Educating a young horse..

[Bri]

I've got a 3 year old who I've backed this summer. Have established, walk, trot, turning and halt and slightly mishapen circles. He's been on a few short hacks, where he's also had the odd canter. I was thinking this would be a good point at which to turn him away until next year, but have had advice from some people not to bother and to just carry on with him over the winter.
He's fairly mature, hasnt struggled with anything so far and has taken it all in his stride but I'm very cautious of overdoing it and putting too much strain on joints etc.

What are peoples thoughts on this?

 

[Jorgi]

I think I would carry on a little longer and get him out and about a bit more if he's coping, but I would still turn him away over the winter to give him a breather and allow him to grow a little more before asking anything too strenuous.

Then I'd start from scratch again in the Spring to re-establish everything.

 

[pinkcatkin]

Definitely turn him away and give him some time to think about what he has learnt, he will come back a happier horse. YOu do not say what sort of horse he is, build, or breed. If he is a late maturing horse I would do very little more now and continue gently in the spring.

 

[Pinkpeeper]

We are just starting a 3 year old now. My plan is to mainly plod about the lanes, walking and a bit of trotting later on. Over the winter she will continue but only once a week at most, just ambling round the lanes in walk. Wont be doing any schooling or cantering untill next year.
The reason i dont want to turn her away is that i think she benifits mentaly from doing something. The times when we havnt done anything with her for a few weeks appear to make her far less settled in the field, i think she gets bored basically.
I think it all depends on the horse, ours is very clever which i think is why she gets bored, she also loves people and cant wait to come in to play more riding games.

If her behaviour changes then i will stop for a while.
You do what you think is right after all you know your horse best.

 

[DollyDolls]

We kept Dolly going, she's ridden max twice a week, sometimes just once & she's now 4. We're keeping the workload about the same, as I'm conscious of her big frame & skinny legs.

I dont regret keeping her going, it's suited us both.