I am currently riding my 4 year old for about 30 min schooling sessions and hack him out about once a week how many days per week should i be riding him?
Thanks
I don't think it's about how often, it's about what you're doing. And of course it does all depend on the horse, temperament, conformation - even breed.
As a general rule, and only my opinion, I'd resist the temptation to over - school at this age. I think there's a real danger that they sour and become truly switched off, not to mention the fact that physically they're still maturing.
So personally I'd rather there be more emphasis on hacking to strengthen them, expose them to lots of stimulants. I don't mean on the buckle hacking, but moving smartly off your leg, developing flexion, leg yield on the hack, lots of transitions, popping over fallen logs, crossing streams (don't know where you live, so sorry if that sounds a bit Enid Blyton!).
I feel that there is a tendency to rush our horses and yet we do really have years to bring them on slowly, solidly and consistently and the serious schooling can wait until they are a bit older and more ready for it. Just my opinion though.
