At what stage is 'backing' completed?

[Fools Motto]

I feel a bit silly asking this question, but I keep saying I'm currently backing my youngster, but if I can now get on and go out for rides (in company) does that mean he's backed and we're on the next stage? I first sat on him on Thursday, then did two mini hacks Fri and Sat, did some ridden walk / halt transitions and steering in the indoor arena for the first time yesterday and took him out for his longest hack today - where he was a complete star and felt very grown up without a care in the world! I feel there is a danger of asking too much when they are like this!?

 

[The Jokers Girl]

If he will accept a rider, respond to aids, I.e leg pressure to move forward or up the paces and rein pressure to steer etc, and will go on a small hack and do a little arena work I would describe him as very green or newly backed. I think it's one of those things that is so subjective as it means different things to different people

 

[Leandy]

Why does it matter? Your horse is at the stage it is at. For what it is worth, now you are safely sitting on said horse, yes I would say it is backed.

 

[ycbm]

For me, he's backed and I would describe him now as "being ridden away", but I think that's old school terminology.

 

[Red-1]

I was going to say, "when he is ridden away," which to me means able to navigate both the arena and a quiet hack under guidance from the rider. On the. arena I would expect the three main gaits.

 

[scruffyponies]

'Backed' is when a rider can get on in confidence without an ambulance crew on standby.

Ridden away is when a newly backed horse will give you the pace of your choosing on command, however unbalanced. For me, hacking in company would not count, as many horses will go out fine until they're asked to do so alone.

 

[CMcC]

Can’t answer your specific questions but thank you for saying ”backed” and not “broken”. Broken makes me cringe.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

For me, he's backed and I would describe him now as "being ridden away", but I think that's old school terminology.

Yup, that's exactly where I'd place him too.
TFF, old terminologist ?