[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? 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)? Would you turn away a mare owner who might not express interest in showing the foals at anything more than a local level? 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?

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?

[Jess!]

A believe that a good, competent stallion owner will turn away mares that do not compliment their stallions at all, or wouldn't be a good match.

[xlilxonex]

I don't have a stallion... But if I did, YES I would turn away mares for all those reasons above...

[doublebarr]

Yep, sure would and sure have. The best policy is honesty. Explain to them that either:

1. your stallions lines do not compliment the mares lines and your "stallion plan" hinges on breeding to a certain type of mare that you believe and have invested much thought and study toward making the best possible matches for any foals you produce.

2. Again your business plan for your stud depends on his foals getting out there and making their presence known in the show pen, so you are limiting him to mares in homes that are geared toward that goal.

3. You put a lot of thought into what type of stud you wanted and what your goals with that stud were so you really expect any potential mare owners who have an interest in him to do the same. If their mare compliments your stud, then tell them when they "do their homework" and can tell you what for and why they want to breed to your stud beyond "because he's pretty" then you would love to revisit the issue.

You have to remember that these folks who breed to your stud are and will be your most prominent advertising in the future. If they aren't ready to invest time and thought into the breeding now, they probably wont be willing to invest time and thought into the foals later and that can really hurt your studs reputation down the road.

[CJnBucksMom]

Anyone have a tactful way to do this? My people skills are sometimes...well...lacking LOL

[CJnBucksMom]

Originally Posted by doublebarr

Yep, sure would and sure have. The best policy is honesty. Explain to them that either:

1. your stallions lines do not compliment the mares lines and your "stallion plan" hinges on breeding to a certain type of mare that you believe and have invested much thought and study toward making the best possible matches for any foals you produce.

2. Again your business plan for your stud depends on his foals getting out there and making their presence known in the show pen, so you are limiting him to mares in homes that are geared toward that goal.

3. You put a lot of thought into what type of stud you wanted and what your goals with that stud were so you really expect any potential mare owners who have an interest in him to do the same. If their mare compliments your stud, then tell them when they "do their homework" and can tell you what for and why they want to breed to your stud beyond "because he's pretty" then you would love to revisit the issue.

You have to remember that these folks who breed to your stud are and will be your most prominent advertising in the future. If they aren't ready to invest time and thought into the breeding now, they probably wont be willing to invest time and thought into the foals later and that can really hurt your studs reputation down the road.

A lot of good ways to say this to them without being insulting. Thank you = )

[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.

[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

Originally Posted by CJnBucksMom

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

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

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)?

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

Would you turn away a mare owner who might not express interest in showing the foals at anything more than a local level?

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.

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 depends a lot on the last question.

[CJnBucksMom]

I guess I should also mention, the reason I'm being so picky for this is that my stallion has produced, IMO, some REALLY nice foals that have potential for at least Congress in AQHA and Worlds in ARHA BUT because of the homes they're in they are not getting out there and getting shown, other than one filly who was shown locally and swept in LL and Halter as a 2 year old.

[ACCphotography]

Originally Posted by CJnBucksMom

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

2: 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)?

3: Would you turn away a mare owner who might not express interest in showing the foals at anything more than a local level?

4: 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?

5: 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?

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