How old does a horse need to be to start training with a saddle?

Question

We have five 1 1/2 - 3 yr olds when can i start them with a saddle, bridle, exc.? already halter, lead broke...

Answer 1

Don't rush your horses or you will cause them damage in the long run. They need time to be babies without pressure or stress. I wouldn't ask an under-2 to do anything other than lead politely - ie without pulling or barging. If you have a colt or a strong and pushy youngster it might be easier to handle them bitted; give him plenty of time standing in the stable to get used to the feel of the bit then quietly lead him around the yard.

For your 3 year old... opinions vary greatly, and it does depend on the physical and emotional development of the horse as an individual, but 3 is the absolute youngest they should have any weight on their backs. If you can leave it until the horse turns four you will do him a lot of favours; that extra year will see him strengthen in his back and limbs and he will be far more able to do what you ask of him. A horse isn't fully mature until 5 or 6, and some breeds keep "filling out" until they are 8 or 9.

Please take your time, let babies be babies, and get someone with experience to help you.

Answer 2

Depending on who you ask - some of the QH's Ive seen are under saddle at 2 - which personally I think is WAY too young,and you are going to be looking at all sorts of possible issues down the road.
I personally start my horses to saddle somewhere between their 3rd & 4th year.Each horse is different.Some mature pretty quickly and are able to handle it.Others need more time.
I also believe that theres not enough attention paid to ground work - you can do so much to assist them in growing up to be good educated saddle horses.I like ground driving them at 2.
And certainly getting them used to wearing a curcingle and bridle, as well as teaching them really good ground manners - complete with whoa,and walk/trot/canter.
Keep in mind that each horse will grow differently.And while consistent methods will be most effective,its not a cookie cutter process.
And PLEASE if youve never brought a baby to saddle,enlist the assistance of a knowledgeable, with good references trainer who can help keep you and your babies safe.

Answer 3

You can teach a horse under two to wear a light saddle, but don't even think about getting on a horse until it is at least two. Three is better.
Until your horses are old enough to carry a rider, you can teach them to ground drive. That way the first time a rider gets on, they will already understand how to steer.

One thing I learned from a professional trainer is to just get on and right off the first time the horse is mounted. They don't understand that you aren't up there permanently the first time and might start to panic. By dismounting right away, they learn it is OK to let you on them.

Answer 4

we start our horses with a bridle at 1 1/2
we put a small child saddle on them at 2

however, we do not ride them until we feel each individual horse is ready. varies typically from 2 1/2 to 3 years of age.

hope this helped :)

Answer 5

18 months for just stuff like putting the saddle and bridle on.

For riding though, I know an Olympic trainer, Ed Rothkranz, doesn't start until the horses are five.

Answer 6

usually 2 for most breeds like paints, qh, tb, but for some warmbloods and horses like lippizaners its best to wait till 4 or 5. but 2 is the common age for saddle training.

Answer 7

We don't start actually get on and start riding untill they are at least two. But, halter work and lots of ground work can start now or anytime.

Answer 8

it depends on the size of the horse, but usually start just putting the saddle on his bck at around one. put pressure on his back andd start riding at two

Answer 9

you should start the horse no earlier than 2

Answer 10

I start them with saddle and bridle at 18 months.