turning away.....

[cob&onion]

just backed my welshie who is 3 1/5 as just backed this week! Aim is to hack him out quietly weather permitting till end of jan then turn away til april in time for some local shows. People I have spoken to all differ in opinions, some say turn away others say do little and often as in 15 mins 5 x per week and stick to a routine, keep him ticking over etc....
I appretiate the done thing years ago was to back in the 4th year also, but I have seen alot out and about last summer as just 3 yr olds? I backed my cob at same age, ticked over from oct -dec then turned away till march but then turned away in june for almost 12 months due to baby!
I know it depends on breed etc....
So What do you do and what are your reasons? How many years have you had/involved in horses?

 

[Auslander]

If it's my decision, I back them at the beginning of their 4th year, get them walking, trotting and cantering in a bit of an outline, moving away from the leg in both directions, and hacking out quietly, then turn away completely for 3 to 4 months to process, and grow up (they all do!).
I've backed and ridden away two year olds going into training, and three year olds destined for the elite sales on the continent, and to my mind, the lack of a break after the initial backing didn't do them any favours.
I've been riding 35 years, worked with top level event and dressage horses for 10 years, and am a BHSII(SM). I've been involved in starting around 60 young horses over the years - and it was my favourite pastime, until I realised I didn't bounce any more!