Before Stevie, I'd never worked with a young horse. My first mare, although she acted completely green, had been around the block a few times. Deuce was 11 when I started riding him.
This last summer, I rode nearly every day. We took maybe one or two days off a week. Deuce was in fabulous shape and always ready to go. He probably would have cheerfully worked every day if I had asked it of him, not that I would. But I didn't have to worry about wearing him out, if he could handle.
Then I bought a 3 year old. Stevie is a sweetheart with a huge stride who gets tired very quickly. Even when I have the time to ride every day, I can't. Don't get me wrong, I love my new boy. It's just an adjustment.
I'd planned on teaching Deuce flying lead changes this year, if I got to keep him. Now I've switched to thinking "maybe in a few years."
It's good for me, really. Stevie's making me slow down, and really take the time to plan what we're going to do. And I get the best homework from my trainer - trail rides three times a week, and we have to trot/canter/gallop the entire time.
Maybe I could push him more. Certainly there are lots of people who do - you can buy finished reining horses or hunters who are only three or four years old. But I won't, because I firmly believe taking it slow is what's best for him. I'm not going to ask him to do something he isn't physically and mentally ready for.
For now, I'm just going to keep calm and enjoy the trails.
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