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Topic: U/S training for the breeder (Read 977 times)
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Sovereign Farm
ata
Gold Medallist
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Posts: 481
KALUA by Heling
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What do you professional breeders do for u/s training of your 3-4 year olds? Do you have to send them out to a professional? Are you able to start the basics at home? I'm just wondering what other breeders do because it seems like you can spend every dime that you *might* have made on a 3 or 4 year old by sending them out to the trainers. I would love to hear the +/- of what you each do. Thanks for the info!
Heather
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fuzzy
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I'm not a pro breeder (may be eventually), but I vote in favor of starting youngsters oneself. At least where I live there are almost no 'trainers' I would trust, and the ones that I know who are good are too far away to have any interaction with the horse while he's "at school". Granted, there are breeders out there who for one reason or another cannot train their own horses under saddle, but almost anyone can at least prepare the youngsters for u/s work so that training dollars aren't wasted on ground manners and 'despooking' babies. If a horse going out for u/s work is already used to a saddle and bridle, and has some idea how to lunge and behave nicely away from his pals, you really save on time and $$ - and your trainer will be more likely to send you clients if your horses come to school prepared to learn.
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Equine Connection
ata
Gold Medallist
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Posts: 444
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Our preference is to take the more conservative road w/regard to training of our horses, both younger and older. While most warmbloods take longer to mature, it's been our experience that Trakehners are even "later bloomers," so to speak. However, they are well worth the patience and wait! 
We handle all the ground, in-hand work and backing of our horses, so we know they are not being pushed beyond their mental or physical abilities, especially at such a very young age. Each is a very unique individual, so we tailor their early (and all) training as such. Very sadly, we have found way too many times that so-called "trainers" should not be training at all - horses can be ruined very quickly. And, if one has a horse with great natural talent and a very willing mind, IMO, it's even more important to exercise caution in "how" they are trained and "who" trains them. As is probably the case with many others, we've become very "enlightened" throughout the years.
As you have probably already thought of, IMO, it is absolutely of the utmost importance to thoroughly research and observe (on multiple occasions), and check references of those prospective trainers you may be interested in - no matter what level of training you seek. While there are many very qualified and excellent trainers, there are just as many (if not more) who are not. There are never any guarantees, however, upfront research and legwork of a prospective trainer can save a lot of time, heartache, and money.
From a cost perspective, IMO, since 3-4 year olds should not be worked too intensely nor for too long a period, the money would be more well spent down the road a bit. Youngsters have a fairly short "attention span" at this age, so short, correct and "fun" training is of the utmost importance (in fact, their training should remain positive and "fun" for all their years). Also at this young age, lots of hacking/trail riding can be of invaluable benefit for a horse - both mentally and physically. There's a great deal that can be done at home to better prepare them for that big world that awaits them...
Hope this helps and very best wishes.
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Warm Regards,
Renee & Happy Hour
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Suzette B
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I see a lot of small breeders who have a problem with what to do with their young horses. A large number of them are not comfortable starting youngsters under saddle, either due to personal limitations or limitations due to their available facilities.
What do you do in a bad economy like today, where buyers for youngster do not exist in very large numbers? Right now, babies are really tough to sell, so to get any kind of a price tag, you have to wait until they are old enough to ride.
Personally, I keep them and start them myself. But most people don't. I know several breeders who are now keeping them until they are ready to start, then have a professional put the first 30 days on them. They then just take whatever price they can get at that point and cut their losses....
I totally believe that the first 60 days under saddle are probably the most important in your horse's life, as it sets the stage for the remainder of his career as a riding horse. Those are the days that make or break him. Literally.
I think this is where everyone should concentrate on investing in the very best trainer you can afford. Everything builds on the foundation that you are setting right in those first few rides. The horse either becomes a "dance partner" or a "slave". And there is no turning back the clock.
For this very reason, I no longer will sell a youngster until I feel that he is firmly, quietly, and correctly started, and on his way to a good future. I have sold a couple of babies, and watched them be ruined. No more.
JMHO...
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