Schooling youngsters

[peapod]

Was just wondering really at what stage of schooling you would expect a rising 6 year old pony to be at? Sonny is my first horse, and I've owned him since he was a weanling. I keep thinking that he is "behind" in terms of what schooling he has - especially when I see ponies in the showring that are younger than Sonny, but look to be going really nicely and look much more well schooled than him!

For those of you who have broken in and brought on young ponies, what would you expect them to be able to do at this age?

Thank you!

 

[harrihjc]

it all depends on the horses, they all learn and mature at different rates and it depends on the speed they are brought on. In what way do you think he is 'behind'?

 

[juliebrewer]

I don't like pushing mine too quickly, ie backed at 3 or 4. turned away. then brought back to work following year 4 or 5yo. Don't do any seriouse stuff untill 5 or 6. really depends on the pony either mature psysicly or mentally. 6 years old is nice age to start schooling on. Good time to go to shows, dressage etc. Yours might not have the milage but it also has'nt had the ware and should be fine to ride well into its twenties.. (sorry about the spelling)

 

[Rockchick_uk]

Our Rolo is turning 6 in May and we have owned him since he was 2.

He has been schooled to a good level although he does need some more work with his canter etc. He goes on the bit naturally and really puts his all in to his work.

This summer we would of been concerntrating on improving his jumping (we have only really messed about by going over small cross poles etc) but has been put back as he had a accident last friday so dont know what we can do with him this year until hes fully healed.

I think at the end of the day every horse is different and you shouldnt worry about what level your lad is at, just be happy knowing you have put in all the hard work to get him to where he is now.

 

[lilym]

i would take it at his own pace you know what he is happy with. don't worry about the other ponies in the ring, some are all pretty in front but are NOT working behind, i know of one person who "trains" their ponies by standing them in side reins for hours on end, at the end of the day you will have a sound well muscled pony that has years of work ahead, they will not.....i never see hers in the ring past 7 she just chucks them through the sales when thay start to seize up.

 

[MagicMelon]

I think it totally depends on the horse. Ive had the odd 4yo who's taken to competing really easily so they can move quite fast. However, Ive had a 6yo who's not the brightest spark so its taken a lot longer with him, Id say he could still pass as a 4yo for greeness some days!

Its nice to take it quite slowly though as the horse will end up happier and more confident at the end.

 

[BethH]

Don't forget aswell that some horses and ponies are built to round up and look pretty much more naturally than others, for example you shouldn't compare a TB to a cob as they are built differently to do different jobs although both can obviously look fab when they are well schooled. I always think "Take your time but don't waste your time". 6 is a lovely age to bring them on and they are a bit more mature in their heads and you are less likely to have joint problems later on in life as you have given them a chance to grow properly before you put too much pressure on them.

I agree with jubbily that 6 is a lovely age for them to start doing a bit more.