Q&A - Turning Down Pedigrees

Question
I've been thinking about this question for a while...

We've covered breeders "turning down" foals. But, what should you do when you send for a breeding and receive the certificate and bloodlines, and for whatever reason (breed type, lack of information, made up bloodlines) you decide not to use the pedigree but instead look for another sire or dam for your foal?

Should you tell the person who just sent you the certificate so they can have the mare's open year back? And if so, what should you say?

Answer
This is always a tricky dilemna! We all have different standards when it comes to pedigree assignment and each of us care more then the next person about various things. There is nothing worse then searching endlessly for a sire or dam, finding it and sending away for the pedigree, and then discovering that the result was NOT what you had hoped for. No one wants an inferior horse in their stable, yet we are all good friends with one another and no one wants to hurt anyone's feelings.

I think you have to weigh the issue in your mind: What means more to you? Getting a perfect pedigree or risking offending the other breeder? How much are you interested in this particular model's bloodlines? Can you live with an inferior pedigree, or is it very important to you to find just what you are looking for?

If you are not satisfied with the pedigree and really do want to look elsewhere for a parent, I advise writing the other breeder and letting them know so that they can open up that mare's year. After all, you may not care for their pedigrees, but they have put a lot of work and time into their s/d list and feel as fondly towards their horses as you do yours. If you aren't going to use that year any more, it is only courteous to let the other breeder know. Changing the parent on the sly and not notifying the other breeder is deceptive at best and will probably cause hurt feelings somewhere down the line.

Above all, be tactful when you write the other breeder. No one will benefit from comments like "your horses stink" and the hard feelings will far outweigh the pedigree. I would advise letting them know that you are going to get a new sire or dam with reasons like "I'm looking for a specific bloodline combination" or "I'm looking for a specific color genetic line" or "It's always been my dream to have a foal out of Ibn Cool Stallion." Add a note saying how much you always enjoy looking at the other breeder's s/d list as well as a friendly goodbye to help soothe any hurt feelings. Good luck!

Got a question for Q & A? Send it in to Chris Wallbruch, and your question will be answered in an upcoming issue of Bloodlines.

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