Turning away a youngster

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sonjafoers

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Can anyone give me some advice on this please. I have just had a 3 1/2 year old filly professionally backed and am riding her on very gently in company. When I have had previous horses backed I have turned them away for the winter but they have been backed slightly younger than this one. I am thinking of riding her on for another month & then turning her away to mature although she is in very good shape and is riding out very calmly. Should I turn her away and if so should I still lead her out in hand a couple of times a week to see the world?
 
Well personally I prefer the idea of turning them away, it gives them some downtime to think about what they have learnt.

I know I am a traditionalist but I think that a lot of horses these days are brought on too early, when their minds and their bones are not mature enough.

But then, what the heck do I know!!!
 
If she is in good shape as you say and happy I don't see the point in turning her away. U may as well continue with whatever you are doing, I have done that with all mine and never did any harm. In fact all of my youngsters love getting out and doing something rather than being left all winter. And it is very true that the british are the only people with this turning away for winter malaki.
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Ok thank you, my last 2 i have turned away without question as they were younger & not ridden on after backing, but I rode this one when she came back as she was a little difficult to be done so needed a bit more work. She is very happy to go out now & is in great condition so I will continue with her gently and see what happens. I was concerned about turning her away as she was difficult to do & I didn't want her coming back difficult in the spring as she is now going so well, but I am also worried she may not mature properly if she doesn't have that down time.
 
If it was me I would just ride her maybe once a week/fortnight which ever you prefered just so she doesn't forget but still has some 'down time'.
 
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