jaquelin
Well-Known Member
I know the young horse is often backed and "turned away" ( somewhat definition-free phrase, methinks), but what about working a 4YO post backing for a period of time and then turning away? I have just got an RID, who I suspect may/should end up much bigger than he is at present. I am not experienced in this, having usually bought older horses.
I was thinking of working him gently for a period now, through Spring-Summer perhaps, lots of groundwork, polework, and a bit of exposure to shows, ridden hunter classes, walk & trot dressage, and then maybe giving him autumn-winter off, to chill out and grow more.
Does this sound suitable? Would it be sensible to shorten the working season? How will he respond when he is brought back in as a 5YO? If anyone who has done this and can give me any advice & guidance it would be much appreciated.
I was thinking of working him gently for a period now, through Spring-Summer perhaps, lots of groundwork, polework, and a bit of exposure to shows, ridden hunter classes, walk & trot dressage, and then maybe giving him autumn-winter off, to chill out and grow more.
Does this sound suitable? Would it be sensible to shorten the working season? How will he respond when he is brought back in as a 5YO? If anyone who has done this and can give me any advice & guidance it would be much appreciated.