[Marrissa]

Okay I've read that horses fuse from the bottom up and the vertebrae are the last to fuse (around 6-7 years old). I vaguely remember hearing/reading something about a young horse being able to slip a disk if asked to collect too early? Is this true and if so how long would you wait to introduce collection? Would working on extensions cause any damage (if done lightly) to a 3/4 year old?

For you horse health gurus I'd love to know anything and everything about working the young horse and how slow to take it/how it effects the horse. I don't plan on riding my horse till he's three. I'll be waiting till four for canter work so three year old year will just be getting used to leg, seat, and reins aids as well as some more on the trail despookifying (we're already working on that).

 

[Honeysuga]

Just so i am not confused here, you are not talking about riding a three quarters of a year old horse right? You mean a 3 or 4 year old? How old is the horse you are asking this for?

 

[NittanyEquestrian]

I think she means 3-4 year old. And I believe that the only way you will be hurting your horse is if you are FORCING the collection and frame. Collection with your seat and legs, extension through your seat and legs and cantering is all very acceptable in the training of a 3 year old. Hanging on it's mouth, forcing it into frame, etc is not. But in my opinion this is not acceptable with a horse of any age. Don't make the mistake of babying your horse because of age. Do short, easy rides to start and then gradually build on their fitness, mental capabilities and skills. Giving yourself a definite time limit you are pretty much setting yourself up for mistakes and holes in your training or at the very least a bored horse. But just continue gradually and gently upping the ante. If they can't free walk without falling onto their face, then try some lunging to supple them with side reins and a gentle pressure to ask them to round and engage. If they are strung out at the trot work some gentle baby transitions. But always remember to warm up and cool down on a long rein, letting them relax and work in whatever their natural frame is at the moment. Get off their back, let them stretch and warm up and then start to ask for a little more. You will be surprised to see how well they respond and how fast your training progresses. Remember the turtle wins over the hare, but the turtle has to keep moving in order to do this.

 

[Marrissa]

I didn't specify a horse. Just in general working youngsters. And no like I said I'm waiting till he's 3. I wouldn't work a horse this young.

Thank you very much Nittany!

 

[Amir]

This is a site someone on another forum gave me. http://www.equinestudies.org/ranger_2008…
It's a very interesting read and it might be able to help you out a bit.

 

[Solon]

My vet told me not to ride my draft until he was in his fourth year. I got him when he was two. So I spent two years of solid groundwork and bonding with him. By then he transitioned into riding without any problems.

I do know there are a lot of people that disagree with that info that Amir posted.