Cosmopolitan Horse Farm - Crossbreeding

Crossbreeding

Responsible Crossbreeding vs Pony Mills

There are many people out there who have fallen in love with the Gypsy horse and have decided to start a breeding program of their own. They pick a stallion that they like and then start looking into what kind of mares they hope to add to their herd. More often than not people will buy the best that they can afford, trying to focus their program on the betterment of the breed. However, on occasion, other incentives result in a breeding program being flooded with sub par mares. While this can be found within those breeding just Gypsies, it is more often found in large crossbreeding programs.

CHF has NO issues with responsible crossbreeding. There is a time and a place for it, otherwise most of the breeds we know today would not exist. However, not all breeds are meant to be crossed and not all horses are meant to be bred. This goes for purebred breedings as well as crosses!

The difference between a quality program and a "pony mill" is usually based on motive. Most "pony mill" operations are looking to produce a quick buck, breeding several mares (ranging from 5-30 mares per season) of miscellaneous quality and conformation without regard. Usually the mares are unregistered, have no show career to speak of, and are usually crosses themselves. While these mares could end up making wonderful riding or driving mounts, they are instead used as foal factories. Breeding year after year even before their foals from the previous years could be sold. As you can imagine, many of the horses in these kind of programs are not being provided daily interaction or handling, and most are not being provided proper care even for something as simple as worming or farrier care.

Not all crossbreeding is bad, however, so long as it's handled in the same manner as that of breeding purebreds. Each horses' conformation, temperament, movement, bloodlines, show career, and purpose should be considered before breeding. When breeding you should always breed the best for the best, though even then it is still a gamble. Trying to cross two totally different Breed Types (such as Draft and Light breeds) adds additional complications to the mix. For that reason, crossbreeding should only be done after extensive homework and consideration. Look around at purebreds within the breed you're interested in, or even look into other breeds of similar type, before deciding to crossbreed. More likely than not, you will find exactly what you are looking for in a horse that is already for sale.

CHF offers very few and very select breedings from our stallions, especially crosses. Our reason being is to ensure that every foal from our stallions are as close to top quality as we can achieve. This is not to say that we will not approve breedings to a different type or breed, however the mare must be a wonderful example of their own breed. Otherwise, why would should the mare be breeding if they are not considered quality within their own breed?

Here is a little checklist below to help you figure out if you're looking at a "Pony Mill" situation or a quality breeding program offering select crosses. Do your homework and feel free to ask questions. Most responsible breeders will be more than happy to provide you tons of information and references pertaining to their program. If they do not, then consider it a major red flag!

	All horses intended for breeding are registered with their respective breed.
	Most of the horses are being shown in conformation or discipline related classes.
	Mare are not bred every year, instead they are given a year or two off between foals to rest and recoop.
	Most breeding horses are not just used for breeding, but rather have additional jobs or have in past years.
	Very few foals are produced every year, and any foals that do not sell are retained by the breeder.
	The breeder is not afraid to use an outside stallion instead of their own to cross with their mares.
	Their horses are usually handled on a regular basis and are provided proper care.
	These breeders are active within their breed through registries, forums, discussions, and shows.
	They allow visitors to come and view the horses and operation in person.
	And most of all.... a good, responsible breeder is willing to say no to a client. Be it for breeding or for sale, some horses just are not suited. They are willing to say no to selling a horse to a client if they do not believe the horse matches what the buyer is looking for (or can handle safely), or if the mare is not suited for their stallion. Usually they are also willing to provide multiple quality references in order to help the client find the horse of their dreams....Even if it isn't their own.

	They own multiple mares of many different breeds, many of which are multiple crosses themselves.
	They breed one (maybe two) stallions to all of their mares without considering conformation faults.
	Many of the mares are grade and have never been to a show in their life.
	These breeders produce multiple foals every year and rebreed the mares to the same stallion before the foals from previous seasons are even sold.
	Mares are rebred every year, no matter what. Usually these mares are rebred on their foal heat.
	These horses are usually not handled on a regular basis, and it shows in their condition. Their farrier and worming care are usually lacking, though easily seen from the condition of the horses in photos.
	Usually the mares and foals are offered at rock bottom prices. Sometimes as packages, but usually for less than a regular stud fee.
	Often these programs have "sales" to help funding for hay, feed, or care for the animals. These sales usually take place right before winter when hay demands are increased.
	While they may be active in some communities, these people usually have a well known reputation among other breeders. Do research, join a few forums (read previous posts from and about the breeders). Again...do your homework!