Cody Crow: What He Looks for in Breeding a Versatility Ranch Horse
3m 29s
Cody Crow shares what goes into his approach to breeding performance horses. At the top of his list is modern breeding paired with size, athleticism, and soundness. The horse has to be able to work, stay sound over a long period of time, and have the mind to match. Pretty matters too. As Cody puts it, it costs just as much to feed an ugly horse as it does a pretty one, so you might as well start with one that has eye appeal. Beyond the physical traits, the horse has to be quick and athletic without sacrificing a sound, workable mind. That combination is harder to find than it sounds, and it's what makes breeding for these classes such a long and layered process. Cody also gets honest about the challenges that come with it. Finding an individual that can genuinely excel and be campaigned successfully is just the starting point. There's the financial reality of affording quality breeding, sourcing nice mares, and then hoping the babies land with good owners who will develop them correctly. And even after all of that, the real question is whether those horses go on to be successful. From breeding shed to show pen is a long road with a lot of variables, and Cody gives a candid look at what that process actually involves.