Riding and leading a young horse?

[QueenDee_]

Just wondering if anyone rides and leads their unbroken youngsters? Took my 3yo out with me on a short hack this evening and she surprised me by acting as though this was a daily occurrence, despite it being her first time!

Does anyone else do so? If so, why/what do you feel are the benefits of doing so?

 

[PorkChop]

I have never done this before they have been backed, but can't see a problem with it - just make sure you swap the side you lead him from so that she isn't always bending to the same side iykwim

 

[Cobbytype]

I've done it many years ago with my 2 cobs (step dad and 'son'). I only went short distances and stayed off road. My youngster thought it was wonderful and was so engrossed with the big wide world that he behaved himself (apart from the annoying and painful habit of biting my knee when he was waiting to get going).

 

[OwnedbyJoe]

I do it with all the babies/the OTT STandardbreds who haven't been broken to saddle. Gets them used to the concept of people being "above" them, stimulates their brain, builds a bit of a fitness base and means that when I do get on them, on their first few trail rides they've been there before so it's not all completely new and scary.

 

[wildhorses]

I used to do it with my youngsters. Sometimes if they were getting a bit big for their boots when turn out was restricted. it would give them something to think about but also it proved a good way of introducing them to traffic and life in general. How long and and what I did was dependant on the age of them and the individual horse

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

I've done it once with each youngster. They've always accepted it well and it gives you an idea of how they will deal with hacking when backed.

 

[pippixox]

I have been leading my 4yo ponies off my old boy- like others have said- useful to get them used to having people above them, listen to commands but get prompted by the other horse as well (i do trot on occasionally) & behaving next to another horse. I have been biting them but leading off a head collar, so it gives them time to get used to a bit, then moving on to leading them attached to the bit. it is also a gradual way to build a little bit of fitness. Mine are exhausted after 20 minutes as so much to see!!!

 

[cornbrodolly]

Always lead off our youngsters.Its a great way for them to see the world,get a little bit of work and generally see and experience all they ll need to accept once backed. We lead ours on the roads , so that when they are ridden they are virtually trafficproofed. i think its an invaluable part of their education and couldnt imagine doing otherwise. Myself and OH now too old to ride totally green youngsters on the roads , leading off prepares them well and eliminates spooking etc later on.