Educating 2 year old

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Highflinger

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Hello
I have recently bought my first youngster. He has just turned two. He lives out 24/7 in a small herd of mature natives ( he is a native).
He leads. ties up, happy to be brushed, feet picked out, rugs - I just do everything I do with the others as far as general day to day care and handling.
I have been taking him for walks for about 30 -50 mins twice per week on lanes and bridleways and has seen light traffic, dogs, walkers and been very relaxed - jumped at the odd pheasant but not really bothered. He is keen to go out alone ( canters over if he sees I have his halter) and although his field mates call for him he ignores them and seems to love exploring.

Someone has commented he should be left to be a horse until he is 3.5 and should not be going out etc particularly alone as he will be stressed. I feel he is very happy going out and is very bonded to me so does no feel he is "alone".
What do others think?
 
I personally think this is an appropriate workload for a 2yo and you are setting him up for a good start. The only thing I'd change is getting him a herd with not only mature horses, but also youngsters his age to play with - but I realize it's not always possible and we rarely live in an ideal world!
 
I've started both my youngsters in similar way to you - accustoming to sights and sounds, grooming, handling, vet treatment, leading out to graze in hand and see traffic and people.
 
Sleipnir said:
I personally think this is an appropriate workload for a 2yo and you are setting him up for a good start. The only thing I'd change is getting him a herd with not only mature horses, but also youngsters his age to play with - but I realize it's not always possible and we rarely live in an ideal world!
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Thanks for your reply. Yes I would prefer some younger playmates but one does play a fair amount and they have 15 acres of varied terrain with a stream, trees, hedges, logs, a large field shelter, treat balls and a horse ball so he has plenty of entertainment.
 
It sounds to me like you are giving him a lovely start. I would defintely carry on as you are. I woulds also spend time teaching him to load and getting used to clippers. I would probably also take him out to the odd show to see the sights. My youngsters have always manged fine without other horses of the same age in the field, especially wen they have had an older horse who will play. I would always prefer that to a group of youngsters together with no older horses. They need the mature horses to teach them herd manners- something that will help keep them safe in the future.
 
Highflinger said:
Thanks for your reply. Yes I would prefer some younger playmates but one does play a fair amount and they have 15 acres of varied terrain with a stream, trees, hedges, logs, a large field shelter, treat balls and a horse ball so he has plenty of entertainment.
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Sounds lovely, what a lucky little guy he is!
 
I’d carry on. You are pretty much doing everything I did with Faran other than out to shows and out in the trailer to go walks and see the world.

I have a confident happy young horse who is happy to go anywhere and do pretty much anything.
 
All sounds perfect. There’s a similar thread running in the competition section of the forum currently with some great ideas.

Mine enjoys his ‘hacking’ and does basic in hand groundwork patterns in the school occasionally. He has also been to a couple of shows as a yearling and I plan to do the same this year. We also play at obstacles/Trec stuff.
 
What you are doing is fine. I have a 2 year old too and that is my aim to get him out and about in hand but current yard wont allow for it so looking forward to our move to somewhere more open minded! I plan on doing little bits and pieces like that here and there.
 
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