Posted 2005-11-03 8:38 AM (#32632 - in reply to #32630) Subject: RE: Working a 2 yr old
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Ontario - east of TO
same way you know you are working any horse too hard - they are cranky - body sore - just down right miserable.
When I started my 2yr old - I very slowly worked her into any type of work - starting with 10-20 min training rides (mostly walk) in the round pen for about for about 3 weeks (riding 3 times a week max - ground work the other days), then on to 10-20 min trail rides - all walking for 1week (we have lots of hills) - then adding trotting slowly as I felt she could handle it. I didn't lope her until she was under saddle for about 3 months (by this time I was riding her 5-6 times a week)- and then only short straight lines, slowing working into more loping and adding hills and such. We started working on circles - collection over the winter (about month 6) and started loping regularly once we got the hang of that - the circles/ring work seemed to build up the most muscles so I took it slowly. She's 3 now and I can do just about everything with her (did some 4 hour trail rides in NY state in September)... I've started doing slow work on the barrel pattern too - I hope to race her next year.
I realize that I took it slower than most - and likely slower than I needed to - but this mare was a rescue case and had been starved as weanling so she was a little behind in their growth so I didn't want to push her too hard.
Posted 2005-11-03 2:31 PM (#32646 - in reply to #32635) Subject: RE: Working a 2 yr old
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Ontario - east of TO
Originally written by Matt on 2005-11-03 9:59 AM
Thanks. Maybe that's why he has been so cranky.
Also, make sure you switch it up a little - ex - not all ring work. They get bored of the same thing over and over and you end up fighting more than is necessary. Once you get them to do it perfect once (whatever you are working on) quit working on that for the day and do something different - trails are very good for their minds too. I find the younger ones can get ring sour a lot faster than an older horse - so that maybe something to think about too.
Posted 2005-11-03 2:47 PM (#32648 - in reply to #32646) Subject: RE: Working a 2 yr old
Member
Posts: 25 Location: Edgerton,KS
Thanks, At what point did you start using a bit? I'm still riding him in just a halter. Whenever I am working him he does wear a bridle and bit with no reins. He is working really well off my legs and is starting to get the hang on neck reigning. Maybe a good ride down the road this evening.
Posted 2005-11-03 3:54 PM (#32657 - in reply to #32630) Subject: RE: Working a 2 yr old
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Ontario - east of TO
I started with a bit for the first week - then got a side pull and liked it better - things seemed to progress faster (similar to you halter though) I use the bit some of the time now and have been since about month 4 I guess.I use the bit periodically for trail riding and always for barrel training or ring work - I find she bends better with it. I started her with a simple copper mouth D ring - but have since bought a french link D ring which we seems to like better - she's quite sensative and the french link is a lighter bit.What have you been doing with your youngster?They can be so rewarding and frustrating at the same time can't they!
Posted 2005-11-04 7:56 AM (#32679 - in reply to #32657) Subject: RE: Working a 2 yr old
Member
Posts: 25 Location: Edgerton,KS
I started out working him in the neighbors round pen. And then in the front yard on ground work. I have then since been working him in my side pasture that's completely fenced. In there I work him on the lunge line and ground work. Then I usually ride him at a walk and trot in a circle and figure 8. I have been desensitizing to various objects. He is always saddled regardless of what I'm doing with him. I changed it up a little last night and he enjoyed doing something a little different. Yes it seems they can be great one day and then stubborn the next. May take him out for a short trail ride this weekend, something new for him.
Posted 2005-11-04 10:10 AM (#32687 - in reply to #32630) Subject: RE: Working a 2 yr old
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Ontario - east of TO
That doesn't sound like too much work then... watch with the circles though - if you are asking for collection and such it is pretty tuff on the muscles. When I started doing that type of work I noticed that my mare sweated up and seems to be tired in about half the time as on a trail doing the same gaits.
Just try and keep it fun for him and always end on a good note - ie you winning
Posted 2005-11-05 2:29 PM (#32716 - in reply to #32630) Subject: RE: Working a 2 yr old
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
Most two year olds shouldn't be ridden more than a few times a week and only for short periods of time. They have short attention spans and are physically immature as well. You could ride one day,ground drive the next, then a day of rest. After 30 days or so I'd give him some more time off. Two year olds learn best when they have shorter lessons- try to accomplish one thing, then stop. Even if its a very small thing, like responding to a whoa or trotting from a walk,,,etc..you get the idea, then build on that.
Posted 2005-11-15 1:52 PM (#33072 - in reply to #32630) Subject: RE: Working a 2 yr old
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: Grabiteville,sc
If you are worried about it take it a lil different. Work a short period then give him a little bit to think on it and start again. Don't always make it work sometimes just let it be a day for you two to rest together. If the majority of the time he spends with you is only in a work routine he may not see it as fun and get rather cranky. Also some horse get bored very easily and you need to work each step up to where its a challenge. Keep his attention on you. If it starts gettin to where he really isn't paying attention then pull his attention to you and end the session on a good note. After they get bored you might as well be spittin in the wind. Better a 5 minute lesson ended on a good note than a 30 minjute one ended with him not paying attention at all so that you end up stoppin without gain his attention. This will work out faster than it may sound. Well later and good luck.
P.S.
~ree
P.S.Have his legs locked yet? If not you may want to keep the riding down to a minimum. Will help him in the lon run.
Posted 2005-11-15 9:43 PM (#33086 - in reply to #32630) Subject: RE: Working a 2 yr old
Location: KY
We have found that giving a youngster time to think helps.....that is, work a day, then one or two days off, then work two days, then some off time and so on.
Working a 2 yr old
