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How often do we see an ad for a Gypsy Vanner Horse that states a young, even less than a year old colt is a stallion prospect? All too often it seems. Large breeders such as Tom Price and Stevie Downs will be quick to share how few colts ....perhaps less than 1%, born in any given year will make the cut. For those in the states who breed more than fifty mares a year, it is just as difficult to label a youngster a stallion prospect. How many breeders in North America have seen enough colts from birth to maturity to predict a weanling will be a great or even a good stallion?
Now that you have something to think about, keep in mind, if a breeder thinks their colt will demand more money if advertized as a stallion prospect, they are taking a huge gamble. A gamble that could ruin their reputation as a quality breeder. Many a well promoted stallion has been gelded due to a genetic defect such as an over bite or problem legs, poor conformation , strange characteristics that are often overlooked due to a unique color or an abundance of hair. Even exceptional mares cannot correct all genetic faults. And if she is less than, it is likely the resulting foal will be also be less than. If the colt turns out to have a great show record, produces outstanding babies,,,,it is a win-win. On the other hand, if it proves to be a bad choice, the breeder's reputation is ruined.
There are lots of rationalizations for taking the gamble, but at this point it is important to point out the damage to the breed this can produce. It is such a huge gamble that one registry, GVHS, has developed seminars throughout the year teaching breeders i.e. owners, and potential judges the important points of conformation, temperament, and performance. Others may follow as this is a concern for everyone who breeds. Till then, be cautious when selecting a sire for your future foal, ask for pictures of previous foals with their dams if possible, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The mare is as important as the sire and if both has a history with the owner, they should be able to tell you what you might expect.
Now that you have something to think about, keep in mind, if a breeder thinks their colt will demand more money if advertized as a stallion prospect, they are taking a huge gamble. A gamble that could ruin their reputation as a quality breeder. Many a well promoted stallion has been gelded due to a genetic defect such as an over bite or problem legs, poor conformation , strange characteristics that are often overlooked due to a unique color or an abundance of hair. Even exceptional mares cannot correct all genetic faults. And if she is less than, it is likely the resulting foal will be also be less than. If the colt turns out to have a great show record, produces outstanding babies,,,,it is a win-win. On the other hand, if it proves to be a bad choice, the breeder's reputation is ruined.
There are lots of rationalizations for taking the gamble, but at this point it is important to point out the damage to the breed this can produce. It is such a huge gamble that one registry, GVHS, has developed seminars throughout the year teaching breeders i.e. owners, and potential judges the important points of conformation, temperament, and performance. Others may follow as this is a concern for everyone who breeds. Till then, be cautious when selecting a sire for your future foal, ask for pictures of previous foals with their dams if possible, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The mare is as important as the sire and if both has a history with the owner, they should be able to tell you what you might expect.
