how soon do you take a young horse off property

prospect · Advanced

how soon do you take a young horse off property

Barbara F · Grand Prix

Oh boy, is he ever nice! Where did you take him? Who was the clinician?
I think three is the perfect age. I might take my horse with a buddy if he were at all a nervous type.
I also think a clinic is a better first time experience than a show. Lots going on, but in a more controlled environment.

Diamond_Jubilee · Well Schooled

3 1/2 is a great age to take them off property. I took my pony off property when he was a 3 year old (he also showed on the line since he was a couple of months old, so it really was no big deal to him). Your boy looks great by the way :)

prospect · Advanced

Barbara F wrote:
Oh boy, is he ever nice! Where did you take him? Who was the clinician?
I think three is the perfect age. I might take my horse with a buddy if he were at all a nervous type.
I also think a clinic is a better first time experience than a show. Lots going on, but in a more controlled environment.

Thank you - it was pretty low key which was nice - the boys eventing coach, michele mueller had a clinic for her clients only with Karin Davis - Karin and I both clinic with christian garweg sometimes - so it was easy to say to her that it was more for the outing and it was pretty relaxed. Karin gave me some great tips and it is always interesting to have another eye in additon to our regular coach - stephanie jensen - who helps me with him weekly.

Sitting on my desk is the entry to the rcra dressage show - just thinking about doing w/t with him. I have actually filled out the form - now the question is - do I send it.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Depends on the horse, I think, and the amount of training. If your horse is highly confirmed in his cues and you have a good relationship, why wouldn't you????

Diamond_Jubilee · Well Schooled

I think you should do the walk/trot at RCRA! I did them last year with my 3 year old and it was so good for him!!

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

If there is an extra space in the trailer, the young one tags along to shows or wherever. They don't need to be ridden, but just seeing the sights and sounds of a show can be a good experience. Of course you will want somebody who is confident with young ones to strictly handle the youngster, it isn't fair for them to be left tied to the side of the trailer. The handler can walk them around while chatting with other people at the show etc. As they get older, you can take them to a friend's farm to ride or a small schooling show (or clinic) is handy. I find if they've had experience being off farm previous to being ridden off farm, they are fine.

prospect · Advanced

Diamond_Jubilee wrote:
I think you should do the walk/trot at RCRA! I did them last year with my 3 year old and it was so good for him!!

Sent my entry in - and my son will be doing his first show with his new horse too.

SoftTouchTraining · Well Schooled

Nikki, we do the same thing. Young horses tag along to shows and see the sights and everyone's first show is a little schooling or open show. I love letting youngsters hangout in warm up or along the show ring. there is so much for them to see and they take it all in.

Diamond_Jubilee · Well Schooled

Good luck to you and your son at RCRA! Those shows are so much fun. They are layed back and run really well.