What is the best age to back a horse?

Champion1969 said:
Going back to my thread the other day...

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?626316-9ins-of-Bone

My girl was backed at just over 3 by a previous owner so if they don't stop growing till 6/7 what is the best thing to do?
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I'd usually always back at 3, light hack work for couple of months over summer and then turn out til next spring. Depends on horse though, if physically weak and very immature maybe later. I think they have their worst stages between ages of 5-7 :)
 
Between 4 and 5 as they are physically and mentally mature enough without being too opinionated and then they stay in work as they get fitter so are ready for shows in their early 5th year. I would turn away a three year old until late summer early autumn of heir 4th year and then school over winter to again be ready for early shows at 5
 
windand rain said:
Between 4 and 5 as they are physically and mentally mature enough without being too opinionated and then they stay in work as they get fitter so are ready for shows in their early 5th year. I would turn away a three year old until late summer early autumn of heir 4th year and then school over winter to again be ready for early shows at 5
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This ^^^^^

Horses actually cease developing around 5½ with the hocks and spine being the last to finish - after that it is just a question of muscle development.
 
I've just backed a 3 year old, ie sat on him andbeen led about at walk. Will leave him now til Sept then continue this for a few weeks, 5 or 10 mins at walk 3 times a week. he'll then do even less over the winter and next May he will start a bit of "proper " work. He wont do anything except light hacking until he's 5. they are babies for longer than most people realise.
 
3 ! Would then start riding them properly around 4 /5 Get them out places to see everything at a young age , that way nothing will phase them when they are older
 
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