Bringing on a young horse.

[mrbsmum]

I'm going to be a fur mummy again! After taking on a yearling mini, vowing I would never have a young ' un again (he's a wee scamp!) then taking on a second mini of the same age a year later (who is an angel and restored my faith in my ability to instill manners) I am now set to add a third rising 5 to my equine family!

The main difference is she is full sized,and will be my riding horse - very exciting, after all these minis, I'll finally get one of my own I can ride!

She is currently being trained by an experienced pro, and will be coming to me in the new year. She's about 1 month under the saddle, and taking it all in her stride - a very level headed little mare. I think we have a great future ahead of us, and I'm looking forward to helping her develop. I have ridden her once so far, the first time she had a 'new' rider in her other than her trained, and she didn't put a foot wrong.

I'm an experienced rider, but this is my first time bringing a young'un on under saddle. My instructor (her trainer) will be working with us both, but I'd also appreciate the wisdom of others experience. So- anything you guys suggest to help us get off to the best start? Any pitfalls I should avoid? She will be a leisure horse, schooling, fun comps and hacking. Looking for ideas of ways to get to know her, build her confidence and strength, and avoid boring her with endless schooling.

[antares]

Consistency I would say is right up there! Along with patience, calm, understanding. Finding the perfect balance of being assertive enough without bullying, it's a fine line at times, youngsters need structure, firmness at times and a leader rather than a boss

Your instructor will be the best person to help you with schooling the horse, variety is important which is difficult when they're just starting out as it's mostly working large around the school and large circles in walk and trot so can get a little dull so I like to change things around, obstacles in the saddle and on the ground, groundwork, lunging or long lining, ground poles, in hand dressage etc

Of course then there's hacking, with a buddy, alone for short periods at first, in-hand, on long lines if you are confident with that.

Mostly, try and have fun, writing this makes me want another baby horse, mine is now 6 and doing some great work but I love working with really young ones

[alonerawnut]

I'm hoping to get a youngster in Spring next year: looking forward to sharing our adventures and tips for keeping things interesting

[portiabuzz]

Good luck it's n exciting time for you enjoy x

[kristine]

Good advice above. Go slow, forgive and take the time to really think about what you're asking. And have fun! Looking forward to hearing how it goes!