Breaking an older horse/broodmare

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FeatherPower

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Hey everyone

Just wondered how difficult (in comparison to breaking/backing at normal age) is it to break an unbroken older horse ( i.e 8 years+) or a horse that has been used mainly as a broodmare?

Thanks!
 
I guess it depends alot on the horses temperament, if she is pretty easy going then it might work out ok, and there is certainly no harm in trying! Let me know how you get on!
 
My mares a ex-broodmare and is 11, we think shes done a bit of riding & driving but shes v.nervy, gonna try and reback her next year so id be interested in what people say
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Forgot to mention that my friend has a 7 year old gelding who wasn't broken in, and she's trying to break him now, she's managed to sit on his back and he was ok, so I really think that if things are taken one step at a time and you don't push things too fast, you can break in an older horse ok.
 
I broke a 14 year old in and it was an absolute pleasure. She had such a wise calm head on her shoulders it was quite an easy job. Also what makes a difference is that there was no pressure at all to meet any timescales or for her to reach any competition success. Just take your time and introduce everything in a calm manner and also consistancy is important. Try to give them a routine as best you can - i found that made it easier - she got so used to being lunged/long lined and having me sit and lean over her once i got on and rode it was like id been riding her for years. It was one of the most rewarding experiences ever. Shes now a lovely quiet hacking horse who is absolutely bomb proof and loving her trips round the parks. If you want any advice (for what its worth) let me know.
 
My cob mare was a broodmare in Ireland until she was 12, she was broken in (in a fashion!) and i got her 2 weeks later, she was not what i was looking for at all and tbh i felt sorry for her, she was very green but never gave me too much grief!! She was out hunting in less than 6 months! she tries her little heart out
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She has paid me back ten fold and there is not enough money in the world to get me to sell her now.
 
My rescued gipsy cob mare - popped babies all her life we think - was happily and easily backed at the age of 12. Well, it was easy for me because I sent her to a local trainer. She gave the trainer a grey hair or two, but no more than any horse could do. Best not to ask about the bitting...............
 
We fairly regularly get older horses in to back - one a 10 year old who'd had very little handling at all for the first 9 years. She was no problem. Also backed a 9 year old mare who'd been a broodmare all her life - again - no problem.

The approach is the same - perhaps slightly slower progress in the case of one who has had very little previous handling, but otherwise, usually easier than a 3 year old!
 
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