[Shannon]

Originally Posted by 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. = )

Then I personally would offer discounts to show mares rather than ONLY allowing show mares to breed to him...But that's JMO!

[ACCphotography]

Originally Posted by 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.

This is why I would consider saying (anywhere he's advertised) "to approved mares only" so they automatically know they have to convince you and that you might say no. I actually have more respect and interest in SOs that say that in this market.

You might be able to say something like "The foal that would be created by this cross is not what we're trying to produce at this time." or "Unfortunately I just don't think this foal would be complimentary to your mare or my stallion. I am certain you can find a stallion that compliments her in more ways." I'm sure there are smoother ways though.

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. = )

Totally understandable. This is where the discount for certain breeders/mares comes in, in addition to being choosy with the "other mares".

[Hopeful Wishes]

Originally Posted by JBandRio

I'm not a SO, but I'll reply anyway, hopefully with what you feel are valid reasons. I don't think I have to stand a stallion to know what I'd do if I did


if it was a blatant mis-match, yes, and I'd do it saying that I don't think the MO would be happy with how my stallion worked with the mare. I'd try to put it on my stallion not being the right match for the mare, not the other way around


This is a bit stickier. Some horses come from lines that could do multiple things, but due to the owner situations, have only done one of them. So, it would depend on whether you were talking Jumpers vs Dressage, or Show Hunters vs WP


It would depend on how I was trying to market the stallion. If I was after producing primarily friendly ammy horses, then not necessarily. But if I was after producing horses for the upper levels, and needing to get the stallion's name out there as someone who can produce, then you need all the show homes you can get, and then I might. But I'd make sure I had something that was public, so it wouldn't be seen as an personal decision.


Probably depends a lot on the last question.

Originally Posted by ACCphotography

1: Absolutely. Not doing this could put a foal on the ground that is an "embarrassment" to your stallion, and even the mare.
2: Probably. (If the mare could compliment the stallion conformationally and is an exceptional mare, I'd consider it.)
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. As long as the other questions are a go, it wouldn't bother me a bit. If you're concerned about getting foals on the ground you know will show to promote your stallion, offer discounts to MOs with show desire and proven mares.
4: Depends. This would be a case by case basis IMO. If they're TOTALLY wishy washy, maybe. If they're still contemplating and have maybe two different routes in mind, probably not. Just depends on the person (and the mare of course).
5: You can't be too picky. In fact some pickyness is your obligation as a stallion owner IMO. You have the right to breed to ONLY the mares you think would be best for YOUR stallion. That being said, you are providing a service. There will be some people whose goals may not fit 100% to yours, but that is their choice. Find the balance.

JMO

I agree with both of these posts; pretty much exactly what my answers would be- with out having to type them out

[Hopeful Wishes]

Originally Posted by Shannon

Then I personally would offer discounts to show mares rather than ONLY allowing show mares to breed to him...But that's JMO!

I 100% agree with this

[Shannon]

Originally Posted by Shannon

Then I personally would offer discounts to show mares rather than ONLY allowing show mares to breed to him...But that's JMO!

These are the other problems with ONLY standing him to proven mares...

1. Most people with REALLY proven mares and/or ones who are planning on investing decent $$ into showing the resulting foal want REALLY proven stallions, or something hot and up and coming. Until you either have your stallion burning up the show ring or have numerous (as in more than 4 or what you posted in this thread) nice foals on the ground, your stallion won't really appeal to these mare owners. He has nice bloodlines and he's a good looking boy, but the ones who are really going to invest some $$ want a little more than that...IME. (I don't know everything about your stallion, keep that in mind)

2. If you advertise him as at stud ONLY to point-earning mares or show homes, you could a. Have a mare owner see your website/hear about him, see "Only standing to proven performers or producers/show homes," they will remember that....And down the line when you ARE standing to unproven/pleasure/trail mares, they won't come back. And b. Personally, if I saw a stallion whose ONLY get were out of REALLY nice mares, I'd wonder just how much credit to give to the stallion. True, excellent stallion x excellent mare = best chance of excellent offspring, but I'd still like to see what the stallion brings to the equation.

[CJnBucksMom]

Shannon, you bring up some really good points.

Currently we're working on Lark's show record. He'd never been shown by any of his previous owners. He went to his first ever (at 7 yrs old lol) show in the beginning of October. He did well for his first show and for us only being a team for a little over a month. He earned a total of 12 pts between Halter and Ranch Riding. So I can see how it would be hard to advertise to point earning mares only.

I guess one point of frustration to me, and I'm sure to a lot of SO's in general that made that thought cross my mind, is the random Tom, **** and Harry that call because they have a mare and they'd like to have a baby. Grrrrr.....People who are actually knowledgeable and know why they want to breed their mare I like dealing with a lot better LOL I have made his stud fee for this year what I think is reasonable given the current market, his limited showing experience etc. but unfortunately it attracts a lot of people who just want a baby for no reason or the wrong reasons. I guess that's just part of it though lol I need to brush up on the people skills I think. hehe.

[ACCphotography]

Yeah I imagine that very aspect is one of the most difficult parts of stallion ownership. Just how DO you say "ummm... I really don't think you should be breeding and I'm not going to help you do it" in a "nice" way. The truth hurts sadly.

[Shannon]

I think if you start mentioning how you require clean uterine biopsies and cultures before you will accept the booking fee, and so on and so on...Maybe you will scare some of those folk off?

In those cases, I would definitely feel justified in saying that you don't think the mare and stallion would be a good match. I'd ask, "what about your mare would you like to improve with this crossing?" And if they just say, "She is perfect I wuv her and want her baby to be black like your stallion!" Just....Um, thanks but no thanks? LOL Or if they give a legitimate answer, but you still don't like the mare, tell them that you don't think he will shorten the back or pass on larger feet or SOMETHING to deter them.

[CJnBucksMom]

See, and I had come up with the perfect line for THOSE people. It was simple, two words...Your stupid. LOL ****, guess I have to come up with something a little more diplomatic ; )

[ACCphotography]

Oh that's priceless.