I completely agree with you Rabbit. And I understand why breeders wouldn't want unreg. animals at their shows, except if in Grade(unreg.) class's which I don't see offered anymore.
And I should clarify that a grade mini may not out do a
top class show mini. But not all reg. mini's are breeding or show quality nor any better than some of the unreg. mini's, this goes for all breeds of horses.
I don't mean to be naive, and I understand why they aren't welcome, That is an outlet for breeders and
good breeders put alot of $ and time into thier program. but I also know you can put as much $ and time into a non-reg. horse as a reg. and many non-reg horses have great upbringing and care, better than some of the reg. so the $ difference boils down to the cost of the Registration
and the individual circumstance. And this is why some reg. let or used to let you hardship a horse into a registry.
If you want to show breed shows then yes you must have a registered Horse. If you want the pleasure of having and caring for a horse and maybe doing some local open showing then a grade mini who is healthy, sound and in need of a new home is ok too.
If these mini's need a new home the owner should give you a awesome price on them, $100 isn't much for a healthy sound animal. But better yet since the market is down maybe you can do a 2 for 1 deal since they arent reg.
I'm not trying to be negative about the registries. Just noting that grade horses can be great too if given the chance.
Unfortunately, there will always be someone out there breeding unreg. horses, wether you/we buy them or not.
I look at horses as I do people, as individuals.
FYI: We do not breed. we have several Reg. mini's in both registries. I have 2 awesome grade mini's also, that are always in the ribbons (halter & performance), against all breeds big and small.
Sorry to ruffle any feathers - I don't always type my thoughts in the best way and didn't mean to attack the breed shows or Good breeders.