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Traits of a Professional Breeders
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Traits of Irresponsible Breeders
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Is actively involved with the national and local horse networks (training, associations, clubs, and other reputable breeders) to keep involved and their knowledge current.
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Not involved with the horse networks (has "pets" around the pasture).
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The quality and suitability of his horses for breeding is proven. They never breed horses without "papers".
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The quality of the horses is almost always substandard. (Horses are just pets or "breeding machines") The pedigrees consist mostly of a list of unknowns bred by backyard breeders; stock may not even have "papers"; may be grade.
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Knowledgeable in every facet of their breed- training, showing, socializing, breeding, health issues/defects; and researches genetics when choosing mates, Can and will help and educate horse buyers in regard to these issues.
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Not particularly educated about their breed, often not aware of his own breed's genetic defects; does not consider the genetics of an animal which he intends to breed.
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Breeds to improve his own horses, his bloodlines and his chosen breed.
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Breeds just to breed or make money or see his "great horse" procreate. Breeds any mare because he feels a bred mare will sell for more than an open one, and that a stallion will sell for more than a gelding.
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Does all necessary genetic testing; does not breed animals with genetic defects that inhibit or harm or and is aware of the bloodlines that carry defects.
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Does no genetic testing; ignorantly or knowingly breeds defective animals or those which are carriers, thus, perpetuating disease and defect in the breed.
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Uses only good quality feed, wormer and vaccinations. Is not afraid to call the vet out.
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Feeds the cheapest feed and wormer, does only the required vaccinations if any, and does not want to invest in a vet call.
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Matches horses temperaments and training with buyers' personalities, experience and skill level. Can honestly evaluate the horse and it's potential.
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Allows buyers to pick the "prettiest" one. They will sell to anyone who offers the money. Says all of his horses are high quality and suited for everything.
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Never sells to "impulse" buyers and always provides information to prepare buyers for the horse. Sells only to buyers who make the horse's safety a priority.
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Sells to "impulse" buyers. Does not follow up after the sale, and provides little in the way of information or support.
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Interviews prospective buyers, checks home and references, refuses to sell to substandard homes.
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Sells first-come, first-served to whomever has the cash; does not find out which homes are substandard.
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Encourages or requires buyers to geld or not breed non-breeding quality animals.
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Encourages buyers to breed, regardless of quality.
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Encourages buyers to train the horse; will give references to qualified trainers.
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Shows no concern for horses after sale; knows no trainers nor has any experience with them.
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Professional Breeders Improve the Breed
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Irresponsible Breeders Damage the Breed
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