tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post2004874994914316676..comments2023-10-23T12:43:45.847-07:00Comments on Eventing-A-Gogo!: Breed, or Buy?Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15902291220984883182noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-70120873105137202692010-12-15T07:05:48.555-08:002010-12-15T07:05:48.555-08:00Thank you, I agree! You all could tell me you hate...Thank you, I agree! You all could tell me you hate Holsteiners and think they are the ugliest, least talented, worst-tempered animals on the planet and I'd say... cool, I don't care!Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15902291220984883182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-40844139131225636742010-12-14T20:13:09.443-08:002010-12-14T20:13:09.443-08:00Wowzas. The internet is full of douchebags.
It do...Wowzas. The internet is full of douchebags.<br /> It doesn't matter what her opinion of TBs is, you guys. It doesn't hurt YOU monetarily or physically. Live and let live. Everyone has their own biases when it comes to their passions (horses), based on personal experience. I applaud her for sharing her opinion and asking for advice on an issue she cares so deeply about. Shame on those who judge her based on a simple opinion. There is one reason we are all here on this blog, and that is because we love horses and sharing our own personal experiences. Everyone has different beliefs/experiences with horses, but I think it's safe to say that if you dedicate an entire blog to your equine partner, you love them more than most people would imagine. <br /> I wish you the best of luck, whether you choose to buy a second horse or not. :) You go, girl.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-24060799517607090222010-12-14T04:33:21.063-08:002010-12-14T04:33:21.063-08:00Also, I fully believe that to get anywhere near th...Also, I fully believe that to get anywhere near the top at all, you need a horse who is at least half thoroughbred. That's what I'd like to own. Just not a hot-headed running machine.Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15902291220984883182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-55231721508661144922010-12-14T04:31:13.949-08:002010-12-14T04:31:13.949-08:00I am not ruling out the good individual. Remember,...I am not ruling out the good individual. Remember, Gogo is half thoroughbred! I'm just saying that the stereotypical OTTB is not the horse I want. Really, it's just not!Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15902291220984883182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-36724706519686393912010-12-13T18:39:53.861-08:002010-12-13T18:39:53.861-08:00Wow, talk about being narrow minded. I don't ...Wow, talk about being narrow minded. I don't know how you can say all TBs have temperament issues and vices. You've never seen the TBs at my barn! I just got a 4 y/o OTTB (restarted by someone else) who is the calmest, quietest, sanest, safest, not spooky horse. He is green, but has been easy and uncomplicated. He is an easy keeper and sound with clean legs. I think you are doing yourself a huge disservice to rule out all TBs. Talk about being narrow minded.Andrea B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07409962482825075625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-69374656173910131662010-12-13T09:36:55.811-08:002010-12-13T09:36:55.811-08:00EEEks, there are some harsh comments here. So, yo...EEEks, there are some harsh comments here. So, you know I am a OTTB owner and I do have to agree with Andrea. Unless you are a die hard lover of the TB breed (which I am) they may be appealing and that is OK. It's better for someone to realize what breeds work for them and purchase/breed/lease correctly so the partnership is happy on both sides. I would NEVER judge someone saying they don't want my breed of horse...it's a difficult and sensitive breed and there are many options out there. They are immensely talented but I think you are either a TB person or not. No judgement.<br />Now..that being said...Andrea, I know u are from Michigan and I can assume it's similar around the US but there are SO MANY talented (or young, healthy) horses for FREE right now, it's crazy. My friend who runs a rescue has drop offs every 2 weeks of GORG horses that are in great shape-owners just can't afford board, etc.<br />Perhaps that is a route you can take and it would make sense financially. As long as you are open to mixed breeds, etc....Kristen Eleni Shellenbargerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01458744919530540978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-73968176997259314712010-12-13T08:29:57.909-08:002010-12-13T08:29:57.909-08:00Hi Andrea- I rarely post but read every day and it...Hi Andrea- I rarely post but read every day and it is blatantly obvious that you have thoroughly thought through all your choices. There is no doubt that you know and understand the pro's and con's of each side- especially breeding since that is what you went to school for. Please don't let others influence what you do or don't do. I know deep down inside you have a little inkling to sway one way or another and I hope you follow it. Whatever it may bring you; I believe that it is something you need to go though to be the best possible person you can be!<br /><br />As far as not wanting a TB, I understand more than anyone. I am the classic story-bought a nice young SOUND prospect to go to training with (Hopefully) after months and months of soundness issues I'm just happy I can trot him most days. It sucks, and it cannot be denied that there is little "useful" OTTB stock left. Ask any of the big names- they used to LOVE buying OTTB's and bringing them though all the levels and none of them will do that anymore. It's simply not an option. <br /><br />As I said, I hope you follow whatever your heart is telling you and best of luck to you and GoGo.Aced:https://www.blogger.com/profile/02121085180077504422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-60129200702446619392010-12-13T08:05:19.267-08:002010-12-13T08:05:19.267-08:00@manymisadventures: Good luck! I've yet to mee...@manymisadventures: Good luck! I've yet to meet a Gatsby baby that wasn't amazing and a massive improvement over the dam, so I hope the purchase works out for you!<br /><br />-DS<br /><a href="http://adventuresincoltstarting.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Adventures In Colt Starting</a>DockStarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17166194299966339760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-63669334152524466612010-12-13T07:17:00.919-08:002010-12-13T07:17:00.919-08:00It sounds to me that your mind is going a million ...It sounds to me that your mind is going a million miles a minute. You are going through some pretty huge changes in your life so I can see why. These are all questions you are asking us(the blogger world) and you probably don't even need to. You are a smart girl and it will all fall into place in the right time and you will see how it all worked for the better in the end. The only advice we can give is the "what would I do" advice which isn't all that acurate. So my advice is to go where you are feeling led to go and wait for doors to open. You will figure it all out. If you want to breed her then breed her and I know you will do it in the safest way possible because you love her. If you want to lease, then lease. If you want to buy a young project then do so. I think you could find a beautiful prospect in a very reasonable price range. TB and STB rescues are every where and here in Indiana you can find a TB prospect for under $1000. Each of these are great options and will all bring you great joy and great trial because that is just how life works. I am sure you know you are not going to get any guarantees in life. The best we can do is make informed decisions with the information we have and enjoy the ride. Hang in there it will all work it self out soon and you will start to get some answers. In the mean time try to calm that brain of yours...lol...easier said than done I know.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472219069662152722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-81446306805246558192010-12-13T07:11:53.402-08:002010-12-13T07:11:53.402-08:00Here is the thing, I was not against you breeding ...Here is the thing, I was not against you breeding go go at all, BEFORE I read your responses to these posts. Go Go is your baby, you have this over whelming connection to her that I think has made you a little blind to her faults. Do I think she is awful, no not by any means. She is much nicer than my horse who I dream of having a relative of (he is a gelding so no babies).<br /><br />I know you are going through a lot now both physically and emotional. My advice is to get that project horse, get Go Go sound enough for Inspection and see what the registry says. I am not going to comment on your critique of other breeds or your horse because I think that a. you are not in the place to be completely rational which is fine! I am not either. and b. I think that if you take her to an inspection more knowledgeable minds than mine can help give you a better Idea over all where she stands.<br /><br />I know this is a really long post from someone who rarely posts, but I read everyday and really feel for you and Go Go and I can see how distressed I would be if I was you. <br />I wish you all the best as you move to Texas, I hope that you find what you need to be happy and keep Go Go moving forward.Ginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06561439666358663664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-1475226994946213702010-12-13T06:03:49.065-08:002010-12-13T06:03:49.065-08:00When was she supposed to be injected at age 5!? Th...When was she supposed to be injected at age 5!? This is news to ME Daun! She was never supposed to be injected at all, I opted to do that because I am stupid!<br /><br />Did you ever stop to think that maybe I don't want a TB because I don't WANT a second horse with temperament issues? Gogo is a fairly decent specimin and was NOT expensive. No, she's nothing special, nobody knows that more than me. <br /><br />Also remember I don't want to go to the top. At all. Ever. It's too hard on the horses. Also, I don't have the talent or money. <br /><br />I am going to smack you the next time I see you! I am in a fragile emotional state as it is and you made me cry!Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15902291220984883182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-24102833085163160352010-12-13T05:25:32.758-08:002010-12-13T05:25:32.758-08:00Tough love time.
Andrea, you wrote:
...so many TB...Tough love time.<br /><br />Andrea, you wrote:<br />...so many TBs with annoying vices ... TBs with major soundness issues ... TBs with mental issues (violently sensitive, hot, reactive, irrational)....... it's just not the kind of horse I can deal with<br /><br />Gogo runs and spins to come in from turnout (I know she's better now, but I consider that a vice). She attacks other horses over stall walls. Another vice. Soundness issues? Yep, Gogo's got them, since she was five she was supposed to be injected. Mental issues? Rearing? Fussy? Check.<br /><br />Check your ego at the door. Gogo, as a warmblood, is just a "temperamental" as a TB. Hey, I am not a fan of TBs either, but I understand that are WILDLY suited for eventing and fox hunting, my two loves. And, honestly, you would be SO LUCKY to have a 20 year old, stiff, knobby-legged mare like Hobby who is SOUND over the most ridiculously slidy and rocky terrain and continues to lead first field hunting at 35 MPH. So lucky.<br /><br />Breeding is for people who are not very good at math, even if you have the BEST PROVEN MARE.<br /><br />Do not breed a mare that broke down in the entry levels of your sport. Aside from weak topline, she has a weak hind end, a fact you have challenged many times when pointed out by others. She is not a great specimen, but she was expensive... <br /><br />Now go find a great specimen who is also cheap and ride the tar out of him/her all the way to the top. Learn what a fundamentally sound horse is capable of and learn what they DON'T need (injections at five, constant wrapping, icing, etc). Don't be so quick to dismiss any horse in your situation.<br /><br />You know I love you, sorry for being an ass.Daunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13051134715306832694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-71544959309425623782010-12-12T23:37:03.748-08:002010-12-12T23:37:03.748-08:00I second Marissa, breeding is MORE expensive than ...I second Marissa, breeding is MORE expensive than buying.<br /><br />Even buying an expensive young horse does not mean anything, my friedn did, and he bowed his tendons in BOTH front legs. They were not happy as tehhorse was not even in "performance training". <br /><br />Horses are a gamble. Reading your long post, it sounds like you have thought of all the different angles. <br /><br />Anyho, I believe people always make the best choice according to the oportunities available at that moment. <br />I am sure you will make the perfect decision for you, and dazzle us all ^-^Murielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05491691754938320621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-36619947967270701212010-12-12T21:43:22.356-08:002010-12-12T21:43:22.356-08:00I actually have some experience with Standardbreds...I actually have some experience with Standardbreds, remember? (don't tell my hunter peeps). I have found them to be athletic, sound and sane as a generalization but you have to do some searching to find one that can canter (rather important for jumping!) I'm glad people brought that up because I wouldn't have though about it for you, but I bet if you found the right one you'd ADORE it! <br /><br />Also, your extended trot would be awesome. Just sayin'Nicole Redmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10168433998054207905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-34866738173347443072010-12-12T20:22:57.388-08:002010-12-12T20:22:57.388-08:00You know, something I think you are totally not co...You know, something I think you are totally not considering --<br /><br />There are heaps of cheap projects out there who are great horses!!!!!!<br /><br />You certainly don't have to spend five figures to get a horse who can take you up to whatever levels you want! <br /><br />I mean, my goodness, it doesn't have to have a big fat pedigree and "10" gaits to climb to any level you can think of. I think you also need to be realistic about what level YOU are going to ride it at. It's such a common trap for people to look for a horse who "might" make it to Advanced, but in reality, they are only going to ride to Prelim or Training or Novice. <br /><br />And we all know that potential talent amounts to a hill of beans once it hurts itself, everything is a risk, so why spend a bunch of money on something when there are hundreds of nice horses coming off the track and out of private farms every day??? Are there unsound horses off the track? Sure, but if you think there aren't unsound horses in breeding barns, you're kidding yourself. If you start shopping horses as individuals and not shopping breeds or labels or generalizations, the picture shifts quite a bit. <br /><br />Remember -- expensive does NOT mean better. It just means they suckered someone into paying more money for it. Don't write off a horse just because he doesn't have some schmancy breed name or high-end price tag attached to him, open up your mind a little, and I think you just might find yourself with a pleasant surprise. <br /><br />Anyway, that's my two cents, or whatever it's worth, thoughts to consider. I stepped outside my box and found a horse who changed my life and that story is wayyy more common than you think. :-)eventer79https://www.blogger.com/profile/03160817772061132147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-83791801163747995762010-12-12T19:47:57.777-08:002010-12-12T19:47:57.777-08:00Been following you for a while but don't usual...Been following you for a while but don't usually post a comment. Felt like I had to share my experience in response to this post though. I totally get the appeal of breeding your mare strictly because it would be amazing to have a baby of the horse you love and adore, and it's tough to put a price on that. From a strictly financial perspective though, I can tell you that I have a 2 year old who I bred, and I've already spent over $25,000 on her from the time I got the mare pregnant until now. If I hadn't done that, I could definitely go out and get a comparable 2 year old (or even an unbroke 3 year old) now, for about $10K less. That said, I love my filly and I'm happy I bred her, but from a purely dollars and cents perspective, it makes no sense to breed. Not sure how that info will impact your decision, but thought I'd pass it along as food for thought.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13790278181159401158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-261689601758159852010-12-12T19:16:42.783-08:002010-12-12T19:16:42.783-08:00Hi Andrea,
That's brilliant!!!! I'll let ...Hi Andrea,<br /><br />That's brilliant!!!! I'll let you know when I get my hands on a horse. Will have to start looking. Thank you for taking up my challenge. So happy about that.kippen64https://www.blogger.com/profile/09349803809195454781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-2611157592579314322010-12-12T19:09:43.496-08:002010-12-12T19:09:43.496-08:00Ok, so maybe "violently unsuitable" is a...Ok, so maybe "violently unsuitable" is a bit harsh. Violently unsuitable for ME is more like it.<br /><br />Kippen.... YOU'RE ON!Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15902291220984883182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-82105108849501197042010-12-12T18:52:14.501-08:002010-12-12T18:52:14.501-08:00P.S.
Okay, another overlapping post.
I agree th...P.S. <br /><br />Okay, another overlapping post.<br /><br />I agree that TBs are hardkeepers. That, more than any mental issue, is a legit deterrent. That's why my 2nd horse isn't a TB. I wanted something that could stay fat on air, and that's what I've got.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-12862010663911488242010-12-12T18:52:01.491-08:002010-12-12T18:52:01.491-08:00Hi Andrea,
Thank you for telling me why you don&#...Hi Andrea,<br /><br />Thank you for telling me why you don't like Thoroughbreds. I have a challenge for you. We have both recently retired horses due to soundness issues and so are both currently without a riding horse. I am going to buy a green, unproven former racing horse. Either Standardbred or Thoroughbred. If you buy a green horse with little or no schooling, let's see which one of us can get their horse to the one star level first. How about it? Are you up for the challenge?kippen64https://www.blogger.com/profile/09349803809195454781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-34246844107407987352010-12-12T18:48:37.902-08:002010-12-12T18:48:37.902-08:00TB's certainly aren't "violently unsu...TB's certainly aren't "violently unsuitable" for eventing, if that is what you want to do. You are entitled to your preferences, of course. I just wouldn't rule out an entire registry based on that, though. I wasn't looking for a Welsh Cob Pony/TB when I was shopping. But I am now so glad I widened my search, since I am so happy with my young horse. <br /><br />And believe me, I know about having ( and losing) a heart horse. I know you still have Gogo, but I also know that the loss of her as your primary partner is a big loss. When I lost my horse in 2008, I was casting about for what to do with my horsie life...so I hear you and I empathize with the "lost at sea" feeling...my whole identity as a horsewoman was wrapped around this one magnificent horse...and trying to be a rider without him was the hardest thing I've had to do. Good luck whatever you decide--you have my support!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-42983245761093626722010-12-12T18:40:27.387-08:002010-12-12T18:40:27.387-08:00I am really just NOT a TB person. Yes, there are g...I am really just NOT a TB person. Yes, there are good eggs out there! However, there are so many TBs with annoying vices (weaving, walking, cribbing, screaming, chewing on crap), TBs with major soundness issues (horses started too early on the track, horses with major keeping/ulcer issues, and horses who are generally just frail... interesting articles out recently about the 'frailty' of the modern TB), TBs with mental issues (violently sensitive, hot, reactive, irrational)....... it's just not the kind of horse I can deal with, it's not worth risking that I'd end up with one of those (or all of those) issues. Maybe I'd get a good quiet totally sound one! But probably not. I don't have what it takes to deal with all of those things and actually enjoy myself at the same time.Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15902291220984883182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-81666311283506839952010-12-12T18:32:26.005-08:002010-12-12T18:32:26.005-08:00What is wrong with Thoroughbreds? Or was it Standa...What is wrong with Thoroughbreds? Or was it Standardbreds that you were objecting to? I understand that Thoroughbreds are not your cup of tea and really am curious as to why. I'm not trying to knock or you criticize you. Just suffering from intense curiosity. Please tell as I can feel my curiosity about to burst out of me like a scene from the movie 'Aliens'.kippen64https://www.blogger.com/profile/09349803809195454781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-49614543691770996262010-12-12T18:24:59.413-08:002010-12-12T18:24:59.413-08:00I loved leasing other people's nice horses. Y...I loved leasing other people's nice horses. Yes owners can get crazy, but if you have a good contract up front and can just take a deep breath when it gets tough, it's a great thing to be able to do. 2-3 year olds are fun and there is so so so much you can do with them on a daily basis that's really fun prior to riding them. Breeding...I dunno...your heart and head are going to have to come to some consensus. While she is getting older, she's not old. It's not a decision you have to make this Spring. Babies are a blast, but they take for-freaking-ever to grow up. While it's joyous and the bond you'd have with the baby would be amazing, it's a big gamble and a long wait like you said. Just take everything one step at a time, it will all work itself out and you'll see clearly which path is the right one :)Nicku Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07006911603623063201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364831396028560774.post-18687461249759664262010-12-12T18:09:15.206-08:002010-12-12T18:09:15.206-08:00LM- Jessica Wisdom's Diamondhead? What a nice...LM- Jessica Wisdom's Diamondhead? What a nice boy he is!Albigearshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07705231641878762167noreply@blogger.com