A few questions about youngsters....

[Halfpass]

Hi all just getting a bit twitchy really have never had a youngster and i'm beginning to wonder if i'm doing things correctly. I do seem to be muddling along and she is definatly progressing but things keep being said or happening that I know nothing about then when I ask around I get such conflicting advice its hurting my brain trying to sort it out.
For example I always thought that a youngster mouthing a bit was a good thing but have recentrly been told that I need to try different bits until she stops mouthing

si I'm going to list a few questions that I have in the hope that i'll get some answers that I can apply to my work with Alee, so here goes.

1) Can you use a mouthing bit (the one with the keys) for long reining?
2) She is rising 3 (3 in June) and can lunge (only for very short periods ie twice round) and long rein how often should I be doing this with her?
3) After her 2 weeks away learning the above would it be a good idea to let her chill for a few weeks with no work?
4) She has just had 5 teeth removed

. 2 wolf teeth and 3 from the front. Is this normal at this age.
5) I plan to back her in the winter say about nov / dec does this sound ok?
6) How important is the fit of a saddle if no one is sitting on it?
7) Is it normal to have to feed her so much?!!! She gets 1 round scoop speedi beet 1 round scoop basic nuts and 1 round scoop alfa a oil twice per day!!! Plus 10lb haylage if in.
8) Is it best to back her with someone super light? She lets me lay across her now with no problems and I would love to be the first person to sit on her but I'm worried that i'll be too heavy.

Well I think thats all at the mo, but I'm sure i'll think of others as time goes on just really need to check that I'm doing things correctly.

 

[KatB]

I personally dont like the "keyed" bits as they encourage them to fuss. Something like a lozenged bit maybe a better option, or a nathe, and some mouthing is nice. DO as much long reining out and about as possible, to get her "leading" and not relying on you infornt, will help with hacking out no end!! Personally dislike lunging yound#gsters at all, other than to teach them voice aids.

Backing time sounds fine, are you planning to turn her away? A saddle needs to be comfortable, so not to pinch/move around on her as otherwise she will always associate with uncomfortable feeling. Feeding sounds about right, she will be putting all energy into growing, but how about trying Topspec or another balancer with alfa A to keep it fibre based, but giving her everything to help with growing? May work out cheaper too.....

Hope makes sense?!

 

[airedale]

agree - not the keying bit - it's too fussy
happy mouth plastic bit - sweet iron loose ring - one of those is what I use on the youngsters

you could compensate for your weight by breaking in a synthetic saddle which is light - also with shape changing and the availability of nice synthetic saddles I'd go for a synthetic saddle for a youngster with an adjustable gullet system until she's matured and finished growing

long reining is good and you can do that out and about a bit as well if you have someone that can be at her head with you

 

[SpruceRI]

It's easier to back in the summer when it's hot as they're usually feeling hot and lazy. Doing it in winter time is fine, but I find they're more sparky.

I've never used the keyed bits either. Just an Eggbutt snaffle or nathe straight bar.

Long reining is great as I found they don't nap then as their used to being in front and learning for themselves, not following. To make it more interesting you can get them bending through cones, walking over poles/thru poles laid out on the floor, over plastic bags held down with poles, though need to bear in mind they might do a huge leap so make sure you have plenty of slack in the lunge ropes.

Long reining in a straight line is much less strenous on their legs than lungeing. I used to long rein mine a couple or 3 times a week, or whenever I had time.

It's good to listen to people sometimes but everyone has their own views on how things should be done so sometimes you've just got to do what you think is right and stick to it.
Good luck

 

[AmyMay]

Morning - this is what we do at my yard.

1. We use a normal KK ultra snaffle when introducing a bit - not a mouthing bit.

2. We don't lunge at 3 only long rein every day prior to backing.

3. See how she is when she comes home, but your probably best to just crack on.

4. Never heard of a horse having 5 teeth removed, but there was obviously the need, and all of our have their wolf teeth out as a matter of course.

5. Back her when she comes home in the spring/summer and then when she is working quitely and happily turn her away for the winter.

6. I would not be happy with an ill fitting saddle full stop.

7. She sounds as if she's getting quite a bit of hard feed, but not much haylage. However, if you are wintering her out and not supplimenting grass with adlib haylage, then yes she probably will need that amount of feed. However, unless she's on good grazing, which is unlikely at this time of year, I would be putting haylage in the field as well. You don't say how big she is - but unless she's leaving her haylage, I would argue that 10lbs is no where near enough for her.

8. Don't put two ton tessy on her back - but don't worry unduly about a person's weight. The key is their ability to sit lightly, spring, and be able to bounce!

Hope this all helps.