Is he ready for breaking?

[Lex1979]

Had my 15.3, SH a year he’s just turning 4. Really slow development still very narrow on the chest. I feel I’m at a stand point of letting him mature or starting the work with him. Over the last year I’ve worked consistently on ground work stable manners etc he was great up until around 3 weeks ago where he now seems, spooky and unpredictable like he was when I bought him.

Is this his age ? Him needing a job? Time of year? Or all of them? Any advice

 

[Patterdale]

Do you have anyone you trust to break him?
If you do, I’d send him away just for basic backing and see how you go. He’s 4, he can start basic work.

If he loves it and it’s going well, great. If he’s not and resisting but no obvious physical issues, back in the field for 6 months and reassess.

That’s what I’d do anyway.

 

[Caol Ila]

In my very humble opinion, not quite yet. But my aim was to do it myself and not send the horse to a pro.

My mare went through a very regressive, feral period somewhere between 3 and 4. Not fun. It was like she forgot everything I'd taught her. I mostly let her be a horse, but got on with our groundwork as best I could. Mostly repeating the stuff I'd already done and questioning many of my life choices.

When I backed her (at age 4.5), she was damn good and ready. I just knew it. All the groundwork was where I wanted it to be. No feral-ness.

 

[shanti]

I probably wouldn't back yet, particularly with a slow maturing horse and one that has just come into that age tantrums and 'finding themselves'.

Could you up the groundwork a bit? If you are not already, perhaps long reining, low pole work, balancing exercises. You could start tacking him up for groundwork sessions just to introduce some new aspects.

 

[southerncomfort]

I probably wouldn't back yet, particularly with a slow maturing horse and one that has just come into that age tantrums and 'finding themselves'.

Could you up the groundwork a bit? If you are not already, perhaps long reining, low pole work, balancing exercises. You could start tacking him up for groundwork sessions just to introduce some new aspects.

This, and also lots of in hand hacking.

I walked miles and miles with Bo before backing and he's the best hacking pony I've ever had.

 

[rhino]

Is this his age ? Him needing a job? Time of year? Or all of them? Any advice

Spring grass? My young ‘un has just come out the other end of a bout of utter stupidity and is now back to his usual chilled self.

He had been in at night and out during the day in a field that had been well rested with a couple of lovely but not playful companions, he’s now out in a massive hilly field 24/7 in a herd of 10.

 

[maya2008]

I would back and then turn away if needed, because backing a 5yo is not exactly the most fun thing to do. Gentle hacking with a lightweight rider isn’t going to do any harm regardless. I would also keep an eye on field dynamics. Is he being bullied?

 

[millitiger]

I'm not sure I'd back something you yourself say still looks narrow and immature.

No harm leaving him for a bit longer before sitting on.
I'd be inclined to find a trainer now though who can help you with current ground work issues and someone who can guide you through the backing process or even do it for you.