[Shannon]

Originally Posted by CJnBucksMom

Also, would it be wrong to ask for point earning or proven performance (in say H/J competition where 'points' aren't issued) mares only? I'd hate to turn away a good mare that was injured as a youngster and was unable to compete but has great bloodlines, conformation, temperament etc.

Personally, I would offer discounts to point-earning mares, and unless you have a really sought-after stallion, I wouldn't turn away mares just because they aren't totally show proven. I know you just got this stallion, but does he have many foals on the ground? If not, if the mare compliments him conformationally and temperament-wise, I don't think I personally would turn the mare away. Good working or pleasure horses (as in, horses ridden for pleasure, not WP ) that can be ridden and trained by ammies aren't a bad thing Honestly I don't think I've EVER seen someone ask for point-earning or super accomplished mares ONLY, even the tip top horses in their sport, though plenty will offer discounts to accomplished mares

Also, regarding bloodlines being of a different type, it depends. If you're talking breeding a complete HUS-bred, 17h horse to a 13.3h cutting horse, no way. But if by barrel lines you mean Dash for Cash and some racing studs, like JB said, some of these lines can be really versatile. Plenty of the racing-bred horses can turn out to be good english horses, too. But if you're talking a barrel bred horse who wants to breed for a barrel baby, I'd definitely tell the MO that you don't think your stallion will accomplish what they want!

Do take this with a grain of salt as I am not a SO but a MO. Also, from a MO's point of view, I like to see foals by a stallion out of different types of mares to see what he is consistent at throwing.

[LotsOfSavvy]

Originally Posted by CJnBucksMom

For all you stallion owners out there. I have a question. Since people are starting to book for breeding season I've been getting some calls about my stallion. Without giving too much info here is what I want to know. Would you turn away a mare that YOU personally felt did not compliment your stallions conformation or movement? If my opinion of the mare was strong enough for me to contemplate whether it might be a good match then I wouldn't breed her. Why second guess...they can always find her another stud but I don't need babies on the ground that are not going to make people think WOW...whose the daddy. Would you turn away a mare whose bloodlines and performance thus far are geared toward something completely opposite of your stallion (ex. barrel lines to pleasure lines)? No in fact, as long as the mare is quality, right now that is what I look for for Hollywood...what he'll produce with the different type mares. He was bred last year to a Racing lines TB, and two VERY different type foundation mares. Would you turn away a mare owner who might not express interest in showing the foals at anything more than a local level? Nope, local is more than fine for me...and especially so for paint mares because the babies can earn breed points via PAC program. Aspirations to show locally can lead to higher aspirations...and if not...at least the foals are getting out there, and getting the exposure. Would you turn away a mare owner who did not have an idea of exactly what event they were breeding for or what they wanted the foal to be competitive in? Probably I would want to know why, if they are not sure, they chose my stallion. Is it because he is a pretty color or do they actually think he has the possibility of improving their mare...I'd be more critical.

I feel like perhaps, by saying no to the above, I'm being too picky. What are your thoughts/feelings? And if you agree, how would you suggest I do it in a positive way so that no feelings are hurt or anyone feels insulted?

Its your stud...if you don't like the way they pronounce Grulla and don't want to breed to them that's your perogative...even more so if you are concerned the mare might not compliment your stallion well. Better to have 2 NICE babies than 5 mediocre ones IMO.

[CJnBucksMom]

Originally Posted by LotsOfSavvy

Its your stud...if you don't like the way they pronounce Grulla and don't want to breed to them that's your perogative...even more so if you are concerned the mare might not compliment your stallion well. Better to have 2 NICE babies than 5 mediocre ones IMO.

HAHAHA! I LOVE THAT LOL Thank you. In all seriousness, my thinking is a lot like yours in that it's better to have a few really NICE babies vs five that make you say 'oh well they're okay but....'. From what I have seen so far my stallion tends to really 'let' the mare throw the body of the foals so to me the way a mare is built I think will really determine the foal. Although, maybe I'm seeing things. Anyone care if I post a few pics of his babies and the mares they're out of that I have photos of to see which you think were good crosses and which you'd say no to? Just to have another opinion and make sure I'm not seeing things LOL?

[ACCphotography]

I think that could be helpful all around.

[spacely]

Originally Posted by CJnBucksMom

Would you turn away a mare that YOU personally felt did not compliment your stallions conformation or movement?

I am not an SO but absolutely. You will not do your boy any favors by breeding to mares that don't compliment him or are sub-par. Also, offering discounts to proven mares (either via performance or produce) will only help you & your boy out.

[CJnBucksMom]

Ok...here we go

This is Lark (When he arrived here)


Here is his (at this time) only paint foal. I have a photo of his dam somewhere and I will try to find it. This is this foal (weanling, then two year old pics) pedigree:
http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/larks+lil+boston+mac











This is a 2005 filly, I don't have any photos of her dam but this is the filly's pedigree.
http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/zippose+im+sweet



Here is one of his 2006 foals. This is hte pedigree: http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/invest+with+lark

Here is the mare (an AQHA point earner):



And here is the gelding:





And a video of him:

YouTube - Invest with Lark

Here is one of his '09 Buckskin fillies with the only shots of her mare that I have. Wish they were better but you can see some of her body type.

http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/lark...+filly+pending








Here is one of his 2007 foals.

The pedigree: http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/hershey10

The mare (AQHA Performance, HUS, Halter ROM
Circuit Champion
Points in Western Pleasure):



The colt:

[Taihoa]

I have, and will continue to turn away mares for the exact same reasons you have mentioned. The only one I'm not so worried about is whether they will show them at a top level. If they want to do low level stuff and have a great time on a nice horse they love, who am I to say they don't deserve them?!?
Our biggest concerns are the movement, temperament (often over-looked!) and confirmation of the mare. We know the characteristics our stallions throw so if the mare isn't going to be suitable then the answer is no - but we will happily help them find another more suitable stallion.
At the end of the day, we have our reputation, plus the reputation of our stallions to consider as well as the other owners of our progeny.

[charming]

Originally Posted by ACCphotography

3: Depends. Probably not. Some people want a trail horse, a ranch horse or just a casual show horse. Not everyone strives to be a world beater. These foals needs quality sires too.

Absolutely, ACC! Very well put, thank you for saying this!

[RyaneC]

if it's a quality mare, i wouldn't turn them away if the owner doesn't show. i'm not a SO, but i am a MO, and i think i have some fairly nice mares. i don't show - i only trail ride. but that doesn't mean that getting a nice baby out of one of my mares wouldn't make me want to show that baby - it might garner my interest and expand my horizons. and even if it didn't, i might want a trail horse with a nice jog and comfortable gaits for hacking through the woods on the trails. who knows? i might happen up on... John Lyons or Clinton Anderson or lord-knows-who-else out on the trails and they might take a liking to my baby, ask who the stud was/is, and come running your way!

[CJnBucksMom]

I appreciate everyone's input and it has made me feel like I'm making the right decision by saying no to some mares. I also wanted to clarify that I don't mind if people just want a good sane horse for the family to enjoy, I know Lark produces wonderful foals for that. I guess when I mentioned showing part of my reasoning for REALLY wanting show mares from show homes with the foals in 2011 is because there aren't many of his foals out there showing right now and I know they could do well if given the chance. = )