3 year old gelding???

Question

I have a Quarter Horse Gelding that is going to be 3 at the end of this month. He's still pretty green and young, which means that, yes, he is still a brat. he's thrown me twice, probably because I don't work with him enough. Once every 2 weeks is all. Does anyone have any tips on how much I should ride him, how much I can canter him, etc? I want him well trained. Also, any training tips? Thanks!

Answer 1

You need to work the horse every day you can.  Once every two weeks is not enough to get him to calm down and learn.  Do lots of walking and trotting and transitions between those gaits before you ask for a canter.  The horse needs to build up muscle and balance to canter correctly with you.  There are lots of good books and DVDs, etc.  Do you know how to lunge the horse?

That is a good way to get the horse  "warmed up" and then ready to ride, by checking his mood and energy level before mounting.  It also helps to instill obedience.

Answer 2

Your horse is just turning 3 and you've been riding him how long?

Normally at 3 is when you start a training/riding program.

Premature riding can cause swayback and various back and leg problems due to the horses growth and development.

If you love your horse have a vet see it!

Answer 3

Once every 2 weeks is not enough.  He needs to be ridden everyday even if its just for 30 mins. a day.

Answer 4

We are just starting with a 4 1/2 yr. paint, and my 5 1/2yr.QH. they both have great ground manners, and I have mounted the paint along with letting my grandaughter up for a Kodak moment. My QH has thousands in good training before he came to me, but I am takin it slow. Don't know where you live, but we had such a bad winter withice and snow that the horses were more confined than they liked and they are fiesty. Slow down. Get a plastic crinklely sounding tarp and start walking your boy on that. Get him used to different surfaces and work him from the ground. try to see what makes him tick. I agree too young to ride. Maybe lunge with a saddle on him.

Answer 5

Don't be an idiot. Have him professionally trained. It will cost a pretty penny, but the end results will be amazing, and you won't get hurt or sour the horse.

Backing a horse, especially a Quarter Horse, and two years old is NOT stupid. Waiting longer is. Don't delay his training, as some people are suggesting, because he could get the idea that he doesn't want to work. Keep in mind, racehorses are well into their careers at two years old. And yes, Quarter Horses race.