does NOT "win" all the time(Nor did I ever state that she does.), however I am extremely proud of her and all she does for me. Joy is far from my "prefect/dream" horse; and yet I keep her around.
I don't believe I ever stated that I did not like this horse, but rather that her monetary value as a B, IMO would decrease. That said, I do NOT have any intention of selling Joy, as she is one of my all time favorite horses because of her personality. Many people hear me rave about driving this mare, simply because I enjoy every moment I work with her. Her and I are a team, whether we are in a show ring or driving down a trail. We have fun showing, as I do with both of my older youth show horses and my step father. It is what we do as a family. It is our vacation(if you could call it that) each year and it is something we work hard for and enjoy. We love the friends and people we meet. You'll never see me devastated about loosing a class, (whether it is a grand champion class or a fun class) because I do not take it to heart. Every person has their own thoughts and preferences, and each horse has their flaws. A person can NOT expect to win every time, as you never know what a judge may see. And I feel showing is what it is. I chose to own my horses because I like them. I'm not going to toss away my pet and a team I have spent years working towards because one judge didn't like us. I do it for fun, because I enjoy it. You do CDE's. To each their own. I have full intentions to continue showing for many years to come, with the best horses I can. Winning is wonderful, but a heck of a lot of work and luck!
No offense, but you're already risking having a grade horse just by breeding two horses at the top of the current height range. I understand your feelings on this but let's be realistic...it's a risk we take.
Yes, while it may have had it's risks, that is absolutely besides the point. If I am playing fairly, by following all the current rules but half way through the game, the rules change, should it be my fault? Had I known of a rule change like this, it would have likely affected my breeding plans. Suddenly changing the height limit is simply not fair. I personally don't like horses near the top, however the best horses in my budget happen to fall here. I truly see no issue with anything I have done.
Leia (who knows she should have bitten her tongue but couldn't)
