>>>>i wonder like, these are breeding evaluations right? for young ones. So >>>>they should >>>>be looking for conformation analysis and temperament I would think? Also >>>>descended >>>>testicles maybe or something? If they could not be handled I dont see how >>>>they could >>>>judge temperament well.
Oooh, another good catch from Janice. Absolutely, undescended testicles are MUCH more common in this breed than in any I've seen, and we certainly should be evaluating where that's coming from. If the horses can't be handled, and if picking their feet is a strange ordeal for them, then how can they check for parrot's mouth, undescended testicles, etc.? How can you evaluate conformation if you aren't somewhat "intrusive" to a horse? If the horses can't have their feet picked, that tells me they aren't getting regular farriery care...and the most important time in a horse's life for good farriery is surely his first 2-3 years, arguably his first 3-6 months! BTW, Hroi's testicles were fully descended at birth. Landi's never fully descended, but I had him gelded just before he turned one. I have no secrets on this topic and I urge everyone else to be forthcoming, so that we all may learn. Karen Thomas, NC
