Best age to back a horse?

[x0grace0x]

I'm just wondering what age people think its best to back a horse, only light work obviously as I have a youngster who i've always said i'd leave it till she was 3 to back, turn away over winter and bring her on slowly after her 4th birthday, but ive been told by alot of people at the same yard as me that she looks ready and seems mature enough to start now, and in a way needs something to do? Im in no rush, but just want to see what other people think.
Thanks

 

[Meowy Catkin]

With mine, I have done simple ground work/in-hand work and walked her down the lanes as a yearling and a two year old. She is learning to lunge at three (very short sessions) and I still take her out for walks. She will be backed at four years old.

 

[Firewell]

4 maybe 3.5 and then turn away but certainly not before then. That's my view, I don't see why the rush .

 

[pixiebee]

how old is she now? I find alot of people do rush very young horses that just arent mentally ready. I think partially its breed dependant. i.e a sec A could be fine at 3 whereas a warmblood type may be mentally too young. Each horse is different but I think the rule of thumb is back at 3 then bring in at 4. My project pony is rising 6 and just being backed now but he was very nervous so just not ready before.

 

[Ibblebibble]

how old is she now? I find alot of people do rush very young horses that just arent mentally ready. I think partially its breed dependant. i.e a sec A could be fine at 3 whereas a warmblood type may be mentally too young. Each horse is different but I think the rule of thumb is back at 3 then bring in at 4. My project pony is rising 6 and just being backed now but he was very nervous so just not ready before.

agree with this,

 

[Stacey6897]

Walking out in hand from age of two onwards, earlier if possible, my last baby was a bigun so although I sat on him at 4, I didn't ride him much til he was 5, he didn't stop getting bigger until he was 7

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

We started at three years ten months, but in retrospect we could have done it the summer before - I just wasn't reading the signs from her that she was bored and wanted to do things!