Too Little?

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ThreeWBs

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I have a 4yo WB. Sat on as 3yo and he was fine. Started breaking him June time, but saddle fitting issues due to him being very, very short coupled delayed the progress a little.

Now we're able to hack in company and alone with a walker way in front or way behind (and sometimes out of sight). Happy to walk and trot, has cantered, but rarely do it. He has total acceptance of the bit and naturally comes into a contact and a baby outline. I can get straight on without lunging and without being worked for 3+ days before. He can be a little tense, but settles very quickly.

He's done very little schooling, mainly due to him being a little physically and mentally immature. I found he struggles to find balance on his left rein, so immediately hollows and goes tense.

He is hacked 2 - 4 times a week (weather dependent) and spends 24/7 out in the field with his buddies.

I am planning to give him winter off to digest this summer's work and give him time to grow too.

My question is; I see many 4yo's schooling W, T, C, doing prelim or novice test, a course of jumps or out competing, which makes me feel very left behind. I know I shouldn't compare him to others and everyone progresses at different rates, but am I doing too little with him?
 
The thing with horses is I find they all mature at different rates. Some 4 year olds will be popping round 4 year old classes like they've been doing it all their lives. Other 4 year olds need a little more time being babies. Hacking is brilliant for muscle building and balance, WB are a big breed and take longer to mature. I wouldn't say you're doing too little, he's just trying to tell you he's not ready for anything more at the moment. Ignore all these big expensive horses you see the pro's riding and listen to your boy. One day you will just have a lightbulb moment with the schooling and you will never look back. Keep building his muscle, keep hacking and leave him out with his buddies. He's still a baby so needs to enjoy his childhood before the big boy work :) You'll have a much more rounded horse who will reward you for your patience
 
If I were you I wouldn't give up the hacking over the winter, it's hardly strenuous and will help immensely with muscle building and balance. By the time Spring comes around, you should then be in good shape to get going with your schooling a bit more.

If I were you I'd substitute one of your hacks for a pole work session once a week, too.
 
Every horse is different. My 3 year old hacks happily in walk and trot. My 5 year old jumps 1m10 and is placed in big championships. My 7 year is very physically immature and has been turned out for 2 months to mature. Just depends on the horse
 
I'd also continue to poodle about over the winter, but with no pressure to do so (If you get my meaning). Sounds like a wonderful little horse and it seams to me as if you're absolutely on the right track with him.
 
I think there is a danger you can do too little with them - there is a fine balance to be had, and that balance will be different for every horse (and to some extent rider too).

None of us here can see the horse or know you so can’t really give good advice based on your circumstances.

My general feeling however would be if the horse is mentally happy to stay in light work (ie won’t get too bored/sharp mid winter) then keeping ticking over could prove more beneficial. If sharp as sh** then sometimes it’s better to work them a bit harder but then give them proper breaks.

Ultimately it’s whatever works for you
 
Personally it sounds like you should turn him away for the winter and bring him back into work early Spring. You can't do too little with a young horse but you can definitely do too much! Enjoy and easy winter!
 
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