What age do you think is right to break and ride a horse?

[TallulahBright]

I backed my 3 yr old TB this summer- walk, trot and 30 min hack once a week under a libra saddle pad. This was on advice of vet as needed to check her back was ok (long rant could be gone into here but....). It was exactly the right thing to do- she enjoyed the bit of work, also long reined a bit. She's now back out in the field having a winter think about what she's learned. She's developed some early top line and a positive attitude so I'm now looking forward to starting her lightly again in the spring. I won't be doing any jumping next year, though.
It does seem that there are lots of conflicting views out there but I do think- you know your own horse. I've had mine since she was 8 months old so have been able to gauge her responses to groundwork etc. I can honestly say it's been one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done!
Enjoy!!

 

[rowy]

I would tend to do nothing with them as a 2 year old except maybe in hand walks and bitting.
I would back at 3 but just very lightly- lunging, long-reining and sitting on and having a wonder around. then turn away.
Then back properly early 4 year old year ready for competing as a 4 year old.

As with jumping- I loose jumped my 3 year old once just to get her used to poles and jumps and she loves jumping!
My 4 year old didnt get jumped as a 3 year old at all and he has only been jumped a couple of times this year over small jumps.