Frequently Asked Questions

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[1] WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE A TEXAS LONGHORN?

Several reasons. First, they are highly adaptive cattle who calve easily, have low birth weight calves, are efficient grazers, and are generally "easy keepers". You should have a good fence: Five to 5-1/2 feet high with tight barb wires to ensure your peace of mind (however, any number of Longhorn people have fences less secure than this with no problems reported!). At RUNNING ARROW FARM we only purchase and breed mild-mannered Longhorns. They are also great for cross-breeding to other cattle. "Weekend" and "Hobby" farmers and Longhorns match up well due to the sturdy nature of these impressive cattle. University research reports Longhorns have about 99% (on the average) unassisted calving. Finally, their beef is naturally lean for lower levels of cholesterol and studies have reported that Longhorn beef is lower in fat and cholesterol than pork and chicken.

[2] WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE A GAITED HORSE?

Gaited horses like our Tennessee Walking Horses [TWH], are naturally smooth to ride.  Individuals who are tired of the bouncy, rocking motion of other horses will find the TWH's especially easy to ride since they are considered to be good trail riding, endurance, showing, and pleasure horses, with excellent stamina.  Naturally gaited horses do not have to be trained to execute their gait--training is done to communicate to them when to change gaits and to properly collect in their gait.  The TWH is traditionally a rather calm and manageable mount.

[3] WHAT ABOUT THE COST?

Quality TEXAS REGISTERED LONGHORNS may cost more than the common "commercial" English breeds and other domestic cross-breeds; however, any cattle costs depend on conformation, pedigree, color, and other factors. Longhorns are chosen for their uniqueness, charm, cross-breeding to commercial type cattle, used for roping steers, and pasture showing as well as for great calving ease, horns, and unique coloring. While they have naturally lean beef as beef cattle, they are more often used for specialty livestock production, show, and pasture attractions. They are excellent "lawn mowers", eating vegetation the other breeds might pass up.  There have even been reports that Longhorns will eat cacti if nothing else is available to eat!(however, we don't recommend that--they should have good food just like any other creature to ensure their well-being)  They will also browse shrub and tree vegetation.

 TENNESSEE WALKING HORSES are specialty horses with a varied history that are a worthwhile investment for your pleasure, show, and trail riding equine program. Expect to pay $7,500 and up for higher QUALITY trained mares. Stallions can range from $15,000 and up for breeding age horses of HIGHER QUALITY lineage. Less "famous" pedigreed horses can range from about $2,500 and upward. Expect Stud Fees to be anywhere from $250 to $5,000, depending on pedigree, show performance records, and show success of their get.  Tennessee Walking Horse foals are generally priced from about $1,500 upward or about three times the stud fee, whichever is more.  Again, this depends a lot on their pedigree, color, level of training and more: current "popular" colors often command a premium price.

The bottom line on price is confirmation, handling ability, temperament, and of course pedigree, among other factors. For any quality foal, expect to spend up to $3500 for "professional" training to take the filly or colt through halter, bit, and saddle (board and training can range between about $500 and $1000 a month, depending on the training facility). Most start saddle training between the age of 2 and 3 years.  New foals should be handled daily and bonded with from birth on to ensure easier management later.

[4] I HAVE A MARE I WOULD LIKE TO BREED. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME?

Depends on the pedigree and confirmation of the Stallion. For Tennessee Walking Horses, expect the Stud fee to be anywhere between about $250 and $5,000.  Also, "Pasture Breeding" will cost less than "hand breeding" and Artificial Insemination. There is also a customary "Mare Care" daily charge for caring for the Mare while she is being exposed to the Stallion. Mare Care usually ranges from about $4. to $15. per day, depending on the facility. Any special Vet services required are usually extra charges, such as pregnancy testing, etc.

[5] HOW LONG IS THE ANIMAL'S PREGNANCY?

A horse is usually 11 months, more or less. Cows usually have a 9 month pregnancy, more or less. When they are ready to foal or calve, they will do it, usually out of sight and in a protected spot. Unlike the human species, it is hard to predict from breeding exposure closer than about 2-3 weeks when a birth will happen. Horses usually require more supervision and shelter than cattle at the birth event.

[6] WHAT IS THE "COGGINS TEST" ALL ABOUT FOR HORSES?

The COGGINS TEST (which should be "Negative") is a test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) which can be in an active, chronic, or carrier only state. Also called "Swamp Fever" there is a higher incidence in warm wet regions of the USA. EIV is a blood borne disease transmitted via biting insects like deer and horse flies and mosquitoes. People can also spread the disease from equine to equine through contaminated equipment. A viral disease, it is extremely dibilitating and causes damage to the immune system and other organs. Once infected, the horse is a life-long carrier; and, there is no effective treatment. Federal and State law (depending on the State) will require the horse to either be permanently quarantined or euthanized. All equines should have required yearly and other periodic vaccinations, especially those for EIV and other viruses. Consult your Veterinarian for more information.

[7] WHAT ABOUT FEED AND NUTRITION?

There is a lot of literature on this subject! However, to simplify, all livestock need a balanced nutrition, including good pasture, supplemental hay, free-choice salt and minerals, plenty of clean fresh water, and feed supplements (depending on the season, age, and other factors of the animals). At RUNNING ARROW FARM we feed only quality pasture, and horse quality bermudagrass & alfalfa hay along with natural feeds as needed. We DO NOT use any hormones, growth enhancers, or other artificial chemicals in the feed of our livestock.  We also use the BioRemedies line of cattle and horse minerals which have proven to be superior quality.

[8] WHAT ABOUT HEALTH CARE OF LONGHORNS AND GAITED HORSES?

All Bovines and Equines should have a regular de-worming program regardless of the breed--your Vet can provide specifics for your locale and type of stock. Proper, current vaccinations and regular de-worming are needed to ensure the continuing health of your animals.  Horses require routine hoof care and trimming to prevent problems and to ensure they will have proper alignment for balance. At RUNNING ARROW FARM we use "Natural" hoof trimming to better ensure proper alignment and well-being of our equines.

 [9] ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS TO TRANSPORT CATTLE OUT OF STATE?

Yes. If you are buying or selling cattle for out-of-state movement, they will need a Health Certificate which your (or the seller's) Veterinarian will furnish. Out-of-state shipments require a current negative TB test for cattle in some states--your Vet will have the latest information.  Also, heifers need to be vaccinated against Brucellosis (Bang's) and your Vet will do this and provide written documentation that this has been done along with the usual health certificate. Breeding age cows and bulls should be vaccinated against bovine venereal diseases as well as other disease possibilities for your locale.

[10] I'VE HEARD THAT TEXAS LONGHORN CATTLE ARE "WILD AND WOOLY" CRITTERS--IS THAT TRUE?

NOT ANY MORE! Several hundred years ago the longhorns that were on the "open range" were probably a touch unrully--survival of the fittest and used their horns to ward off wolves, coyotes, and other predators. TODAY, longhorns are bred to bring out their gentle nature; breeders cull out "problem" cattle. They are very curious, playful, intelligent cattle. They seek human, equine, and other bovine companionship. They are easily trained to know their name, eat out of your hand, and to sort, load and unload into trailers for easy management. Some steers are trained in saddle to ride in parades and other events. Once they trust you, you can pet them and scratch their heads.

[11] WHAT ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION?

Cattle are usually A.I.'d using frozen semen which is held in Nitrogen tanks and shipped to and from the A.I. facility as such.  Horses are usually A.I.'s using fresh semen since frozen semen for horses is a tricky and unpredictable process.  Your Veterinary facility that does A.I. will have the details and information about artificial insemination as well as the procedures for scheduling and all.

Expect the cost of using semen to be the same as what natural stud service would be, plus the cost of semen transport, Vet's charges for A.I., pregnancy testing (using ultrasound or palpation), mare boarding fees at the Vet's and any miscellaneous charges.  Vet's charges can probably run between $250 and $500--consult with your Vet for his/her charges.

An average range of Longhorn semen per straw can range anywhere between about $10. and $300. per straw.  Horse semen is generally priced the same as the published Stud fee.