I read an article recently that stated by the author young horses in America are not as "strong and fit" as the young horses in Europe.
It got me really thinking......
Yes, to have a top young horse that is keeping up with the current standards of being able to do the PSG test by age 7, the horse must be strong enough to handle that test and it's collection and length of time.
However in an effort to keep the lessons age appropriate and not "overdue or over tax" the horse how as trainers do we achieve this?
In Europe and top barns in the US other fitness tools are used to help with fitness.
Some are hot walkers, tread mills, and water tanks which are useful tools that can be used to strengthen muscles with out making the horse sour or sore from the rider doing too much.
Also some people use hormones to muscle up the young horse and we see this many times with auction horses. I do not recommend that any horse age 7 and under have any growth hormones or steroids.
However, I have no problem with mares starting on a hormone to regulate their cycles at any onset of marish behavior.
I would also say that riding a young horse 2 times a day is a wonderful way to get them very strong and trained quicker as well.
My Dad use to say "you can take a horse out many times a day for short periods and they will learn faster" but you can't do it all at one time.
Many short periods do get the horse strong and smart! Always remember proper form is vital to the horse developing the proper muscles and a good fitting bridle and saddle.
Stay tuned for more young horse thoughts
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