Cortez
Tough but Fair
I'm not an average horse owner, I have been a professional horse person for 40+ years and I have probably broken at least 300 horses in that time, the vast majority of them at 3 years of age. Obviously I haven't seen all of their subsequent careers, but I can honestly say that they were not rushed, overburdened or pushed beyond their physical or mental abilities during the process and any I have kept tabs on have lived long and pretty successful (sound) lives. There are always those that were not mature enough; they were set aside for another 6mos, a year, whatever, until they were ready. Some horses will always break down no matter what you do (I also know of some that were left until 5,6 and broke down anyway), but generally most horses are ready to start the backing process in their 3 year old year.