Early joint cartilage conditioning.

Yup, I read about this research a couple of years ago. Sort of throws a spanner in the works for all those "don't touch him/her 'till they're five!", "never break a horse at three!" type of people doesn't it?
 
Yes it does Cortez and I was a fully paid up member of the leave them to mature contingency...

Now I'm not so sure...
 
Well, I've always broken everything at three, except huge/gangly/backward sorts, taken them steadily at 3/4 and started real work at five; no turning away or extended holidays. Never had anything go lame or wrong, even those I've had until teenagers. Of course you need to be sensible and not gallop or jump the legs off them, but I don't think much of having a green 9 year old because it's been "maturing" and hasn't learned anything, mentally or physically.
 
Just read this with interest too: http://www.thehorse.com/articles/29134/effects-of-exercise-on-young-thoroughbreds-knees

I guess my reasons for always believing that the later the better was having a horse who was hunted at three and had a fairly busy jumping career and subsequently, when he came to me I found hock and stifle issues as well as shoulder issues... When he was 12. Of course this is a one off but it did cement my belief...

I have the responsibility now of starting my very own young horse and hence why my renewed interest... Thanks for your input. I always intended to start "work" with her at three whether that be in hand or steady hacking in fourth year. Starting real work at five seems sensible now.
 
SheadonSaffron said:
Hiya,
I haven't had a chance to read the article, but looking at the heading, there are quite a few articles out there now suggesting this. It's something I strongly believe in, but needs to be done carefully and sympathetically.
Sue
Click to expand...

Yes, im seriously starting to reconsider and do some more reading!
 
I haven't read the articles, as I'm not a member but the experience I've had with thoroughbred foals that have had joint problems (mostly epiphysitis) have been over-fed and under exercised. I've also seen knee damage and bucked shins in two year old racehorses, due to being trotted on roads for miles. Seems to me the best way for a sound horse, is a lean horse on a good diet, with steady exercise and maximum turnout. Be aware of the horse's fitness levels and the surfaces you work on and be sensible with what you ask for.
 
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