TarrSteps
Well-Known Member
Backing at a later age doesn't automatically create a problem horse. I've helped back ex broodies who were in their teens and they all went sweetly. One of mine was sat on at four and then not properly backed and ridden away until she was eight. She's able to be ridden by disabled riders so not exactly a problem horse.
I backed a 10 year old last year and she is now being ridden, including hacking and jumping, by a variety of people including a young teen and giving pony rides to small children. She did actually have a small glitch to start, which I suspect was because someone got the initial work wrong, but that had nothing to do with her age.
I do have one controversial thought though - most people give themselves too much credit! We tend to think we shape everything about a horse - soundness, temperament, rate of progression etc - but it's not true. Why would anyone bother to have a breeding programme if horses all start as blank slates? I agree, we can take a lot away from a horse with bad decisions but the fact is most are pretty naturally compliant. Some are so compliant monkeys could back them, most are pretty good, a small group will be very tricky for even an experienced trainer. Part of what experience gives you is the ability to recognise a horse's innate strengths and weaknesses and adapt your methods and expectations accordingly.