Sending a horse for backing...

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almrc

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Positives, negatives, how long did it take? Were they bothered by change of environment etc and were you able to be involved with the backing process?
 
I'm not of much help but it depends on the horse as to how long it takes. I lightly backed my colt in about 3 days an hour a go which included bridle (which he was used to) saddle and me on top for a short walk around the yard :D he seemed to love it lol, and looked very proud of himself! No pressure, no pain and he was a doddle, didn't bat an eyelid :)
 
has he had bridle and saddle on and is he used to walking around with it on? have you lunged long-lined ext and have you taken him on the roads? all of this along with his temperament will depend on how long it may take. if he is easy going and fast learner it wont take as long as what it would something that is slower at learning the ropes.
 
Yes, the horse has had ground work done/doing(!) saddle on, bridle on, over poles, desensitizing, long reining used to voice commands, going out for walk, meeting traffic (including 3 motor bikes today and didnt bat an eye lid!) went to her firs show experience today (not competing) walked into an indoor school and saw a course of 3ft jumps, not worried at all and have started standing on mounting block over her. She is 3 yrs 6 months at mo, waiting until shes 4ish to weight bare is she still looks fairly young, but wondering whether to do it myself (with some help) or whether to send her away. I keep hearing horror stories mind, so thinking of doing it myself
 
If you are confident and are happy that the horse trusts you, have done all ground work etc then have a go yourself with some helping hands to hold, lead etc. If you do for one moment think that it's not going well, having problems, not sure where to go next then post on here. Also there is the obvious sending away if you don't feel it's going well once started. Just take it slow and steady, don't rush anything. Personally I have backed and re-backed all of mine myself and haven't had a problem (other than correcting problems previous owners had created!) Good luck :D
 
If you feel confident enough to do it (with the correct help) then why not carry on the good work yourself? I had my mare from 14 months old, lightly backed her late last year and re-backed her this spring. She was 4 this June and she has been fairly good. we did get to a stage where we haad a couple of weeks off (I was stressed with my job and feared taking out frustratons on a young and uneducated horse).
I've not had many horsey people see my Girl, but having a new friend who I've quickly learnt to highly regard say to me 'you've done all this, by yourself?' and be in awe of what I've achieved is great, well worth doing it all myself and soon quashed all my doubts in my own ability...
So in shrt terms, go for it and do it yourself if you can, you're virtually there
Good luck x
 
I would want it backed, ridden away and hacking out in 4 weeks...even popping a small jump or 2

All mine are sent with ground work done, so its just the above that needs doing.

Used to do it all myself, but i dont bounce anymore ...and i have far too many at home to risk being in Hospital.

And they are 4yr old before being sent away.
 
Thats brilliant, thank you guys for your help. I have had this little mare for about 2 and a half years (since she was 1) and has gone from naughty girl to good girl (ish!) :D Her story so far for anyone who's interested is here: http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=391649

You are right mind, I have done a lot of it myself already. I am more than happy to ask for advice when and if it is needed, I always ask for help. I would worry about getting her sent away, perhaps I can do it then :)
 
you could do it yourself and maybe get someone that breaks in horses to come along and help you rather than sending her off. i have done that with people rather than them sending there own horses to me as they have enjoyed the experience of doing it themselves. infact i suggest that before they ask me to take there horse as it is more personal and rewarding for you. and you know your horse better than anyone else so you will no how much to push her and when not to. it should take you (with help and any advice) between 3-5 weeks to be backed and ridding her. but all horses are different. i had one a few weeks ago that came to me and he was backed and walk trot and cantering around the manage in 2.5 weeks but i have had others that have taken up to 8 weeks. just take it slow and always be aware of everything because once you swing that leg over it could go one of 2 ways regaurdless of how much leaning over her ext you have done. i hope ive helped a little?
 
Yes def helped! How do I go about finding someone, is it a riding instructor or who? I have found people locally who do backing but specify they will only do it at their yard. I would love to mainly do it myself but with the help of someone, if only I could find them! I always take things slow, I have seen consequences of what happens when you don (thankfully no horse of mine) but still. Its something I always do and thats listen to the horse and do whats right by them, not me or what I want
 
depends where in the country you are? you can always ask around at local riding schools/livery yards and tack shops to see if they know any body but always make sure you ask as many people as possible what they are like as some can be pretty rough and ready and are in it for the money money money. the ones that are good are the ones that will listen to YOURS and YOUR HORSES needs and would be happy to come to you. after all it is still business for them and they will still be making money. some riding instructors will help but, they dont always know how to break in a horse as they are trained to teach to ride no to teach your horse to let you ride it, so it can be hit and miss. i know a few horse trainers in country including my self so depending on where you are i can recommend if you want? although i am quite full for the next few weeks. all are committed to the best results and care about the horses and owners. unlike some who chuck tack on and then themselves and ride like theres no tomorrow before the horse is ready.
 
i can send you a private message with some contact details for a few if you would like i know some that work lincolnshire and yorkshire, scotland and mersyside and a couple down south toward london and stoke on trent way on and a most of them will travel.
 
Thats the problem, I am right down in Cornwall! Many people I seem to contact will have her at the yard but not visit to help!
 
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I have a youngster I plan to send away for backing, I hadn't considered doing it myself with professional help so this post has given me something to think about.

I've about 20 months to go yet as plan to back at 4, so plenty of time to consider the options.

I think myself I would worry about not being experienced enough, but then that would balance with having an established relationship with the horse against a professional who didn't know her.

It sounds like you're doing good with your horse at present, so probably worth a go doing it yourself with professional help, if you can get it that is to come to you xxx
 
as long as you are happy and confident enough to do it yourself then you will be ok as long as you have someone there who has experience. it also helps that you have friend that has broken there own as this is also good (not best plan but better than doing it alone) to help you through some of the easier stuff like while you lean over they walk your horse around so she can get used to the feel of a little weight on her but you still have someone with you who you trust. and if they know alot and have done alot with theres you could do it with them. but i would advise a trained trainer as they will give you proper advice. it is well worth doing your self if you can and it really boosts your confidence as to your horse and your riding ability. and good luck with it all x
 
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