I have a three almost four year old pony who is super talented in dressage. My trainer has me riding him 6 times a week and really working him in the trot and canter with him being on the bit, supple, and collected. He has gotton a little fustrated and fussy when you push him to do more. My question is, is this too much for a young horse??
I think if you feel him becoming fussy and irritated, he's trying to tell you something. I would mix things up some or you'll burn him out too soon. Trail riding, and some free lunging and some days off or some jumping. you are so lucky to have the time and place to ride 6 days a week!
I wouldn't be working a rising 4 year old in collection. At this stage, just going forward into the bridle. Stop, go and turn with millions of trail rides.
Yes, they might offer more, but if you keep taking and pushing, you'll fry their brains before they hit 6.
I'd be backing right off, spending only a day or two a week in the arena and if possible, doing multiple trail rides over varying terrain at varying speeds. Nothing better for a young horse than spending time on the trails - yes, even a Dressage prospect.
Don't fry his brain just because he's offering it to you now.
Exactly, and you want him to think "I can" never push a horse past what he can do. Especially not a young horse. I agree that you are working way too much too soon.
I would say that if you feel it's excessive, then listen to your gut. It sounds like you know this horse pretty well.
Talk to your trainer about what you're noticing about your pony, and discuss ways to ease back on the difficulty of the training while still developing the pony's balance and suppleness. At the end of the day, it's your pony, and his health that you have to live with for several years (if not decades). If he breaks down, tears a tendon, or flips his lid mentally, YOU'RE the one that has to pay for it.
I'm assuming that there may be some miscommunication between the trainer and you on duration, or level of work, the trainer wants you to do with the pony. Find out if it is a simple miscommunication. If it's not, then see if you two can come to compromise that will allow you to feel comfortable with what you're asking of the pony, yet ensure he's still progressing at a rate that's appropriate for his age.
If you can't find a good middle ground with the trainer, then do what is right for your pony. Even if that means pulling him out of training for a year.
kdoing that much work with a rising 4yr old is a good way to make them sore. back right off get him hacking out and enjoying his work. he shouldnt be collected at thiz point anyway he needs to be working long and low and stretching over his back. when they are talented it is very tempting to keep pushing for more however doing so will fry the horses brain Posted via Mobile Device
uhere is an example of what my young and very talented pony does:
winter
2 days in the school
2 days lunging
2 days hacking
1 day off
summer:
2 days in the school
3 days hacking
1 day lunging or showing
1 day off
it keeps him fresh and you can still school on a hack Posted via Mobile Device
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Horse Forum
3.4M posts
92.6K members
Since 2006
A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!