So we have a pony that we're thinking of breeding. She's about 10-12hh and we weren't sure what breed to cross with her... she's a grade pony, so it doesn't matter too much, we just don't want her to be overwhelmed by breeding her to say, a draft? We were thinking about a small quarter horse or a quarter pony for the sire, but weren't sure. And honestly, if you bring the "pedigree" crap in this thread, don't bother, cause we don't care if she's registered or if the stallion is registered, so you'll be ignored.
With that said,
Okay a few questions (not on a high horse - honestly asking).
So you say she's a grade horse but I assume she has good breedable attributes such as a god conformation and great temperament that you'd like to pass on which is why the grade part / pedigree doesn't matter, correct? That said, what are your goals for breeding? Do you want a western pony, a sport pony? There's a lot out there and being picky in who you breed to is a must these days imo as there is SO much out there and not all of it is quality.
Now I WILL add in this caviat b/c it's how I feel, for moral reasons, that unless you're breeding an incredibly mare both talent and conformation wise, then pedigree absolutely SHOULD matter. And regardless, pedigree should be in the very least considered when reviewing stallions not just for suitability but to give you an idea of their lineage and what they are likely to produce, though it's breeding - there are NO guarantees.
And finally - I just like to point out that there is more cost that goes into breeding than there is in buying a baby/foal that is suiable these days. Most people are under the misconception that it's cheaper to breed than buy, however that's not the case MOST of the time. I know this b/c my mare is bred to foal in May 09, and will likely be bred back for a 2010 baby.
Okay a few questions (not on a high horse - honestly asking).
So you say she's a grade horse but I assume she has good breedable attributes such as a god conformation and great temperament that you'd like to pass on which is why the grade part / pedigree doesn't matter, correct? That said, what are your goals for breeding? Do you want a western pony, a sport pony? There's a lot out there and being picky in who you breed to is a must these days imo as there is SO much out there and not all of it is quality.
Now I WILL add in this caviat b/c it's how I feel, for moral reasons, that unless you're breeding an incredibly mare both talent and conformation wise, then pedigree absolutely SHOULD matter. And regardless, pedigree should be in the very least considered when reviewing stallions not just for suitability but to give you an idea of their lineage and what they are likely to produce, though it's breeding - there are NO guarantees.
And finally - I just like to point out that there is more cost that goes into breeding than there is in buying a baby/foal that is suiable these days. Most people are under the misconception that it's cheaper to breed than buy, however that's not the case MOST of the time. I know this b/c my mare is bred to foal in May 09, and will likely be bred back for a 2010 baby.
Just my two (or three) cents.
Sorry, should of put most of that in the post xD
Yes, her conformation is good(in my opinion). The baby is *hopefully* going to be used for my niece as a show/pleasure pony(doesn't matter which discipline, probably english, maybe western) but it needs to be tall/big enough for me to be able to train it(hence why I want a larger stud).
She's a good, level headed pony. She's got the pony attitude though, which I like.
The reason why I say it doesn't matter with pedigree for us is because we aren't planning on going to any rated shows or anything like that with the baby. I know a lot of traits have to do with parents, grandparents, etc. but as far as it being REGISTERED, we don't care.
With that being said,
How big is too big for the stud? How many hands high should the sire be at MOST?
Here is a picture of her running around in the pasture(not the best confo. Pic, but its all I got):
Rule of thumb, from what I have always heard, is that you don't want to go more than a hand either way. For example, breeding an 11H pony to a 15H stud is not recommended, because of the high chance of major conformational flaws. Just what I have always been told, and something to consider, or look into further.
I'm experienced in breeding at all really, but may I suggest a mid-sized (13 or so considering the size of your mare, and what LoveMyFinny said about the stud's size) welsh pony? Mostly I love how they look, but I think they can be pretty versatile as well. Mardi Gras is my favourite so far: Family Partners Welsh Ponies - *Wedderlie Mardi Gras - Section B Welsh Pony stallion at stud
Best of luck with your mare, and take what I say with a grain of salt... I don't have much to back my advice on haha.
She looks like a hackney, cute Out of the three I would choose the POA I like the Arab but he is way to tall for your pony.Somthing to keep in mind if breed to an arab it can be reg. (just saying when your neice outgrows it or whatever)
