This one REALLY pushed my buttons ... all of them! I know the editors can't know "everything" ... but it looks like they could at least check with someone knowledgeable in the field before they publish a 4-page article that is supposed to tell you how to do something!

This article is, in my opinion, worse than no information ... it is full of WRONG information.

The writer suggests an "older" horse if you're just learning, which is fine ... but goes on to say "maybe 20 years old" but probably won't be useable for more than 5 or 10 years. Many horses at 20 are useful for 2 or 3 years but on a very limited basis. A few exceptions, certainly, and I don't know of ANY horses that are usefully riding/working sound at 30!

Writer suggests checking teeth ... says "if it's an older horse, do they have any?" ... horses do NOT lose their teeth as they age, it is the wear of their teeth that is critical and it's very difficult to see the rear molars, which is where the problems generally occur.

Article goes on to make generalized statements ... a lot of the worst and most inaccurate of the "old wives" tales on breeds (Morgans steady, Arabs flashy, Quarter Horses dead head and slow) ... colors (palominos have eye problems (not true) ... albinos sunburn (there is no such thing as an albino in horses) ...

I didn't check the website recommended for further information ... the Small Farmer's Journal recommended is good, I've been a subscriber to that off and on for years ... but the color book that is recommended is worse than useless ... it is not scientifically based on genetic information and among the horse breeders that are involved in color breeding, it is mentioned only as a book with "georgous color reproductions of horses" ... NO color breeder would even think of quoting the book as a basis for color background.

Sorry for the rant ... as a long-time horseperson ... and breeder myself I know how difficult selecting a first horse can be for someone that is not knowledgeable but trying to find information ... and misinformation can cause more problems than no information at all.

Makes me wonder, actually ... about the accuracy of the articles in Countryside that I read about things I don't have any knowledge of. If I were to try to select and raise sheep from one of the "how to" articles in Countryside ... how much misinformation would that article have given me?

Will now step down from my soapbox!

SFM in KY

-- SFM in KY (timberln@hyperaction.net), December 14, 2001

Answers

This article brought the hair up on the back of my neck too. It's absolutely full of misinformation, and half truths. Buying a weanling, or yearling because it's cheaper? Pluhlease! In the hands of beginner, that's a recipe for disaster.

When buying your first horse find a trainer, or someone knowledgable in horses, and get the horse Vet checked prior to purchase.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 14, 2001.

Yeah, I kind of noticed the errors... I was suprised to see color references in a guide for buying horses. I suppose some color is related to some problems but aren't a general rule. I was puzzled over some of the same things you were. But quite possibly the author (and it can be any one of us submitting an article) believes all that information. Interesting. My uncle (long long long time horse person) told me once that he checks a horse's age by looking under it's tail - Yeah, I know. The conversation that precipitated that was me, at 15, asking why the horse he sold us as a healthy dead- broke 2 year old turned out to be 23+ years old. And in marginal health. And extremely hot tempered. For a first-time horse owner.

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), December 14, 2001.

Knowing next to nothing about horses, I'd suggest that you all should bring your comments to the attention of Dave Belanger. He is the editor of CS. I'm sure he'd want to know these observations.

-- Ardie /WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), December 14, 2001.

Re: letter to the editor ... I am doing that also ... will be interesting to see if it gets published in the next issue.

SFM

-- SFM in KY (timberln@hyperaction.net), December 14, 2001.

Considering what the mag pays for an article, sounds like they got what they paid for.

-- melina b. (goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com), December 14, 2001.

CS magazine is written almost in it's entirety by readers. IMHO it has always been well publicized that that is the case. I have not received my newest issue yet, so I am not particularly able to comment on this article. As a very long and ancient homesteader that has tryed most everything in regards to homesteading at some point in my life, I would have to say that most of the articles are pretty well written and contain useful information.

I would think it would be far more appropriate to write a rebuttal article if you thought this one gave misinformation.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 14, 2001.

Well ... as I said above, I am in the process of writing a letter to the editor regarding the "misinformation" ... and also, as stated, wonder if it will be published.

I know the articles are written almost entirely by readers ... and the comment by melina refers to the fact that the articles are "donated" by the writers ... Countryside does not pay for the majority (any?) of their articles ... or at least that was the policy I was given when I inquired about the possibility of submitting an article to them four years ago.

I am, in fact, a professional writer ... if "professional" refers someone who has written articles and been paid for those articles. Since part of my limited income is from my writing, I don't feel I can "afford" to do this very often.

But payment ... or lack thereof ... was not the point I was trying to make. Whether the articles are purchased or donated ... it seems that there should be some process available to determine if the information in articles are accurate or not.

My point was that since I know this article on a subject dealing with a profession I have been "raised" in contained much misinformation ... not just a difference in perspective but actual "wrong" information ... I now question whether I should/could rely on an article about a subject I know nothing about to provide accurate information.

SFM

-- SFM in KY (timberln@hyperaction.net), December 14, 2001.

Ok SFM, now you got MY goat! (And believe me, that ain't easy.)

You're right, we don't know everything, and we sure don't pretend to. However, as the previous owner of a 5-year-old Arabian mare, I will adamantly testify that she was indeed “flashy.” (Actually, I'd say “firery” was a better description.)

As for the “quality” of our writers, we have some VERY intelligent, respected and knowledgable individuals contributing to the pages of Countryside; and we have folks who just want to pass along what they’ve learned from experience, without any fancy diplomas.

So SFM (or anyone else with experience on this topic), please do e-mail me the proper way to select a horse, and I will gladly spread the word.

Ok, I'm finished.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Anne-marie, Managing Editor

-- Anne-marie (annemarie@tds.net), December 14, 2001.

I agree with the first poster.A lot of misinformation.I am sure glad the writer didn;t make decisions on my farm.\ Also another comment to you that can meat.. DONT ,,Dont take the advice of the person who canned her meat in an oven.. I am surprised she is alive to tell about it.

-- lester (rant@sodak.com), December 14, 2001.

Anne-marie ...

I am glad to see a response from the "managers" ... truly ...

But again ... you seem to be misinterpreting what I'm saying. I know from personal experience what a more or less impossible job publishing can be, and no ... with a broad-based magazine like Countryside the editors cannot be knowledgeable in ALL the areas.

I published a newsletter for a couple of years ... narrow based, narrow areas of information ... and even then I felt I had to check and recheck to make sure any contributions were factual as presented.

My point was that I am less secure, now, knowing that this article contained many substantial inaccuracies, in accepting that other articles, on subjects where I am totally ignorant ... may be equally inaccurate.

I definitely did not intend to imply that the Countryside writers were not well educated or knowledgeable ... just that some "non- professional" writers may not be as knowledgeable as they believe themselves to be ... and that misinformation can be worse than no information.

And I would be perfectly happy to email you a brief communication on choosing a "first horse".

However, much of it can be summed up as follows ... if you don't know anything about horses, your best bet is to find someone in your community that is a long-time owner/breeder of the "type" of horse you are looking for ... and is well respected locally. Get some referrals from veterinarians, other breeders and so forth. Ask that person what you should look for ... and when you find one, have a veterinarian that is an equine vet check the horse for health and soundness problems.

SFM

-- SFM in KY (timberln@hyperaction.net), December 14, 2001.

How about instead of writing a letter to the editor about how much more you know than the person who submitted the article.......how about putting together your own article with all your wealth of knowledge and submit it! This is why Countryside never contains much of anything reader submitted anymore! Certainly nothing of much substance! Are you going to write an article which then is allowed to be trashed by folks who think they know more in the next "notes to the Editor". I certainly hope that the editor doesn't post any of your comments! I could eaisly write articles on all aspects of goat keeping, I cringe at most of the information published in Countryside about goats, even by the editor himself. But I have no intention of doing it for this very reason. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), December 14, 2001.

Well I have to jump in on this one. The author was obviously very misinformed, and sad to say, probably does believe the information they wrote. As a life long horse owner, I agree with SFM in KY. And as for Quarter Horses being deadheaded and slow--PULEEZE! Has this person ever seen a barrel race dominated by the American Quarter Horse, or even been to a Quarter Horse track? Apparently not.

-- Shauna from Oklahoma (shamelesscowgirl2001@yahoo.com), December 14, 2001.

As a long time horse person and horse breeder, I can see the misinformation in the article too BUT-SFM, you shouldn't misinform the people too. There ARE albino horses. As far as the articles in Countryside, everyone knows they are written by US, the homesteaders, trying to share their self made knowledge about various experiences. I don't think anyone agrees with every article in the magazine, we've all had different experiences. But if you do decide to bless us with your knowledge of horses, please get it right. One of many horse breeders on this forum. Cowgirlone

-- cowgirlone (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), December 14, 2001.

Well, we're happy to know folks actually read Countryside, instead of just lining the bird cage!

Thank you all for your input, and don't hesitate to e-mail me directly if you have any other ideas/questions.

-- Anne-marie (annemarie@tds.net), December 14, 2001.

Merry Christmas to you Anne-marie. Please don't let the know-it-alls get your goat!!! There are millions of them and they sure aren't much fun, but we are stuck with them none-the-less. Here in Michigan we have THREE long time goat keepers that are vets that belong to our State Association. It's really fun to hear them give totally opposite advise on live forums. No one, no mattter how professional they THINK they are, has all the answers. We can all just help each other the best we can and try to be kind. CS magazine may not be the Bible of homesteading, but I sure have fun reading it every issue and have for many years. Keep up the good work!!!!!

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 14, 2001.

Ok, wasn't going to jump in, but I think you have to take ANY article in ANY magazine with a grain of salt, and compare all different sources of information. As a horse owner/breeder, I've read articles by "knowledgeable" breeders who advocate the use of whole corn at the rate of a cup per day, to keep horses' teeth worn down so that they don't need to be floated, and at the same time, been warned strongly by two different vets that corn in that form is not digested, and can cause colic. Also read in one of the well known horse mags that it is a great idea to leave a large bale of hay out for "free feeding", and yet three different vets have warned that can cause botulism, from moisture getting inside the bale. You have to enjoy the articles, and verify things before taking them to heart. A disputing article, being respectiful of the former author, is the best way to go, in my opinion. Jan

-- Jan in CO (Janice12@aol.com), December 14, 2001.

First , I want to say I love this mag and also this forum. I am a life time horse owner and a professional farrier of 20 years. While I don't agree with all the points of this article live and let live a little. Not all my customers agree with each other either. Older horses are better for novices and my 21 year old gelding still has 10 years left him. I trim and shoe many horses 20 years and older that are just fine. Colors do make a difference. White hair means pink skin and they do sunburn. While Montana does have her way of looking at things, she also repeatedly encourages the reader to read, look , listen and make up their own minds. Remember that when you get on your high horse and get thrown, it's a long way to the ground. I could probobly fix her horses feet so remember to get a professional to help with your normal trimming routine. Thank you again for putting out a great magazine and remember that the people who enjoy this forum and mag are independant, strong folks who have strong opinions but there is always more than one way to skin a cat. neal

-- neal martin (nmhoofer@paulbunyan.net), December 14, 2001.

There are no genetically albino horses. There are, however, cremellos, perlinos, dunalinos, etc...that are very, very light but most have dark skin and do not have pink eyes--they may have blue eyes but that does not make them albino. The Albino Horse Assoc. has recently changed it's name to reflect the fact that there are no Albino equines.

I had a dead butt, trail horse a few years ago that was a registered Crabbet bred Arabian. We put kids on him without a thought. It's the generalization of horse breeds that raises my hackles. I've seen Quarter Horses that would spook out from under you in a heartbeat, Appaloosas that could turn a barrel like their tail was on fire, and Thoroughbreds (I actually have one in my barn), and Arabians that a children could safely ride. There are horses out there that fit the generalizations of the writer that wrote the article but that doesn't mean an entire breed should be classified because of a few individuals.

Please don't think that I am the end all, be all of horse information. I could live another 100 years and still not be an expert in the field, but, I do have 30+ years experience working, training, and breeding all breeds of horses so I do know something of which I speak.

The article in question is dangerous, remember the old adage: "Green on green makes black and blue" a green rider on a green horse is a disaster waiting to happen.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 14, 2001.

Boy..I almost never comment on this site..as I usually think I am not knowledgeable enough to help too many. That being said...I hate to catagorize people OR animals. They are as different in their ways as we all are. Therefore..what has and does work for some people/animals..does not always carry as the rule. Example that comes to mind...I have had 15 year old horses that were dumber than a post and/or not manageable. I have had two year olds that road off like they had been doing it for years. Ihave road Quarter horse cutting horses that were anything but dead heads...and yes I am with the responder who said there are albino horses .. not common..but they are out there. I guess I see horse advice like I see people giving child rearing advice...there are hundreds of ways..and what works for one .. most certainly may not work for another. I guess I see room for the author of the articles view and SFMs .. its not so much wisdom and knowledge that we are reading...its these peoples different experiences that we are getting an insight to. Have a great day all.

-- Sher in se Iowa (riverdobbers@webtv.net), December 14, 2001.

NO FAIR,,talking about a article that alot of us hasnt seen yet,, KEn,, there should be a rule against posting about anything in the issue,,till a week after its sent out,, cause if I havnt got mine y then,,, I need to call distrubution

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), December 14, 2001.

Hey, at least you already got your magazine--I saw on the web page that the new one was out and I was rather depressed that mine was not in the mailbox! If we nit pick articles soon there will be none, just glean what is good and leave the rest. It always pays to check more than one source of information about most anything! Most people writing the articles are still learning as they go too, just like the rest of us.

-- Sharon (spangenberg@hovac.com), December 14, 2001.

In reality, albinism does NOT exist in the equine. Here is a direct quote from an expert in the field of equine genetics from his book : EQUINE COLOR GENETICS, by D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, PhD and is considered to be the definitive work on horse color genetics. In fact, Dr. Sponenberg is the expert's expert on the subject. . . .

"complete Albinism (in it's strictest sense) has not been reported in horses."

I found this through a search on Google (equine albino Sponenburg), Phillip Sponenburg is the leading authority on equine genetics.

Stacy in NY--who's done beating a dead horse (pun intended)

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 14, 2001.

I guess my albino horse has not met Dr. Sponenburg!

-- cowgirlone (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), December 14, 2001.

"complete Albinism (in it's strictest sense) has not been reported in horses." .................................................................

"In the strictest sense?" Wouldn't you say that its a tie then? Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), December 14, 2001.

I gotta say after reading all this and reading the quotes from that really dumb article that I don't think anything the editors might say about this magazine and how it gets its articles can justify putting out misleading and throughly wrong infromation like this. Being raised in cattle country and "on a horse" it's all very well to be nice but trash is trash. What is the point of putting this pile of nonsense in print? Just to get your name out there on an article, any article? That is wrong, fraudulent and I sure don't know what the people who run this magazine are being payed for. I am interested in the above mentioned info on color though. Anyone who has spent many hours a day over the years can say with authority that the color of a horse is important if they are wearing a saddle day in and day out. Color(of skin) determines how tough the skin wears and how tough(or not)the hooves hold up. In these modern times it's not so important and more a matter of taste but interesting none the less. Color is also hard to study as there is so much misinformation on it. How do you determine the difference between a dark palomino and a bright, light sorrel for instance without putting a sample of skin under the microscope? Difficult. Loved this discussion but I sure won't be getting a suscription to CM!!!!! LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), December 14, 2001.

Okay, here is a question: Do you think that the writers of the articles would value their own efforts and really do their best (research, actual experience, and good, useful, down to earth info), if they were paid a little something for it? Now think about it. Do you work harder if you are doing something for pay as opposed to doing the same task as a favor or volunteer effort? I hate to admit this, but I do work harder and put my all into it when I'm being paid. Maybe it has something to do with valuing ones own work, I really can't say.

So I have a suggestion- why not have a contest every month. Say that there is going to be an issue about canning and preservation in the next few issues. There could be a little box in the magazine that says that there is a contest for the best articles on food preservation. The top winner(s) will receive a subscription to Countryside. That person will be announced as the winner of the contest, thereby stroking his ego for doing a great job. Runner ups will be published too if their articles are good enough, and mentioned as being runner ups, and maybe receive an issue of that month for free, and maybe a Countryside bumpersticker or something like that. Every month the contest could be for a different subject- goats, llamas, building a greenhouse, whatever. People seem to think they should be paid for what they do, the pay does not have to necessarily be monetary in order to be satisfying! Just an idea.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), December 14, 2001.

"complete Albinism (in it's strictest sense) has not been reported in horses." ............................................................. .... "In the strictest sense?" Wouldn't you say that its a tie then? Vicki

Vicki,

I think what is meant by the strictest sense is that to be albino an animal must have no pigment in the skin/hair and pink eyes. There are cremellos, perlinos, and dunalinos that are very, very light (near white) but they do not have pink eyes. So, in the strictest sense of albinism there are no albino equines. There are also "white" horses, usually faded greys, but their skin and eyes are dark.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 14, 2001.

Little Quacker.............perhaps if you had read the article instead of just the out of context quotes, you would have a better idea of what you are talking about.

Got my issue and read the article in question. I think there must be some sour grapes here someplace. I have been around horses most of my considerable life and I found nothing all that wrong with the article. It was intended as an overview, and she, in many ways, referred people to trainers etc. for futher information.

I find it rather odd that people will read quotes, taken out of context, and make a decision about if they are going to subscribe to a magazine. If there is any ignorance here it is on the part of our self-important "reviewers" that seem totally unable to read.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 14, 2001.

I haven't read the article. It does sound like it has plenty of mis- info, but I can attest that there PLENTY of sound, usable 20+ yr old horses around. A good friend of mine has one 29 yr old mare that is finally getting being retired. But that's OK as she has a 'young' 24 yr old gelding to take her place! My newest purchase was a coming 20 yr old breeding stallion who looks like he's 10. Good food, vet care, and worming have made dramatic improvements in the longevity of horses.

-- ellie (elnorams@aol.com), December 14, 2001.

I would hate to see a great horse turned down for white feet. I agree with SFM, that article could plant some prejudicial notions in a beginner's mind. -Deb (Rising Wind Endurance Arabians)

-- Debbie in Mo (risingwind@socket.net), December 14, 2001.

If there is any ignorance here it is on the part of our self- important "reviewers" that seem totally unable to read.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 14, 2001.

Diane,

I read just fine, thank you-I can even read for comphrension. Do you really advocate a beginner buying a yearling or two year old as "Montana Storm" does? If so, why? Do you advocate using the absolute worst genetics book as a source of current information? Phillip Sponenburg or Nancy Loving would be my choices. Do you agree with breed generalizations? I don't, there are outstanding, and poor performers in every breed. Do you feel that certain colors, or coat patterns are "better" than others? I don't, a good horse is never a bad color.

I'm very interested in your answers.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 14, 2001.

Your statement: Many horses at 20 are useful for 2 or 3 years but on a very limited basis. A few exceptions, certainly, and I don't know of ANY horses that are usefully riding/working sound at 30!

My daughters rode their horse, a paint mare, well past her 30th birthday, and close to the age of 34, this mare was still performing wonderfully, although not jumping anymore. She died in her sleep after eating her mash one morning. And no, she did not have very many useable teeth at age 36.

As a horsebreeder and owner of many years, professional trainer and teacher for more years than I can remember - no one person out there has all the answers. I don't, you don't and my favorite equine vet doesn't. Sure in the strictest sense there may not be "albinos", but if you take an all white horse with pink skin and put him out on pasture in Georgia, the poor thing is gonna sunburn like no tomorrow. So perhaps there would be more care involved than in a horse that doesn't have all white coat and pink skin. My bald faced Quarter mare gets sunscreen on her pink face. She also has four white stockings and light hooves which are a real pain in that her feet are shelly and hard to maintain vs. the dark hooved mares we have. So shoes are in order making her more expensive to keep. My first horse was a yearling and I was nine - I lived to tell about it, and I didn't get thrown off and stomped to death. Young horses are not always death demons. Worse horse I ever rode was an horse which was "street smart" and had been around the block. Sure fire show horse, well trained, and all that jazz - first time she got a chance, she'd blow sky high and fall over on top of her rider. She was a nine year old mare.

Point is - you can't categorize anything, but to give an overview is to give general tendancies which can assist a novice horseowner. You think that one article is going to tell a beginning horse owner everything that they need to know?

Perhaps one lifetime, many articles, a few lessons, and a lot of luck. But there will still be that one exception to every generality about horses. The only generalities I still believe in - horses are accidents waiting for a place to happen and most horses are never ending money pits - How big a pit? Just depends on how far down you want to dig the hole.

Now I am off my soapbox and Vickie - you are correct - never write about what you know as people will never believe that you know anything....thereby negating your knowledge as evidenced by their superior intellect.

-- Cindy (colawson@mindspring.com), December 14, 2001.

Stacy says "Do you really advocate a beginner buying a yearling or two year old as "Montana Storm" does? If so, why?"

I say.......Stacy, please quote me page, column and paragraph where she said that.

Stacy says "Do you advocate using the absolute worst genetics book as a source of current information?"

I say..........who made you judge of what is the best or worst genetics book?? She just offered a book, and in many places clearly encourages personal research.

Stacy says "Do you agree with breed generalizations?"

I say in an overview just what else are you going to use?? She admits that they were cliches and not always true.

Stacy says "Do you feel that certain colors, or coat patterns are "better" than others?"

I say nope.....and I didn't think that the author of the article did either. In fact on page 82, column 3 she very clearly states her opinion on color.

Stacy says "I'm very interested in your answers."

I say, yeah, right.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 14, 2001.

Human Beings....LOL

-- Susan Bisard (smb7705@aol.com), December 14, 2001.

O.K.............how about everyone who really has a problem with this article try and write a less than 9 column overview of finding a horse, covering all possible homestead types, age, yada, yada, yada and submitting it here for critical evaluation???

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 14, 2001.

Stacy, have you honestly never seen an albino horse with pink skin and pink eyes? You should get out into the horse world more often. You might learn some things about mother nature.

-- cowgirlone (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), December 14, 2001.

When I saw the header in the new issue, all I could think was "Oh boy -- here we go!"

I'm afraid that I found it rather lacking in content as well. I could have wished for more advice on how to find a local horse expert -- it's as hard to find a reputable one as it is to find the right horse at times. I was distressed to see a lot of misinformation recycled as well, especially in regards to buying a young horse to save money. Anyone who is reading an article of this basic a nature for advice on getting a horse should seriously be steered away from unbroken stock, they do not have the knowlege to train or handle such animals.

I think that the International American Albino Horse Association would be interested to see photos of any white horses with pink/red eyes. They say that they don't exist, and although I see a few hundred or so new horses every year, I have yet to see one with true albino red eyes in 30 years....would you please post a link to pages with them on for us to see?

-- Barngoddess (hidingin@foxhole.now), December 15, 2001.

I remember reading a breeding article about Albino horses - it seems like the article stated that in Nature (i.e. not us people breeding horses in our barn settings) that albino horses die soon after birth as they cannot survive with no pigment. I will see if I can find the article in my library - I am a hopeless librarian, keeping magazines from twenty years ago on horse related things - especially the AQHA journal. If albino's are found in every other species (even humans) I find it hard to believe that there has NEVER been an albino born in the horse world. Again, one expert does not the truth make...

-- Cindy (colawson@mindspring.com), December 15, 2001.

Stacy, have you honestly never seen an albino horse with pink skin and pink eyes? You should get out into the horse world more often. You might learn some things about mother nature.

-- cowgirlone

Nope, not in 30 years of horse watching-I've seen many cremellos, perlinos, dunalinos, and light palominos but never an Albino. If there are so many true Albino equines (entire body pink skin, hair with no pigment, and red/pink eyes) please cite a webpage, or a reference book with title and author's name, or since you own one put it's picture up on the picture page.

Is your Albino registered? If so, with what registry? What were the dam and sire's color?

Thanks,

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 15, 2001.

I remember reading a breeding article about Albino horses - it seems like the article stated that in Nature (i.e. not us people breeding horses in our barn settings) that albino horses die soon after birth as they cannot survive with no pigment. -- Cindy

Cindy, Are you thinking of the Lethal White gene in Overos? The crossing of two Overos can result in Lethal White Syndrome- the foal dies right after birth. The Lethal White gene can be tested for now. I imagine that any very light foal born in the wild wouldn't last very long as predators could see it easily, that and sunburn (if it had a lot of pink skin) would be awful. My daughter's HUS/WP Quarter gelding has a wide blaze and we have to be very careful about using sunblock on his nose.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 15, 2001.

Stacy says "Do you really advocate a beginner buying a yearling or two year old as "Montana Storm" does? If so, why?" I say.......Stacy, please quote me page, column and paragraph where she said that.

*Ok, I'll play. Page 80, paragraph 4 (bottom right of the page) "However, if you don't want to do anything more than occasional (once a week or less) riding, buying a two year old will be cheaper than an older horse. If you are willing to wait a year or two, buy a weanling or yearling, they will be the cheapest you can find. Just don't start them too early otherwise you could damage their bones and by the time they turn 14, 15, or 16 years old their legs will break down. If you sell them they will probably be sent to a slaughter house." Not once in the entire paragraph does Ms. Storm advocate finding a knowledgeable trainer, or indicate that horse experience is necessary to start a young horse. Now, everyone knows someone that started out as a beginner and started a young horse--but was it sucessful? Did the horse go on to be a productive member of equine society, or did the person damn near ruin it and sold it to someone that could "fix" the problems? I started my first 3 year old when I was 10, but I had been riding since I was 2 and I still made almost every mistake in the book. I was lucky it was an expectional mare and we worked through my mistakes and she became a very good barrel horse.

Stacy says "Do you advocate using the absolute worst genetics book as a source of current information?"

I say..........who made you judge of what is the best or worst genetics book?? She just offered a book, and in many places clearly encourages personal research.

*Please, if you know ANYTHING about equine genetics look at the book that you are advocating before making a comment. It was written in the early 70's and the study of genetics has made tremendous strides from them. At least half the book is absolutely wrong. Have you ever read "The Color of Horses" by Ben Green? If you are interested in equine genetics get a book written by Phillip Sponenburg, Nancy Loving, and, I think, Deb Bennett gets into genetics in her conformation book.

Stacy says "Do you agree with breed generalizations?"

I say in an overview just what else are you going to use?? She admits that they were cliches and not always true.

*Perpetuating sterotypes is wrong in animals, or people. For every hot Arab, there's an equally calm one.

Stacy says "Do you feel that certain colors, or coat patterns are "better" than others?"

I say nope.....and I didn't think that the author of the article did either. In fact on page 82, column 3 she very clearly states her opinion on color.

*Color is an absolute non factor *unless* you are breeding Paints, or one of the color breeds-Pinto, Palomino, Appaloosa. Color on an homestead horse is a non issue and shouldn't even have been mentioned. "This is here only because most people would rather have useable black and white paint than a do-anything-you-want solid bay." What people? I don't know any people that would rather have a lame colored horse over a sounds solid. Do you?

Stacy says "I'm very interested in your answers."

I say, yeah, right.

*Seriously, I am interested in your comments.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 14, 2001.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 15, 2001.

Go for it Stacy.........you know she clearly states in several other whole paragraphs about consulting a good trainer. IMO assuming the article was written just for beginners was a mistake. Personally I would never have attempted such a broad topic in such limited space; so yes, I think it lacked content (but then how can I judge that looking through the eyes of someone who can't remember not being intimately involved with horses.) I have friends that keep their horses in stables and never touch them except to ride them and consider themselves "horse" people. I don't, but I don't find it necessary to correct them.

Nope, not studied the genetics of breeding for color so maybe you got me on a big point there. I don't see where she stated a lame horse would be chosen for it's color, but I most certainly have had people come to me when I was professionally buying and selling and tell me what color they wanted with no regards for what their intended use was.

My objections to the self-proclaimed critics had to do mostly with the heading....IGNORANT, which I still think was obnoxious and very sour grapes, and you comment on it being a dangerous, which I just don't see.

I don't care if you are talking about apples or horses; some generalizations would be appropriate in an overview. I always get a big kick out of some of the goat threads when someone asks about a "quiet" goat for the suburban homestead. I have some of the mouthiest nubians you would ever care to meet; Skip swears his are quiet. Are one of us ignorant.........I really don't think so.

I wish you well in your obviously advanced study of genetics. Why don't you write an article about it?? SFM, sorry your professional status wouldn't allow you to give of your time to other homesteaders. Too bad, guess you will just have to sell your articles to the glossy high-priced horse mags.

This little gal took the time to sit down and write an article to the best of her ability and has gotten a big kick in the teeth here, and I find that deplorable.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 15, 2001.

I'm definitely not an expert on equine genetics. I became interested in color genetics (and congential malformation genetics, ie. parrot mouth, and cryptorchid) when I considered breeding my TB mare to a homozygous Tobiano Paint stallion for a registered Paint sporthorse. I still haven't found the "perfect" stallion for her, but I've narrowed the field. I raised Appaloosas when I was younger and wanted to find out more about the genetic background, it hasn't changed much- -there just isn't much known about App color genetics. I wouldn't bore the general homesteading community with an article about equine color genetics most people wouldn't be interested, plus I'm not qualified to write the article-and I know it.

If I were to write a short article on buying a homestead, or first, horse I'd preface the whole thing with: If you don't have horse experience find someone you trust, and is knowledgeable in the type of riding that you will be doing and let them guide you. I'd also state very clearly that there are dealers out there that only want your money--get a Vet check of any horse that you are considering purchasing, the money spent is well worth it.

There are so many different types even within a breed, case in point is Morgans. I love the old style Morgan, rather small, compact with a very powerful presence (Old Government breeding and Figure are my personal favorites), I don't like the "new" Morgan types that look like Saddlebreds, but, that is my opinion many won't agree. Quarter Horses are another case, a Registered Quarter Horse can have major Thoroughbred breeding and still have regular Quarter (not Appendix) papers. You wouldn't want a heavily Impressive bred horse to compete in "using" classes or trail riding, they're bred for halter...and not much more, again in my opinion, not to mention the major problem with HYPP. A Thoroughbred doesn't usually make a great barrel horse, but they're wonderful HUS and fences horses. Arabians, again in my opinion, are very versatile horses but I certainly don't agree with what the "big" trainers do to them, especially in halter classes. A highly shown Arabian halter horse would have a difficult time adjusting to life "on the outside."

All in all, I would advocate reading, taking lessons, then leasing, and gaining general knowledge prior to purchasing a horse. For young people, 4H and Pony Club are very good. The key is knowledge prior to making the big step.

SFM clearly stated that she makes part of her living from selling equine articles. I can understand that she doesn't have a whole lot of extra time between running a good sized breeding farm, working horses, and writing to devote a lot of time to articles for other sources. I have been, very limitedly, published but it's not a source of income for me.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 15, 2001.

Diane ...

You're right ... I should not have used the word "ignorant" in the heading ... particularly in caps ... and I do apologize for that.

However, I will not ever back down on the statement that I feel some of the advice could be dangerous ... that where she suggested that a young horse could be adequately trained by an inexperienced owner by reading books and "talking with a trainer". One would hope that the trainer would in fact suggest that this was not a good idea but there are also people might not give that advice.

And it is dangerous. Many years ago, I saw a young lady killed when a young horse "blew up" with her under circumstances an older, reliable horse would not have ... and in circumstances an experienced rider and trainer would not have been in. It may not happen often ... but I personally know of two other situations like this where novice riders were hurt riding green horses ... fortunately not killed, but injured. I also know there are lots of people who are not experienced, who do get young horses and manage to get through it without major problems ... but my attitude is why take the chance when it can be avoided?

As for my writing for the "glossy expensive magazines" ... I wish I did, it pays more ... but I am not a high-profile writer with a long journalistic career behind me. I write for more modest magazines, which do include some of the homestead/farm/horse publications that offer some payment or reciprocal advertising, since my senior citizen status and limited income make it a necessity. I try to spend my "work" time as profitably as I possibly can.

SFM in KY

-- SFM in KY (timberln@hyperaction.net), December 15, 2001.

If horses are as mean as some of the people in this discussion I'll never buy one. To the Author Ignore the jerks. Most are just trying to make themselves feel superior. Humans! Ick!

-- buffy (buffyannjones@hotmail.com), December 15, 2001.

Barngoddess and Stacy, Here are a couple of sites you should check out. www.museon.nl/objextra.eng/albinism.html

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/ranch/8841/colors.html

An albino horse is not a BREED. An albino horse is an act of nature. I have been fortunate enough to have met three in my lifetime. I have also been fortunate enough to see an albino deer, an albino crow, an albino alligator and an albino African American. You girls really need to get out more!

-- cowgirlone (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), December 15, 2001.

Barngoddess and Stacy, Here are a couple of sites you should check out. www.museon.nl/objextra.eng/albinism.html http://www.geocities.com/heartland/ranch/8841/colors.html

An albino horse is not a BREED. An albino horse is an act of nature. I have been fortunate enough to have met three in my lifetime. I have also been fortunate enough to see an albino deer, an albino crow, an albino alligator and an albino African American. You girls really need to get out more!

-- cowgirlone

Neither of your links shows an actual picture of an Albino horse. I didn't understand the first link, and in the second the examples of colors did not show an albino. The link for a white horse looked to be a cremello. This site also states that to be true albino the horse must have no pigmentation and red/pink eyes.

I never said an "albino" horse was a breed, genetic mutations can, and do appear, in all breeds. There is a registry for "albino" horses but even they admit that there are no true albino horses.

Again, does your horse, or any that you have seen, have pink eyes? I'd really like to see a picture of a true albino horse, as I never have. Again, what breed is your horse, and what color were it sire and dam?

I do get out quite a bit, thanks for your continued concern.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 15, 2001.

Haven't seen the article - probably won't get the magazine until end January (with Christmas in the middle - as a guess). Don't see how castigating an author, rather than just dispassionately stating facts, is going to help anyone.

However, just a data point. I've seen A (one of) horse which in many ways would technically qualify as an albino - Colourless white hair, pink skin, pink eyes, etc. However, it also had black spots/marks on its lips, so in that respect technically not an albino. You actually can (often, actually) get animals which can be technically classified as chimaeras - made up of more than one gene set - particularly if a mutation has occurred in their cells after they started growing. Since I saw what I saw, I'm sure albino horses are possible. I'm also sure you wouldn't see them often - first because a lot of them would be eliminated, and secondly because the others could not tolerate sunshine.

-- Don Armstrong (from Australia) (darmst@yahoo.com.au), December 15, 2001.

Don, what is a chimaera? I looked it up on a google search but a bunch of fish/ocean stuff came up. I'm intriged...

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 15, 2001.

look under Chimera, or Chimera biotechnology

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), December 15, 2001.

Sorry - Dave's right - I'm from Australia, so I spell English, rather than the language you have there. Approximate it as the same as Canadian - they seem to do much the same when they're not too busy shivering. Sort of like the sleep apnoea I suffer from, but your guys (except the Latinos) probably haven't heard of Latin, so they shorten it to apnea. Not quite the same pronunciation, but close.

Have I scored a record here? How many entire nations have I offended?

-- Don Armstrong (from Australia) (darmst@yahoo.com.au), December 15, 2001.

Don, no matter how it's spelled--that's some scary stuff. Wow, from what little I've read a goat/sheep cross is most common, but what good is it?

Yes, very scary stuff indeed.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 15, 2001.

HEY! Now this is interesting! I read that article last night, and did find the old wives tales about color and such slightly amusing.BUT, I have a slightly different take on this article.I have been reading and loving C-side for a very long time now, and also have contributed articles which make me cringe a few years down the road.SO... Am I the only one who wondered right away if the lady who wrote this article could possibly be Bev Sandlin's daughter Montana, who we have watched grow up all these years??? Well, to me that makes this article the same as if one of my sister's lovely young daughters was trying her hand at writing her first article for c-side and I for one am so proud of her!!! I would hate to think that this fine young lady would see the comments here and not continue trying to write or continue to be a part of the magazine all her life. Maybe this thread is a sad commentary on how the Countryside family is doing these days... I try not to be so hard on my family members. Without each other, it is a cold world full of city people out there who think we are all crazy! OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMM-------(or is it oy?)

-- MaureenB (firegirl102@hotmail.com), December 17, 2001.

thank you Maureen, glad to see someone else besides me was thinking along those lines. I find it rather sad that the CS "family" has so many experts now that there is no room for our beginners. IMHO if someone were to read this article and go out and buy a horse based on "just" this article, they most likely would have selected one of the horrific trainers I have known in my life and still wouldn't have had a horse to trust. Very sad.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), December 17, 2001.

This really has nothing to do with the age of the writer, had it been one of my daughters that wrote the article I'd would have done the same thing-well, actually, I would have been harder on them because they know better. Bad information is bad information at 15 or 50. If someone had jumped on her about grammar, spelling, etc...that would have been mean, but it wasn't academics, it was content. I believe that you should thoroughly know a subject before you try to teach it to someone else.

Case in point, I know nothing of septic systems (zip, nada, nothing) if I read in an article in Countryside, a magazine that I regard highly for it's knowledgeable content, that I shouldn't use blue detergent in my washing machine, well, I'd probably believe it. This is a very simple example, but I'm sure you get the point.

I happen to know something about horses, if your field of expertise is goats (or beef cows, septic systems, building, etc...) and a article came out that was full of generalizations, misinformation, and old wive's tales I believe that you would react in the same, or similar way that I did.

The article is out in circulation now and there's not much to be done about it except write rebuttals, but with money being tight in most areas I surely pray that someone doesn't take the author's advice of buying a weanling or yearly because they're cheaper (that's not always true either, my friends and I have had weanlings sell for more than solidly broke older horses) and end up paying in heartbreak or hospital bills much more than the cost of an older made horse.

Finally, I love Countryside Magazine, I told my brother about it the other day and he will be subscribing too. Most of the information is invaluable to me, and I use a lot of the content daily. I'm not bashing the editors, managers, or the author but the information contained should be factual or someone like me will stop using blue detergent in their washing machines...

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 17, 2001.

Occassionally on these forums I see threads begun something like this:

"I am going to buy some chickens/ducks/cows/llamas/whatever today, and since I know nothing about them, could you all please help me?"

Now truth be told, my first reaction is to mutter under my breath that this person is an idiot. That if they can't figure out for themselves that before they even think of getting any animal, they should do enough research, which takes months to do properly, until they feel confident enough that they can adequately care for the critters. That is just the bare beginning of the learning curve, most of which comes with experience. But I think, for the most part, people realize this, and I cannot imagine too many folks who are seriously doing research on buying their first horse would buy one based on one lil ol article in Countryside. But then, people do all sorts of really dumb things every day, me included, and when I really screw up, its another learning experience, for both me and those around me. It's all good anyway, even when its bad.

Course I wouldn't respond to the poster in that manner, because it would be rude and hurtful. Better methinks to express one's own experiences, especially one's own mistakes, and how it might relate to the poster's inevitable upcoming problems.

Guess my point is that if one disagrees with something someone has written, it helps to remember that the writing was done by a feeling human being, who was doing the best that they could at the time, and kindly disagreeing is much more productive than belittling the writer, and makes you stand taller in the saddle, so to speak, in the process.

Peace,

-- Earthmama (earthmama48@yahoo.com), December 17, 2001.

Well, this thread was sure an interesting lesson in mental gymnastics. I'll go back to the beginning & would like to comment that Countryside IS mostly reader participation, as in: not much in- house editing going on. I've written a couple of articles and they appeared pretty much as I sent them in with some editing for space. And, I'm certainly no expert on the subjects I wrote about. I've also had horses for 30 years. And, yes, I disagreed with some things in the horse article, but I applaude the young lady for participating in the magazine! Hey, don't shoot the author! This is what the magazine is all about. Yeah, if you see some serious MISinformation, send a rebuttal in... it's for all of us. Were we all born knowing everything about homesteading?? Am I the only one out here learning as I go? You do know that if you had 5 horse owners in a room, you'd have 5 different opinions on whatever equine subject was discussed! (and usually a knock-down-drag-out about who was right.) Give her a break, AND some good, sensible feedback. Happy trails, dh in nm

-- debra in nm (onegoatgirl@yahoo.com), December 17, 2001.

whew! Now I remember why I don't have horses or dogs. It's that breeding thing.... ;-)

-- sheepish (WA) (the_original_sheepish@hotmail.com), December 18, 2001.

Isn't a white horse with pink skin and light blue eyes an albino? That's what I have.

-- Jessica (jaywig86@psknet.com), December 18, 2001.

Isn't a white horse with pink skin and light blue eyes an albino? That's what I have.

-- Jessica

No Jessica, an Albino horse would have no pigmentation-no color/white hair, pink skin, and red/pink eyes. You have a horse with a double dilution gene, probably a cremello, perlino, or dunalino.

What color were the dam and sire? If known, I might be able to tell you exactly what color horse you have.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 19, 2001.

The best horse is a "HONDA 250 on road/off road. Don't eat much, seldom complains and likes mud.

IMHO the article in question was well written. It was not what I consider an indepth article. Maybe I'm crazy but wouldn't most anyone willing to invest in a horse Invest in learning more and getting basic training about them?

I'm reminded of an article I saw a while back. "Aspartame kills" And here we sit drinking Diet Pepsi".

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), December 20, 2001.

If someone posts a question asking for help and information in learning about doing something new (i.e. raising sheep, poultry, horses) - isn't that doing research?

Sara on Vashon Island, WA

-- Sara Perry (JPerry1218@aol.com), January 07, 2002.

Hello everyone,

I would appreciate you listening to my view on this:

1) The main point of the article was to make people think about what they want in a horse and to READ, TALK and LISTEN to horse people they trust.

2) I never said that horses teeth fall out, but to watch and make sure that the horse has teeth so you are not spending a fortune buying special feeds. (been their done that)

3) The reason I wrote the article was because I got REALLY mad at countryside for publishing 'selecting a horse' articles that were breed specific, I personally felt that it would be better if they had something that covered more than just whatever breed they were focusing on. (Generalized article)

4) I have no interest in if an albino horse really exists or not. Albino is still a common term where I live so I used it. The general point was that horses with pink skin burn and take a lot more up keep. Do you really want that for your first experience? I had a big paint that had so much white he would burn so bad you couldn't ride him, unless you kept him inside all day and yes I did get rid of him.

5) I like the Color of Horses book granted I probably should have added to look at all the PICTURES. I don't care about the genetic composition of the hair follicle or if the density of the hair makes the hide or hooves stronger, its all a bunch of bull$!%% as far as I am concerned, however again I like the PICTURES. The reason I choose that book was because it is the only one I know of that has so many PICTURES of the different colors with so many different breeds represented. The PICTURES is what I was meaning for people to focus on.

6) No I do not encourage newbie horse people to buy a 2 year olds and younger. If you would have noticed I encouraged people to buy OLD well broke horses. However when people come out and look at buying a horse for them or their kid everyone seems to gravitate towards the babies or they want a horse they can have for 15 to 20 years. Yes, we gave a 28-year-old well broke mare to a friend to learn on and I am happy to say she is now 32 years old and still being ridden and running around his pasture. I know of many old 20+ horses that are still making their way on the trail rides with the rest of our youngin’s.

7) We have had 5 palominos and all have had eye problems at one time or another, the comment was purely personal experience. Again with such things I suggest you READ about, TALK and LISTEN with a horse person you trust. (I was warned about this before we got them and yes we still have 3 of them)

8) Yes, the article was meant to be VERY generalized.

9) The characteristics that I attributed to the different breeds are what are considered common in the area that I live in. Believe it or not I DON'T consider dead head a bad characteristic I know more people who want dead heads then a high headed fiery horse. I however did not try to put negative connotations with any of the breeds.

10)Yes, the comment on weanlings and yearlings being cheaper than older broke horses comes from the area I live in and yes I have also encountered weanlings and yearlings much much more expensive than older well broke horses.

11) Yes, I am Bev Sandlin’s daughter. Yes, I have been raised with horses my whole life my first horse (at the age of 3, me not the horse she was 6 I think) was an Egyptian Arabian/Quarter horse cross and was one of the best horses my mother said she had ever met. Yes, I know that there are some fiery Quarter horses I own one.

12) No! I did not mean in any way shape or form to encourage anyone to train a young horse with no prior knowledge of training. It is FAR FAR to dangerous. (again personal experience with this)

13) Yes I have trimmed horse hooves for the last 7 years and I can say the white hooves are softer than dark hooves (they are easier for me to trim :-) I like it!) Will this stop me from buying a horse with white hooves no. Do I think it would stop someone after they read my article from going out and seeing a beautiful horse with four white socks and a blaze from buying that horse? No. Yes, I do have my farrier, who has been a farrier 60+ years, check my horses regularly.

14) I have been raised my whole life with horses and have been riding alone since I was 3, my mother was a trainer as am I now between the two of us we have trained and rehabilitated many many horses including purebred Quarter Horses, Arabians, Appaloosas, Paints, Pintos, Standardbreds, Ponies, Draft Horses, Thoroughbreds, Mustangs, Grades, Mules and Donkeys. Along with breeding horses and mules, showing locally, at state and nationally, as well as being in nationally publicized parade units and exhibiting at horse expos all over the U.S.A. However I found that most of my knowledge comes from working the horses on the homestead.

15) I wrote this article for novices, people that I have encountered throughout my lifetime. Such people have done things as call my horses beige, taupe and rust colored, pointing out my weanling and yearlings and saying "I want to ride that one" or putting the halter on upside down. I recently met a woman that adopted a trotter and pacer out of a adoption program and was complaining to me about their gaits and how uncomfortable they are to ride and she didn't even know why they didn't move like normal horses or a friend of mine that bought a big beautiful registered Morgan professional gaming horse for his first horse, he had never ridden before in his life, a horse he is afraid to lead around his yard or even a lady that called me up asking for help with a two year old mustang stallion she had adopted as a yearling and kept in a 14'x14' corral on full feed for an entire year. This article was meant for people like this or people who could become like this. People with good intentions but no hands on knowledge the article was meant to encourage people to read, learn and talk with local horse people so that they don't buy the wrong horse for them and end up turned off of horses for the rest of their lives. I have seen to many good horses in the hands of novices end up at slaughter houses because they don't know how to handle them properly, too many up and coming horse people turned off by the wrong horse. Almost all of the horses we have rehabilitated (100+) have come from people that were still new to horses and had good intentions but did not know how to handle horses or were even unknowingly abusive to the horse. All I was meaning to do was encourage people to look for the right horse for them.

However, I would absolutely LOVE to read some of your articles on horses. I took the time to sit down and brainstorm some titles to articles that I think would be of great interest to Countryside readers.

neal martin • Hooves the Basics • Shoes the Basics • Ahh.. Thrush

Stacy in NY • Basic Horse Color Genetics • Basic Color Genetics for Breeding Horses • Knowing What Color of Horse You Are Looking At • Informative Horse Books • Cremelos, Perlinos, Dunlinos Telling The Difference

Here are some other ones: • Selecting a Goods Child's Pony • Horses Around the Country • Endurance Riding for Beginners • Information on Mustangs • Choosing the Right Arabian • Stables & Barns I have known • Horses & Kids • Basic Horse Tack • Finding a Good Local Horse Person • Basic Horse Breeding • Basic Driving Equipment • Hay feeders I have Known • Trail Riding for Beginners • Showing: The Basic's of Western • Showing: The Basic's of English • Showing: The Basic's of Driving • Ahh! Colic • Proper Grooming • Trailer's I have Known • Feed's I have Fed • Wagon's I have Known • Build a Simple Buckboard • Old Horse Tales to Make You Laugh • Draft Horses: The Beginning • Horses I have Known • My First Horse • Selecting the Right Horse For You: Part 2

As I was brainstorming these up I thought of a couple I would like to do, but then again I am obviously not qualified enough to give my own personal experiences.

Lots of Love, Mt Storm :-)

-- Montana Storm (storm@rconnect.com), January 10, 2002.

Well said again Montana! Happy riding to you!

-- cowgirlone (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), January 10, 2002.

Montana,

I thought you were Bev's daughter. I recall reading your mother's articles a few yrs back, she so inspired me with her guts and determination. In fact when my husband said we had to rough it for a few weeks camping out on our farm I found strength in her articles. You did a great job writing, although no one can ever write an article that is welcomed by everyone with no critics, you at least tired. I will try to add to your post about horse information this weekend.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), January 11, 2002.

Dear Ms. Storm,

You said, "As I was brainstorming these up I thought of a couple I would like to do, but then again I am obviously not qualified enough to give my own personal experiences."

I don't believe that anyone said that you were not qualified to write an article about horses, I feel that you took too big a bite of the apple, and should have picked one part of choosing a horse rather than the broad aspect that you did. I don't like generalizations or sterotypes, for people or animals, it's not fair to judge an entire breed by a few individuals. I don't agree with you that genetics, color or otherwise, are not important, especially if you're a breeder. Everyone should know about HYPP in Quarter Horses, LWS in Paints, and SCIDS in Arabians. Or that genetic malformations such as crytorchid, and parrot mouth are definately hereditary.

You also said:

Stacy in NY • Basic Horse Color Genetics • Basic Color Genetics for Breeding Horses • Knowing What Color of Horse You Are Looking At • Informative Horse Books • Cremelos, Perlinos, Dunlinos Telling The Difference

I'm not qualified to write these articles, I truly believe that you should thoroughly know your subject before you try to teach it- I'm a beginner in the field of genetics. If you are interested, the following books are very good:

"The Horse", by J. Warren Evans, Anthony Borton, Harold F. Hintz, and L. Dale Van Vleck.

This book is invaluable, it includes care, genetics, pictures of colors, breeds, the list goes on and on. It is required reading for the equine 4H members in my county.

"The UC Davis Book of Horses- a Complete Medical Reference Guide for Horses and Foals", by Members of the Faculty and Staff, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Edited by Mordecai Siegal.

Much information contained in this book, it is also invaluable to me.

"The Horseowner's Guide to Lameness" by Ted S. Stashak in collaboration with Cherry Hill

Excellent layman's reference, it's actually a Vet textbook "scaled down" to layman's terms.

"Considering The Horse", "A Good Horse Is Never A Bad Color", and "Horses Never Lie" by Mark Rashid

Excellent training books set in a story fashion, a very good read.

More specific to Genetics:

"Equine Genetics" Phillip D.Sponenberg, PhD, DVM

"Horse Genetics" Ann T. Bowling

I'll never know everything there is to know about horses- ever. I won't go into my equine background because I don't feel it's relevent.

I applaud that you had the desire to write the article, but I feel that the subject was simply too broad.

I believe that I have made my feelings known, if you would like to discuss anything further please feel free to e-mail me.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), January 11, 2002.

What can I say you can't make everyone happy.

*smiles* Bye

-- Montana Storm (mtstorm@usa.net), January 11, 2002.

This will be my last post here, I think it is way past time I just let this go.

Happy Trails, Montana

-- Montana Storm (mtstorm@usa.net), January 12, 2002.