Yearling Training?

Question

I am looking to purchase a yearling, seen a very nice one which im seriously interested in buying. He will make 16.2 and is a tb x with a good background. I have always had horses, but am very used to buying already broken and very well handled 4 year olds to bring on and then compete? What detailed trainign will need to be done on him between 1-2 year old? Many Thanks

Answer 1

water crossing

trailer loading

wear a saddle

bathing

backing

unfamiliar places/things

clipping

blanketing

spray bottle

catch vices in the bud

healthy diet

touchy places

Answer 2

first get a rein fitted and tie a lengthy piece of rope  and let him/her go round in a circle but gentle cantering and trots, as she/he gets used to that speed it up gradually. then try riding him/her in gentle walking pace and on odd moments a gallop or two. talk to him/her as you give out the commands.

Answer 3

if he doesnt know already, wearing a halter, leading nicely, standing still for grooming for the farrier, getting on and off floats or trucks, covering, washing, being able to hose him is a good idea when he is young, if hes going great maybe take him out to different things so he can look round we took our foal out on day trips with a calm friend so he can learn how to bahave from a quieter older horse

a big one is standing stiil for the farrier and general foot things, you dont want him to big before you start training him to lift his feet, its much easier on a little foal then a big 2year old

Answer 4

Different people use different methods.

At home once the foals have been weaned they get a halter on and are led around and groomed from head to hoof. This can some times take a few weeks to get to this stage.

Usually when they are around 11 -12 months old we bit them iwth a soft rubber bit, then once accepted move on to a harness roller on to them.

We start to long rein the youngster taking care not to frighten them, as you don't want to make them scared of work, it should be fun for both of you.

This can be done up to you are ready to break the horse or pony to ride. I always think it is better to start off young like this as when his is nearer the 15.2 - 16hh as a 3 - 4 year old he is pretty strong and you get to learn alongside him from a young age.

I feel they are better learning all the other things we do to our horses like:

Feet being trimmed by the farrier

Standing for the vet

Clipping and trimming

Washing down

Loading and unloading using a trailer and a lorry

All this makes life easier when it comes to having to prepare them for going to events later on in life.

This way seems to work for us, but may not for others. It's trail and error, just take your time.

All the best

Lynsey

www.kamedrych-stud.com

Answer 5

Lots of in hand training, ie leading, backing, moving away when told, coming to you.  It is a good idea to wear gloves and hats at all times as all horses, but particularly yearlings are notoriously unpredictable.  Teach him things like walking over tarpaulins, in preparation for water, changing directions, take him near "scarey objects", possibly following a lead quiet, more experienced horse.  Introduce him to other scarey implements ie tractors, cars, motor bikes etc again in company to keep him calm.  Do all this gradually but routinely and you should get yourself a well grounded youngster to start working with later on.  Give him plenty of grooming etc to make him used to you and enjoy being in your company and be consistent in your instructions to him.

Good luck.  I hope this has helped.

Answer 6

You will want to have the yearling halter broke. Once that is established you will want to gain his trust(usually means working in the round pen). Once you have his trust he will be more willing to let you pick up his feet and rinse him off. Also take a plastic grocery bag and put it on your hand once you have gained his trust and rub him down with it. I have started about 10 yearlings so far and they all have turned out good. REMEMBER a young horse doesn't have the attention span of a 3-4 year old- meaning they cant work more than about 45-60 minutes at a time.