Question about the baby- turning away after backing

[McNally]

As some of you may know- I found myself in the position of owning a 3.5yr old, with no experience of or desire to bring on a youngster!
Well its all going ok, probably very slowly as i have my horse i'm trying to bring back into work and have been ill myself- as a result of this nothing has been rushed and sometimes he has gone a week doing nothing at all.
We are at the stage where my daughter can ride him out on very short hacks- I lead her on his own but can let her off in company (off road)
Today a friend is going to ride him out properly on the roads with me on my horse to see how that go's (likely to see bigger traffic etc) He is fine with cars passing, even at speed on the road we have to go on a bit from the yard to the bridleway.
Now some people have said to me just to keep him going as we are, very light hacking all through the winter with a view to start schooling and a bit more come spring.
Is this a good idea? does he need turning away? If so at what point?

Is he doing ok?

 

[petite-girle]

My 3 year old was broken in summer, walk, trot and a very unbalanced canter in the school and walked up and down the lane. He was then turned away to mature as he has a lot of growing and filling out still to do. But this was the only reason I chose to do this.

 

[BBP]

I turned mine away last winter for 6 months as he seemed to be mentally and physically struggling with all the new questions he was being asked. He came back into work stronger and happier and has been a superstar this year. He'll do another months work (whilst our grass is so good!) and will then get 2 months off this year as a 5 year old.

I tend to think you should go with your own instincts on what he needs. It sounds like he is doing well, you could probably go either route and he would be just fine, so do what seems best for you.

 

[MagicMelon]

IMO I'd keep him gently hacking over the winter. As long as its nothing intense, I dont see why a horse needs to be "turned away" at all. I never do that with any I've ever backed, I just keep things relaxed and go at a speed they are happy at.