>>> Just rely on your general knowledge about conformation, don't care about what others declare as the standard and you're fine.
I basically think that's enough, and heavens, that's what I'm doing - for my own herd and my own breeidng. BUT, I really want to explore what the breed has historically been, and where it's going - influenced by show trends. I'm not interested in evaluations for my own breeding purposes - I've had enough local horsemen look at my horses to feel sure that I have good breeding horses for what I want - but for the future of the breed. It shouldn't be so mysterious what the breeding judges are looking for, for horses in this breed. If you care about this breed, you should care where it's going - and if you are breeding as I am, I think I should have the utmost concern for the breed. For instance, what about Judy's point that the height standard has changed...? I can't remember what's still in the FIZO rules for height, but she's right, that judging handout listed a taller horse than was listed on the USIHC site just recently. Heavens, we know many breeds get ruined by going for height. That's just one example. Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.16.9/622 - Release Date: 1/10/2007 2:52 PM
