RoughcutDiamond
Well-Known Member
Back in August I asked why some people seem so negative if backing is not started at 3/4 etc as my YO/friend had a 5yo homebred mare who, although had done basics, had not yet had a rider properly on board due to circumstances and life in general getting in the way.
Well, young mare came home today after 6 weeks at a professional yard to a chorus of neighing from her stable mates the moment she stepped off the lorry (ahhhhh!). She has been taken very steadily and kindly and, as a friend of YO is head lad at pro yard and had a lot to do with the process, YO (and I) have been lucky enough to observe many of her sessions (lots learnt!). Horse didn't have a rider on her back for 3 weeks, allowing time for muscle and fitness to improve, and has not put a hoof wrong in the entire process.
Unfortunately, head lad suffered a broken leg beginning of week 5 and so YO was invited up to continue training with help of the yard owner. She was a little nervous at getting on so soon, but blimey, what a partnership is already developing. Walk and trot are nicely established, canter improving on the lunge. The plan is to continue this over the winter with some hacking out and return visits to training yard too.
Interestingly, the pros agreed with YO that horse is still rather immature and probably wouldn't have benefitted from backing at the "conventional" time - funny how things work out!
And I've been so impressed with their approach I have already enrolled my lovely lad and I for some lessons - very exciting prospect!
Well, young mare came home today after 6 weeks at a professional yard to a chorus of neighing from her stable mates the moment she stepped off the lorry (ahhhhh!). She has been taken very steadily and kindly and, as a friend of YO is head lad at pro yard and had a lot to do with the process, YO (and I) have been lucky enough to observe many of her sessions (lots learnt!). Horse didn't have a rider on her back for 3 weeks, allowing time for muscle and fitness to improve, and has not put a hoof wrong in the entire process.
Unfortunately, head lad suffered a broken leg beginning of week 5 and so YO was invited up to continue training with help of the yard owner. She was a little nervous at getting on so soon, but blimey, what a partnership is already developing. Walk and trot are nicely established, canter improving on the lunge. The plan is to continue this over the winter with some hacking out and return visits to training yard too.
Interestingly, the pros agreed with YO that horse is still rather immature and probably wouldn't have benefitted from backing at the "conventional" time - funny how things work out!
And I've been so impressed with their approach I have already enrolled my lovely lad and I for some lessons - very exciting prospect!
