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Dec 13, 2008
Is Your Horse Too Young to Ride?
I often hear debates about whether a horse is too young to ride. When is riding appropriate, and when is it harmful? I was taught that horses shouldn't be ridden unless they are at least three years of age, and four is even more preferable.
Yet all around us, horse trainers are starting horses as young as one or two. This is particularly common in the horse racing industry, where yearlings are scheduled to compete. I have always considered this to be animal abuse--plain and simple--but there are thousands of horse trainers who disagree with me.
So when do you find it appropriate to ride and train a horse? And when is it just too young?
Comments
Feb 12, 2009 4:03 PM
Guest :
I agree that horses shouldn't really be started until they are atleast 3.
However, I believe when done correctly, putting a little weight on a 2 yo
is OK. I will be starting my current as 2 1/2 yo, just walking and trail
rides to build more muscle on him and teach him to yield, as I am under
100Ibs. and use a synthetic saddle, and think that is preferable to lunging
such a young horse. He will be turned out 24/7 to further build muscle,
strength and coordination (I think being cooped up in a stall all the time
is very detrimental to any horse, but especially the young horse), and
won't be ridden again until after he is about 3 1/2 to begin his transition
work. I may begin jumping him as a long 4 yo, very lightly. He will be
started bitless, and at about 4, begin to be ridden with a bit. He is
destined for the show-jumpers and hunters, and using this strategy, all of
my horses I have started have lived long, successful lives/show careers.
Many of my horses are still working lightly into their 30s!
I think
competing these young horses strenuously is sick, and that the futurities
and 2 yo racing needs to end. I'm not even going to start with the crap
those TWH have to go through!
Mar 10, 2009 3:01 AM
Guest :
I'm firmly one of those who believe horses should be left to fully mature
(mentally and skeletally) before being put into weight bearing work.
Unless one is aiming for only a short term gain and doesn't care how long
the horse will remain sound. IMO a horse should be left until 4 to break
in to saddle or harness and will then most likely stay sound until well
into it's twenties. More here:
http://horseproblems.horsetrainingsuccess.com/2008/11/start-your-horse-youn
g-to-make-sure-its.html
2 Comments
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