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Registration and Blazer Horse Traits What is a Blazer Horse? The Blazer horse is a developed breed, founded in the northwestern United States during the 1950's. Just like many other developed breeds, such as the Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Tennessee Walking Horse, American Saddlebred and others, the Blazer Horse is the product of generations of crossbreedings with a goal of preserving and enhancing specific qualities. For the Blazer Horse breed, the traits listed below are those we seek to preserve and enhance. At Iron Spike Ranch, temperament, conformation and hardiness are of utmost importance. 
Registration Criteria Registration under the American Blazer Horse Association requires strict adherence to some stringent criteria in order to maintain the integrity of this hardy, heart-warming breed. Below is a list of the criteria a horse must meet in order to become a registered Blazer Horse. Specifications A gentle and willing disposition in order to facilitate ease of training. A refined head for beauty and intelligence. Big bold eyes set well out on the corners of the head for better vision. Extreme sloping of the shoulders for smoothness and ease of movement. A short back to carry weight well. A well-rounded croup and long hip for driving power while turning and stopping. Extreme length of the underside to promote speed and a longer stride. Thick, flat bones for strength and durability. No less than 13 hh and no more than 15 hh at maturity. Blood lines must trace back to Little Blaze (F-1).
Limitations No horse with glass or clouded eyes may be reigstered nor will horses with Pinto, Albino or Appaloosa coloring. In addition, horses with white markings above the knees (except for a blazed face), may not be registered. A gentle and willing disposition in the hallmark of the Blazer Horse. The ideal Blazer will be from 13.2 hh to 14.2 hh weighing 800 to 1,000 lbs. The horse should be well muscled and well balanced. The Blazer is known for its heartiness and low-maintenance costs. Adhering to the size and heartiness criteria make this possible, resulting in substantial savings in feed and vet bills. Suitability Blazer horses excel at ranch work, sorting, cutting, jumping, speed eventing, endurance events, mountain and trail riding, pleasure riding, pulling and other equine tasks. They can - and will - do just about anything they are trained to do. Little Blaze - The Foundation Stallion Little Blaze was foaled in 1959 and fulfilled all the requirements of the Blazer Horse breed. He was the smartest, strongest, easiest moving and gentlest horse of all those bred in the interest of founding the breed. Little Blaze continued to sire horses until the age of 36 and passed away at just weeks shy of his 40th birthday. Neil Hinck - The Founding Father of the Breed The history of the Blazer Horse would not be complete without credit to Neil Hinck, the founding father of the breed. Hailing from a ranch family, over the years Neil became well-acquainted with many horse breeds. He wanted horses that could meet the demands of daily ranch work, while still being docile enough for any family member to handle. After crossing various breeds for their temperment, conformation, performance, hardiness, level-headedness and sure-footedness, Little Blaze (F-1), was foaled in 1959. All hailing from this impressive stallion, today's Blazer Horses find their roots in a variety of equine breeds - the main ones being the Foundation Quarter Horse and the Morgan Horse. Neil Hinck on Little Blaze |
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