Kiger/Iberian characteristics

[angelsdream]

I was reading on the Iberian group and there was a discussion on Andalusians (iberian horses) and it was funny to me because everything they described about the Iberian horse (Lusitano, Andalusian, etc) totally rang true in the kiger as well. To read other's experience's with Iberian horse's and to know my own experiences with my kigers - really makes me see how special the kiger is. I've never been around an Iberian horse of any kind (lusitano, andalusian, etc) but everything they described about the Andalusians, Luso's they own, it was like they were describing the kiger.

[fantasykiger]

You know I have never ventured over to another breed group/board such as the Iberian group, to see what they discuss. I bet it was interesting and educational.

[angelsdream]

Michelle - I know you are more familiar with the Iberian world. What are some of the traits you see that the Lusitano puts into the kiger? I've not been around any Lusitano's so am curious as to how they are and what qualities they bring to the kiger - see'ing how Im expecting a luso/kiger foal, Id love to learn more about the Lusitano, other than what I've read. I know I see your Gringo and he is a character for sure!! I bet he is always into something - you have also said they are more sensitive to cu'ing. I have heard they have great work ethic as well - they take there jobs very serious and enjoy having one - which is a kiger trait I think as well.

[dunbnwild]

Here's some fun little videos of Luso's that remind me a lot of Kigers--

[Michelle Clarke]

Angel, as always, it depends on what stallion you pick, as some can be very hot and handle differently. Our Hipo foals are "easily insulted" and you have to take your time, be very patient, and reward often when the feet do what you want more than anything.

The stallion you bred to, Saphiro, is known for his kind temperment and he throws that onto his foals. Very trainable and sweet. I just love Gringo, he has a quite nobleness about him that I admire.

I recently wrote a few new articles on the website that you might find interesting in relation to what the Lusitano has brought to the table in our crosses:

www.ranchobayo.com/articles.html

"The Art of Crossbreeding "

"Our Crossbreeding Program (the hows' and whys')"

[angelsdream]

Good articles Michelle. Very interesting points. Kind of brings to mind dogs - around here any dog that is not pure bred is called a Mutt - and most any mutt you get, they seem to be much better dogs all around than a pure bred. There are certain jobs that a pure bred dog would be best at, afterall, they are bred for it (ex: Blue Heelers - are bred for herding) - but for an all around good dog, the mutts are great!

You mentioned the muscling on the kiger's - I had been wondering why so many kiger's tend to have more dropped backs than most. I thought that because there backs were much shorter than other breeds, then it would be somewhat stronger than say a long backed horse but the muscling does make a difference.

[Michelle Clarke]

Its' funny when you talk about how certain breeds are "bred for" certain thing. While this is certainly true, I think of horse breeds and how obssesive the behaviors for these traits are...well, even in dogs too. It seems that those traits take over the whole being of the animal in alot of cases. Many breeds bred for preformance are high strung and tend to be more fractious to train.

Eric has a pointing Lab (which bloodlines are super close to begin with, seeing as this is a newly developed bred chosen from a few dogs that actually point instead of retrieve) and a Bull Terrior (terror!). Both are obssesive and tenacious in their own right - they drive me nuts. My dog is a Pyrenese/anatolian shepard mix and he is the best dog. Never any trouble, listens well, has lots of respect and does his job well.

I'm not knocking purebreds, they have their own place just as "mutts" do....!

I think with Kigers the dropped back develops because they move in the most efficient way to cross country - legs moving up and down, head up and backs lower. Though, some wild horses, including lots of Kigers, have very nice straight backs with an uphill build too!