New User - Old Question - Youngsters!

[Dwen]

Hi everybody!! :D

I am new to this forum, please be gentle!

I have an 18 month Old Part Bred Arab and I wondered if any-one could tell me what stage I should be at with his training. He has no problem with his feet being handled and I can touch any part of his body. Leading is not too bad, he has been rearing but has now stopped that trick and jogs instead. He wears a bridle without a problem but as yet has had no pressure on his bit, and has worn a surcingle ( is that spelt OK?)

What direction should I be taking next?

Thanks

Dwen

[Wally]

Keep going like that, don't be tempted to make him carry weight or concentrate on long (45mins to an hour) training sessions until he is about 4,

I feel folk start horses too young, then wonder why they have problems. We don't start ours until they are 5 and sometimes 6, we did have one that had been started at 3 and had to let him go out and grow up a bit.

Just keep his training simple, take him to an few in hand shows just to get him well socialised. Train him to lunge, teach him voice commands, backing up and stuff like that, but keep sessions short and positive. Remember he has the brain of a baby and will want to play so don't be too hard on playfulness, but it's a narrow line between playing and disobedience.

[Dwen]

Thanks Wally

I thought he had to be a bit older before lungeing/long reining.

He has been to 1 show (He won!! - how proud was I?)

He has also been on the roads once or twice.

Am I doing OK then? I want to give him the best (happiest) start I can.

Cheers

[Dwen]

Here is a Picture of my little one!

[ros]

Can't say I'm in favour of lungeing at that age either, but I wouldn't imagine Wally meant you should start just yet? It can put quite a strain on baby joints and tendons. Sounds like you're doing fine as you are, ironing out any minor problems as you go along, so there's no hurry.

[Elfin]

could you post the picture again?? I'd love to see it!

[Dwen]

Sorry Elfin, couldn't figure how to send the picture.

I think I've got it now though.

Unfortunately, on friday, he reared up and went over. He is in quite a bit of pain in his neck at the moment. Vet comes back tuesday so I'm hoping it's just muscular!

Anyway, here he is - the love of my life!!

[Elfin]

wow! he's absolutley gorgeous! I hope he is feeling better soon though! you are lucky to have such a gorge boy!

[Dizzy]

No wonder he won - what a babe!

Hope he gets better soon, I've just replied to your turn out Q. I'm sure once he gets more turn out his behaviour will settle down.

Lesley