Starting the young horse.

[Hocus_Focus]

I have a couple of youngsters. This is their two year old year… one filly is an April filly the other was a September filly. Both nice filles. Curious what they should be capable of at this age. They lead well. They are decent with the farrier. Good to crosstie. Perfect to groom including in the field. They just stand and love it.

Anyway, thinking I would like to begin a bit more handling but not wanting to overdo it. Is it too young to teach them to longe…lightly… like five minutes tops? Just to teach voice commands and have them go quietly around. I noticed someone commenting that two year olds have to be shown with a bridle and bit. We haven’t had a bit or bridle on to date. One loads like a trooper the younger one is more stand-off-ish. Both decent to bathe, but the older one is just generally more willing about everything new, and just does it.

Suggestions on what is smart at this age. Not in a huge hurry at all. Not really going anywhere anytime soon. Just want them to be good solid citizens and as well behaved as possible. They go out with older mares and are well socialized.

Thoughts???

PS by the way, Hello everyone. Been ages since I have been in here.

[TKR]

I would never lunge a two year old. I know alot of people do, but it just seems too risky for any positive it might bring considering the torque it puts on young, soft and growing bones, ligaments, tendons, etc. If they are polite, lead, stand, tie, good for farrier, etc. that seems like enough to me. You could always tack them up and maybe take them to a show to see the sights and not stay too long. Let them just enjoy being youngsters and grow! Every time you handle them in a positive way is a learning experience. Just reinforce what they know and it will pay dividends when they are old enough to do more.
PennyG

[Home_Again_Farm]

Hi Reg,

I don’t do anything more that you have to date. I am lucky to have Maya and as long as they are good on the ground, load, crosstie, she actually likes to get a clean slate. I longe as little as possible, as I believe that it is more punishing on young legs than necessary. They certainly can wear a bridle and bit now and then in their stalls. Same thing with other horse “clothes.” My bet is that your kids are very much on the right track. I am also sure that some folks do a lot more than I do. Different strokes…

[Abbie.S]

Hocus, you may be interested in this piece, written by one of the world’s foremost experts on skeletal maturation in horses as well as an expert on the domestic horse species:

http://www.equinestudies.org/ranger_2008/ranger_piece_2008_pdf1.pdf

You can wade through it at your leisure, it discusses skeletal maturation and more specifically the case of U.S racehorses. But, on the last page(s) is a list of things that every horse should be able to do before they turn 4 years old (the point at which most tend to seriously start horses under saddle). It’s a bare-bones list, and a couple of them, like the one mounting a drum, may not make sense because they are exercises that aren’t very commonly taught and part of this professional’s “school” of training. But they are very sound and very much based in good training and the fundamentals of the Spanish High School, and I encourage you to check them out further if you are interested.

I would certainly start introducing your girls to all kinds of tack: blankets, pads, lunge whips, saddles, bridles. Rub stuff on them, toss it over the backs, let them feel what it’s like to carry a bit or a saddle. Show them what the girth is. Do all of this slowly and on the ground, perhaps with someone holding them for you. Do not ask them to perform with things on them, just allow them to see, smell and feel them.

I’d also say that 2 years old is old enough to do some light round penning, but I agree that I would not lunge on a line in the typical fashion. If you have access to a large roundpen, teaching the horse to come to you and how to be sent away quietly and willingly is a very useful skill. The point of round penning isn’t to run the horse, so as long as you aren’t pushing your girls to gogogo, they should be just fine.

[alliekat]

Not sure of your facility or surroundings but we love to take our youngsters on “trail walks”. They will occasionally make the 1 mile walk up our driveway to pick up the kids at the bus stop. They get to see so much and I have never had one not seem like they enjoy it. The biggest benefit I have seen from doing this is once we back them, we are able to do some of their under saddle training out of the ring. We always would laugh when I was starting my first homebred under saddle. She would hack out on the buckle, where the two retired show horses wouldn’t. You would be surprised how many show horses don’t feel comfortable out on trail in the woods! I attribute a lot of that to her getting to go out on these walks when she was little. It is good for their brain and body.
If you don’t have a place to do that right off your property (we are blessed with 50 acres of our own and the neighbor has 3000 acres of trails we have access to) then trailering them someone where close is another great exercise for them. Even a friends farm.
Good luck with your youngsters. It sounds like they have a fantastic foundation and should transition well to what ever you throw their way

[Hocus_Focus]

Thanks everyone. My horses are in a facility which is basically is a co-op. I like it because it is an older barn but has a good arena which we can use for turnout on the really cold and icy days. There are only 8 horses in the whole barn so it’s a great place for them at this age. I also like the fact that I do everything myself and it keeps me in tune with the horses on a daily basis. Plenty of pasture area although it is swampy in places. They seem to have sorted that out well and know where and where not to go. I personally think they are doing quite well at this point but a few of the other citizens at the farm feel they need to go directly into work to calm them down a bit…ha ha… they feel good and can be lively but I love to see them with energy and vigor…that just shows me they are healthy. Let me tell you a funny example. My cousin (distant) keeps a quarter horse mare there as well, and she pastures with mine. Well at the gate in the evening, things can get a touch pushy so rather than start a battle, there is a walking lane up the side of the arena fully fenced so I let them roam through and keep the side arena door shut, so they go at whatever pace they choose up to the door and then stand about. Then I go to the door and let in two at a time (4 total). We put the two in the stalls and then let the other two in and do the same. Works perfect. Well Deb was giving me this lecture on what I should be doing with them and they were just not entirely trustworthy at this point. After giving me this sermon, we arrive at the barn and she proceeds to take her horse out. Her horse then escapes from her runs back up into the arena where a horse being longed is disturbed (one of the other boarders) and she swings by and takes a swing at us with her hind end (just being witchy). Finally we calm the old girl down and get her back in order and I lead out my two individually and put them out in the field and they are perfect angels, never put a foot wrong…ha ha… so needless to say, we had a lot of fun later teasing Deb about that… guess who’s horse needs to go to charm school after all!!!..ha ha Anyway, just a funny little isolated incident that was rather amusing at the time.

Winter turnout is often a bit more animated than summer as the energy levels get a bit heightened by the frosty air. I like what everyone is telling me here. There are things I can be doing which will be helpful later on. I think even walking around the arena in hand and doing halt walk transitions and leading over poles and whatnot is all positive for them at this point. It keeps them a bit more focused on you and your wants. I am not overly concerned because they have had good handling from the very beginning, but I just want to know where the limits should be and what is “too much” and why. These are two very good fillies and I just want the best for them. It is a lot of fun for me to have them.

Maya does a great job with the young horses Mary Lou, and you have some very fine young horses for her to bring along.

[Home_Again_Farm]

Have fun with them, Reg. They are both lovely fillies.

[Hocus_Focus]

Betty can be a bit of a pig and sometimes she has a bit more pooh in her tail than I can handle so we have to wash her tail. Now it’s below zero with no hot water in the barn and here I am with her tail soaking in a bucket of cold water and she is on the crossties and doesn’t flinch while I do about four bucket dippings and try to decrease the dirt. I am constantly amazed at her capacity to just tolerate whatever I do with her. This filly gives me a lot of confidence. The other little diva can be slightly more opinionated and while still sweet in general, we tread a bit more lightly with new things. Luckily she is of the other variety and doesn’t like to get herself dirty…except for those white socks which come mud season will be fun fun fun. So far so good. I am going to take some of the suggestions from here and start introducing new things in the stall and just focus on in hand obedience rather than circles. Thanks everyone. Appreciate your input.

[rosebudranch]

All of the youngsters I’ve started do a lot of desentizing once they hit 2, I put saddles on their backs, or surcingles to get them used to weight on their back as well getting used to have the girth tightened. At the point they are two they are used to bridles from hunter breeding, but I start light lunging at the walk/trot to teach them commands, I prefer having them in a round pen with the lunge line so that I have more control as I have found babies get so distracted if you just let them loose in the round pen and can turn into them just running circles until they understand the body language etc… this also gets a better prep for them to listen to you undersaddle. I also like to take my babies on trail walks and ground drive them. Basics without stressing their little bodies.

[FairWeather]

I pony my young horses as well as do round pen work without the running around. More giving to pressure, stepping over and away from my space. I also introduce clippers, trailering, blanketing, etc.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

I have two rising two year olds…and have brought up other youngsters before. Mine are just starting to learn about cross ties. Both walk on a trailer, stand for the farrier etc. They wear blankets so are used to things being thrown over them. I’ve taken them in the indoor a handful of times to walk around…both walked over poles, flower boxes, and over the rubber liverpool (all first time I tried and it was no biggie at all). This year once the weather is better, they will both wear tack, and do some very very easy work in the round pen–basically just learn to move a bit when the tack is on. They will get ponied off an good horse for some walking trail rides—this is the most important thing I have them do and what we will do the most. If I’m REALLY inspired–maybe get out to show in hand once or twice–although that is probably not likely to happen with the riding horses we have competiting. I may back one or both of them–as in with a light rider, get on and walk around the round pen…but I do not always do that until they are 3 and I’ve never seen a difference either way between the babies I sat on as 2 year olds and those that I didn’t until they were 3. Also if really motivated…we may free jump them a little toward the end of the year…but not over anything stressful.

But basically…most of this year…they are just out in the field being horses.

[joiedevie99]

As a buyer, I’d like a two year old to do all the things that go along with showing on the line - whether or not they’ve actually shown. That means politely lead at the walk and trot, wear a bridle, get a bath, ride on the trailer, stand on cross-ties, pick up all four feet, and spend a short period of time in a stall happily.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;7403244]
I have two rising two year olds…and have brought up other youngsters before. Mine are just starting to learn about cross ties. Both walk on a trailer, stand for the farrier etc. They wear blankets so are used to things being thrown over them. I’ve taken them in the indoor a handful of times to walk around…both walked over poles, flower boxes, and over the rubber liverpool (all first time I tried and it was no biggie at all). This year once the weather is better, they will both wear tack, and do some very very easy work in the round pen–basically just learn to move a bit when the tack is on. They will get ponied off an good horse for some walking trail rides—this is the most important thing I have them do and what we will do the most. If I’m REALLY inspired–maybe get out to show in hand once or twice–although that is probably not likely to happen with the riding horses we have competiting. I may back one or both of them–as in with a light rider, get on and walk around the round pen…but I do not always do that until they are 3 and I’ve never seen a difference either way between the babies I sat on as 2 year olds and those that I didn’t until they were 3. Also if really motivated…we may free jump them a little toward the end of the year…but not over anything stressful.

But basically…most of this year…they are just out in the field being horses.[/QUOTE]

ETA: I should add that if we have time, we may ground drive the two year olds (and I would do this before backing). But generally, I find I don’t have time and we don’t get to this until they are three. Ground driving or long lining is just to instally breaks and steering a bit without a rider on top. It’s also a great way to get them out on the trails other then being lead and ponied. I find the ones that we ground drive more become more confident when t hey are ready to be started undersaddle. Depending on the horse…they may do more of this as a 3 year old than any riding.

[horsechick]

can you teach them to long line? It is slowly becoming a lost art, unfortunately. If you have someone to help you, you can progress to doing your trail walks on the long lines. I think it helps teach them to be brave without you leading them, listen to rein cues, and develop them equally on both sides. It’s amazing how you can see crookedness when you walk behind one!

[Hocus_Focus]

My check list…

Betty (1 yr 9 months) Sophie (1 yr 5 months)
Crosstie Yes Crosstie Yes
Bath Yes Bath Yes (suspicious)
Lead Yes (very well) Lead Yes (very well)
Trailer Yes (load & haul) Trailer Yes (needs work but ok)
Blanket Yes (loves it) Blanket Yes (loves it)
Turnout (well socialized) Turnout (well socialized).
Farrier (very good) Farrier (good)

Betty also stands quietly while I bathe her tail on crossties (even with cold water). Good brain in this one for sure. She is a confidence builder, and always has been from the day she arrived. Sophie is more sensitive and a touch divaesque so I handle a bit more gently and she approves.

ok… so far so good…
I don’t currently own a bridle their size as they are both growing so I expect we are in cob size so next on the list to get.
Check list in tack…surcingle (yes), pad for surcingle (yes), bit (french snaffle…is this ok or should we use rubber for intro), longe line (yes).
Almost ready, can borrow a bit of tack for the in stall intro if needed. Anyway, I think we are on track without being overboard in any specific areas. Appreciate the tips folks.

[Hocus_Focus]

By the sounds of it, we are pretty much on schedule and what we don’t know yet certainly shouldn’t take long to catch up on. Will start the tack intro in stall. They are great with blanketing so should be an easy transition to pads, surcingles, and saddle. Have to get a bridle that will fit them at this stage…probably cob size right now. Bits? Is rubber best? or does it matter. Have a nice soft french snaffle. Since there would be no pressure applied and basically just getting used to feeling it, should not be too much of a problem. Come spring, Sophie needs more trailering practice. Betty is already a pro in that department. Horses well socialized with others. Good to turn out and catch. A bit rowdy on cold wintery days but I don’t mind them being full of life. Prefer it actually. They are healthy without issues to date. All good.

[rosebudranch]

[QUOTE=Hocus Focus;7404923]
By the sounds of it, we are pretty much on schedule and what we don’t know yet certainly shouldn’t take long to catch up on. Will start the tack intro in stall. They are great with blanketing so should be an easy transition to pads, surcingles, and saddle. Have to get a bridle that will fit them at this stage…probably cob size right now. Bits? Is rubber best? or does it matter. Have a nice soft french snaffle. Since there would be no pressure applied and basically just getting used to feeling it, should not be too much of a problem. Come spring, Sophie needs more trailering practice. Betty is already a pro in that department. Horses well socialized with others. Good to turn out and catch. A bit rowdy on cold wintery days but I don’t mind them being full of life. Prefer it actually. They are healthy without issues to date. All good.[/QUOTE]

Depending my guys usually wear a pony bridle at the beginning of their yearling year, then move to a cob bridle as they grow… mine usually stay in a cob but I’ve never had a massive baby at this point that has needed a full size bridle, but my Chaleon filly may need a full bridle. My babies ALWAYS wear rubber D snaffle, I don’t like solid mouth pieces, but some do. Others like happy mouth bits, but as much as babies chew and play with the bit, they get destroyed just as fast, so I go for the cheaper rubber :-), then they stay in that bit until they prove they need something more… the most I’ve ever needed to put a youngster in (as a 5 year old) was a rubber mouth pelham for some schooling at home… but she stayed in the rubber D all other times. Starting simple and teaching them to respond to less in the beginning allows more options when you need a little more to school with later in life… I’ve seen too many horses who just keep getting put in harsh bit after harsh bit until theres nothing left to move them into…

[ElegantExpressionsFa]

All mine are taught to walk/trot in hand early on because I like to show them on the line before backing them.

When I have the time I like to teach mine basic lounging in the 2 1/2 year just until they get the voice commands (w/t/h) figured out (in super short less then 5 minute sessions every few days). After they get that I get them use to two lines and like to longline them everywhere I can. I like to get them use to turning, going beside, around and/or over strange or scary things from the ground so when I am on their backs it is no big deal. I also do it with the longlines on the halter and not the bit. I have the bridle on under the halter so they get use to it being on. I have had great luck with this and it keeps them interested. I have also walked them on trails in hand as mentioned above.