Best prep for a 3 year old that is already going U/S (ottb)

[fair_judy]

@Loverboy

The extent of my riding him (other than when I first got him to evaluate our fit) is what I fondly refer to as “dinking around” in a bareback pad or my super sticky AP saddle with a long rein, moseying up and down the paths in between fields. Basically a long, un-assisted adult pony ride

Keep doing the above. ❤️

[gertie06]

Admittedly, I’m not a trainer nor do I aspire to be one. Still, I have never understood the use of lunging as a training tool. In my opinion, it doesn’t do much of anything (except jeopardize soundness). Use of sidereins actually tends to produce a stiff horse, IMO. Lunging has it’s place to take off the explosive edge, but for me, that’s about it.

Now, groundwork I consider something different and valuable. Getting the horse to move around you respectfully, change directions, give attention, learn voice aids – all valuable. But going roundy roundy roundy mindlessly to “build muscle”? Nope.

I don’t even think I’m talking to the OP anymore (ha!). I think I’m maybe just talking to myself. But I’m on some FB groups where I see people advocating lunging for fitness/muscle development and it rubs me wrong.

[paw]

@gertie06

Admittedly, I’m not a trainer nor do I aspire to be one. Still, I have never understood the use of lunging as a training tool. In my opinion, it doesn’t do much of anything (except jeopardize soundness). Use of sidereins actually tends to produce a stiff horse, IMO. Lunging has it’s place to take off the explosive edge, but for me, that’s about it.

May I submit that you don’t know proper lunging technique? There is a lot you can do with a horse on the line to develop specific muscles without the weight of the rider, even at the walk. It’s certainly not mindless when done correctly.