Horse Training Success

It's a question that pops up regularly in my inbox. When can I start riding my horse? When can I start sitting on his back? When. When. When? Are we there yet?

The answer (despite what you see every day in the racing industry) is leave babies to be babies. Stay off his back until he is AT LEAST two. Preferably THREE. You can do plenty of groundwork until then. And when he's two, if you just have to start riding, keep it very light (short trails or round pen sessions) and make sure the rider is light as well.

Horses take time to mature. Horses that are 'pushed' to bear weight when young will end up with back and leg problems when older. Chiropracter anyone? Sometimes as early as 4. Yes you read that right. I do assume you want to be able to keep riding your horse well into old age? After all the effort, time and money you pour into him?

This video horrifies me. They are both yearlings. Yes she looks light weight, but these horses SHOULD NOT be being backed at this age. She should be shot. Whoever advised her this is a good idea should be shot.



On a side note, have you ever considered what happens to the horse that you rode too young? I mean, he's lame so he gets sold, right? Who buys unsound horses? Hmmmm? Who exactly? Have a ponder. Then look your yearling in the eye next time you feel like trying to ride him and think about his future. As a steak.

|    
Labels: horse, horse breaking, horse riding, horse training, horseback riding, yearling