Backing a pony

Richard Maxwell from birth to backing is a fairly good book, however I would recommend having some profesional help if you have never done it yourself. Much better to start them correctly than try to fix an issue after the event.

Good luck anyway.
 
Hi

i have just bought a 3 year old who i plan to back myself. i have had a look on amazon and searched for things like 'backing a horse' and 'young horse' and there seem to be quite a few with really good reviews so you can try that. As yet i have not bought any, i am still getting him used to leading in hand and picking his feet up etc as he has been a buit neglected. i will look forward to seeing what everyone else suggests.
 
The Richard Maxwell book is great but you do need someone experienced on hand to advise / help / do it for or with you.

I backed my youngster last year with help and am rebacking her this year, after turning her away, with more help. I really want to make sure it all goes well for her. I was the rider last year but this year the more experienced person is riding and I'm the on the ground person at the moment.
 
Yes, when we backed our first one we did it with help and literally 'by the book' of the R.Maxwell book. It is a very good book. A number of horses down the line, I do it myself now and they have all turned out good so I must be doing something right!

But whilst you are finding your feet wqith the babies, it is invaluable to have an experienced person guiding you in the right direction.
 
lizziebell said:
Had my shetland walking around with a saddle, bridle and jockey within 15minutes !! :)

(Not suggesting thats the way to go about it though).
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I think thats what my dad expects to happen! He is little - 11.2hh, so I personally will not be riding him, that will be down to a very light friend who has done things like this before. I will be doing more the ground work.

Also, depending on his temperament (as that is going to play a big part) would like to keep him bitless as he will be a lead rein pony, and I don't currently(Views may change with experiance) see the need for a bit.

I have considered sending him away for a few weeks to be backed.......but I am told that is costly - near £600, sometimes 1k. Is that right?
 
WishfulThinker said:
I think thats what my dad expects to happen! He is little - 11.2hh, so I personally will not be riding him, that will be down to a very light friend who has done things like this before. I will be doing more the ground work.

Also, depending on his temperament (as that is going to play a big part) would like to keep him bitless as he will be a lead rein pony, and I don't currently(Views may change with experiance) see the need for a bit.

I have considered sending him away for a few weeks to be backed.......but I am told that is costly - near £600, sometimes 1k. Is that right?
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Yes, it is expensive. BUT there is a certain 'danger money' with backing and breaking horses commercially as you never know what is going to turn up! That said, there is also an aspect of yes, it will cost £600 but what is the cost of your childs safety if you put in on a horse that has not been backed correctly. It is something to think about - I'm not saying you wont do it correctly at all, I'm sure you'd do a fine job, but it does take slow progress, repetition and alot of patience which, if you dont have for one reason or another (time constraints etc), could affect the end result. Some horses (like the little sheltand mentioned!) will go really quickly and others - for no apparent reason! - will take alot more time. Just depends on the individual.

My advise would be to not DIY for financial reasons. There is alot of pleasure to be had by doing your own and you will hopefully get this as long as you can give it 100% and have someone experienced to help.
 
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