Thursday, July 25, 2013

Beginnings of Change

I was going to wait until after foaling season, but patience was never one of my virtues.  I have been thinking about and discussing changes coming to Winchester Performance and I have begun the process of culling my herd.  So far, I have sorted 14 horses for future sale and I am going through my stallion barn to see who is next.  In the mean time, I have given some thought to the shape I want WP to take in the future.  With that in mind, I contacted ER Imports and told them what I was looking for.

They sent me 4 colts and 1 filly.  That's a lot of colts to the one filly, but fresh blood is fresh blood, boy or girl.

The first new colt (and my favorite) is Chromed Out Six Shooter.  He is agreeable and clear of genetic disorder but that is about all I can tell you about him at this point.  In theory, he should add to the intelligence, conformation, and temperament of my herd.  I am excited to see how he will develop as he grows.


The second colt (and the prettiest imho) has been named Showdown Matt Dillon.  I am sticking with a Western theme with these boys to pay homage to their home here in San Antonio.  Here again, if I am doing this correctly, I am assuming this young man will be built strong towards helping me breed and train the perfect reining horse.


The third colt is (and I love this name ;)) Texas Lies N Alibis.  Alibi shows the most promise to add speed and intelligence back into my lines.  He also has an agreeable temperament and is clear of genetic defects.


And the final colt in the new lineup is Lil Lone Star Jake.  His pedigree hints at strong conformation and temperament, stamina and surefoot.


And finally, the single filly with a bunch of big brothers to hide from, Miss Kitty's Faith.  She too has strong potential to help WP put speed and intelligence back into ER's American Quarter Horses.



I am really excited about how things are starting to shape up.  I haven't done the hard part yet, which is getting everyone ready to list for sale and then the following interviews with potential new owners.  But, this is what I love and continue to do because of that love.
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6 comments:

  1. UnknownJuly 25, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    All very nice looking, I love Tex's mane and tail! I will be watching them closely as they develop as you seem to be after some of the same things I am. I don't know when my horses started to dumb down, but I am trying really hard to get their intelligence back up. It is a great help in Trail classes, which is our newest goal. They seem to love it.

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    1. USMSWinchesterJuly 25, 2013 at 10:29 AM

      I have been watching speed drop in my herd like crazy! Then all of a sudden, overall intelligence was also on the decline. I have no idea how that happened, the only thing I can think of is filial regression (if I spelled that right) and too many common ancestors. The battle for intelligence and speed is on! I am also attacking my COI as it is rapidly approaching the 10% mark in some of my herd. I can't have that without having a plan, so I am hoping we have a solution here. I will post regular updates about them now that I know we have a similar mission!

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  2. UnknownJuly 25, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    All very good looking youngsters! Kick me a message with parents and I'll purchase your customs. Do you want LS too?

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  3. BactrisJuly 25, 2013 at 9:06 PM

    Gorgeous babies to add new blood! I must have had some weird mental blurp, because I just gained three new AQH imports earlier tonight before I read this! Wasn't going to post them up in the Horse Acquisitions area on our farm blog til I was sure of their growth, but now I might have to. I'm all for change and improvement and wish you the best in your plans. You know that if you ever need anything, our farm is just a short ride away. :)

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    1. USMSWinchesterJuly 25, 2013 at 9:40 PM

      Now you know you cant hold out on new QH babies! You can join the crowd over here as we overhaul the ER stock horse population! :) Seriously, this planning is getting easier knowing that I have so many people on board thinking the exact same thing. In fact, I think it was looking over your blog Bactris that made me think it was time for improvements as well! I am terrified that my stock after the changes will be nothing, but I started with nothing, as did ALL of us. I am headed over to your place now to see those wonderful new babies!

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    2. BactrisJuly 25, 2013 at 11:26 PM

      Change is inevitable. The only difference is whether we choose to have an effect on that change and guide it in the direction we desire, or choose to let it flow as it will and hope for the best. I love the challenges that selective change brings forth. It keeps my mind moving and focused.

      I'll definately post up the new babies. All are of the exact same cross, so I'll be watching my pairings, but right now I'm just watching and hoping they develop the way I hope they will.

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