Breaking age????

[brego]

My youngster will be 3 in March I was hoping to back him around August next year, he is a big Warmblood (currently 16.3) I have received advice from so many people some saying to leave him until he is 4 others saying this will be fine, he is very mature, i am a bit confused as this is my first youngster, I would appreciate any advice

 

[imafluffybunny]

I dont think their would be any harm in backing him as long as you dont do too much with him, I think it depends entirely on the horse and the work you expect him to do.
I personally dont like to do too much too soon with young horses as I think you are less likely to get joint or back problems later on, but its really your choice.

 

[Damnation]

Well if you break him then turn him away until he is 4 then start working him lightly? That is what has always been done at the yard I work at and there have been no problems

 

[hedgehog1]

I would break it lightly at 3 then turn it away until he's 4. Personally i wouldnt leave him unbroken longer than 3 if hes going to be a big lad, as they can get pretty strong when they grow!

 

[sachak]

i have always backed mine at 3 (having had an education from the ground as babies... the more boistrous boys and stallions will be bitted... but they are backed and got going lightly at three some will canter some wont - i tend not to canter my warmbloods till they come back ...

i back and get going lightly in the summer of their third year and turned away in october and then brought back in the spring of their fourth year - some will have the winter off again and brought back in Feb of their fifth year (depends on their mental stability!

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

I backed mine at 3 and then did gentle work cos she was very mature and very bored with being in the field. But we didnt really do any canter and certainly no jumping until she was 4 1/2.

Warmbloods tend to be later maturing than my girl so you might want to literally back and then turn away until 4. They can carry on growing until 6 or 7 so still a lot of maturing to do....