Refining with Grades

[cattus]

I need an Arab-Forest cross with a body type that will be tough to get in a simple cross. I have two Grade foals that are 4* for my ultimate breed (this is the last step).

If I breed a cross to my Grades, will the next generation be crosses? or will they be either Part Arab or Part Forest?

Would I be better off using the Grades with the base of Arab or Forest to get my desired type, then create the cross?

[Nate]

I believe the arab x forest bred to a grade will result in a mixed arab x forest. Which way is better is up to you. I tend to avoid mixed crossbreeds because their offspring get kind of wonky if the cross fails.

[cattus]

Your info does help. Thanks, Nate!

[Kintara]

I've usually found that a breed x breed to a grade gets me a grade, unless the cross is say part arab x forest horse, then the grade foal should be a mixed arabian. So yes usually it's better to say cross the grade to the purebred, getting you a half arab or half forest, and then that back to your forest or arab for the required cross breed

[cattus]

Thanks, Kintara. I rather suspected what you described. I'm understanding better what I need to do now.

[Lekara]

Thank you - this helped me out out, too. Very well explained!