You must love and admire the Arabian breed for its longevity and its history. You must have a strong desire to perpetuate the breed for future generations to enjoy. Without this appreciation and desire, a breeder will not have the commitment to put forth the study and effort that a good breeding practice demands.
You must accept the fact that there are no perfect horses, but that as breeders we should always strive to produce one in our next foal crop. Gerald Donoghue of Goliad, Texas, a noted early breeder of Arabians, always said, "Breeders just can't die because we always have to see next year's foal crop."
Identify the characteristics that are most important to you of the type of horse you want to produce. The production of these characteristics becomes your goal. Always keep in mind a beautiful balanced horse - one that has all the qualities an Arabian horse should have.
Study horses in their natural state of baody and mind; at time when they are physically and mentally at ease or naturally at play. Don't choose horses from photos or from their show ring appearances. Unless you see a horse in its natural state, you cannot determine the disposition, conformation, and athletic talents it may breed on. Study YOUR horse and learn what horse is built to do. Don't try to make a park horse out of one that has a western way of going.
Don't worry about size. I prefer an Arabian of 14H to 15.2H. Larger horses tend to lose their Arabian type. Don't worry about color. I've never seen a good horse of a bad color.
If you have an idea or a plan that you feel is right for your breeding program, don't let anyone talk you out of it. You are the one to please. Recognize that if you really have a feeling for a breeding, you will make decisions based on your heart and "gut" instincts, not on titles and nominations.
Never malign other breeders' horses or other bloodlines. Remeber that with all the different bloodlines and types of Arabians, you cannot produce what everyone wants. However, those who do like your kind of horse will know where to find them.
A few good mares are better than a whole herd of poor mares. Begin with the mares and then graduate to your own stallion when you are sure the nicks are good. Nominate for futurities and try to show or have at least some of your youngsters shown now and then.
You should know that:
**Your chances of producing quality foals consistantly are higher if the best sire os bred to the best dam and they are both of the same bloodlines. Breed the best to the best within the bloodline. That is linebreeding.
**Your chances of producing a truely outstanding foal are higher if the sire and dam are of exceptional quality but of different bloodlines. Your chances of consistantly producing a quality foal are very low, however. That is out-crossing.
**Always start with the feet and legs when evaluating a horse. You will not ride far on bad feet or legs regardless of how pretty a head or body.
**A pretty head is the easiest feature to reproduce in one generation.
Remember:
**A well-bred mare is more important to a mating than a well-bred stallion.
**Not all foals at birth are likely to meet your approval or goal.