Many people consider the ban on slaughter to be a step forward in the way we treat and care for our horses in the Untied States. But let’s face the hard facts, because of this ban rescue facilities are filled to their capacity. Low end auctions are seeing more horses, horses that where once prized school horses or family pets. Many horses end up at these auctions because they became unsound with regular work or where un-rideable. Either because of poor conformation or temperament. And in this slowly recovering economy more people are struggling with what to do with older, injured or un-rideable horses. There have been numerous articles published with a variety of ideas and suggestions to help with this problem. One way I like to think about is if you a 20 acre field, only a certain number of horses can fit in the field. With out over grazing, and to be able to get the care and attention they deserve. Now imagine twenty more horses standing out side of the field, waiting to get in.
How do we minimize the numbers in the future? By educating people about breeding, just because you have a mare does not mean that see should have a foal. What we need is an even more selective breeding program, a program that every breed could adopt and produce top athletes for their chosen discipline.
While breeding in North America has improved dramatically over the last thirty years, giving us the ability to compete our young stock against Europe’s horses and be successful. There is still room for improvement in our horses as a whole.
Breeders of any breed need to be very selective over what horses are used for breeding and strive for quality over quantity. Only the best Mares should be put to the best stallions, stallions that match up with there individual needs for improvement. Only then are we breeding foals that have the best chance for a long, useful and healthy life.
When selecting a mare she should be sound and have good conformation. She should show purity of movement at all three gaits. The walk should show a clear rhythm and a good overstep. While showing elasticity and a good range of motion in front. At the trot the mare should show a good range of motion from the shoulder, she should appear supple and clear with a good bending of the hocks from the weight bearing hind leg. The Canter should have a good reach in front while coming well from behind, and demonstrate a twelve foot stride. The rhythm should be clear and look strong through the back. Ride-ability should also come into consideration; in fact it should be at the top of any breeders list, no matter the breed. I strongly believe that all breeding horses should be riding animals.
I would like to see all mares, regardless of breed, inspected by at least there breed societies in hand and more importantly under saddle. If she isn’t good quality in all these areas she should not be used for breeding.
Mares that do not match these criteria should be spade in my opinion. Many mares’ temperaments and readability improve greatly after such a procedure.
It also prevents any unwanted breeding, and will reduce the number of unwanted horses in the future.
At many vet clinics this can be done as a standing procedure. We have been using this method with our dogs and cats for years to help control the population.
When selecting a stallion we should be even stricter, adding x-rays, blood and semen analysis.
If all breeders where to follow these guidelines, the situation would greatly improve, it wont completely fix it, but will be a big step in the right direction.
Something for American breeders to keep in mind is the broad variety of bloodlines and type found in North America. The quality of horses that can be found here is just as good as that found in Europe. Please consider using stallions that are standing here for your next breeding.
Sincerely,
Petra and John
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