Training for 2 yr old filly?

F

Footprint

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 June 2012
Messages
134
Visit site
I was thinking starting long reining around the fields and walking out on the roads with another confident horse, enough for this year? I have a manège is it too much to do work in here yet? I don't want to lunge yet. Maybe walking over tarps in school etc.

I've already had her wear a saddle cloth and roller, I've done pressure release with rope halter, great ground manners etc. great to lead, yields hindquarters and flexes neck (poll to side). Desensitising to all sorts.

I have an old worn synthetic saddle, can I put this on now? Will be buying a proper fitted saddle for backing (heather moffett Flexee maybe but that's a whole new thread!-sp-)

She has wolf teeth so not bitting this year.
 
I would do very little with a two year old keep her manners good leading and loading feet etc as standard and let her be a baby just chilling in the field the majority of the time There is such a thing as over handling which causes perhaps more problems than underhandling
 
Only you know your horse and how mentally and bodily mature it is. Many TB's are long reined and backed at 18 months and then raced at 2 year old. These blood horses are reared and fed to mature quickly, however, utility/pleasure horses do not mature quickly and need much longer to grow and come to, especially if they are big types.

My two youngsters are very different although they are both 2 years old in June. The filly has a far better attention span and a very calm mature attitude, the gelding on the other hand, has the attention span of a goldfish, is asleep for 80% of his time and is easily upset.

It is only my view, but horses, unless they are flat bred and heading for the track, who are coming 2 this spring should be in the field. All they need to be able to do is lead safely, be polite for the 6 weekly trim, be groomed/foot care. In the summer I will be showing mine the lorry.

My 2 had their wolf teeth knocked out just before this winter started.
 
Thanks guys, will take it easy as I have been doing, just progressing on naturally, no timescale on when to back etc. She seems to love going for walks round the fields though, ears forward v happy to go explore on and off the lead rope, she's v calm and sensible and inquisitive, nothing has phased her, would be good to keep her interest. Yep she'll be out 24/7.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top