Originally Posted by
dizzy
Not mad but definately taking a chance. Mare size does have more influence on the size of the foal then the stallion, and whilst there are exceptions there are few small mares that don't predominately throw small foals. It's obviously a very good family though so may be worth the risk.
A foal by Shadow Play would be intensely linebred, a practice which can produce very good horses but can also result in a decrease in size, so starting with a very small mare is probably not ideal. There also can be other problems with close line breeding.
Rock and Roll Heaven is intensly line bred- 4x4x3 Abercrombie, 4x4 full brother and sister, which could account for his small stature and his outstanding ability.