Comes in dead last in a Basset Hound show. Because they are so rare few people have any idea what a Colonial Spanish mustang should look like. Because they are so common too many people think that all horses should look like Quarter Horses.
Larger heads, often ram's head noses, high spines, rafter hips, slab sides, small stature, these are not conformation flaws for Colonial Spanish mustangs. Instead they are part of the package that makes them able to comfortably carry riders over distances and through terrain that most modern riders would think impossible.
In fact, the best time to discuss these conformation "flaws" is at the conclusion of a 50 mile ride. Go ahead and ride your mustang fifty miles and then wait a couple of hours for your friends who ride modern horses to catch up. Give them time to have the vet see if he can repair the damage that has occurred to their super horses from going through the ordeal of being ridden, and then discuss weak hind quarters, lack of visible muscle and the vital importance of a refined head.
Then let your friends know where they can buy a scruffy looking, undignified mustang.
Really enjoyed and appreciated this commentary, Steve. Yep, leave 'em in the dust, then sell 'em a REAL horse, not just a 1/4 of one.
ReplyDeleteMustangs are what horses *should* look like, but humans think that they need to develop perfection when it's already before their eyes.
ReplyDeleteGreat point! :) :)
I am glad have a scruffy looking undignified mustang. I am glad have a horse I can ride.
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