> http://iceryder.net/luna.html > > This horse belongs to the Vet Tech at my Vet's office. Nate is a > really nice young man. And Dana is in my saddle club...she does a > nice job at startings young horses and is a good trained
> This looks like a American bred mutt.<<<< Hey..I'm an American Bred Mutt, and I'm totally hawt. :) >>>> We think these 2 breeds should the way they bred many yrs ago.<<< You are entitled to your opinion...as am I. I think people should be allowed to do whatever they want to do re: breeding so long as no one (especially the horse) is hurt by it. I don't see any legs falling off on that animal. Hybrid vigor is an important component in animal breeding for commercial purposes. I don't see why hybrid vigor can't benefit end-use pleasure horses to live happier, healthier lives. If someone continues to breed their cross-bred horse, I don't see the harm there either. If they have something special, and they are willing to care for the offspring, more power to 'em. All breeds began because someone decided to cross breed preexisting animals for desired traits. Maybe the "Vannlandic" is the new Morgan, or Quarter Horse! >>>> Let an Americans screw up 2 perfect breeds. Here in the US we have enough >>>> screwed up horses!<<< Honestly, I don't think screwed-up horses occur because of breeding in the majority of cases. I think it's handling that usually messes things up. And I see nothing 'Screwed Up' about that horse, unless it's hiding its tentacles on the other side, or directly after that photo was taken, it then flung the rider to the ground and devoured her, sprouted wings and proceeded to stomp Tokyo. (Actually, if it has the wings...let me know...I'll buy it!) I personally don't care what breed a horse is -- I want a horse with good health, a friendly temperament, a cool head, and willingness to learn. That's a beautiful horse to me. So, the market for mixed horses exists, especially when they're raised with careful handling, as this one seems to have been. For me, good general health and conformation + good training/behavior = worth more money than any particular breed. But, my goal is to have a safe happy horse to ride, not for breeding. Different goals lead to different values placed on the same animal. I do not see one goal as any more 'worthy' than another. >>>> I know I am going be flame at what I mention here.<<< Yes, I must admit, in my opinion, this letter is just a triple slap: at Americans twice and then mixed-lineage horses and their breeders. I'm responding with humor as well as an attempt to make a constructive conversation, but I am upset by this letter, and the letter following that supported your assertions and implied that there is something wrong with finding a good stud and having a mixed breed baby once a year to sell, or for any reason. I would not even have replied, but I feel the other side of this issue needs representation and it hasn't yet appeared on the board. I felt compelled to speak up. I am not speaking out of any personal defensiveness as a "Horse Lovin' Backyard Breeder" or a Vanner/Icelandic Cross owner; I am a disturbed outside observer for the most part here. I don't own a horse yet, or have anything to do with Vanners or Icelandics directly beyond being interested in Icelandics when my horse-buying time comes, but I am an American. I am hurt by your letter. I hope in the future, you will consider your words with more compassion for those who will read them. Sincerely, Dee, The American Mutt.
