Roping Reining
Thoughts on working horses when they're young?
There really seems to be two sides of the fence when it comes to barrel racing, jumping, roping, reining, etc., on horses that are younger than 5.
Farriers do a lot of corrective work on horses that have been worked hard prior to 5 years old. Some horses (not all of them) are showing signs of navicular syndrome, capped hocks, suspensory ligament problems, flexor tendon problems, arthritis, splints, fixation of the stifle, etc., by the time they're 6 and 7. They may be getting hock injections by then as well. And, obviously as the age increases, so does the amount of lameness showing up in these animals.
So, my question is, what is some of the reasoning behind working them so hard when they're young? I'm just curious what some of the answers will be.
I disagree with the Thoroughbred Race Industry, racing 2 year olds which means they got broke as yearlings, horse isn't mentally or physically ready for it.
Like someone else said, Futility's do pay big. But I think AQHA and other industries are leaning against showing 2 year olds under saddle. I'm not for sure about that one.
Honestly I think its not bad to start a horse early. My pleasure horse was started as an early 2 year old but he got very very light work, his training really didn't start until his 3 year old year. But if he showed any sign of lameness then we'd stop.
Also it depends on the horse. Some horses are are mentally and physically ready for work early. My pleasure horse is very smart and we taught him a little bit at a time. There wasn't any pressure
 |
Doug Milholland The Reining Foundation DVD Sale Price: $19.99 Used From: $19.98  |
|
Doug Milholland is one of the most consistent and saught after trainers in the reining horse world today. In 1988, Doug was Reserve Champion of the Open Division at the NRHA Futurity atop 'Rest Stop.' Doug has been a guest lecturer at reining clinics in the United States and Canada as well in Europe and South America... |
 |
Santa Rosa Slip Ear Headstall with Swarovski Crystals List Price: $149.00 Sale Price: $59.00 |
|
The Santa Rosa Slip Ear Headstall has a row of hand inlaid pink Swarovski Crystals on the slip ear. Made from 100% USA Leather. This high quality leather is soft and supple. Stainless Steel Hardware. From the Santa Rosa Collection by Tahoe Tack. |
Horse For Sale AQHA Gelding Team roping/reining cow
Tags: as, genuine, horses, people-cutting, roping reining, training
