Backing Plan for my 3yo future event horse

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eventer07

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28 June 2010
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Hi Guys,
Please can you all help me with a plan to back my 3yo?
I have bred him myself to event.
I have experience with youngsters (and have owned and ridden my own horses for 20yrs) but have never bred or backed my own before!!

Can you please let me know how you all go about it, maybe with a 14day/month plan?

He has been well handled... shown from 6wks at county level and graded at futurity as a foal. He was first bitted at 2yrs old and has been every now and again from then. He was 3 on 9/5/11 but a big boy already at 16.2hh and CBxTB so thats why I want to get him backed now!
I am going to have some help from my trainer... but am essentially doing it myself and wanted to get a head start from asking this question on H&H!

He hasnt ever had a roller or saddle or anything on yet! Please also give tips on how to de-sensitise him!!

Then.... when does the real education begin? When do you move from backing to breaking?! I dont think I will give him winter off (dont want him to forget everything!)
Am I being too ambitious thinking of maybe taking him hunting (Very lightly and not for long) either in cubbing season or mid way through season?!
He will be coming out in trailer to comps with my competition horse soon (just to get used to environment etc and staying on trailer!)

Thanks in advance - any help and advice greatfully received!

xx
 
Getting used to the saddle would be one of the first steps I would advise. Practise with an old numnah and girth to start, let the youngster play with the girth so he gets used to the jangling noises and practise putting the saddle cloth on and off, if he has worn a rug this shouldn't cause any problems. Once he is confident with the numnah get a cheap saddle and practise putting it on and off, don't bother with girthing immediately, as long as you don't ask him to walk it won't fall off. When it comes time to girth make sure you pad the saddle out really well, use an old pillow if you have too but make sure it is very soft for him. Once he is used to wearing the saddle girthed up you can think about adding on stirrups to get him used to them also.
I use a cub saddle to get youngsters used to wearing a saddle, it works a treat for me.

I would also start long reining him if you are planning on backing soon. It gives a good basic rein training before backing.

As you are backing at three I would advise giving him the winter off, it is a lot to ask of a young horse otherwise. At three they aren't yet fully mature skeletally and too much too soon can cause future problems. Don't rush him, he is only a baby at three.
 
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