After breaking: what would you do...

[Rudey]

My coloured Rox is 4 years old on 2nd April. This winter I have been concentrating on tack breaking him, and long reining in preparation for sending him away to be broken. As long as he is physically mature and mentally ready, he is going to be broken sometime late April for 8 weeks.

My friend asked what I was going to do with him when he comes back home broken in - will I continue riding him, or, turn him away for a short while. My response was based upon what advice the lady breaking him gives me, in her experience what she thinks is best for him depending on how he takes to breaking and what he needs after that.

I was just curious and interested in others experiences/thoughts please? What did/would you do? xx

 

[ridefast]

I do mine myself and tend to continue doing mostly groundwork, with one or 2 days a week riding depending on how much the horse copes with physically and mentally, and for the first 6 months - year just concentrate on relaxed hacking with no pressure, perhaps a fun ride if horse is going well. I think less is more as youngsters, it's a lot of mental work for them aswell as physical. Some can cope with loads whereas others have a meltdown if too much is asked of them

 

[Bikerchickone]

Hi,

I've had both of mine from yearlings and I think you're right to see how he gets on and listen to the advice of the person backing him. My cob gelding I backed myself and it all went so well, he really enjoyed the work etc so I didn't turn him away, but he wasn't backed until rising 5 so that may have made a difference. He didn't seem to need any time off to think about it all.

My IDxWB filly who is rising 5 at the moment got incredibly bored at 2 and a half and so at 3 and half I sent her off for backing. She was getting really awkward in hand and being 15.2 at that point it wasn't much fun! She had about 8 weeks with the chap who backed her (I'm older and more easily broken myself now so thinking she'd be a handful I sent her away) and did so amazingly well I was really impressed. She went beautifully, would hack out alone or in company with minimal looking around etc, walk trot and canter in the school by the time she left, got her home and continued for a few weeks but then she seemed to not be enjoying it anymore and kind of come to a halt with the learning so we turned her away for the winter to think about it. April 2010 she was started again and has been going superbly ever since so the break was the right thing for her. I think listen to your horse and he'll let you know what he wants to do and when. Sorry long response but thought I should explain my reasoning.

Good luck with it and I hope everything goes well for you both.

 

[Rudey]

I do mine myself and tend to continue doing mostly groundwork, with one or 2 days a week riding depending on how much the horse copes with physically and mentally, and for the first 6 months - year just concentrate on relaxed hacking with no pressure, perhaps a fun ride if horse is going well. I think less is more as youngsters, it's a lot of mental work for them aswell as physical. Some can cope with loads whereas others have a meltdown if too much is asked of them

Thanks for the informative response. That is my way of thinking for my little man all being well. I am in no rush with him, have no intention to sell, he is a horse for life, so I want to make sure he has a decent start.

 

[Rudey]

Hi,

I've had both of mine from yearlings and I think you're right to see how he gets on and listen to the advice of the person backing him. My cob gelding I backed myself and it all went so well, he really enjoyed the work etc so I didn't turn him away, but he wasn't backed until rising 5 so that may have made a difference. He didn't seem to need any time off to think about it all.

My IDxWB filly who is rising 5 at the moment got incredibly bored at 2 and a half and so at 3 and half I sent her off for backing. She was getting really awkward in hand and being 15.2 at that point it wasn't much fun! She had about 8 weeks with the chap who backed her (I'm older and more easily broken myself now so thinking she'd be a handful I sent her away) and did so amazingly well I was really impressed. She went beautifully, would hack out alone or in company with minimal looking around etc, walk trot and canter in the school by the time she left, got her home and continued for a few weeks but then she seemed to not be enjoying it anymore and kind of come to a halt with the learning so we turned her away for the winter to think about it. April 2010 she was started again and has been going superbly ever since so the break was the right thing for her. I think listen to your horse and he'll let you know what he wants to do and when. Sorry long response but thought I should explain my reasoning.

Good luck with it and I hope everything goes well for you both.

Ah thank you very much for your response. Interesting to read the same person doing things differently to suit the horse in question. Do you think it was your horses temperament that dictated what was the best course of action? Or do you think their breed or sex had some influence? Or a combination?

I think the key is to listen to him like you say - I wouldn't want to turn him sour with over facing him. I have known plenty of 3 year olds broken in the summer, turned away for the winter, and brought back into work as 4 year olds and go on to make nice horses. I have also seen a few horses which have been pushed too hard too soon, and have made them so sour with work, they are not willing, stubborn, and sometimes just plain naughty. Something I would like to steer clear of with my little chump!

 

[Bikerchickone]

With both of mine being so totally different in breed, sex etc it's really hard to know what factors made the differences in them. My cob is almost 13 now and is the most well mannered, easy and polite horse in all ways, the only thing he isn't is the plod that I stupidly assumed he would be when I bought him! I was expecting my filly (yep you guessed it, chestnut!) to be a real handful because of her 'finer' and by that I mean more sports horse type breeding, and to me this meant I expected her to be really forward. Well, she isn't at all, ever! In fact she needs encouragement to get going, which is great for me because I like to feel I initiate all forward motion lol!

I'd say of the two she is more 'intelligent' because she likes to think about things and has to be asked rather than told. He is completely happy all the time he's being told what to do, which is why not turning away made sense, he didn't need processing time, he just said 'ok if that's what you want I'll give it a go' and he still does.

Both of them are so different in themselves that it made complete sense to me that they would like different approaches, I'm just really hoping now that my filly turns out to be as mch of a lady as he is a gentleman

Bottom line, for me, I guess is that if you take time doing groundwork, get to know your horse and never push too far too fast your horse will be comfortable letting you know (in a nice way) when he's had enough. I'm definitely no expert but I'd like to think I can 'listen' to what I'm being told and retreat when sensible.

Judging by the fact that you're asking the questions I think you and your horse will be fine oh and would love to see pics

 

[zaminda]

I backed both of mine, and one had a break after getting going, and the other didn't. Its really a play it by ear thing!

 

[Marchtime]

My youngster will hopefully be lightly backed later this year. My plan is to hack him out twice a week once backed and hopefully do one session of long reining a week as well. This will continue over summer until the evenings draw in when I plan to turn him away for the winter. Then next spring we'll hopefully start with hacking and move on to light school work in summer, and hopefully a few coloured poles in autumn. But like you, I will play it by ear and see how it all goes. He is only 3.5yrs (a September foal) which is also why I'd like to turn him away for winter.

 

[diamondrockharvey]

When my youngster was started last year my trainer advised me to ride him every day for 2 weeks for 30-45 minutes out on a hack when he got home so that I could get a good feel for him and then to turn him away for a few months.

He has had the whole winter off to mature and is going back for more training this summer - can't wait!

 

[Ladylina83]

My aim with mine is to start him myself at 3 and a bit, then give him the winter off and start again maybe head off to have him done at he stud where he came from as I trust them - they were fab with my Mare and will only want the best for one of their own

 

[Rudey]

With both of mine being so totally different in breed, sex etc it's really hard to know what factors made the differences in them. My cob is almost 13 now and is the most well mannered, easy and polite horse in all ways, the only thing he isn't is the plod that I stupidly assumed he would be when I bought him! I was expecting my filly (yep you guessed it, chestnut!) to be a real handful because of her 'finer' and by that I mean more sports horse type breeding, and to me this meant I expected her to be really forward. Well, she isn't at all, ever! In fact she needs encouragement to get going, which is great for me because I like to feel I initiate all forward motion lol!

I'd say of the two she is more 'intelligent' because she likes to think about things and has to be asked rather than told. He is completely happy all the time he's being told what to do, which is why not turning away made sense, he didn't need processing time, he just said 'ok if that's what you want I'll give it a go' and he still does.

Both of them are so different in themselves that it made complete sense to me that they would like different approaches, I'm just really hoping now that my filly turns out to be as mch of a lady as he is a gentleman

Bottom line, for me, I guess is that if you take time doing groundwork, get to know your horse and never push too far too fast your horse will be comfortable letting you know (in a nice way) when he's had enough. I'm definitely no expert but I'd like to think I can 'listen' to what I'm being told and retreat when sensible.

Judging by the fact that you're asking the questions I think you and your horse will be fine oh and would love to see pics

Ah thank you!

I guess horses are their own 'person'. I know sexes and breeds have their traits, but everything will boil down to their own personality and handling.

Funny you should say about getting to know your horse - I read a Richard Maxwell book, I think it was called From Birth to Backing. Anyway, he said the same thing about the groundwork as you, and I totally agree! In long reining Rox, I can already see what he enjoys, what he isn't so keen of, preferred rein, and I can already see his way of going. Hopefully I will get a good feel of him and know what is the best way forward for the little chump!

Photo's.... I have a fair few, so prepare yourself, and here you go....

As a foal....

As a yearling....

As a 2 year old...

As a 3 year old....

More recently, rising 4 years old...

 

[Rudey]

I backed both of mine, and one had a break after getting going, and the other didn't. Its really a play it by ear thing!

Thanks for your input. It is nice to read that you treat your horses as individuals and do what is best for that particular horse. That is my mind too with Rox - you just don't know for definite until you get to that point.... either way eh! xx

 

[Rudey]

My youngster will hopefully be lightly backed later this year. My plan is to hack him out twice a week once backed and hopefully do one session of long reining a week as well. This will continue over summer until the evenings draw in when I plan to turn him away for the winter. Then next spring we'll hopefully start with hacking and move on to light school work in summer, and hopefully a few coloured poles in autumn. But like you, I will play it by ear and see how it all goes. He is only 3.5yrs (a September foal) which is also why I'd like to turn him away for winter.

My goodness, he was late! That sounds like a good plan for your young man!

Ah, thanks for your response. I cannot help but wonder if turning Rox away for the winter next year would do him good. There are some horses I know to be broken and continued to be ridden without turning away, which seem fine. But admittedly, I like the thought of giving him a holiday, letting the work sink in, giving him a chance to relax and grow within himself. xx

 

[Rudey]

When my youngster was started last year my trainer advised me to ride him every day for 2 weeks for 30-45 minutes out on a hack when he got home so that I could get a good feel for him and then to turn him away for a few months.

He has had the whole winter off to mature and is going back for more training this summer - can't wait!

Thank you for sharing your experience! Out of interest, did your trainer explain why s/he advised that? Was it their usual practice, or was it down to your horse as an individual, if you get what I mean!? Good luck and have fun bringing him back into ridden work! Have you any plans for this year? xx

 

[Rudey]

My aim with mine is to start him myself at 3 and a bit, then give him the winter off and start again maybe head off to have him done at he stud where he came from as I trust them - they were fab with my Mare and will only want the best for one of their own

Thank you for your response. It's lovely to hear that you can take him back to his breeders, having such a good relationship and trust with them. I think trust is everything - especially when you are handing over your pride and joy to someone to educate for you!

I trust the person I am sending Rox to implicitally. Initally I had plans to break him in myself, but in July 2009 I had a really severe ankle break, and didn't walk for almost a year. With having an ankle full of metal, limited flexation, and weak bones - I decided the best thing for Rox was to get broken in by a professional as I worry that if I did it, and was overly conscious/nervous/cautious about risking my ankle, it would go through him, and cause problems. I want the best start for him, so that can be with someone who can ensure that his backing and breaking goes as smoothly as possible. xx

 

[ridefast]

Your pony is gorgeous! looks like a horsey version of my little boy - he's welsh x cob but similar markings, lots more hair!
In my experience I do find geldings want to work younger than mares, they seem to be more into things and curious whereas mares seem to keep to themselves a bit more. My mare is 5 and doesn't mind if she goes out every day or once a month, whereas my gelding who is rising 3 is desperate to do things every day (which I can't cos of dark winter days) But he's the sort that once he starts work he never wants to stop.
That is just my own personal experience though

 

[Bikerchickone]

He's gorgeous Rudey! You must be so proud. I love watching them grow up and become (hopefully with my help) something wonderful, and by that I don't necessarily mean an amazing competition horse, I just aim for them to be a nice 'person' who is a pleasure to handle, ride and generally be around. So far my two have wildly exceeded all my expectations as I'm sure Rox will too.

You'll have to keep posting about how he gets on!

 

[Rudey]

Your pony is gorgeous! looks like a horsey version of my little boy - he's welsh x cob but similar markings, lots more hair!
In my experience I do find geldings want to work younger than mares, they seem to be more into things and curious whereas mares seem to keep to themselves a bit more. My mare is 5 and doesn't mind if she goes out every day or once a month, whereas my gelding who is rising 3 is desperate to do things every day (which I can't cos of dark winter days) But he's the sort that once he starts work he never wants to stop.
That is just my own personal experience though

Thank you very much, the little chump is the apple of my eye. He has masses of character, and causes me grief on a daily basis getting into mischief, he is fearless at times!

Thank you for sharing your opinion. Ironically, your opinion coincides with Rox's attitude to work. Over the last couple of years he has been very keen to be active and learning. He likes to be 'doing'. I have at times tried to give him some time off - if short intervals he is not too bad, but when it has been quite a long period (for example: slightly less than a couple of months) boredom sets in, and he misbehaves! He thrives off new experiences.

I have it in mind, if he does need turning away after being broken, I will still engage in groundwork if his mind requires to be occupied. xx

 

[lochpearl]

Laura stop doubting yourself, just see now Rox goes and take it from there. you know what you are doing and you and Rox will be stars xxxx

 

[Queenbee]

My coloured Rox is 4 years old on 2nd April. This winter I have been concentrating on tack breaking him, and long reining in preparation for sending him away to be broken. As long as he is physically mature and mentally ready, he is going to be broken sometime late April for 8 weeks.

My friend asked what I was going to do with him when he comes back home broken in - will I continue riding him, or, turn him away for a short while. My response was based upon what advice the lady breaking him gives me, in her experience what she thinks is best for him depending on how he takes to breaking and what he needs after that.

I was just curious and interested in others experiences/thoughts please? What did/would you do? xx

I planned to break ben as a 4 year old but given his temperament and size, I will be backing and breaking him in june as a 3 year old, he will have 3-4 weeks intensive riding, then go back to 3 odd days a week hacking until he is rising 4, perhaps more in the summer, less in the winter, as he enters spring he will begin schooling ready for a couple of shows as a 4 year old, he will start competitions that involve jumping at 5

 

[Rudey]

He's gorgeous Rudey! You must be so proud. I love watching them grow up and become (hopefully with my help) something wonderful, and by that I don't necessarily mean an amazing competition horse, I just aim for them to be a nice 'person' who is a pleasure to handle, ride and generally be around. So far my two have wildly exceeded all my expectations as I'm sure Rox will too.

You'll have to keep posting about how he gets on!

Thank you muchly! Yes, very proud of him indeed. He has by far surpassed my expectations of him already. I had no really intention of doing anything with him much until he turned 4 - and before I knew it, I was taking him to local shows for 'experience and education', and somehow managed to turn his hoof to do some County showing!

I bought him as a 9.5 month old unhandled colt. Although I have absolutely adored my journey with him, and loved watching him grow, it has been extremely hard work, and I have no intentions of doing it all over again any time soon hahahaa! I love looking back at photo's of him, it is truly amazing the difference in him as he has grown. xx

 

[Rudey]

Laura stop doubting yourself, just see now Rox goes and take it from there. you know what you are doing and you and Rox will be stars xxxx

You make me blush! Thank you, I really appreciate that. I put so much pressure on myself in hoping I do him justice - I need to breathe once in a while eh and take it as it comes! xx

 

[Rudey]

I planned to break ben as a 4 year old but given his temperament and size, I will be backing and breaking him in june as a 3 year old, he will have 3-4 weeks intensive riding, then go back to 3 odd days a week hacking until he is rising 4, perhaps more in the summer, less in the winter, as he enters spring he will begin schooling ready for a couple of shows as a 4 year old, he will start competitions that involve jumping at 5

Isn't it funny how you initially think things will be, doesn't go the way planned! When I bought Rox I had decided that he would be backed and lightly broken in walk and trot as a 3.5 year old late summer, turned away for winter. When he was approaching 3 years old, it was evident it wouldn't be the way I had planned it, his body was really immature and not physically ready. It sounds like you have a nice plan for Ben, good luck! xx