Should my horse have a break or keep working him?

[R.A.H]

Hi, My 4 year old has been backed now for about 12 weeks & Ive been riding him about 5 times a week & he's going quite nicely. Ive not done any school work as such just been hacking. Been doing abit of roadwork & going on the common. We been doing bit of trot & had the odd canter. So was just wondering if he deserves a weeks holiday or should I keep working him. He's a welsh sec d. What would you do? This is the first young horse ive had.
Thanks

 

[Ani]

it really depends on the horse, but i usually think if the horse is happy and your not putting pressure on him he should be happy to keep going quietly, don't feel you have to work him but enjoy him over the summer and keep his work varied then if you feel he needs time to think about what he's learned or mature a bit give him a break autumn/ winter.

 

[Nailed]

Personal preference. I personally like to keep them going if they are happy in themselves. It really wont hurt them. And its likly to only be light work.
If you want to give him a week off then fair enough. But i wouldnt personally, go down the line of turning away.
Lou x

 

[R.A.H]

He is only doing light work & I am quite enjoying riding him as I've had to wait almost 4 years. I've heard so much about people turning horse away after they been backed & I didnt know it it was neccessary or personal preferance. I was aiming to do a pleasure ride in september but not sure if that would be to much for him.

 

[Nailed]

Go for it.. and the go for the pleasure ride too.. Just take ya time.. and dont go doing silly things like jumping 4ft. and youll have a happy and fun summer on him.

Lou x

 

[shadowboy]

I think its personal preferance- however I was always brought up that once a broken horse hit his first winter they are given a one month break. Partly because it gives them time to think and relax and partly because the first winter with work is often the toughest as the horse's body isnt accustomed to being worked when there is little nutrients and they often come out or winter looking poor and gangly- but obviously this is just stereotyping and there are pleanty who do well. But nevertheless ever Dec/Jan my newly broken horses have a month off and so do I! Its also a time of year when it is difficult to be consistent with festivities/early evenings etc which make training difficult.