I have done the same thing, although I have also
taken on older and done this same program, I guess pretending they were 4 year
olds as in training for endurance that is exactly where they were.
I ride them competitive up until they retire
themselves which is closer to 25.
Hi Lysane. I am bringing
along a 4 yo (will be 5 on April 7). I purchased this colt's mother from
the Hyannis Cattle Company when she was an unbroke 4 yo. She (Fleetara)
is now 27 years old.
I bred, raised, and trained this colt
(Encore). I started teaching Encore ground manners beginning the
day he was born. He was ponied at the age of 2. When he turned 3,
he was saddle trained and ponied. I started getting on him at 3-1/2 for
short, and then longer, walks. At almost 4, I started doing some
trotting (no cantering) and more long walks -- some hill work. I do NO
competitions at the age of 4, even though it is allowed in AERC.
Encore
will do his first 25 mile limited distance ride this year on April 12th.
He will be just barely 5. All this season, I will do only 25's and
competitive rides -- some of them 2-day rides. All at a very slow,
moderate pace. NO fast paces.
I have brought along 4 horses this
same way in my almost 30 years of endurance/competitive riding. And it
has worked GREAT for me. My horses are seldom (if ever) lame, and they
continue competing for sometimes 15-20 years.
Few people can say
this. Anyway, this is what works for me. My horses are NOT
disposable.... :)
Susan Vuturo (AERC #1108) -- Mom to Sadie, Encore, Rocky,
assorted kitties, and my Angel Mecca, who waits for me and Sadie at the
Bridge
