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Re: [RC] ponying horses/youngsters - Karen Sullivan

 
----- Original Message -----
I would also say that we do not pony our horses before 2 -21/2 yrs of age. Remeber a ponied horse at any other speed than a walk, is going to have to trust where you are taking it, it will not be able to choose where it steps as easily as the other horse, they are still on young, developing legs.
*Hi Leah, what are the conditions that your raise the babies, then?  I tend to slightly disagree in that I have raised some youngsters on basically 10, flat acres. They have turnout, but to me, that is not enough to develop strong bone, muscle, ligaments and tendons.  Given a ideal wild-horse model, or the proverbial 500 hilly acres, horses are designed to cover ground from day 2 or so of birth, and a lot of this is essential for future soundness.  I think young horses need consistent exercise over rough terrain, certainly not overdoing it, and building up from 1/2 hour or so....but the sooner they learn how to carry themselves over rocks, hills and creeks, the stronger and more surefooted horse you will end up with.
 
Again, not having hilly acerage to bring up the few youngsters I have had, I have tried to combine turnout, ponying and running loose on the trail at least 5-6 times a week. 
 
The second filly I did this with finished Tevis at age 7? on her first try, came in 23rd. She had about 2 years initial trail experience, including running loose, then several  more years of consistent trail riding and endurance, including 50's and multi day rides (under the owner I sold her to).
Karen
 
Karen

Replies
[RC] ponying horses/youngsters, Leah McGregor