Performance Horses v's Amateur Horses

"Finally, when we live up to our own riding principles, we know that a horse is only mature as of the age of six (or even later)." - Yet when it suits humans the horse is mature enough at 2yrs. Some of us attended a talk on breeding at our vet practice (another tonight) & due to the changes & growth taking place, it is NOT fair to put a 2yo in-foal. Yet there have been owners on here asking for advice on doing so, because my filly is mature & I want to stop her growing! There are plenty of experienced breeders who put their 2yo's in-foal which just adds to the "It's ok" thinking. There are a lot of things we do that suits us rather then our horses.

If we are so clever, how come so many horses breakdown, or develope vices?
 
I agree Magic, only once did I allow myself to be persuaded by someone to put a two year old in foal, and it never grew to the same height as any of it's three siblings, due I'm sure to having to grow a foal at the same time as itself.
 
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