Turning away?

[welshied]

I have just had my 3 year old broken in and have been advised to ride for 4-6 weeks and then turn away untill after xmas so he has time to mature etc as he is a slow devleoper and does look a little immature in his frame, i agreed with this and theought is seemed a good idea but other people have told the he should just be carried on now.

What are your opinions and how long do you usually turn away for?

 

[fidleyspromise]

I think it depends on each individual horse. Tilly continued to work and wasn't turned away but she thrived on her work (hacking) and continued brilliantly.
Fidley will be backed next year and is a more nervous sort of horse and needs time to think about things so I might start backing her towards end of summer. She come back into work after xmas (depending on the winter we have) when the weather turns better as I want to ensure the ground is reasonable for getting back on her!

ETA - Shysmum has a very good point regarding growing. Tilly was almost 5 when I backed her whereas Fidley will be 4

 

[Shysmum]

I'm turning away for at least six months. if you boy is immature, it would really help him to grow into himself - too much work for a youngster not ready for it will cause damage to his bones. Take it slowly then, and only work to what he can do for a baby. sm x