Breeds and their differences

[Scyther]

I was reading in another thread this AM some comments on breed differences and the wide variation in the ”major” breeds we have,ie, the Belgian and Percheron. Also how the breeds with smaller populations, at least here in North America are more uniform in disposition and build. I agree that this is true. It’s probably not going to happen but would be interesting and useful if breeds or at least strains within the breeds we have already to work with were developed in the different regions of the country. A horse that would work well for my area, New England, would have good application for eastern Canada, the upper lake states and the ridge and valley region of Pa. A horse that would be good in the south east could fit in well for the southern plains while one developed for the mid-west could be used in the northern plains too. Look at all the breeds developed in Europe in their own little locals, how well suited they are/were to those places and from that how useful they became. Also look at how proud the people of each area were of ”their” breed and the great attention paid to the breeding of the correct type for the needs of that area. The closest thing I have seen to this is when I lived in central Pa., Some of the Amish in that area had Percherons that they bred on their farms that are if not unique, at least distinctive. Smallish in stature,heavily built bodies but fairly light boned. Very calm dispositions. This made for horses that are strong for their size but quick also, very sure footed, good for cultivating and turning in tight places. I saw a lot of this style horse in that area and owned a few myself. They might not be the best for areas with big, flat fields or real heavy soil, but on those gravel hill farms they are perfect. I guess I’m advocating using the breeds we have and developing regional strains, over time they would probably look quite different, but I see that as a good thing. Provincialism in some things can be a good thing in my opinion. We’ve become a bit to homogenious I think. One size, in lots of things does not fit all. Just my opinion and thoughts. Stay warm and well.

[Carl Russell]

These are good thoughts. I yearn for the day when the animal power community is tight-knitted enough that people work with regional breeders to work out these things you wrote about.

Currently it is too easy for me to come by a horse that seems suitable for my uses, and even though I have always had mares in my teams, and have thought many times about raising my own horses, the whole bred-mare-foaling thing is still beyond my conceptual reach.

My wife really wants me to get our Belgian mare bred to one of Neal Perry’s Morgan stallions. I admit I just haven’t wrapped my head around the whole thing yet. But based on your discussion, perhaps it is time:eek:.

Carl

[Scyther]

I know this was just ”thinking out loud”, but thought I’d float it and see what others thought. I’m no expert at all, only foaled one mare in my life. There probably isn’t the density of practical horse farmers in different regions to do this in an effective way at this time. A similar situation is found in cattle. A different breed is introduced from Europe[usually], people rave about how practical and useful it is for a surtain climate or management situation. And that is because it was the only breed raised in that area for a long time and developed to meet those conditions. Here in the USA we are facinated with obscure and different breeds, so many want something different, or a quick fix, instead of working at developing what they have already into what they want or need. That’s how most breeds or stains came to be in the first place, at least the older ones. People bred what they had, the best to the best for what traits worked in that area. This is sliding into a more generalized topic than just horses so I’ll quit. I’m rehabing from a shoulder op. and have way to much time on my hands. The things you can think about when you have nothing else you can do. Any horse breed/breeding thoughts along this line would be interesting though. Thanks, sorry for ranting.

[Scott G]

Maybe we could go “back to the future” with the stud running point on a unicorn hitch going from farm to farm servicing mares. Same stud servicing multiple mares in the immediate vicinity would create the local “type” you were talking about.

Happy New Year everyone,
Scott

[Anonymous]

carl
i have a perchmorgan cross 15.2hh 1400lbs she is about pefect for what i do great on the 1 row cutivater, buggy,riding, forecart,pull kids on the sleds and drag lots of firewood with her just aint much you cant do with her. these all purpose horses thats what there called around here are great and most ive seen are very easy keepers maybe give your wifes idea a try

[Author]

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