Young Horse Competing

[Harriet1993]

Hi guys,

I have recently purchased my very first young horse! All is going well, he is such a dude.
I am after a bit of advice, Ferdi turns 4 on 20th May this year (2022) and I plan to compete in the young horse classes later this year.
in terms of unaffiliated comps to get him out for the first time and gain experience in the white boards… most unaffiliated dressage comps are run to BD rules, would he be eligible to compete at 3yrs old but in his 4th year? It would be a walk and trot at HC.
Any advice very much welcome, thank you!

 

[LEC]

He is classed as 4 so it’s fine. It’s 1st jan for all sporthorses.

Personally I would never aim a 4yo at YH classes unless you want to sell. They were originally designed as a shop window for breeders and producers, not the mass market meat factory they have become. None of the GP horses you see have done YH classes. Valegro would be the one exception and he was unique. Even then the big producers tend to do it from 5yo if they have the right horse.