Backing young horses.

[witchstick]

Can anyone help me please?

I would be very grateful if someone could tell the advantages and disadvantages of backing a young horse using the traditional method.

Thank you

 

[Rowreach]

Would you define "traditional method" please?

 

[witchstick]

Sorry.

I mean lunging with no tack, then building up the tack. laying over the horse and then getting on properly.

 

[rowy]

thats the way i did my youngster. very slowly and lunged him/ spent time with him for ages before putting tack on and then getting on.

 

[tinkandlily]

I am currently backing my youngster this way and its going very well, we've gone from always on the floor!! to just sitting on, thank god i don't think i could have taken another flying lesson

 

[fatponee]

That's the way I've always backed youngsters. Slowly introducing new things, and when they're happy with that, introducing the next stage. Some stages are easy and some take a few days depending on the horse. If you take the time to do things properly, it will make a happy and calm horse. I would advise not to move on until you are and the horse are 100% with the situation. Nice and easy does it

 

[Kallibear]

'traditional's disadvantages and avantages compared to what? I don't know anyone, or even heard directly of anyone, 'sacking out' and that that rubbish. They're all built up slowly.

I don't lunge though - don't think it's good for young horses. I longline instead.