How much work to do with bum high youngster?

[Holding]

As title, really. I was planning to send my rising 4 yo away this month for schooling, but I looked at him today and his bum has suddenly shot up. I haven't measured him yet, but he is 17hh at the withers and I'd say his bum is at least 17.2hh. Now I'm not sure whether I should continue as planned, or resign myself to giving him even more time off. Has anyone else had the same issue?

 

[Springy]

Our horse grew from 16hh stallion at 3 to 17.2hh at 7.... (he was gelded at 3.5) he was bum high on various occasions and we broken him as a 4 year old

 

[Gingerwitch]

A bit of time now could save you a whole host of leg and joint problems in the future. You can still do the ground work with him.

 

[Maesfen]

TBH, the more time you can give him to even up his growth the better. As he is now it will make him even more unbalanced and on his forehand which could lead to injuries or straining something. Wait until he's levelled off at least, start him and if he spurts again give him a bit more time off to strengthen up again; it won't be wasted time I promise you but will extend his working life from not being compromised when his body wasn't ready.

 

[Holding]

I think you're probably right. Deep down I know that the best thing to do is leave him and then restart once he has matured a bit. He is still so gangly and has a lot of growing left to do, but I wish he would do it evenly.

 

[Gingerwitch]

I am giving my youngster next year off - she seams to have a lot more growing to do... and what is a year in a life time ?