What should I be looking for/expect??

SatansLittleHelper

SatansLittleHelper

Well-Known Member
Joined
27 December 2011
Messages
5,789
Location
Shropshire
Visit site
Another thread on here has really got me thinking..

Late spring Jester will be going to be "re-started" (he was broken/ridden at just turned 2, I bought him at 2 and a bit 16 months ago and he has just been chillaxin in the field to grow up a bit).
My long term goals are:
*Hacking out alone and in company
*Fun rides
*Some schooling
*Jumping (my fav discipline)
* Possibly a little play at dressage

He lacks confidence and can be sharp/pushy on the ground, is overly bonded to his fieldmate. He needs very firm but sensitive handling.
I have re started regular riding lessons myself and am doing well and regaining confidence :)
I would like someone to re start him who will allow me to visit him and get involved. Possibly someone who would give me some lessons on him.
I appreciate this may appear a very "novicey" post but I'm scared of screwing up again. I want to do this horse justice.

So my questions are:
1) Approximately how much per week should I be looking to pay..?? (I'm in Shropshire)
2) Approximately how many weeks should it take for the basics to be achieved? ? (Ball park?)
3) I'm assuming that experience in breaking etc is more desirable than qualifications??
4) He currently lives out 24/7 and will continue to do so...should he go to a facility where they will accommodate this or will he be fine to be stabled?
5) He is unshod, assuming he stays sound in work will it be fine for this to continue?? (Farrier says his feet are fab)
6) I don't have a saddle for him, will I need to get a fitter out and buy one before training..and would a Wintec type be ok??
7) Should I get a physio out to give him a once over befòre hand?
8) He has wolf teeth which are coming out soon...how long after this should he be left for him not to be sore?
9) I would like (if possible) for him to be trained in a full cheek french link...is this reasonable assuming it suits the horse?? I dont want him started off in a strong bit.
10) Will a trainer welcome my presence? I wont pester but I would like to be involved so I know EXACTLY what's being done, how it's being done and why it's being done.
11) For what I'm expecting of my horse long term what type of trainer should I be looking for??

I would really appreciate some input as I'm determined to get this right. I'm hoping he will be my forever horse so no rushing wanted or needed but I don't want to repeat any of my previous mistakes...this horse is incredibly precious to me.

Thanks...a large Brandy here if you got this far ;)
 
You should be near enough to send him to Janet George, send her a pm to find out about costs but from what I have seen you will not find anywhere better to send your youngster to.
5) leave unshod
6) the yard is likely to use their own so the best time to get one will be once you can ride him yourself to get it fitted properly
7) it would do no harm
8) best to give him 2-3 weeks
9) he will not be started in a strong bit if he goes to a pro, send his bridle and if it is suitable they will more than likely use it.
10) most will be happy for you to be there but be realistic about it, they will be busy and not have time to show you every day or every stage, sometimes they will work at different times due to other commitments.

11) look for someone that produces horses to be good allround individuals, gets them out hacking, going forward confidently from the start.
 
Janet would do a great job.
I don't know what the going rate would be in your area but I don't understand how anyone can do a great job for less than £20 per day less than that and I would worry about the quality of whats being done.
Time scale depend completely on the horse and how finished you want the horse to be when you get it back perhaps assess that when he's at the yard but at a guess eight weeks.
I am of the firm belief that horses need to learn to be stabled so I would want stabled with turn out .
I would leave BF and be flexible depending on how he goes , however I would not just let the yard farrier shoe him unless you know the farrier and trust the work he does , perhaps have a plan in hand in case he needs shoes.
Saddles we had lots of saddles when I worked backing/ starting , many horses are spoilt by being started in badly fitting saddles I would send the horse in a saddle that fits .
I don't think as far as I remember wolf teeth take long to heal about two weeks I think .
If its a decent yard they won't use a strong bit but talk it with them .
I always backed my own and then sent them away for riding away as its important that homebreds get to see the world a bit .
I visited once weekly always and went and rode them at least weekly once my friend who ran the yard had them going ( I likedto leave it enough time so it was not to much difference for the horse when they where settling ).
Most trainers I know will be more than happy for a weekly watching work session I called in to see mine over and above that if I was passing.
I would say the most important thing is a pro who will get the horse hacking not just ride it in the school so pick the yard and pro with this in mind .
Hacking out and about is hard to do with a young horse on your own at home so that's what I would want them to concentrate on if the horse was mine.
Time in school is to my mind mine less important than a horse who is hacking out confidently of course they have to do the basics in the school but hacking out and about is the big thing for me.
Your right to think through carefully good luck with the horse.
 
Goldenstar said:
I would say the most important thing is a pro who will get the horse hacking not just ride it in the school so pick the yard and pro with this in mind .
Hacking out and about is hard to do with a young horse on your own at home so that's what I would want them to concentrate on if the horse was mine.
Time in school is to my mind mine less important than a horse who is hacking out confidently of course they have to do the basics in the school but hacking out and about is the big thing for me.
Click to expand...
^^^This. Too many yards who start youngsters keep them in the school and yard. Ideally, you want a traditionalist who will long line the horse all over the place before it is backed. This teaches them confidence and gets them thinking forwards.

I only 'know' Janet George from HHO, but she always talks a lot of common sense, and sounds very experienced and practical.

Good luck.

ETA Was he calmly riding away when you bought him, without hiccups? If there were any niggles or problems, you must level with the person you send him to, so that they can be prepared.
 
Last edited:
Thanks guys.
I dont know much about his previous ridden stuff other than he was backed and ridden out. He was a bit messed up when I bought him and needed some time out. I'm somewhat suspicious of his previous handling due to his initial behaviour.
I believe in this horse and he is special to me for many reasons. I'm going to contact Janet George and see what she says :)
I want to be forward thinking of his needs so everything is in place :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top