I hadn't read this post until today--didn't think I could contribute, but I happen to agree with every word Sue has written.
When I first bought Gypsy, the seller told me about her paperwork and I said "Oh, I don't care about papers." but I changed my mind. It was very discouraging to see the cost of becoming a member to the registries and transfer the horse... but I did it, just in case....
Glad I did.
Whisper has an off bite and I've advertised her as a non-breeding mare, but I'd always, always, always sell her with papers. Just as Sue said, halter class is the ONLY class she can't do! Behind her bite, her conformation is awesome. Her molars line up perfectly so she'd make an terrific driving horse. She's Kennedy's horse to work, and Kennedy has her doing fabulous obstacle work and jumping at liberty. Whisper went to one show and loved it! Why would I make the decision to close those opportunities out to Whisper and a potential new owner?? (don't worry, mods, she's no longer for sale
) I have had several interested in Whisper over the years, but they all admitted they'd want to breed her, so I say no--not selling then.
And for $250-500? They're worth way more than that to me to keep them right here. I'd never go through the breeding/mare stare/foaling, etc with that amount in mind.
I've only had a few foals, and we're done breeding, but I'm
proud for ALL of them to have my farm name--perfect conformation or not. Raising them to be kind, well-mannered, eager learners, and loving ambassadors is a worthy characteristic too.