Training young horse

[Fabiola92]

Hi I have young, almost 4 years old gelding. He is under saddle 4 months. This is dressage horse, but I want our training will be more varied. I feel somethimes he is bored. What should a weekly training plan be? How much should he have free days? Only one or two days a week?

 

[silvershadow81]

I wouldn't do too much too soon, and you could work on some basics whilst out hacking to get him forwards and in an interesting environment. If he is almost 4, it also depends on his breed and how quickly he will mature, physically/ mentally so take that into consideration too. Let him still be a horse, so at least 3 days off week I would think, but this does depend on his workload and if you are out at shows, having long lessons etc.

 

[ihatework]

Depends a bit on how muscularly strong he is, his personality and the stable management routine.

Personally my preference would be to do 4-5 short sessions a week but with the horse ridden from the field. Probably 2 in the arena, 1 in hand/lunge and 2 out hacking but that can vary.

If you have little turnout then it might need a rethink!

 

[tristar]

where are you?..

same as i hatework, you can also take him out for walks in hand, its a great confidence booster, a way of being with a horse just for company, and will help his confidence with scary objects and traffic.