Youngsters workload

[Stinkbomb]

I was just wondering on what peoples ideas were on how much work a ten month old should be doing? He is only a miniature so will never be ridden only shown in hand. I do about 15 mins 5 times a week with him just working on his leading, walk, trot and standing still etc. Ive never had youngsters before, is this too much or not enough?

Also what are peoples opinions on lunging youngsters? ( i appreciate mine is still too young )
I have had some friends tell me it is bad for them as it puts too much strain on their legs. Should youngsters been lunged and if so from what age?

 

[JadeWisc]

I think it sounds like you are doing about the right things atm. As you know we both have minis the same age. I only let mine out on the lunge once in awhile to strech his legs, but for sure am not doing any constructive work when its going on! lol

One thing I would do that I did not see you mention is begin tying him.

I have been tying mine since I got him and now I do not even have to hold him for the trimmer anymore. He is able to be tied and remain calm and quiet while having his feet done!

 

[mandy4727]

We got ours when she was 9 months old. Although not a mini. But got her used to the things she would when she was older. Kids on bikes and skateboards (not too close just in case!!!). Car engines starting, umbrellas being put up and down, walking over plastic bags, things being dropped on the floor loudly around her, seeing traffic. Children running around screaming, dogs, dragging things around. Just everyday stuff really. She doesn't bother with a thing now. My daughter drags trotting poles round the paddock with Calli in one hand and a pole in the other arm and then gets Calli to walk over it from different angles for her to suss out the paces of it. Walking along side it and stopping. Standing still whilst a gate is being opened and then turning round and standing whilst it is closed. Being tied as someone mentioned. But we don't leave her on her own yet and ours is nearly 2 years old. She always has a haynet. And then the usual picking feet up. What about loading and unloading

 

[Stinkbomb]

Hi thanks everyone. He is already passed the tying stage forgot to mention. He'll tie up no problem and is happy being left even in the trailer. In fact he stands there whilst i have clipped him never moved!! Our yard is near a main road so started feeding him at the gate and he is quite used to the traffic at the moment. I was just wondering on his actual "work time" whether i was spending too much time. I would also when he is abit older wanting to lunge him to keep him fit and the weight down but have not really had any experience at this so wasnt sure of ages or whether it was good for this?