Re: RC: RE: FUSSY EATERS

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/16/99 8:10:35 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
truman.prevatt@netsrq.com writes:

<< One of the most under rated traits of a good endurance horse
 (particularly a 100 mile horse) is an insatiable appetite.
 
 I think that is many times over looked. >>

AMEN, Truman!  You just said a mouthful.  You HAVE to have the metabolic 
traits (including a willingness to take on fuel and an efficiency in 
processing it) just as surely as you need the conformation.  It is my opinion 
that there are more horses out there that are metabolically unsuited to this 
sport than there are that are physically unsuited.  Obviously, many such 
traits can only be assessed in horses that are already in training, which is 
why some of us have looked so hard at family lines that produce successful 
horses--metabolic traits are just as hereditary as legs, feet, hips, backs, 
etc.  I haven't looked at family lines much in breeds other than Arabs, but 
it is truly amazing how certain families seem to do well time and time 
again...  Many don't look particularly special, but it is their metabolic 
traits that push them to the forefront, IMO.  And eating well is a good 
indicator of many of the others!

Heidi


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