I am also curious what this has to do with the title “breed blind”.
I believe the “breed blind” is titled thus because this horse is mixed breeds, not the NH guy’s “breed oF choice.” Therefore horse who is a driving specialist, mixed breeding, is not worth anything. Mr. NH also can’t look and see a well built animal if horse is not close to HIS breed specs of big rump, low neck, visible muscles. I see this a lot when a person looks at breeds they are not familiar with. Could be any breed, gaited, Morgans, angular Standardbreds, MULES. Can’t be desirable with such “different conformation!”
And why would you assume intentional racism (as this is clearly phrased as an accusation) rather than thoughtlessness?
There are so many aphorisms that don’t pass muster given modern sensibilities. But their familiarity to us (especially since many are so useful) can make us blind to that.
It would be so much kinder (and more effective, as it should provoke a less defensive reaction) to point this out in a way that assumes the user didn’t notice the implications of the wording.
I’m way past worrying about whether the way I’m calling out racism is kind enough for you or not.
Because I am Old & intended no racism.
Can I replace with “All Generals & no Infantry”?
You sure can. Appreciate your willingness and good intentions.
Ideally a horseperson should be like the Best In Show judge at the Westminster dog show, able to appreciate a horse’s conformation, whatever breed it is, or of whatever unknown/mixed breeding. For myself, I am not all that knowledgeable, but I do know I would not want, say, a Lusitano or Shire with a head like an Arabian (nor, for that matter, would I want an Arabian with a sea horse head).
Guessing what you originally posted, I see nothing wrong with what I’m assuming you posted, nor would I be surprised if some of those to whom I imagine you originally referred did, in some situations, agree with you.
To me, $3k sounds reasonable for 15-16 year old horse that hasn’t been in recent work and needs a firm hand on the ground. More so if the area isn’t big on driving horses.
My trainer just picked up a really nice school horse, ~15,BTDT type for $500. Almost anyone can ride him. Turns out he’s a really well bred ASB that was offloaded as a 2 or 3 yro. He was too up headed for the QH/hunter types that had him. The value of a horse is VERY subjective.
BTW, prices at Amish sales always run high. I’ve seen broodmares go for $7K at local sales 10 years ago. It’s a little bit like the Arab market of the 1980s - I’m not sure how much money actually changes hands.