How long do/did you turn away newly backed horse for? (if you did)

[cob&onion]

How long do you turn your 3/4yr olds away for after the initial backing process?

I started the actual backing at 3 (after long reining) last June/july and turned away October time then back into work Feb till June - she was 4 in may just gone.
She is still turned away and will be till Feb time after ive had my baby, that means a whole 8 months off.
Hoping she will come back nice and refreshed and pick up where we left off. Hoping to introduce her to jumping in the summer and aim for a bit of cubbing in the autumn.

It is alot longer than i planned but then again i may have turned her away sooner as shes gone bum high again? (a slow growing cob) - the original plans where to keep in work over summer/autumn then turn away November till Feb.

What do you do and how old is your horse?

 

[Sparkles]

I only give them a break if I feel they need it, otherwise I prefer to just keep them ticking over once or twice a week hacking till they're 4 Little Pabs, I've just given a fortnight off after 6 weeks hacking/being fully broken, as felt he needed a break for being so good throughout and not putting a foot out of place. Depending on how long he's with us, he'll remain being hacked out by me once or twice a week from now just ticking over and seeing life

 

[zaminda]

Minegot backed in the autumn, turned away end of october, and came back in in march. Worked for her. My other mare was backed in the spring, kept going through the summer, including going racing, then given 3 months off, which was what worked for her. I tend to play it by ear, although I am a fan of a break where possible.

 

[diamondrockharvey]

We started my boy as a 3 year old last June then he was turned away from October until this June (9 months) and he came back into work lovely this year. I am really pleased with him and am glad I have him the time off to mature!