We are fortunate enough to have 10 acres of pretty rocky terrain, that was wonderful to raise our 2 fillies on for 3 years. Mommas weaned them, let’s say, “off and on”. One mare took on the other mares cast off, what can I say, she loves nursing! Long story short, we only halter broke them till they were 3. Started them very gently under saddle, taught them their basic ground manners, loading , bathing, etc. They were both out of reining stallion and cowhorse bred mares. ( One of my mares is the own daughter to “Chics Magic Potion”). I sold them both for a whole lot more money because of how they were started! I think in certain disciplines they start them too young and push them too hard. I was at the Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno a few years ago looking at and trying out the auction horses with a buddy. Every horse I tried needed hock injections, one was only 5! I know it depends on many factors, the trainer, the horse, etc, but just wanted to share our experience.
I got one that wasn’t halter broke until it was 3 and it spent the rest of her life resenting structure. She was a giant pain compared to her peers who were in programs earlier in life.
We regularly have 2 YOs with 60-90 days sold for mid to high five figures.
My almost 15 year old, who was broke at 2, just won multiple circuit championships this weekend and is overall very healthy.
We each have stories about what works best for us and our horses; I try not to judge how others operate.