In an on-going search to breed the "best to the best", Bellissima
Farms turns a critical eye to each & every stud & dam selected to
represent our breeding program.
No one "perfect" stud or dam exists, nor can a solitary stud
enhance the assets, or correct the weakness, of every single
dam ---- or vice versa.
Ethical breeders strive to do better w/ each breeding.
They know not every "winner" is able to genetically reproduce equal
or better, therefore, each cross should be evaluated on its' own merit. Not all studs/dams cross well - in addition, what works on one cross may not replicate identically on the next go-'round.
Breeders w/ limited stock do not always have the luxury of culling the herd. Nor do they have the ability to keep more than one stud, due to space, time & labor. In some areas, size DOES matter ;)
As for our Cresteds, we are not a canine exhibition ranch, therefore, our pups are not ribboned. However, many offspring evolve from champion ribboned stock, purchased specifically to enhance our foundation.
Exhibition requires a kind of dedication that only the special few can manage -- it is expensive & time consuming.
Equine exhibition requires months of preparation - of horse, rider & tack. Over the years, Bellissima Farms has visited multiple arenas, in multiple states & stood in awe of remarkable horses & legendary riders.
A good rider can make a bad horse look good ---- a bad rider can make a well trained horse look unbalanced.
An excellent rider on an impeccable mount is a thing of beauty to behold - forever etched in your mind - a pinnacle of excellence rarely attained.
And, sometimes .... sadly ..., after a year of training, any well-exercised athlete can step off the transport vehicle w/ a swollen leg & limp.........
Failure to exhibit is neither good or bad. There are superior animals both in/out of the show arena, just as there are beautiful females both in/out of the Miss America pagent & wonderful voices in/out of show business.
Exhibition is not everybody's cup of tea. Most owners just like to snuggle or pleasure ride -- and that, in itself, is a big enough blue ribbon.
Every foal/litter should be evaluated w/ a critical eye, allowing only the finer sires & dams to remain in the program. Global evaluation per youngster - (minus breeders' ego) looking for: quality conformation, smooth derma, clear eyes, strong topline,hips & legs, clean, deep breathing, but most importantly - tractable temperament.
A beautiful animal w/ a rotten, non-compliant temperament is difficult to exhibit - or enjoy. Good health, strength, willingness to please & easy assimilation into new environments should be tops on the Breeders' Wish List.
At Bellissima Farms, new babies are exposed to a variety of stimuli: noise, odors, climate, travel, other animals - as a heavily experienced youngster tends to be more well-rounded as an adult & is more easily adaptable to change.
BFII breeds the best to the best - and hopes for the best.
In addition, Bellissima Farms has been known to breed our own competition..
BELLISSIMA FARMS --
Breeding & Exhibition Theories
