Concern over possible dodgy use of horsewalker

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tangosmum

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Another livery on my yard has a three year old...recently backed and to supposedly help the filly build muscle and stamina she has her in a chambon and roller on the horse walker for 20 minutes a few times a week, 10 mins each way. Dont think she is doing much else with her apart from sitting on her and plodding round the yard or occasionally walking her out on the road for 20 mins next to a sturdy cob.

I think the horsewalker in a chambon is a bit much for a 3 year old but am I over reacting?
 
Look at the bigger picture. How is this horse managed in others ways? Is it well cared for? Turned out? Fed well? Got companions? Treated with respect etc etc? It wouldn't be the way I'd do it necessarily but there's a lot lot worse goes on.
 
Better than side reins... The horse can resist the chambon if it wants to - it's just easier to drop from the poll. Better on the horse walker than ridden or lunged in one. I can't see the problem in building up the correct musclature 'before' introducing a rider - surely it's better for the horse than it being asked for with a rider on its back? If the horse were rising three then I'd disagree but 3 poss 3 and a half and backed - the work needs to start at some point. Why not in a way that benefits the horse?
 
The horse seems very well cared for and there seems to be a balance in the work load. Some days there is no "exercise" just groundwork and handling. Filly spends most of the time out..brought in for work and feeding.

I think the owner is caring and horse fine......I was just a bit taken a back when I saw the chambon going on and her put in the horse walker.

Glad to know that this seems reasonable to some....any more views?
 
Wouldn't bother me over much. The competition horses at our yard are worked this way - they are closer 4 or 5 than 3 but the owner is a very knowlegable producer for show jumpers whose daughter competes at top level. She wouldn't deliberately ruin her investment in the youngstock.

Obviously any gadgets can be misused. But in the right hands they are just a tool.
 
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