What age can you start to lunge and back an American Paint Horse?

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paigeb90

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I just wondered what age you would/could start to lunge a back an American Paint Horse? Ive tried googling it but getting nowhere.
Any help would be much appreciated!

Thank-you!

Paige.
 
Generally, all-purpose ridden horses are started around 4 if mature enough. An American Paint would be no different I expect from any other horse.
 
Lunge a back? I don't understand that phrase. :)

Lunging could be done as early as you want to, but I wouldn't lunge a whole lot and especially not with sidereins (I prefer to teach the horse to listen to the lunge-rein), you could grounddrive as well.

If you mean sitting on it? All horses skeletones mature at age 6. Small (pony) mares can be mature at age 5,5 years, large bred stallions at age 6,5 year. No matter the breed. Some horses (I think quarters and paints are among those) are bred to look mature earlier, but the spine and neck still won't be fully developed/matured untill they're 6. So I advice against riding before 3, and then only light rides with light riders, and lots of rest in between untill 4 at least. Last bone in the horse body to mature is the vertebraes near the scull.
 
Zabby said:
Lunge a back? I don't understand that phrase. :)

Lunging could be done as early as you want to, but I wouldn't lunge a whole lot and especially not with sidereins (I prefer to teach the horse to listen to the lunge-rein), you could grounddrive as well.

If you mean sitting on it? All horses skeletones mature at age 6. Small (pony) mares can be mature at age 5,5 years, large bred stallions at age 6,5 year. No matter the breed. Some horses (I think quarters and paints are among those) are bred to look mature earlier, but the spine and neck still won't be fully developed/matured untill they're 6. So I advice against riding before 3, and then only light rides with light riders, and lots of rest in between untill 4 at least. Last bone in the horse body to mature is the vertebraes near the scull.
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Ha! I meant lunge AND back!

But thank you for your helpful reply anyway!
Well the horse in question is not even 2 yet, (in may), so I was just wondering how long I would need to wait! :)
 
my QH filly was backed at 2 and has been in light work for the last 6 months (she is now 3). It all depends on what you intend to do. My filly will compete in reining classes later this year so all 3 year old QHs competing in the same classes will have been backed at 2 and worked. Her competitive career will probably end when she is 4 or 5 and she will (if worthy) go on to be a broodmare, if not, she will be a hack. Can we see a pic of your paint and whats his breeding? Great horses, Paints and Quarters!
 
I dont have a picture of her as she is at a yard that I went to today.
I was initially looking for a horse thats ready to go but when I saw Maddie (paint) I fell in love with her! She will be 2 in May and was just looking into it really as I would love to buy her! And she really would be worth the wait!

I'm going back next thursday so I'll take a photo of the beauty and post it up.

Thanks for your help.
Paige.
 
Ditto the 'not too young' part. Everyone worries about their legs but it's actually their back that fininshes growing last, and that's the part we put the most stress on when sitting on them. :o

I wouldn't be doing much with her until next year at the very easliest. I'd get her used to wearing tack, and going for walks, once she's three (so next spring and summer) then maybe sit on her when she's 3.5 (so next autumn. At 4 she'll be ready to do a bit of real ridden work, so you won't be able to get out and about on her for another 2yrs at least.

Also, hav you worked with or backed young horses before? It's not rocket science but it can go horribly wrong if you don't know what you're doing.
 
hi, im new to here but saw your post and i have an american paint mare, bought her when she came off her mum, shes now 5, she wasnt broken till she was 4, as very imature still, i e-mailed breeders and they all tended to say they are farily late to mature, but still break them around 3, we left her as she was mentaly imature to, but must say she is lovely, couldnt ask for a more laid back little girl! my first to break in myself and shes taken it all in her stride even when ive made mistakes, recomend them to anyone!
 
paigeb90 said:
I dont have a picture of her as she is at a yard that I went to today.
I was initially looking for a horse thats ready to go but when I saw Maddie (paint) I fell in love with her! She will be 2 in May and was just looking into it really as I would love to buy her! And she really would be worth the wait!

I'm going back next thursday so I'll take a photo of the beauty and post it up.

Thanks for your help.
Paige.
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It would depend on how well matured both physicly
and mentaly but from 3 upwards for starting her under saddle.... if you have done the ground work .. but get some proper advice from
a good trainer ....
 
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