New youngster

[Loudabell]

I've just bought my first youngster. A 4 year old cob (just turned 4). He's not my first horse but my first youngster. Had him a week now and he's a little star but I'm after a bit of guidance. I don't want to do too much with him too soon. He was backed in November and hacks out nicely and is keen to learn in the school, responsive but typically unbalanced. How often should I be riding him and for how long? My plan is to do some really light, basic school work and hack him out as much as I can. What are other people doing with their babies??? Is lunge work a no no or ok if we don't do too much. Slightly paranoid and really want to do my new lad justice.

 

[Victoria25]

I would just go off your instinct ... they will let you know when they're ready .. I think peopole worry about the right and wrong way of bringing on a youngster when really its down to you, your horse and your circumstances! They are there to be enjoyed - i wouldnt pressure on either of you wondering if you're doing right or wrong ...

I bought my arab as a three year old - backed her myself at just over four and sometimes when it was nice we'd hack out every day, then shes be left days/weeks depending on my situation ... we just enjoyed each other more importantly and spent time bonding!

My recent youngster, I got last Nov - just out of racing ... she's now just turned 5 and I was ready for the whole 'reschooling' process to begin and since the day she came to me .. she's been a star and actually behaves better than any other horse I know! She's spent time just chilling with her new 'sister' (previously mentioned arab) shes spent time being walked in hand around the village meeting the locals, and when I actually got on her she behaves like a 20 year old 'been there and done it horse' - she's had a few weeks off recently and I got on her last night - so chilled and well behaved ...

So take it slow and enjoy!!!