I need help starting a horse under saddle then starting him on roping??

Question

Rascal just turned 2 and I have rode him 1 timewith a saddle and snaffle. 2-4 times bareback with a snaffle. He is very good natured and his mom is ready to go to an areana and try out our hard work on barrels. I really love them both and would like to compete in breakaway roping and barrel racing? If anyone has any tips for me I will greatly appreciate the advice!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

You asked, I've got an answer. Please don't start your 2 year old under saddle yet. Wait a year. It makes a world of difference in attitude, though 4 is better still. Also, at 2 their joints aren't ready for a pounding. If you use him too hard now, he'll pay the price in his body later. He is very young to be training for roping and barrel racing, though I know they do it. To me, it's just too early.

You'd be better doing ground work for the next year.

Answer 2

I would reccomend waiting until he is three before you start riding him much.  Let him get used to having a saddle on and wearing a bridle.  When you do start riding him, try to make it fun, don't put too much pressure on him.  If you can, ride him in a pasture or a field.  In an arena or plowed area practice troting and cantering in different size circles and figure eights.  The key here is letting him get used to your signals, and the circles and figure eights will help him learn to balance himself.  Once he gets to the point were he handles well, then when you are just riding him around start carrying a rope.  Let him get used to you swinging it and throwing it.  He might spook at first, so be prepared.  The most important thing is to have lots of patience and have fun.  When he is four you can start him on barrels and getting him used to backing into the roping box, and tracking etc..  Just take it easy with him and do not put to much pressure on him too soon.  Each horse develops at their own pace.  Some horses pick things up quickly and others take more time.  One thing to do now, if you are hauling his mother and going places, take him along.  It helps if you have someone going with you that can keep an eye on him if you are occupied.  This will get him used to riding in a trailer and being in different situations.  When you are ready to start competeing on him he will already be used to being at shows and rodeos and the atmosphere will not bother him as much.  It would also be good if you have someone who lives in your area who has experience who can mentor you.  Sometimes having another set of eyes watching what you are doing and how the horse is moving is priceless.  I spent all of my youth competeing in rodeos and 4-H shows, and I loved it.  I trained one horse from green-broke, and it was the most rewarding experience that I have ever had with horses.

Answer 3

would reccomend waiting until he is three before you start riding him much

Answer 4

I agree with the others. I asked my vet about another borders horse(a 2 year old quarter horse gelding) who has already been trained and shown in western pleasure and other classes. He is already on a joint supplement......vet said it's  too early for him to be trained, let alone shown. He says the knees don't close till around the age of 2-1/2 to 3(for arabs a little longer). I'd work on ground work, and desensitizing....his joints will be so much healthier if you just wait.