| HERDA Poll Results |
| A few months ago I brought up the subject of the AQHA's decision to introduce compulsary HERDA testing for ALL mares which carried the Poco Bueno line. Those who didn't read that article can find it here. OK so maybe expecting the AQHA to start handing out free HERDA testing kits was a little too ambitious. If you would like to see some feedback from that article you can find it here. From that feedback it's fairly obvious that people are very educated about HERDA and aware of how to avoid breeding HERDA afflicted animals. I then decided to have a poll. I also posted some more feedback on the matter. Now that all the votes are in as they say, it's time to reveal what the populas thinks about the subject. Before we do that though I would like to post a couple of more letters including what I think is a very tangible compromise on the subject. Read them and tell me what you think. Hi Ray, A thought on HERDA. Why is everyone so hyped up about it??!! Its soooooooo frustrating.... The genetics have been around for a long time, and now a group of small minded people have decided to have an issue about it. Having worked at a Equine Veterinary Centre and Breeding Facility and having done genetics at University, I understand and know a fair bit (even if I do say so myself) about resultant breedings. As a responsible breeder I am happy to make the decision to have my own mares tested (albeit at a reduced cost for more mares) and like the idea that a stallions' results are listed but it should not be compulsory!!! People should be educated enough to select those with known status' and breed accordingly. I am outraged at the AQHA's grab for money! The reason I like to know my own mares' and the stallion's status- is so I can make an educated choice and responsibly breed my mare (not for anyone else to tell me, whom I can breed my mare to or not). I like to know that a particular stallion isn't a carrier, to breed to but there are some very GREAT lines that are HERDA carrier lines and many a great horse are actually carriers. IT DOES NOT AFFECT PERFORMANCE!!!! I had my mare tested, at my own cost, at the very same university the AQHA uses but the AQHA will not accept my mares' status as I did not have the kit bought through them and the results came to my vet and myself first!!!! I have also been told by a long term member of the NCHA and AQHA (and supposed respected person in the industry), that all carrier mares should all be made to have a compulsory ovariectomy!!!! That comment is ridiculous and comes from an uneducated and ignorant minded attitude and person! Yes, you have back-yard breeders whom don't check lineage or have a breeding plan, but you have had them for years and years, and this and other afflictions have been around as long time too. It comes down to people being ignorant and biased when there is no need to be- breed correctly and don't cross carriers with carriers and things will be fine!! Know your status but don't bias against carriers- Some of the best performing stallions or mares are Carriers- were before this all became an issue and are now!!! I feel for those very people seeking those great lines of performance, (before HERDA "reared" its head in Australia) and have resultant fillies or colts which are tested as carriers, the industry is punishing those breeders now for seeking excellence in their horses. You follow brilliant lines for a reason- To breed the best possible horse you can! I do wish to remain anonomous but I do also wish my voice to be added to those too angry to not say anything!!!! Thanks for your time The next letter is the one I was referring to when I said someone had suggested what I think is an extremely intelligent compromise that the AQHA should seriously consider. If any AQHA Directors and interested members have been following your 'can of worms' on herda testing, I would like to propose the following rules instead of the latest discriminatory one as published in the AQHA magazine. 1. NO REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER WILL BE ACCEPTED BY THE AQHA FOR ANY HORSE THAT HAS KNOWN HERDA BLOODLINES, UNLESS HERDA RESULTS ARE ON FILE. 2. ALL FOALS WHOSE SIRE AND DAM HAVE KNOWN HERDA BLOODLINES MUST BE TESTED PRIOR TO THEIR REGISTRATION. This would protect all purchasers and also save owners with broodmares that have known herda bloodlines and have no wish to sell them, the added expense. Oh yeah the poll results. Do you think the Australian QHA is right in introducing compulsary HERDA testing to mares with Poco Bueno bloodlines? No 68% Yes 32% |
