sashasmith1001
Member
I have a ten yr old broodmare who due to illness is now not breedable, anyone tried to break a horse at this age. She is well handled and did lots of parelli as a young horse........
breaking in a broodmare
- Thread starter sashasmith1001
- Start date
Toast
Well-Known Member
If she's ill why would you be considering putting her into ridden work?
And as far as parelli goes, i'd be careful, it doesn't get a very good reception on here.
And as far as parelli goes, i'd be careful, it doesn't get a very good reception on here.
AmyMay
Situation normal
If the mare is now hale and hearty, I'd find yourself a good instructor who can help you with the process. (Staying well away from the Parelli types.....)
Littlelegs
Well-Known Member
Yes, its the same basic process as a younger horse but with some advantages & disadvantages because of the age. If you aren't sure, get experienced help. And if she was only young when she did lots of parelli, I shouldn't worry too much she's hopefully forgot most of it now so you can have a fresh start.
cornbrodolly
Well-Known Member
Have to advise against - unless she still has a really good topline of muscle along spine under saddle. After a few foals this muscle usually goes, and the mare will suffer backpain as she wont be able to support the rider s weight. have seen some terrible backs when peoplem think backing a broodmare is the same as a healthy3/4 yr old - it just isnt. If you can feel the spine easily, andcant feel strong bands of muscle - dont do it. These muscles dont really come even with work, once they ve gone - its like elastic after washings - sagging!
JanetGeorge
Well-Known Member
There is no reason not to back a broodmare whose breeding days are over - assuming her general health and soundness are ok. I bought a 9 year old brood mare some years ago who'd never been backed - bought her AS a brood mare but backed her first as I think brood mares SHOULD be backed.
We spent 3 weeks giving short lunging sessions on a BIG circle - and around the school - to build up her top line a bit first, and then getting on and riding away was easy (after all, she was used to being 'jumped on'
)
She then resumed her brood mare career but I wouldn't hesitate to bring her back into work if breeding stopped - you just have to spend a lot more time getting themuscles properly conditioned before putting a rider on.
We spent 3 weeks giving short lunging sessions on a BIG circle - and around the school - to build up her top line a bit first, and then getting on and riding away was easy (after all, she was used to being 'jumped on'
)She then resumed her brood mare career but I wouldn't hesitate to bring her back into work if breeding stopped - you just have to spend a lot more time getting themuscles properly conditioned before putting a rider on.
Sparkles
Well-Known Member
My mare was a broody before I started working with her at 10. Only thing I'll strongly say is do it slowly and do lots of strengthening work first before getting on...they're not the same as a normal younger horse and shouldn't be rushed, as otherwise it's just back problems waiting to happen.
Anyway...6 years later here she still is still going like a train!
As a broody a few years before:
When I first saw her:
3 months later:
6 months later
Year later
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/23537_416306116752_1385887_n.jpg
2 years later:
4 years later:
Last month [photo belongs to her loaner]
Best thing I ever did
She's coming back next year now to be put in foal again.
Anyway...6 years later here she still is still going like a train!
As a broody a few years before:
When I first saw her:
3 months later:
6 months later
Year later
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/23537_416306116752_1385887_n.jpg
2 years later:
4 years later:
Last month [photo belongs to her loaner]
Best thing I ever did
She's coming back next year now to be put in foal again.