Well there was an interesting online discussion that was started today. I read it and it got my blogging juices flowing. So here is my take on the old saying "Ya can't ride papers..."

While I have been on both sides of the fence on this matter the saying itself is very accurate; you can't ride papers. LOL 

I was a mare watcher and stud handler for two different breeding facilities when I was younger; one Egyptian Arabian Halter Show horses and one Thoroughbred racing facility. So I have seen the breeder's side and been an active participant. I know there is merit to having records and a registry for a particular breed. When done by responsible breeders it will ensure the purest and most impeccable example of that particular breed. 

However that does not in any way discount the "GRADE" horse. The horse makes the papers worth something; the Papers don't make the horse worth anything if they are mean spirited, unmanageable or of poor conformation. The papers that are associated with a poorly bred animal are worthless. 

I personally have owned two horses that I could have transferred registration paperwork but never did. Since I knew that I was not going to be breeding them. They were great horses but not great enough to be breed worthy. 

The horse to this day that was a true match for me was an auction house horse that had a completely unknown parentage. My current horse has no known parentage. Conformationally both of these horses are amazing and as far as mind goes they are way smarter than me. LOL 

So personally I always go by the horse and not by the papers. If the papers show something amazing that is just gravy! 

I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. If you think I articulated well and gained something please vote for this article. :)