Who's raised,backed & produced their own horse from a yearling?

spacefaer said:
I am currently helping a friend back her homebred 4 yr old. He is proving very easy, as she has handled him and done a lot of groundwork over the last 4 years. We didn't start him last year as he was just too big and soft-jointed. I did have to have words with her about 18 months ago, as he was turning into a homebred thug, who was beginning to lack the concept of personal space and was dreadfully bitey.

That is the risk of having them as babies - they're so sweet and in your face - until they turn into 16.2 of muggy gelding, who walks all over you.

In terms of knowing what you are getting, a few years ago I had 3 young horses to start - all bred by the same woman, and brought up by her on her farm. Full brothers too. The oldest one was a thug - would bite and kick and was just generally unwilling to work with you. The middle one was very difficult to break, but a delight once he was being ridden away. The third had been left entire until he was 3 and was bolshy and aggressive. The oldest and youngest were sold for 100s, the middle one for 100,000s. All had had the same start in life, and the same genetic makeup.

It's a massive gamble
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That's interesting!
 
I've had my 6-yo since he was 7 months old... unfortunately he grew too big for me (both height and width wise!) and he is just too much horse for me (I'm 5'0, he is over 16h).

He has been super easy to do, I never had any problems with anything I've done with him (apart from lunging... and that is probably because I'm not a very efficient lunger).

Would I buy a weanling again... probably not. I'd probably buy an adult who has basic training and an affinity for what I'd like to do.
 
Andiamo said:
Thanks for sharing this paddy555. You are 100% right about everything here. I also planned to do exactly what you've done - going for walks in-hand, tractor training, training, alone and with others, so that he is used to everything from a young age. I've also heard that the backing is a non-event when you've done so much with them beforehand. That's pretty incredible that you backed a 4 yr old Arab stallion on your own, it sounds like he let you know he was ready. My friend will take her yearling to two in-hand showing events this year. He's been to one already, he got in the trailer like he'd done it loads of times before (he hasn't), he travelled well and was an angel at the show and came home in ribbons. The next one is a big show, which might be overwhelming, but should be a really good experience as well. The nice thing is, my friend and I will be able to take them together to do these things, and they'll live in a field together, so they will be best friends growing up, and will do all sorts of things together.

I had a PRE as a 4 year old which had just been left in a massive herd (100's of horses) in Spain to grow up, with very little human contact...he was a nutter, wild, very difficult to handle, he'd had no socialisation, had never seen a tractor or deer, he would bolt when frightened. I want to avoid that, by getting the youngster used to all sorts of things between 1-4 years old. The youngster will have plenty of time to be a horse as well, but along the way, there will be all sorts of training and getting used to everyday things.
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horses shouldn't be difficult to back. If they are then probably they shouldn't be backed at that point. None of ours ever had a problem with backing. They had had so much over their backs, so many lunging whips whizzing around their heads and bodies, so many oil drums thrown over their backs and dragged all over their bodies they probably thought a person was a great relief. Most were sat on side saddle any times, ie horse next to high mounting block and just sitting side saddle which is very easy to get off. I can see the point in sending a horse away for schooling but backing and a rider being led around for the first few times is just a follow on from everything else they have learnt.

I also don't see the point in turning a horse away till 3 or 4 nor that handling them should produce badly behaved horses.
I cannot see they are any different from dogs or children. You wouldn't let a child run feral and then announce at 4 it is starting primary school. You would teach it manners and let it learn gradually from a young age, similarly dogs so why not horses?

Of course young anythings need correct handling, teaching and manners. However plenty of people seem to post about bad manners in their older horses who are walking all over them so I think that is just that person's relationship with horses.
I don't allow them to behave badly, the first thing any 6mo learns is "back". However I do let them into my space as when they are older I want them to be affectionate and to be with me. I teach them that as babies. Be nice and pleasant and we can have cuddles, mug me, try to bite and it is "back" very quickly.
I keep my horses for their lifetime so it is to my advantage that they turn out nicely. Good luck if you get a youngster, enjoy every minute of it.
 
Thanks everyone who has contributed so far. You're giving me lots to think about. A couple of months ago I wouldn't have considered a yearling, but my good friend has been really pushing for it, since she's on her second one (the first died suddenly at 6 yrs old with cancer), she's been wearing me down slowly and making it seem like a good idea :) I've seen a great yearling gelding who I'm a bit smitten with, I like his breeding, conformation, and movement. I am looking forward to the experience of raising a youngster and taking him with my friend's yearling to county shows etc to get him used to everything. He'll have a nice big field and friendly herd to grow up in, and can be best friends with my friend's yearling. Lots of things can happen in 3 years, he could get injured, or be ill, or not turn into the amazing horse I hope he'll be, but sure it's a risk that I'll take on. I bought a mega expensive, top quality 3 year old from Germany in the past who turned out to have been overproduced before I bought him, and at 4 yrs old the specialists were recommending to PTS. I lost all my money on this horse, spent a lot on diagnosis , treatments and rehabilitation, then more on getting him started again once he was healthy. It was a huge amount of money and emotionally draining. I can't (and not many people can) afford to keep spending and losing that kind of money, I don't have a money tree.

On the other hand, I've been looking to buy an adult horse - 3-6 years old, and I've had a healthy budget, but there are so many scams, so many lies, so many risks....xrays and a vetting don't show everything - especially if a seller is determined to hide something. I've been scammed so many times that I don't trust anyone now.
So, getting a yearling means that I know exactly what the horse has experienced while growing up, I will know he hasn't been pumped full of muscle builder at 3 years old (I've seen this happen in the UK), I'll know he hasn't been forced to work beyond his ability at a young age before his bones have set (UK, Germany, Holland, Spain)...and I'll know that he'll have been introduced to lots of things and socialised while growing up, so that it's not a traumatic experience when he first sees a tractor or a dog. Sure, maybe he has an accident and gets caught in an electric fence when he's 2 and damages some ligaments, but this could happen to an older horse too. Getting them young means you can get exactly what you want, you can choose the breeding etc.

If the horse doesn't turn out you want / expect, it will always find a suitable home with someone who thinks he/she is perfect. It's a bit like in life - it isn't the destination that is the reward, it's the journey to get there that is most fulfilling.

Some of the top foals at the big auctions sell for silly amounts of money...and then you never hear from them again...what was amazing as a foal isn't guaranteed to be amazing as a grown up sport horse. Same as 4 year olds - they can sell for huge amounts, but never go one to achieve anything because they're not suited to the sport for one reason or another. Horses are a gamble, no matter the age. Crossing the street everyday is a gamble, but we still do it.
 
My big lad has been with me since 6 months. I did everything myself and he's 6 now. A really lovely attitude; willing and quick to learn, if a bit quirky but then mum was quirky too. Unfortunately my gamble hasn't paid off. I wanted to avoid the issues which can come with a ready made horse, both mental and physical. He has been undergoing investigation since a 2yo and is most likely suffering from hock djd although it could still be anything from ks to wobblers. It's a bit galling having put years of work in to realise he may end up retired very early. But I guess that's not a common story.
 
Nudibranch said:
My big lad has been with me since 6 months. I did everything myself and he's 6 now. A really lovely attitude; willing and quick to learn, if a bit quirky but then mum was quirky too. Unfortunately my gamble hasn't paid off. I wanted to avoid the issues which can come with a ready made horse, both mental and physical. He has been undergoing investigation since a 2yo and is most likely suffering from hock djd although it could still be anything from ks to wobblers. It's a bit galling having put years of work in to realise he may end up retired very early. But I guess that's not a common story.
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...Unfortunately it's not at all uncommon. There is no guaranteed path to glory.....
 
We've bred four....one is a bit of a madam temperament wise....not for the RC market! One was injured in a paddock accident and can't be ridden, the other two are lovely horses....both currently being produced by an international rider and going well. Guess we've been quite lucky. Buying a foal is definitely something I would consider.
 
Good luck OP, sounds like you've made up your mind really.
If I'm totally honest there is something about the way you describe the whole venture that makes me a little concerned for you - the best friends, brothers, long walks and super bond stuff. But you seem to have got yourself psychologically (with past experiences and all) where you wouldn't want an older horse even if you could afford exactly what you wanted, so I guess buy the yearling and see.
 
Yes, I have a few times. The last foal I bought at two weeks old, and he is 9yrs old now and has just done his first Inter1, I also bought a yearling that went to PSG, and a foal who went on to be a state premium mare, and whilst physically talented had no real work ethic, so she is now a very happy recipient brood mare. I tend to buy as foals for the price, I dont keep them at home, as I believe very firmly that youngsters are best served by growing up in a gang of same age/sex herds. I have strong bonds with all my horses, but no real difference between the ones I have had as foals as opposed to the ones I've had as just backed youngsters.

I worked for years with young horses, and as a backing rider, so I am used to riding and dealing with youngsters, if you buy as a foal you must be prepared to ride whatever you end up with, it may well not be what you would have chosen, if you then sell at 3/4yrs old you have wasted a lot of time if the foal is your only horse. I also think if the foal/youngster is your only horse you do get very tempted to do quite a lot with them, personally I like to leave my youngsters alone just to be a horse, once they have basic handling and manners. When I worked as a backing rider the over handled youngsters were by far the trickiest to deal with.

OP, I wish you the very best of luck if you decide to do this, its certainly a gamble, but all horse buying is a gamble. I do think you seem to have a rather romantic vision for how this will work, but thats not to say it wont all work out well for you.
 
Bought and broke 3 one bought at 6 months one 9 months and one yearling just in the process of backing now 3 everything has been slow with him as nearly 17hh walked out with roller then saddle and bridle sat on bareback in stable then on yard now riding with tack on but all take time still baby steps at moment as young no point in rushing as take time with basics and so far had no problems with any (prob fall off now said that 😄)
 
canteron said:
Andiamo, and did you go for this new adventure!!?
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Sorry for the two year delay in responding! I ended up buying 2 warmblood youngsters, a yearling and a 2 year old in Spring of 2018. They are now 2 & 3 years old. The 3 year old was very stallion-y in his behaviour, and I didn't think it was going to work out with him... but he has turned into the most gorgeous, loving, kind, laid-back gentleman I could have asked for. The yearling was very sweet when I bought him.... and he's turned into a very high energy, attention seeking, naughty teenager. I am wondering if he's going to grow out of it, he is on speed all the time!!
The 3 year old - I've done everything very slowly with him, roller on, bridle on, lungeing, long reining, ground work, saddle on, and someone has sat on him a couple of times. He took it all in his stride, as cool as a cucumber. I'll continue to do ground work over the winter, then plan to back him in the Spring of 2020. It's been a fab experience having 2 youngsters, and I would recommend it to everyone. My 3 year old looked very scruffy, skinny and had a weird conformation when I bought him... he has blossomed into the most stunning charismatic horse ever, he doesn't just turn heads, people stop and stare, with dropped jaws. It was a chance to buy something so weird looking, but the risk paid off. I would not have been able to afford him the way he looks now. I'm looking forward to be able to ride him in 2020. Having youngsters has been very rewarding, and it also a big plus that I know they have never had bad experiences. I train my horses with psychology, not with aggression, and they've learned a lot with me...they are hungry to learn more. Would I buy another youngster? Absolutely! Fantastic experience and the bond you build is something very special. I have had them on DIY so that I could do everything with them, so they would only be handled by me. I worried about what would happen on a full livery yard if I brought two young feral horses with no manners or training...so I decided to go DIY so that I could teach them all the basics myself. I wouldn't recommend buying a youngster to a beginner though...you do need to know what you're doing, and be calm and confident in handling young horses. But for the experienced people out there, it's definitely something to consider.
 
Andiamo said:
I'm thinking about getting a warmblood yearling....with a view for his future to be in dressage.
The trouble is, buying the good quality ones as 3-4 year olds is prohibitively expensive, and you don't know their background, they could have been raised in an industrial-scale breeding operation in Europe, with no handling at all, and are scatty wild feral things at 3 when they arrive in the UK to be sold....or they could have been treated badly, or had bad experiences, or been backed and overworked at too young an age, so damage has already been done by 3 years old....

The benefits of getting a yearling, is I can get an excellent quality, well bred youngster with very few experiences, and even if they have had experiences, they'll grow out of any negative impact and can go on to be well balanced nice horses. We can also bond, and grow together, do in hand showing, go for country walks together :) - so that by 3-4 years old, I'll know the horse's reactions to everything, and we'll know each other really well.

The downside, is that you don't know how the horse will be to ride....you could get to 4 years old, and find out that while the horse is sweet on the ground, that he's a nutter under saddle...the other downside is that it's a looooong wait to be able to crack on with things :), or there's also the risk of injury / accident before they reach an age to be ridden.

So, who has done it? Have you bought a foal or yearling and brought it up, backed it, and you're now a happy partnership? I'm interested to hear everyone's stories, good and bad ;)

Thanks
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Yes, several. When you've had them from so young, there is a much stronger bond, and the backing and riding away is easy, because the horse knows, and trusts you. Also a lot cheaper than buying a 4 year old who may not have been started properly.
 
I'm in the process of doing it after losing a 5yo to what we think was a congenital tendon condition and deciding, much like you, that I'd quite like to know my next youngster from the get go.

He was imported as a 7mo from Germany and is now 19 months old and has been as easy as pie so far. I suspect he'll end up a tad bigger than I wanted, but he has a temperament to die for and I'm quite excited to see how he is under saddle when the time comes.
 
FestiveFuzz said:
I'm in the process of doing it after losing a 5yo to what we think was a congenital tendon condition and deciding, much like you, that I'd quite like to know my next youngster from the get go.

He was imported as a 7mo from Germany and is now 19 months old and has been as easy as pie so far. I suspect he'll end up a tad bigger than I wanted, but he has a temperament to die for and I'm quite excited to see how he is under saddle when the time comes.
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yes, it's great to know them from a young age. You know exactly what they have and haven't done. Training them to pick up feet is still a work in progress though...it's taken months to get them to a point that they'll lift up each foot as I stand by it. It makes you realise why backed 3-4 year olds mostly can't pick up their feet when they get to the new owner - it's because it's a lengthy process to teach it and avoid being kicked. I think when they're backed and for sale, the sellers prioritise the ridden part to get them into a new home, but not so much the ground work, or basic manners training (obviously not in all cases). I'm happy that my boys will be well mannered gentlemen from the get go. They are no angels I might add... they do have their moments which comes from being young. But the good behaviour is more often than the cheeky behaviour, and the divide between the two types of behaviour should increase over time, hopefully with the good behaviour being the most frequent!
 
Glad to hear that the OP had such a positive experience

I have had a couple of yearlings and brought on several youngsters over the years, back when i was a know nothing kid it was the only way I could even afford a horse :-)
i have learned a lot since then and am still learning, but hoping I will do an OK job with my next one, very excitedly, I am due a foal next spring from a trainer friends fabulous warmblood mare ( agreement is that I pay all the covering and related foaling costs and resulting offspring is mine ) trainer has a rising 2 year old from the mare and same sire, he is a lovely chap to deal with and just stunning. this is my first ever actual foal ( and the last, as I am getting older !) Temperament and confirmation of sire and dam are great and both are far better bred horses than i could ever afford to buy once produced. yes, it could all go horribly wrong and I am prepared for that, but if everything goes to plan, i will have a super foal which i can watch grow up, work and interact with and fingers crossed have a decently bred well adjusted riding horse in 4 years or so.
 
monte1 said:
Glad to hear that the OP had such a positive experience
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Thank you! Well that sounds very exciting for you! Sounds like the perfect recipe for your ideal horse - I guess you can't be too picky about gender in this case though or colour (to some extent). Great though that you know the mum and dad, so you have a pretty good idea of what you will get. Hey, horses are a lifelong learning opportunity, I think we all know that :) No matter how much you know, there will always be one that comes along and challenges the way you do things. That's maybe why we like them so much, it's that constant learning throughout life. Good luck with your little one! :) I am also not that attached, that selling wouldn't be a consideration. If one turns out to be unsuitable for me, I have no problem in selling. The journey has been rewarding, and I can feel good knowing that a new owner will get a well mannered, well trained horse in it's ground manners, and that it has had a happy childhood :)
 
I bought a totally unhandled 2 year old and ended up selling her when she was 6 :( I loved that she was very much my horse and we only did local level RC type stuff. However we moved house when she was 5, from a very very rural setting with hours of off road hacking, to somewhere less so where to get anywhere I simply have to ride through a village. I had put everything I could into her foundations to help her become accustomed to traffic and I persisted as much as I could at the new house. Until I took on a project pony, straight from the field, to re-start. She was barely back in work and was completely bomb proof with traffic where as my other horse was still unpredictable and it was always risky taking her on the road. I found myself hacking the project more and more and my main horse losing fitness. I dont have an arena and all my schooling is done in the field or on hacks... so in the end it became tedious trailering my original horse out if I wanted to do anything but school at home and I sold her... and kept the project. It was a really hard decision, as she was just 'mine' and I was so proud of the process we have been through. Im no spring chicken now, in my 40's, so Id need to know the basics of what I have rather than waste several years and facing heartbreak again.
 
Andiamo said:
I'm thinking about getting a warmblood yearling....with a view for his future to be in dressage.
The trouble is, buying the good quality ones as 3-4 year olds is prohibitively expensive, and you don't know their background, they could have been raised in an industrial-scale breeding operation in Europe, with no handling at all, and are scatty wild feral things at 3 when they arrive in the UK to be sold....or they could have been treated badly, or had bad experiences, or been backed and overworked at too young an age, so damage has already been done by 3 years old....

The benefits of getting a yearling, is I can get an excellent quality, well bred youngster with very few experiences, and even if they have had experiences, they'll grow out of any negative impact and can go on to be well balanced nice horses. We can also bond, and grow together, do in hand showing, go for country walks together :) - so that by 3-4 years old, I'll know the horse's reactions to everything, and we'll know each other really well.

The downside, is that you don't know how the horse will be to ride....you could get to 4 years old, and find out that while the horse is sweet on the ground, that he's a nutter under saddle...the other downside is that it's a looooong wait to be able to crack on with things :), or there's also the risk of injury / accident before they reach an age to be ridden.

So, who has done it? Have you bought a foal or yearling and brought it up, backed it, and you're now a happy partnership? I'm interested to hear everyone's stories, good and bad ;)

Thanks
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Yup I have and still got my boy too
 
really enjoyed reading everyone's stories. so pleased that the op has had such a positive experience. please keep us informed of future progress. it's great to read about positive stories
 
I’ve had mine since a two year old, he is my soulmate and breaking him was probably the most satisfying thing I have ever done. He was very easy to break because I knew him so well and I enjoyed all the baby years doing in hand shows and walks together. That being said I would hesitate to do it again as he had a career ending injury at 5 so never really got going. He has a home for life and don't regret ever getting him but to put so much work in to get nowhere is heartbreaking. Though that’s horses for you and could happen at any age! (Think I’ve just talked myself into getting another baby!)
 
Lovely to hear that you took the plunge and bought the two youngsters Andiamo! It's a long journey and needs careful planning and good support but it's very rewarding. My "foal" is now 10 years old and absolutely super for what I want him for (hacking and being a lovely horse to have).
 
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