It seems a little background information is required.
The reason a few people would like to register cloned horses is to remove a mistake they made. This started with a well known barrel racing horse named “Scamper”. Scamper was a gelding and could not reproduce. Scamper’s clone was an attempt to recoup the loss of revenue that was brought about by snipping off a part of Scamper. It was the only way get his balls back.
To date, there has not been a clone that has equaled the performance of the original. Scamper’s clone failed miserably. Seems that life experience had a great deal more to do with Scamper’s success than pure genetics.
As an AQHA member and a breeder, I am opposed to registering clones. It is a tough decision to make on whether or not to geld a colt. The benefits are improved performance due to a better behaved horse that doesn’t have women on his mind. Stallions will also hold back if vigorous activity cause pain to their package whacking between their legs. It is a trade off decision. You kill future breeding but if the stallion does not perform well, there is not much of a market for him.
The issue with registering clones is simply a way to have your cake and eat it too. All colts will be gelded for training and performance and those that do well will be cloned for breeding. Sounds good but gives an unfair advantage over the not so wealthy folks like myself. I still have to do it the old fashioned way and make a decision on whether to geld or not while the money folks get the best for their bucks. I won’t be able to compete.
