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["Gloria Morris" <gloriamorris59 AT gmail.com>]

I apparently missed the article about the rare breed horses, but, having
been to a "Small Farm" conference where rare breeds were extensively
promoted, I think many folks who are into rare breeds value them too highly
for my pocket book.

There are a lot of really fine horses out there that don't come with such a
high price tag and that can work hard and perform a variety of tasks. They
may or may not come with a five generation pedigree, but they will work
their hearts out for you. If you want a small horse,  consider adopting a
Mustang. One of my neighbors adopted a Mustang when it was a two year old
colt. It has turned out to be a fantastic little horse, strong, sure-footed,
fast enough under saddle and a capable little puller. Another small breed
that is handy and versatile is the Arabian. I once had a 7/8's Arabian mare
that I broke, and she turned out to be a wonderful, athletic, willing little
horse - able to anything I asked of her. I think I paid $200 for her (that
was after she cleared a barn of people when she threw a fit - she was a bit
wild and had been improperly handled as a filly when I got her).

But if you've a mind to save a rare breed, go for it. Just be sure to have
the horse vet checked and try to find out what problems exist in the
too-small gene pool remaining.

Gloria

On Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 1:58 PM, <Clansgian AT wmconnect.com> wrote:

> > Did you read the article I submitted about the small 800lb
> horses?
>
> Yes, I did.  I've got some comments I'll make on the list, but mostly, if
> there are 150 of those horses remaining, don't hold your breath about
> getting
> hold of one any time soon, nor very cheaply.  Rare livestock people are a
> bit
> crazy.
>
>