Bowen's Matriarchs

[Roger]

If any of you have this book, I would like to compare notes on some of these grand mares. La Troienne and Myrtlewood were such plain looking mares according to their pictures.

[majxmom]

I have the book. I also have some Foundation books on Quarter Horses, and I've noticed that pictures from the early 1900's of champion horses from both breeds almost always have horses that look much more rugged looking. When breeding for speed, I think we've refined the breed to a toothpicky thing that runs like the wind but has no bone.

[Roger]

Are there any mares in particular that you would like to look at together?

[20dourmdd]

If you are going to breed tbs, both of his books "Matriachs" and "Dynasties" are a must for the small breeder looking at the older breeding patterns. I start looking at them together and cannot let them down.

[Happy]

I think a 2007 filly by the name of Teaberry Fizz on the Pedigree Query had an interesting breeding.

[Mahubah]

Roger, you could try Interlibrary Loan to try to get these books to read for yourself if your local library is hooked into the program. Ask at your library's information desk. I live in a small town in Florida, and my library has managed to locate some rarities for me through this program. Granted, it's not the same as owning the books so that you can look at them whenever you like, but it sure is helpful in getting access to stuff you can't afford.

[Roger]

Thanks Mahubah, I do have Matriarchs. Santa Claus has been pretty good about getting me books over the years. I thought it would be fun to look at and comment on these grand ladies. Things like what they look like to you, why some offspring seemed to work and others did not (yes it is the why guy again) anyway just opinions for a round table type thread.

[Tiz]

It's interesting to see this thread here today. I just happened upon La Troienne's photo yesterday, and thought wow, who'd a thunk it. She's the definition of Plain Jane.
It's a big part of what makes breeding fun and interesting though, to me. You can only begin to guess what's under the hide.

[Gillies-Fillies]

La Troienne and Myrtlewood were such plain looking mares according to their pictures.

Roger, you're so right. The more I look at photos of the best broodmares, the more I reconsider what to look for when I inspect mares at the sales. The great ones aren't necessarily the most striking--they're often rather plain but solid-looking. I wonder if the great ones are built to carry and nurture their foals efficiently, rather than to look good.