Starting off backing/costs.

HorseyTee

HorseyTee

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So obviously my little Blue Cross rescue will soon officially be mine. Just waiting for paperwork and passport to be sorted.

He is approx rising 5 but still looks quite immature, approx 14ish hh (not measured but he's catching up with my 14.2hh).

BC have said it will be my choice whether to have him backed or not.
Now if I do decide to, it won't probably be for another year, to give him time to grow a bit more but also as I'm due to have babies soon.

So, just wondered on costs involved in backing, as I'd definitely be wanting a professional as I've never backed a horse before.

He is a laid back easy going chap, has seen all sorts in hand and never fussed.
He allows us to lean all over his back and stays relaxed. So I think he would be quite easy to do and take it in his stride...is there other things we can do over the next year to prepare him for the process should we decide to back him?

Is it a case of sending pony away to a yard or are there professionals that come out? How long does it take on average? (Obviously they are all different).

Anything I may not have thought of?
 
The one horse owners among us often think it’s lovely and wonderful to prepare their horse for backing by bitting them, rollering them, leading them about etc etc etc.

And do you know what, many roads to Rome and all that, and I’m sure it’s worked well for plenty of people, especially ones with laid back easy horses.

But the common theme I hear from people who back horses for a living, is they actually much prefer a blank canvas. The breaking process is really about adding layers to the horses understanding and well-intentioned but less experienced can inadvertently create knowledge gaps that then take longer to resolve.

I’ve dabbled in the breaking process before but despite being reasonably experienced in bringing on young horses, I’d be inexperienced in the actual backing.

I sent away a 3yo who would catch/tie/lift feet but not much else and is a sharp/athletic/sensitive animal and he was confident walk/trot/canter in school and field and hacking solo around the block in 8 weeks at a cost of £220/week.

For a relaxed cob I’d expect to be at that stage in 4 weeks.

The backing is only the beginning. The riding away after is critical and where you continue to set them up for life
 
Oh interesting.
I hadn't thought of sending them away as a blank canvas, but now you mention it, from my days of working with dogs it makes sense...it always took me longer and was harder to train anything that had already been trained but maybe not in the right way etc.

Pony hasn't been bitted or anything...literally just taken out in hand more so to burn calories than anything lol, so he's seen vehicles/dogs/prams/bikes. Not too far from a hospital so often ambulances whizzing past with sirens blaring, he doesn't care.
Otherwise he has had nothing else done...never had anything on his back (apart from annoying humans cuddling him and leaning, but not actually with feet off the floor), he hasn't been lunged or had anything other than a headcollar on.
He will lead politely, pick up feet, move back when asked but otherwise is pretty much a blank canvas.

Also waiting for next year gives me time to save pennies for the process should I go ahead.
 
I've always budgeted £1500 for sending away to be backed and basic schooling, the length of time they've been away has varied from 8-12 weeks but the budget normally comes in about the same.

I would always send away unless you have the skills to do it yourself, a professional will usually prefer to crack on without the complication of an owner always being present.
 
Backed mine ourselves and now have a pro riding her away the reason we did it this way was she was happy with everything we did sent her away last year at 4 and came back after a few weeks as had massive wolf teeth had those removed let her recover bought a new bit and hey presto all was fine but it was rotten weather. The professional horse breaker girl next door is light enough if a bit tall to ride her she is getting her ridden away now and again pony has taken it all in her stride it cost roughly £800 up to now for her to be schooled enough to go out hacking with the kids but want her finished properly so she can go showing with a small child doing first year first ridden, first ridden and eventually small m&m workers. For that route you need manners and brakes so willing to pay a lot more for safety She is 5 this time
 
also try to have a bit of dosh stashed away for tack and wolf teeth etc. You are likely to see a lot of a saddler as they can change shape rapidly and will more than likely need reflocks and perhaps a different saddle(s) - and the more comfortable they are the more they can concentrate and enjoy their new work.
 
I have a rising 5yr old and he is only just starting to physically look mature. I have leaned over him with plans to get him started later spring/summer. I’m in no rush and tbh if I’m still not able to ride this year he will be left until he’s rising 6.

He hasn’t done a lot really but is handled daily and has lovely manners. He will go to a friends who is a professional rider and he will stay approx 8 weeks but am flexible on that. The most important thing is that he is hacking out well and I’m happy to take his education from there.
 
Thank you for comments and suggestions.

Hadn't considered wolf teeth. Dentist is due August so will mention that when vet is out.

I am sure I could pick up a decent second hand saddle for cheap enough while he grows and changes shape and at least I have a while to save up for everything.

Alternatively I have considered a driving pony and have spoken to the lady who did LW's Bobbie, so that is also an option should I decide to have him as anything other than a companion.

Plenty of time to think things through and save enough money for everything and extra in case.
 
HorseyTee said:
Alternatively I have considered a driving pony and have spoken to the lady who did LW's Bobbie, so that is also an option should I decide to have him as anything other than a companion.
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They will break him to ride at the same time. They took my YOs horse who had been sat on and led round but thats it. And in 6 weeks he was driving, and w,t.c and hacking alone and in company.
 
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