Breeding more Mustangs :(

[BEARCAT]

Sad to see people breeding Mustangs (even in Europe,) there are so many that need homes here. Next thing we see they’ll be starting their own registry… or maybe they already have?
Too bad they can’t focus on creating a network with people in the States to adopt, gentle and ship them over.

https://www.facebook.com/swisswildhorse?hc_location=timeline
The explanation given is really not good enough for me.
Google translator when asked why they were breeding:
“My enjoyment of my great horses! Both stallion and mare so possess great qualities and I hope they give this even further. then it is not for everyone to buy a Mustang from video or photo on the internet and then import it for lots of money. Many people want to first get to know the horses to see if it fits. And the expensive import not everyone can afford to … I breed indeed in Europe and not in the States. Since I would not support this!”

[MonterStables]

This baffles me. In the USA you can’t even PAY someone to buy mustangs. Why people would breed them is beyond me. There is no market for them. People are having enough trouble as is selling their pedigreed animals with show records.

[Coanteen]

I guess it’s like “Gypsy Vanners”? Which became all mahjickal in the US. He or she is probably right, if someone from Switzerland wants a mustang (because of their mahjickal wildness and stuff) and not break the bank, they won’t be able to import.

[Sparrowette]

(to sing-song music)

I have something you don’t have -

Do-Dah, Do-Dah

[Alagirl]

feral horse with papers. :yes:

I suppose if the Mustangs in the US came with push buttons, things would be easier. Those who could gentle pick easier horses, those who can’t thankfully skip the range caught nags…

But there is also a lot to be said about proper nutrition in the formative years…

[ReSomething]

What the . . .?? I thought that BLM mustangs are castrated before adoption so how did these folks get their hands on a stud - somehow did a pregnant mare swim across the ocean?

[BEARCAT]

While a vast number are now gelded, you can request a stud.

[Twisting]

I actually know the individuals who originally adopted and gentled the mare little chestnut roan on that site. Getting a mustang overseas is a long expensive process. They have to stay in the states until they are titled. Europe laughs at us for spending tons on backyard cobs, no reason we can’t make a little money off them for our version. Sure mustangs may be bred in europe, but they won’t have the brand. Push the whole real mustangs have a brand and someone might have a nice opportunity to make a little money while finding some mustangs new homes.

[saultgirl]

I don’t really know anything about mustangs – are they good for anything?

[Alagirl]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;7653983]
I don’t really know anything about mustangs – are they good for anything?[/QUOTE]

as good as any shaggy pony.

[saultgirl]

[QUOTE=Alagirl;7653996]
as good as any shaggy pony.[/QUOTE]

What does that mean?

[Twisting]

They really need to be taken as individuals, more so than other breeds, since they aren’t a truly bred for much other than survivability. They can certainly make nice low-mid level horses, depending on the horse and the training. They aren’t about to make it to the Olympics anytime soon, but most folks don’t need Olympic prospects. The good ones are nice solid family horses.

[Alagirl]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;7654005]
What does that mean?[/QUOTE]

They are for folks who have stars in their eyes when ‘American West’ ‘Indians’ and ‘Cowboys’ are mentioned. The pony for hobbyists.

Like any old mid grade horse, or those who like their equine friends to be there for fun and trails, maybe a bit of a pony picnic (small shows).

[Pocket_Pony]

[QUOTE=Alagirl;7654010]
They are for folks who have stars in their eyes when ‘American West’ ‘Indians’ and ‘Cowboys’ are mentioned. The pony for hobbyists.

Like any old mid grade horse, or those who like their equine friends to be there for fun and trails, maybe a bit of a pony picnic (small shows).[/QUOTE]

I love my mustang! I don’t have “stars in my eyes” about the wild west or cowboys and indians or anything of that sort. When I got him I wanted a project and so that’s what I got. There are a fair number of mustangs in my area.

It has been very fun and rewarding and challenging and eye-opening. He is the soundest horse I’ve ever had, has great bone, amazing feet, and does anything and everything I ask of him. We’ve done some dressage, a bit of jumping, lots of trail riding, and are just starting cow work. He’s very smart, very funny, and I love him a lot.

My sig line has a link to my blog that has chronicled our journey together. He’s been a great teacher and I’ve said I’d have a barn full of them if I could. For what I do - pleasure rider who likes to do a bit of everything and isn’t interested in competing - he’s perfect.

[Twisting]

[QUOTE=Alagirl;7654010]
They are for folks who have stars in their eyes when ‘American West’ ‘Indians’ and ‘Cowboys’ are mentioned. The pony for hobbyists.

Like any old mid grade horse, or those who like their equine friends to be there for fun and trails, maybe a bit of a pony picnic (small shows).[/QUOTE]

Minus the stars part, you’re talking about the majority of horse owners in the U.S…

For what it’s worth, I also didn’t get my mustang because I had stars in my eyes about the American west.

[kch7238]

I have two - one full Mustang and one Mustang cross. What are they good for? Between the two of them, they have competed (and done well) in dressage, combined training, western pleasure, and competitive trail. They are also good family horses, smart, with great dispositions. I wouldn’t trade either of them for the world.

Sorry if I sound defensive, it offends me when people hate on a breed. To each his own preference, and truly, I would have more if I could afford them!

[Antaeus]

[QUOTE=Pocket Pony;7654085]
I love my mustang! I don’t have “stars in my eyes” about the wild west or cowboys and indians or anything of that sort. When I got him I wanted a project and so that’s what I got. There are a fair number of mustangs in my area.

It has been very fun and rewarding and challenging and eye-opening. He is the soundest horse I’ve ever had, has great bone, amazing feet, and does anything and everything I ask of him. We’ve done some dressage, a bit of jumping, lots of trail riding, and are just starting cow work. He’s very smart, very funny, and I love him a lot.

My sig line has a link to my blog that has chronicled our journey together. He’s been a great teacher and I’ve said I’d have a barn full of them if I could. For what I do - pleasure rider who likes to do a bit of everything and isn’t interested in competing - he’s perfect.[/QUOTE]

Ditto.
Mine has done western/trail riding, dressage, and been the pack animal on a week long trip. A few years ago my instructor rode Woodrow in a dresage clinic with Manolo Mendez. Manolo liked my boy! At a Ray Hunt clinic a woman refused to believe that Woodrow was a mustang because " he is too nice looking and rides so good", until I pulled up his mane and showed her his brand.

[Alagirl]

[QUOTE=Twisting;7654115]
Minus the stars part, you’re talking about the majority of horse owners in the U.S…

For what it’s worth, I also didn’t get my mustang because I had stars in my eyes about the American west.[/QUOTE]

The question was, if I got it correctly, why Europeans breed Mustangs.

There is a mystique about the ‘Wild West’ that does not match with the US version of it. You have to have grown up with cheesy 60s movies, depicting the ‘Indian’ as the noble savage…so to speak.
http://ais.badische-zeitung.de/piece/00/ab/84/81/11240577.jpg

The Mustang just fits nicely.

And of course this fits 90% of the US market as well, but - again - the European market is very different, ‘English’ is the normal way of riding, somewhat aimed at showing. the ‘other’ kind of riding, well, it’s a philosophy thing.
Not knocking it. it’s just a bit different.

[Antaeus]

[QUOTE=Alagirl;7654209]
The question was, if I got it correctly, why Europeans breed Mustangs.

There is a mystique about the ‘Wild West’ that does not match with the US version of it. You have to have grown up with cheesy 60s movies, depicting the ‘Indian’ as the noble savage…so to speak.
http://ais.badische-zeitung.de/piece/00/ab/84/81/11240577.jpg

The Mustang just fits nicely.

And of course this fits 90% of the US market as well, but - again - the European market is very different, ‘English’ is the normal way of riding, somewhat aimed at showing. the ‘other’ kind of riding, well, it’s a philosophy thing.
Not knocking it. it’s just a bit different.[/QUOTE]

The original question WAS about breding mustangs in Europe, but then someone appeared to dis mustangs as a group and refered to them as “any old mid grade horse.” Owners of any breed might take exception to that. Since I suspect (and have experienced) mustang owners take more flak than owners of other breeds regarding the mustangs abilities, you shouldn’t fault us for getting a bit defensive and pointing out the mustangs numerous good uses. An example: J B Andrew, FEI dressage horse.

[Alagirl]

[QUOTE=Antaeus;7654219]
The original question WAS about breding mustangs in Europe, but then someone appeared to dis mustangs as a group and refered to them as “any old mid grade horse.” Owners of any breed might take exception to that. Since I suspect (and have experienced) mustang owners take more flak than owners of other breeds regarding the mustangs abilities, you shouldn’t fault us for getting a bit defensive and pointing out the mustangs numerous good uses. An example: J B Andrew, FEI dressage horse.[/QUOTE]

Since we were talking about breeding in Europe, why do you get defensive?

The question that did come up - and rightfully so - is why they are bred when their are 30k or so in the hands of the BLM, with no chance of ever getting adopted.

Now, as you pointed out, some individuals do excell in different venues, but how far are these results repeatable.
You know, like the breeder who produced 2 or three Olympic caliber horses (Ahlerich, Rembrand and one starting for another country)

You enjoy your Mustang.
That is fine.
I enjoyed my TB, one that would have never won a Graded Stakes race. He did well for me.
Or like my sister enjoyed her WBs (one closely related to Isabel Wert’s Satchmo)

So what.

There is the ‘why breed’ sentiment when there is a surplus.
But there is also the knowledge that competent breeders give their product the best possible start into life, something you might not get from your ‘pound puppy’ pony.