If Money Didn't Matter

When we were on our Pony Cousin's Stampede trip, my cousin Jac asked my sister and I, if money didn't matter, what breed of horse would we get? I always think about what my next breed of horse will be. We all have our favorites. I have mentioned in previous posts about certain breeds I'd love to own next. But I would like to go into a little bit more detail about why I would choose certain breeds for my next horse.

I told my cousin Jac, that if money didn't matter, and I had all the money in the world, I would definitely get an Arabian or Paint. I have a tendency to lean towards an Arab, only because I have never had a purebred Arab. As a young girl, I thought that Arabs were the prettiest horses out there. A girl in my 4-H group had 2 Arabs and I just adored them. I showed Appaloosa's as a teen, I was really into color, loud color! The more spots the better for this girl! Now that I am grown up and have gotten back into horses again, I was very fortunate to have a certain horse enter my life 5 yrs ago. That horse would be Brandy, my 14 yr old Arab/Paint. This would be the first time an Arab has really been in my life. Even with all of Brandy's issues, I don't blame it on the Arab breed. Yes, she has all the Arab characteristics, that is why I just say "my Arab". The only Paint in her is what's left of her bay and white paint markings. She is all Arab, and I don't say that in a negative way. I whole heartily believe that if Brandy was given the time and training as a youngster, she would have been the ultimate western pleasure, huntseat, country pleasure, dressage, gaming and trail horse out there. She has all of that in her. She still isn't fully trained, and I would still like to do dressage and country pleasure with her someday. I know she could do it. So this is why if money didn't matter, I would get an Arabian (purebred). I get to see Arabians in the show world a lot, since my really good friend/trainer trains and shows them. Every now and than you see the usual "flighty" Arab, but for the most part they are not what everyone makes them out to be. There are a lot of really good Arabs out there.

I took this picture at an Arab show a year ago. I have always been partial to bays.



Here's another picture I took from that same Arab show. I love the dapple grays, but my next horse will not be white or gray!!



The next breed I told my cousin I would get, if money didn't matter, is a Paint. Of course! I already have a Paint, so I know how they are. I love stock breeds. Big, stocky and muscular! I like my men the same way. Kiddin'!!! My Paint Fritzy, is my Pocket Paint. That is what I call her. Either you love her personality, or you don't. So the reason I would want another Paint is for their color, stockiness and personality. And I can't get enough of that big Painted butt! My OH wouldn't want any other horse, he loves Fritzy, quirks and all! This is why I am Paint Girl, I have a Paint and a half!

The picture below is of my trainer M, (on the left), on Phantom, a Paint stallion from a local ranch. He is a reining/western pleasure Paint. On the right is C, on Caberet, who is the owner of both Paints. For some reason I am very partial to black and whites. Hmmm... I wonder why?



This here is me, at my first schooling show on Fritzy. I think I look good on a black and white, don't ya think?



Now I did tell my cousin Jac, that if money did matter, I would get a Mustang. I have always wanted to adopt a Mustang. As a kid, I remember there use to be commercials on t.v. about adopting a wild Mustang. I wanted to get one so bad! But I was only around 10 yrs old. Now that I am in my 30's, I have been thinking about it for a few years now. I have heard a lot of people say "Why would you want a Mustang?" and to quote part of a letter that was written to Western Horseman, "We need to build at least three horse slaughter plants and make transport regulations friendlier for hauling horses to slaughter everywhere, including Canada and Mexico. We need to slaughter thousands of worthless Bureau of Land Management horses. Let's use some common sense for a change. There's no such thing as an "American Mustang." These are feral scrubs, dinks that nobody wants." Really? Well, Mr. Arizona Man! This might be your view on the Mustang, but who made you decide for everyone else, that Mustangs are "feral scrubs, dinks that nobody wants?" and "worthless BLM horses!" Did you ever think that the Mustang is the innocent victim in this situation? Seriously!?! I have heard it all, but you know what? That is a bunch of sh**! (Auntie DR, please put 25 cents in your cuss jar for me!). I have seen, heard and read about these amazing horses. They can be trained to do anything a domesticated horse can do! Plus I have witnessed in front of my very eyes, how these horses are when trained. If you aren't a believer, please visit Mustang Diaries or Mustang U. Mustangs are strong, talented and beautiful horses!!

This is Liberty. She was a Sale Authority Mustang that was saved, due to some very wonderful people that donated the money to give her a chance at a decent life. It isn't the horses fault that they are running wild out there. That is what they are, and we should do everything we can to help the wild horses, make sure they get adopted into loving homes.



Liberty is now being gentled, in hopes of getting that "forever" home. She has a 3 month old filly, Chance, at her side. I took these pictures right after they were "saved". They are now in good hands. And the future couldn't be brighter for these 2!!



It breaks my heart, to hear people talk bad about Mustangs. They are innocent, beautiful animals. This is one of the reasons I would adopt a Mustang. To make sure one more animal is saved, given that chance at a good life.

So I ask all of you. What breed of horse do you think I will end up with in the future? An Arabian? A Paint? A Mustang? For everyone that answers the correct breed of horse, that I will get next in my life, will be entered into a drawing for a prize. Yep, this Paint girl is finally going to have a drawing! All correct answers will be put into a hat, and I will draw a name and announce the winner on my 100th post, which is coming up, right around the corner! Good luck!!