| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| debsnboz |
Posted - 08 Aug 2010 : 1:37:56 PM
Borris is 3 1/2 at the end of this month, and I have been walking him here there and everywhere since Feb, since about May in saddle and bridle with rope halter underneath, and have done a fair bit of NH with him. I started long reining and generally getting him used to more noise flapping the saddle around a couple of weeks ago. And I have sat on him a few times before bareback.
He is totally cool with it all and has taken it all in his stride, really impressing folk that have seen him in lots of situations, who can't believe how good he is for his age etc.
So my next job is getting on which I am hoping to do this week, and progress towards short hacks in walk with my daughter on her little pony. I'll prob not get the chance to do very much over the winter but might get out occasionally.
But someone has told me today, who has an arab, that unless i weight less than 8 stone (more like 9.5!) he is at risk of dipped back and kissing spine and I should not ride him til next spring.
He is a solid 15.1 now, and seems mature enough for it in his head, but......
Help..............  |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Kharidian |
Posted - 09 Aug 2010 : 9:28:47 PM
It sounds to me like you're doing just fine!
Caryn
PS In less than 3 years I'll be backing my "little" Chips! |
| TAE |
Posted - 09 Aug 2010 : 08:20:33 AM
If you have really got to know your horse, facial expressions and body language, as it sounds as if you have, he will let you know if he is unhappy. Just take everything slowly an listen to what he is telling you.
All horses grow and develop at different rates, I've had one PB arab who wasn't ready for anything untill nearly 5 yet his 1/2 brother was backed and reconed he knew everything at 2. He only did very light work at first and never had a day off lame or unwell. Even in old age he only developed a light arthritis in his late 20's.
I agree with Kath. If I don't give my current boy (3 1/2) just enough for him to think about he spends more time winding up and trying to force his field mate to play. If he doesn't learn or see anything different 2 or 3 times a week the number of bald patches where the ponies patience has run out increases. |
| Mrs Vlacq |
Posted - 08 Aug 2010 : 10:59:14 PM
good point Quarabian - known a few horses more nervous about dismounting than mounting
And agree about 'hugging' - if your body is close and movement fluid they are unlikely to overreact... you should write a little animated book! |
| kath |
Posted - 08 Aug 2010 : 10:25:25 PM
If your boy is happy & chilled, i dont think you're going to do him any harm by doing some work with him now! I think the intelligent, need-to-be-stimulated ones need to work earlier than later or they can become a liability (not saying yours is like that ;) ). Arabs are bright & enjoy having something to focus on, imo
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| debs |
Posted - 08 Aug 2010 : 9:50:45 PM
Doesn't sound daft at all! Thats exactly how I felt with my old boy when I backed him! Hopefully all will go as well when I back Ali!!!
Good luck with your boy, cant wait to see your pictures! |
| debsnboz |
Posted - 08 Aug 2010 : 7:34:51 PM
Well i have just come back from this evenings lesson! I am having an experienced instructor who uses NH in her work too, come to me for 1/2 to full hours. I just did not want to send him away so found someone to come to me! When she comes for an hour we do lots of non-moving stuff if you know what I mean so he is not working all that time!! We have long reined in walk, bit trot, few transitions etc. And she legged me up on him quite a bit at the end. I didn't sit right across, just lots rubbing etc. He was, as is true to form, completely cool with it all
I just love my boy, and when I am up there I absoluteley know it is where I am meant to be. Feels like we have been made for each other. May sound daft but deep down that is the way i feel.
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| xsara |
Posted - 08 Aug 2010 : 7:07:47 PM
I Backed xsara at 3 1/2 did a little with her and then she went out to grass for the summer. When I brought her in a took it really slowly with her till after christmas and just built her up. I did 10-15 mins non demanding work 2-3 times a week and after a couple of weeks gave her a few weeks complete break and did we bits like this from sept till jan this really strengthened her muscles and back then I started to ride her a little more regular but again I would give her the odd week of and increased the demands of the riding work by then she could be do an hours lesson and not even fizz on her. she was also jumping every other week, doing dressage and riding lessons, but Had days off in between. When I was happy with her schooling I know when she was ready for a break. It sounds as if you are going to take your time and I would say go ahead with what you are doing. A little riding at this age as long as not being hammered should help strengthen and build your lad up and I wish you all the Luck. I am also planning on doing similar things with kiara she is 3 next year to back her just before going out for the summer. |
| Quarabian |
Posted - 08 Aug 2010 : 3:40:05 PM
Me too. You obviously are not going to race him or jump him yet!! Of course you wont do him any harm. But build up gradually. I always set off with a halter under the bridle and do as much leading as riding when I first start my youngsters.
Very important point. Here is a bit of advice. When you first get on, the next thing you should do is get off again. It helps the horses to adjust mentally when they know the weight will come off their back again. I do this bareback because I can slide off easier and I don't have to girth up snuggly, but you do whatever you feel comfortable with. If they breath out and feel the girth that is what often causes a buck. I like to think of backing as more of a full body hug lol.
Enjoy your boy, I am envious of your journey with him. |
| debsnboz |
Posted - 08 Aug 2010 : 2:32:30 PM
Thanks Babs. It was just another spanner being thrown at my gut instinct which i thought i'd better just check out. It's like having your 1st baby - everyone chucks 'advice' at you unsolicited and leaves your head spinning as to which way to go forward!! I have 3 kids and by the time had number 2 and especially 3 i had the confidence to find my own path!!
I will continue to trust my instinct. Steady away.
Watch this space for 1st mounted pics next week!
I have one taken on a phone of me sitting on him in the menage of a freind bare back and bridleless!. He was munching his haynet and i was holding onto the fence, but still..............He just not bothered |
| BabsR |
Posted - 08 Aug 2010 : 2:18:24 PM
Seems to me someone is having you on!! From what you have said and if your boy is a solid 15.1hh and well grown in good condition...there is no way, going on short hack at walk (even at 9.1/2 stone) you will cause your horse to have dipped back or kissing spine....what a load of tosh!!
Whilst I do not believe in starting under saddler too soon (they have all their life ahead of them) and prefer to leave them to mature until they are at least four. you sound very sensible and have taken your horse slowly and steadily. As you plan to leave him over winter to finish growing on, then an occasional short hack at walk will certainly not be detrimental to his wellbeing at this stage.
Babs
www.SunrayAngloArabianStud.co.uk |
