Some trainers insist that the age of two is perfect to break a horse, while others wouldn't consider starting horses under saddle until after his fourth birthday. The reality is that there is not a strict guideline about when to climb on a horse for the first time, and the answer varies considerably depending on breed, temperament, height and weight.
Bone Development
The primary consideration when deciding the best age to break a horse is bone development. A foal is really no different from a newborn infant; young horses' bones have not yet fused entirely into an adult skeleton, and are therefore subject to breaks and fractures.
Starting horses under saddle before their bones have fused can cause numerous injuries, including permanent lameness. It is best to have the bones X-rayed before breaking a horse to make sure those bones are ready for the weight of a rider.
Breed of Horse
The breed of the horse has an enormous impact on when one should start a horse under saddle. Some breeds, such as quarter horses and appaloosas, can be started at two or three without any problems. Others, such as Thoroughbreds and Arabians, should not be started until they are at least three (preferably four). The reason, again, is in the bones; horses with finer bone structure should not be ridden as young.
Temperament
One should never try to break a horse unless he is comfortable around humans and used to weight on his back. It is often easier to break a horse at three when he has been handled since birth than to break a five-year-old with limited human contact.
Furthermore, it is less dangerous to start horses under saddle when they are comfortable with humans and with unfamiliar circumstances. They have been saddled, bridled, led, walked over strange objects, sacked out and generally bomb-proofed by their owners.
Weight
Some horses take longer than others to "fill out". Much like human children, horses will begin to develop more muscle mass as they age and will hold their grain easier. A lighter horse is more difficult and dangerous to break because he is more fragile.
Before the Rider
It is possible to start to break a horse without actually starting him under saddle. There are dozens of preliminary training exercises that can prepare both the horse and rider for actual riding. The more time you spend on the ground, the easier it will be to break the horse. These include:
- Lightweight saddle
- Lightweight bit
- Driving on the ground
- Leading and tying
- Grooming and bathing
- Lunging
The more you prepare a horse for riding, the easier and faster the process will be. Working with him every day will ensure mild manners, compliance and friendliness.
In the end, however, there is no set age at which you should break a horse. Starting a horse under saddle is very dependent upon the individual rather than a list of criteria. The best thing for a horse trainer to do is to consult with a veterinarian before starting the training process.
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