Quote:
I've also heard of people who want to breed non-show horses who can instead be superior family horses. But I don't see this as breeding mediocre. Many show horses are actually inferior for what they are looking for. Just because it is not your preference does not make it inferior.


Ah, but here is where the water gets murky.

The definition of 'family' horse is pretty murky, but one thing is clear:

Almost ANY DECENT WELL-BROKE HORSE can do it.

The family horse doesn't require much besides a horse that is willing to pack a kid around, as well as ma and pa. Almost any horse with 4 legs and a good disposition can do that.

WHY breed for that?

'Yeah, Ol'Buck has 4 legs, AND he won't bite your hand off.'

Those are TRULY discriminating standards worthy of an entire breeding program. :rolleyes

A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep.
Saul Bellow (1915 - 2005)