what do people expect from a 5 year old?

[angela_l_b]

Just got a call about my horse for sale (rising 5, lovely boy for his age) from someone who wanted to know if he would be ok for her teenage daughter to event up to intermediate this year... ummm... I think not!

 

[MontyandZoom]

But I thought most Grand Prix dressage horses were 5 years old?.......................and Monty, my 30 year old is still going round badminton.

 

[MrsMozart]

Damn. Will have to rethink riding Dizzy up Mount Everest this year then. Ah well, will stick to having her swim across the Nile instead - well, she is five after all.

 

[4leggedfurries]

I know some people are very random... just think you can sit on a horse and it'll, youd probably find that she cant even jump! I had similar when i was selling my horse last year, advertised as a project for an exprienced rider as had issues and was a mountain at 17.2/3, so woman rang about him for her daughter who wanted something that she could bring on and she could make her own. Fine. then got she's 12 yrs old, 4'10' and about 4 stone and only been riding about 6/8 months, 'would he be suitable' errr NO, he's verging on being a nutter who likes to bronc, realy needs someone whos about 6ft tall and weighs about 15 stone to sit him when he's having a 'moment'...

 

[Theresa_F]

Farra, just 5, is a clyde but she does basic schooling, small jumps and is excellent to hack. About to start small shows - she is still growing and filling out, she is 17 hands and still needs to work on her balance.

Chancer, my cob, 5 next month. Doing some lateral work in the school and for his age very balanced. Has started doing affiliated county showing, jumps 2'6 and just started doing small courses. Does low level dressage and will be starting jumping competitions shortly with XC scheduled for next year.

I started mine early, sat on at 2 1/2 but have done everything with them very slowly and carefully as I am in no rush as I have no plans to sell and the intention is that they are with us and being ridden into old age.

Personally I think some people do ask too much of young horses as soon as they are four, but maybe they don't plan on having them in their old age so don't worry about the consequences.

 

[Bossanova]

She probably meant pony club intermediate which is about intro level and therefore not beyond the reach of a mature 5yr old.

 

[Hippona]

I expect my rising 5 year old to stop/start and vaguely go in the right direction. Thats enough for now.....

 

[Booboos]

I think you should give up with selling your chap now, because if he is not eventing intermediate this year he will never make it to CIC **** by the time he is rising 6

 

[Taffster]

I would expect lovely balanced paces, impeccable manners and the ability to compete at all disciplines by the time its 5. Whether it be advanced medium dressageat least novice eventing at least fox hunter bsja and done a bit of affiliated showing too, otherwise surely its just a happy hacker. Oh and i would expect all this for less than £2500 and thats if it is absolutely bombproof on the roads.
I dont think i am asking too much

 

[angela_l_b]

If that's what they think he can do, I'll keep him! Look out for me at Badminton next year (I'll be the one falling off the grey horse at the first).

 

[KatB]

Oh just you wait... some of the calls I have had...

Bless them

 

[angela_l_b]

Please, can't you sell yours quickly and buy mine? I am not sure how much longer I can be patient and polite on the phone...

Thank goodness for these poor horsies that we just won't sell them to some people...

 

[BroadfordQueen]

They probably meant Pony club intermediate, which is only 1m and in the capabilities of many 5 year olds.

 

[Starman]

It depends on the horse. I have a more advanced, strong 5 year old who's competing at 1.20m BSJA, then i have another which was broken later and is only just starting jumping up to 1m.

I think the main thing in a 5 year old is that they have 3 correct paces, a soft mouth, responsive to the leg and good scope. 5 years to me is when all this should be in place, and then the challenges can begin.