Enjoying my youngster

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dressedkez

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I posted a couple of weeks ago, that I was worried about my youngster being a plod - got some nasty posts and the thread was removed!!

Whilst the last decade has seen me riding very young TB's ranging from 3 - 6, they were all broken and in training when I got them - so not so terribly green.

The new horse, had simply been backed, and I wondered what the heck I was taking on, and whether this was the horse for me.

5 years, ID X TB - more TB than ID in looks, but sooooo slow and babyish for the first few rides.....

Still only riding him at week-ends - not ideal, but needs must, but actually he seems to be learning so much after every ride - that twice a week appears to suit, in terms of latent assimilation. Am now looking forward to riding him out, which I don't with my normal horse (13 year old ex racehorse - the laziest horse on earth, but race winning horse - how?)
Am intending not to rush him, and keep him out for as long as I can, and ride him from the field - prior to stepping up the work / hunting next season.

I cannot start to explain how much I am enjoying having to educate a young horse again - with every ride being an exploratory journey. At my age, I need a genuine horse (and certainly not a sharp one) to do that - but beginning to feel very suited to this young animal - hopefully might be the last youngster I have to bring on - as he will probably outlive my riding career.
Wanted to post this as an example to other ageing riders - whilst we become more vulnerable, the older we get. we can still bring some prior experience - as long as we don't get over horsed......!
 
What a lovely post OP. :)
Yes, there's nothing quite like educating and bringing on your own youngster.
Try to take lots of photos, because that way you have a visual diary of your baby growing up.
Sometimes, we might not notice an improvement in the way the horse is going. It's always useful to have something to look back on, see how he/she looked a week, a month, several months, a year, etc ago. Sometimes it's only then, by seeing an older photo, that we see just how much the horse has come on. Whether the photos are of the horse in the field, or out competing, it's always easier to SEE the improvements made over time.
It's very easy to feel that no real progress is being made, but when you see it in a photo, it gives you a great feeling of achievement....knowing....."I did that.":D
 
dressedkez said:
I posted a couple of weeks ago, that I was worried about my youngster being a plod - got some nasty posts and the thread was removed!!

Whilst the last decade has seen me riding very young TB's ranging from 3 - 6,Wanted to post this as an example to other ageing riders - whilst we become more vulnerable, the older we get. we can still bring some prior experience - as long as we don't get over horsed......!
Click to expand...

Can't see why anyone would want to be nasty over such a comment.

I have recently specifically bred a youngster to be a steady chunky type for me to ride in my old age, plus I have also just bought a yearling that will be a big plod.

What is wrong being being realistic and ensuring the horses we own suit our needs and abilities. There is one thing for sure - these well brought up steady types will find a new home, if needs be, far more easily than anything else will.

Good luck OP, you and I are being sensible in judging our equine needs for the future. I plan on growing old disgracefully and on the back of a horse brought up by me, and whom I can trust to look after me.
 
I feel exactly the same OP :)
My 4yo gets ridden when I have the time & inclination and goes so well. I never thought she would be so suited to the ridden job, I'm not getting any younger & she gives me an incredible amount of pleasure & makes me feel safe & happy when I do ride her. Enjoy!
 
Can't believe you got attacked over that there truly is some very rude horrible individuals on the forum, no need really is there

So happy to see your enjoying your youngster I have a 5 year old too got him as a just backed 4 year old and although I thought I'd made a massive mistake to begin with after seeking help with him I'm now loving having him, it's fantastic to see him learn and grow and knowing that's down to me.

Hope you have many happy years together.
 
Lovely comments one and all - very many thanks - when I get the hang of how to do it, I will post some photos (after I have had half a day to scrape the mud of though......) x
 
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