Having horses professionally broken, who?

[Starbucks]

I've got a bit of a dilemma on who to use to break my youngster. She is now 3, 16h ISH.

Option 1 - same place I sent my 5yo, they did a great job, really pleased. A couple who do a lot of eventing but their thing is breaking and eventing youngsters, BYEH etc. But they can't do it til early next year. About an hours drive away and unlikely to return for lessons etc.

Option 2 - elite event rider everyone's heard of. Not sure she has many breakers in. Local and I have lessons with her so will be able to carry on lessons with the 3yo. She can have her end of the month (or early spring I suppose)

Assuming they will cost approx the same (not sure on this yet), which would you go with?

Also, when? I'm on mat leave until mid November so after that will probably turn youngster out. So would you have it broken now or wait until early spring?

 

[angrybird1]

I would leave it til next spring. I think 3 is to young to start youngsters anyway.
Some handling, getting used to tack, showing in hand etc is fine but I wouldn't be riding her til she's 4.

 

[ihatework]

I'd leave it until next spring if you know those people will do a good job for you.
If you are on Mat leave the timing should be better too.

 

[Red-1]

I would possibly use the local riders if I liked the set up, but if they are close then be there to watch. However, as a 3 yo I just like them sat on and walk/trot around the school and then turned away again. So, I would not use them for lessons afterwards as the horse would be turned away.

I would also be comfortable with leaving until next year as long as the horse is polite on the ground.