Am I asking too much of him?

SNORKEY

SNORKEY

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I've recently broken my cob in, he's been a star and we were going solo out on hacks and in the school only after sitting on him about 10 times.
He's nearly 3 1/2yrs old, very well built and is being very sensible.
I'm just worried about asking too much too soon.
I've been riding him 2/3 times a week for about 10 mins a time in the school, walking over poles, circles etc. and the odd trot along the long side of the school. And he's been out for a hack a few times now for no more than 15/20 mins. I got off him after 20 mins today and walked with him as he was getting warm.
Should I carry on like this or cut back a little bit?
 
How long has he been in work for? It sounds like you have been doing nice short sessions with him. Are you planning to turn him away for the winter?
 
I personally would not be going in the school but concentrating on going forward out hacking. However 2/3 times a week is perfect if you are planning on keeping him ticking over.
 
I wouldn't bother turning him away unless it suits you for some reason. No one but we Brits do it. I think your work level is way below what he could happily cope with but I don't school 3 year old myself, just hack.
 
I've only been doing this about 4/5 weeks. I'm not sure about turning him away. I don't know if I see the point in it to be honest, I'm open to views on it though.
Btw its not a proper school, just an area of the field, so he's not working in a deep surface of any kind :)
 
Well the thoughts behind turning away is to allow a young horse to mature after being backed. They come back physically stronger and ready to start proper work. At three and a half there's only so much you can do as the horse isn't physically or mentally ready. You don't want them to become stale or bored. So you turn away in November and get back up in the spring.
 
amymay said:
Well the thoughts behind turning away is to allow a young horse to mature after being backed. They come back physically stronger and ready to start proper work. At three and a half there's only so much you can do as the horse isn't physically or mentally ready. You don't want them to become stale or bored. So you turn away in November and get back up in the spring.
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This. I would turn away, you'll see/feel the benefits come spring :)
 
Umm, il have a think about turning him away. To be honest though I think keeping them going with a little bit if light work is better, or he'l forget everything he's been thought!
 
An absolutely unexpert opinion but: As you're just gently pootling about on him, I can't see the harm in continuing that over the winter. Not as though you're working him hard and it may keep his interest in things.
 
The very light exercise you are doing is hardly taxing, less than 1 hour walking with a few trots in a week, I would also say keep going, if nothing else it will help build up a little stamina and muscle over the winter so he is more able to carry on with his education in the spring when you may also have weight issues to worry about which some exercise can help you keep on top of.
 
They don't forget over the winter - they seem to think about it and come back much better the next spring. We backed our 3 yr old and got her ridden away last autumn and then had her back at the end of November and gave her 3 months out in the field again. She came back into work at the beginning of March and has had a fab time eventing this year at 90cm. She's now back in the field and will stay there over winter before starting again next spring. They are only babies and have the rest of their lives ahead of them being ridden. Give them as much time off being horses as possible while they are young.
 
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