3 year olds are babies in big horse bodies. Keep your horse sound, let her grow and rest. She can have the whole summer off without forgetting anything. The only thing that will happen is that her body will grow and rest and heal from all the work she’s already done.
I was taught the work rule for horses was 3 yr olds, three days of work per week, 4 year olds, four days of work, 5 yr olds and up, five days of work.
”‹”‹”‹”‹Full training for 9 months already is a whole lot of work for young joints.
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We don’t start anything under saddle until it’s at least 3 - usually later in the 3 year old year. They spend 30-60 days learning go, stop, turn, at all three gaits. If they get backed earlier in the year and their temperaments are good, they might spend a few months going out hacking in the fields at the walk after. Then they go back out until early spring of 4 year old year.
Your gut is right, give the horse time off to grow up. Let him run and play with friends in the field and develop.
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And no jumping until 4 year old teeth in wear.
I agree your girl sounds like she could use a break, and this doesn’t sound like the right program for you. I just purchased a TB who will turn 3 in about 3 weeks. She was trained at the track so is obviously broke, but I’m not going to start riding her with any sort of regularity again until she’s “officially” 3. My plan is to give her an easy summer, W/T/C and some pole work, then give her a break over the winter and we will start in an actual training program next spring going into her 4 year old year.
Horses are ride-able for around 20 years (or more!), why rush it in the beginning and potentially do damage to a growing body? That’s my thought process, at least.
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My experience with the greenies goes back 15+ years, but I did it for money (worked at a barn and that was my job, but didn’t have my own clients) when I was younger (and fitter!), so it’s been a long while! I did some work with my young one, and then enlisted the trainer pretty quickly. I went into ownership of said horse knowing I’d be hiring a trainer to do much of the work due to my rusty skills and schedule. The trainer specializes in colt starting.
Yes those are my thoughts too. I was never in a rush to start her as we don’t have any big goals or timelines really. I’ve seen her training sessions and I will say that I’m pretty impressed with her skill set so far. The trainer has done a wonderful job. On one hand I want her to have a break as I think it will be good for her brain and body, but on the other I’m itching to get on her.
yes! We have no jumping plans! I’m “old” and my jumping days are pretty much over lol! Ok well I won’t say that. Maybe in a few years we’ll try some tiny jumps if my hips can handle it lol!
LOL that sounds like me.
The ‘trainer’ isn’t doing the job for either you or the horse. The whole purpose is so that you can ride your horse. I would never do business this way. Whatever young horse training I have used the intended rider was always included.
A young horse needs breaks.
