Article 4: What does it take to become a breeder
of the Peruvian Paso Horse?
This may sound like a perplexing or even stupid question. Why, be the owner of a mare and stallion of course! Ahhh, if it were only so simple. For too many owners that is how they approached this awesome responsibility. Remember, we're not breeding hamsters here, but 1,000 pound animals that may out live most of us! In all seriousness, my criteria for being an informed, qualified horse breeder are as follows:
1) You must be an owner of the Peruvian Paso breed for at least ten years. Why? It will take years to acquire the skills necessary to become a successful breeder. How do you get these skills? By becoming a student, being humble, opening your eyes and shutting your mouth. Put yourself back in college, the judges are your professors. The shows are your classroom. Read, Read, Read every book you can. Try to find old videos of bygone horses if longtime breeders still have them. Call and talk with judges, longtime breeders and get differing opinions. Keep an open mind.
2) Regardless of what you may hear from certain breeders about who has "the best" bloodlines in the breed, keep an open mind. A national champion stallion may not be compatible with your mare. You need to develop your own vision of what "type" of horse you want to produce, hence, the ten years of study. You will also need a very clear understanding of genetics. This was part of my psychology courses in college, (thank God). A simple understanding will do with a good reference book.
3) Developing a "photographic memory". Our memories are both conscious and unconscious or subliminal. We are impacted by a multitude of stimuli each day and that important information is stored in our memories. During the ten years that you are doing your research, a photographic memory will carry those images to your present mind. I have seen stallions years ago that are now deceased, but I remember their traits. Why is this important? Because thier Get are still around, or the bloodline is still around. I believe you also need a "photographic memory" to avoid becoming "barn blind, that is, thinking every horse in your barn is potential champion. Breeders must be very critical, and painfully honest with themselves. They must also avoid the temptation of breeding only "pretty" horses. The horse must be balanced wtih strength, gait, brio, beauty. This takes patience and time.
4) Don't let your "ego" get in the way of your goals. Remember your love of horses, I am assuming you have a strong love of horses. Don't breed a lot in one year, anyone's financial or health situation can change and then you are in a heartbreaking situation. I have seen it many times. Start slowly and enjoy yourself!
5) Don't accept any substitutes. The best bred horses have come from farms where the owners were "hands on" and they managed their own breeding farms. This is true regardless of breed since the owner has the greatest financial and emotional interest in his or her horses and the results are a personal reflection of their efforts and investment. Again, use the "advise" of others wisely, in the end it is your initials that are part of a horse's registration papers.
6) Finally, enjoy yourself, this is a hobby remember?
Regards,
Barbara
(printable version of article here)
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
Barbara Thompson-Firestone Barbara is a former Licensed Clinical Social Worker who at one time practiced as a psychotherapist. She received both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from the University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University, respectively. She began riding at age 5 at the Encouragement of her father. Her classical training began at age 7 with formal English Pleasure, Western Trail, and later Dressage. Upon finishing graduate school in 1988, she purchased her First Peruvian Paso. “The Peruvian was the ideal choice for me due to chronic back pain”, according to Barbara. Today, Barbara lives on a quiet ranch with her husband of 16 years.
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
Ranch | Stallions | Breeding Program | Hall of Fame References Sires | Mares
Sales | Industry Links | Return to Home Page
Photos and Copy on this site Copyright © 1988-2006 Firestone Peruvian Ranch.
All Rights Reserved.
