do 'bloodlines'make a difference?

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StormyGale

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Just wondered people's opinions really didn't put this in breeding because it's not bloodlines I want to know about. Do people think that it's possible to buy a youngster without the well known bloodlines and still compete with the best ? I know a lot depends on how and ways they are trained etc. But does anyone think that with a horse with the right 'type' I.e built for the job indended and right brain is it possible to compete with those at a high level?
 
Yes. But your chances of finding that horse will be better when looking at proven bloodlines. (though in any case, the odds are fairly slim of finding a world class horse....) If you go through the results lists from international competitions, certain bloodlines are more represented than others.
 
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Yes absolutely - all the top bloodlines originally had to come from somewhere, even it they have been subsequently improved by selective breeding. But finding a very good, if not world class horse with obscure/unknown breeding I would think is definitely possible :)
 
if the horse is built right and has the right mindset then of course, however proven bloodlines carry the correct conformation for the job and other factors such as heart strength/size, lung capacity, metabolism and other genetic traits that can't necessarily be measured from the outside that would affect performance.
 
Thanks both I am of the opinion it is possible as u say cj it is hard enough finding one good horse at that level anyway let alone unproven lines but just wondered others view on it and yes DD that was my thinking the 'greats' didn't become greats until they did something spectacular and they have to start somewhere unknown as such don't they. Just an interesting ponder I was having earlier in the week with a friend. Thanks both for reply. Obviously u need a lot of luck too to pick the star out of the herd regardless of family trees.
 
Good point hp I think another interesting arguement that I've certainly found looking at well bred horses I'd also the other end of the spectrum where family lines are too close and u get defects or confirmation faults that may pass through genetically and because of crossing lines these are sometimes increasing the chance of confirmation/physical faults although u would hope breeders would know best and worst lines to cross as u say to get the best of each. Thanks for that
 
StormyGale said:
u would hope breeders would know best and worst lines to cross as u say to get the best of each. Thanks for that
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Most breeders of quality horses do exactly this :) I won't touch some bloodlines with a barge pole and conversely I avidly look for other bloodlines. All of my AQHA/APHAs have the same bloodlines because I've found a line I adore and I wouldn't consider a horse if it didn't have these lines. With my WBs there are particular lines that I prefer and combined with my mares bloodlines I choose stallions which should compliment my girls lines.
 
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