1) Horse must be 4 years old for 25's
2) Horse must be 5 to do 50's
3) Ride Long Slow Distance (LSD) at get him used to everything in small
doses at first that he will encounter out on the trail. ie... tie to a
trailer, trailering!!!, loading in the dark, being by himself, being in
LARGE groups. If you are getting the idea that now is not too soon to start,
you are getting the idea.
Pony him with a sane stable mate for a while.
>From all the saddle talk, I would hold off on the perfect saddlle until he
was at least 5 years. It does sound as though many of the horses have
changed a bit over the years ( don't we all)
Good luck, and you are in the right place to get started!!
Bekcy H
PS Where are you located now?