Early Starts!!!!

[TallyHo123]

Been browsing through horses for sale, what on earth is with the amount of 2 year olds who have 'been broken in' already, at 2!?!
It's disgusting.

 

[LauraWheeler]

I know i had a row with someone who had broken in there 2 yearold already the otherday. I don't mean just sat on it i mean it's doing walk, trot, canter figers of 8 and hacking out I couldn't believe it.

And before anyone mentions racing I hate the way they race yearlings which is why i would NEVER work on a racing yard (even though i was offered a job by a top trainer once, It was a realy good deal to But i said noway)

 

[TallyHo123]

I wonder if people know what damage they are causing and choosing to take the risks anyone or if some people really think that breaking a horse at 2 is the way to go :|
Scary scary stuff, can't imagine getting on mine 2 year old now!!



I agree with you about the racing LauraWheeler, not for me racing yearlings at all.

 

[LauraWheeler]

The person i know is very expereanced and said the horse needed to be taught some manners before it got to big Can't it be taught manners on the ground instead of possably damaging it's joints and back which are still developing

 

[Suffolkangel]

I agree, i'm currently working my 2 year old on the ground, have just bitted her and we're walking out in hand everywhere, wouldn't dream of getting on her. My plan is to sit on her next year then turn her away for the winter and start properly when she's four. I dont think youngsters are bad mannered, just very excitable and testing the boundries, which can all be dealt with on the ground.
I was told by a judge a few years ago that i had missed the chance of having well behaved riding pony as she was then four, unbroken and excited at being at the show. i backed her at 5 and she's such a good pony i always have offers from people who want her as a first pony.

 

[TallyHo123]

That's what confuses me, there seems to people quite a few people who I would say are experienced who start them so young, even my friends farrier said I should be backing her now :S

I've had a few people mention I should start something with her becuase she's getting quite big, thats means nothing!!


Suffolkangel I am planning on doing the exact same thing as you with my 2 year old, any problems I am having with her now I deal with on the ground, I have no reason at all why I would need/want to get on her for at least another year.

 

[LauraWheeler]

any 2 year olds i have delt with get well handled. ie groomed, tied up, bathed etc.... They start lunging/longreining. Are introduced to tack and if they havn't already they are introduced to rugs. I do lots of other things with them like loading and take them for walks so they can see the world and even traffic. They have all turned into well mannered animals and alot of the ponies i deal with make childrens ponies.
You both have the right plans for your youngsters. Plans in there best intrest well done to both of you