How much to do with a 2 year old?

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Sandstone1

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I have a 2 year old gelding, He's well handled, ok for farrier.Leads ok.Fine to groom and easy to catch etc.
He's been for a few walks down farm drive, seen traffic as is in a field next to a fairly busy road.
How much more should I do with him?
My plan is to back him late next summer, do a little bit with him then turn away for the winter and start again when he's 4.
Does this sound ok?
Several people have told me he needs to do more work now.
I think I'm right in taking my time with him, but I'm getting fed up with the comments I keep getting!
He is handled most days and I've done some spook busting, but mostly he's just turned out with his mates.
Thoughts please.
 
IMHO, you've got it right! Youngsters don't need to be over-familiar with people - they need respect! Most of my 2 year olds are down the road (except the colts) - 8 fillies and geldings in 15 acres. I visit them every day, count legs and divide by 4. Sometimes I wander in and say 'hello', pat a few, and walk out. They get caught regularly for worming and foot trmming - that's it!
 
Sounds absolutely fine to me. I have a couple of 2 yr old ponies at the moment. All they will do in addition to the above is go out to do an in-hand class towards the end of the summer.
 
Thanks, I am hoping he will be with me forever so would rather take my time with him. He's a good boy really and so far not bothered by much.
I will carry on as planned!
 
At two years old he is still very much a baby with a lot of growing to do and a lot of bones to harden. I don't believe that horses get "bored" (that's humanising them!) and "need" to be doing something, especially in the early years. Continue with gentle, general but consistent handling and just let him be a bubba for another couple of years.....
 
My pair were two year old last year, one is a very tricky character. As yearlings they had been taught to lead, tie up, farrier and vet.

Due to ill health I did not touch them for the majority of 2013, a friend held them in the field for the farrier and to worm but that was it. I spent the year worrying that they would be wild by the time I was well enough to start handling them again (Feb this year). I was assured by experienced youngstock handlers that they would be no different. They were not, they had forgotten nothing and the year away from civilisation did them no harm at all.
 
Thanks, I know what I'm doing is right really. Just get fed up with some of the comments I've had that I'm not doing enough with him.
 
I would also say you have it about right.
I have a yearling whom we are currently doing the country show circuit with. He is in during day, out at night,with another horse, but is very much having to confirm to what we expect and that includes work to an extent.(think learning to lead,stand up for a judge, trot out etc)
Come October,he will be turned away to winter out, and will be left out as a 2 year old,know coming in occasionally to be trimmed, wormed etc. He can be just a horse for that time, doing what youngsters should be doing, and that's eating and having fun with other horses for company.
 
Sounds about right to me as well. I had the same comments when my now 3 yo was 2. Didn't help that he was 16hh plus at the time and looked really mature! Just ignore people, I found telling them I like my horses to be working into old age shut them up most of the time.
 
Thanks, the comments mostly come from people with little experience of youngsters or from the old fashioned break them young and ride them hard type.
I'm very happy with his progress.
 
charli_ said:
At the end of the day it's your horse and you know whats best for him. :)
Click to expand...

Yes, I know. Just wanted people's opinions really. I'm not overly concerned what others think, it's just annoying to be asked when I'm going to bit him and when I'm going to back him etc. Hes not even two and a half yet!
 
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