Am i...?

[iluvcreek4vr]

taking it to slow with Creek? He is my first horse and i want to make that he is trained correctly. He is 11 but i know that i have a good 10 or 15 years to ride him. Someone that i am fighting with is saying that i need to speed it up. Does everyone think that i need to speed it up or am i doing everything right and correctly? thanks

[musiccraze777]

I think you're doing right. So long you're comfortable and he's learning, doesn't matter how fast you go.

If some people would just slow down and not rush everything, maybe they'd stop being so stressed out! Tell him or her that next time he/she bugs you about it.

[Raggle]

He's your horse so it's definitely your choice.

It shouldn't go by what rate they think you should work with your horse on. As music said, if you are comfortable with what is going on between the two of you and you feel good about it then you're good.

[cursivenight]

I'm not exactly sure of how you're training him, but it sounds like he has a home for life with you, so the pace you go is completely up to you and him. Whatever feels right for you and your horse is what is most important.

Others may also have a different opinion of what is 'fast' or 'slow' or too little or too much. Use your judgement, and so far it sounds you're doing well.

It can cause tons of damage if you push your horse too much, and it does require lots of time and effort to get a horse to a position of athleticism. Whatever you are comfortable with should be good.

[mandyicequeen14]

Dont listen to your friend.
You know whats best for creek.

[Half&Half]

If Creek is a happy horse and enjoying life and you're enjoying your time with him, than I say you're fine. However, if you have any competion goals than maybe you want to speed the training up a little bit (not to rush him). All in all, I think you should your friend that its your horse and she should deal with it!

[ForeverEquine]

I must agree with the said posts. I've seen horses that were just thrown into the world of training and it's extremely taxing on them physically as well as mentally. Gam's only 3 but in my area, horses are already trained 30 to 60 days under saddle. Some are already starting cattle work, barrels, and what not the summer of their 3rd year. I've only worked with him a handful of times while saddled and he's healthy, sound, and mentally stable. I've been taking baby steps with him and he doesn't have the slightest hint of any kind of aggression, sadness or apathy. Most generally you'll be able to tell when your horse is happy and if Creek is and is still willing to listen to you then you're definitely doing the right thing! Just think, you said that you have at least 10-15 more years together, then why rush and risk causing him any harm. I'm sure he appreciates your attitude about caring for him. :)

[alliekk]

Exactly, I have a friend who's already planning to send her january (08) baby to cutting training the minute he turns 3. Another place a friend's horse was trained at there was a 17 month old filly already loping for a strait 30 minutes! She's going to be lame before she's 4! People are so worried about winning that they don't stop to think that they are ultimately killing their great prospects. I'm sure once she's lame she'll be sold as a brood mare for a couple thousand and then when that's done she'll go to auction. It's a never ending cycle. I feel bad for her.

Creek, work at your own pace. Only push him as hard as you feel comfortable. Mostly, it's your safety you need to keep in mind. I've read your posts about the difficulties you're having with him, and to be honest, I don't think he's ready to move on. Either are you from what it sounds like. I'm saying this as a friend, not someone putting down you're training, please don't take any offense.

[Casper2002]

You should take it as slow as you feel you should, they are right about that.but as for health issues if the horses legs knees are closed they can handle the pressure of a work out which usually happens in between two and three depending on the horse. As for sending them to a trainer and having them pushed they are trainers they have done this for a long time. If they feel the horse should take it slower they will do it. And each horse is different you just have to know your horse.

[alliekk]

Agreed. The person who is sending her colt to cutting (I promise I'm not talking about you Cas) has a little teeny tiny preemy colt. He shouldn't even be STARTED until he's 4. He's about the size of a pony baby, born a month and a half early. Hey Cas, do you remember the WP filly I'm talking about, the one up in McMinnville? I'm sorry, but she didn't look ready to be worked that hard. She had sweat dripping from every inch of her body. I just don't think a horse needs to be worked like that until they are mentally able to handle the pressure.

[Casper2002]

I think that filly would have been fine a few months later. The fact she hadn't even turned two yet was the issue. Her legs were barely closed. even though her outward appearance stated she was big enough to ride.

[alliekk]

Yeah, If she was a few months older I wouldn't have felt so bad. I started woody when he was 20 months, but he was PLENTY ready and big enough for just a few walks and jogs. I didn't start loping him until after he did turn two just because his knees were still pretty week. He had a bit of a calf knee up until he turned 3

[Casper2002]

Thats the way it was with Maverick.

[alliekk]

Have you had any updates from Mavericks new family? Any pictures?

[Casper2002]

Hes a spoiled rotten kids horse..lol...the family loves him..they think his little girl will grow out of him and I asked if they would be interested in selling him back they said even when she outgrows him they will still keep him because he is the best horse in the world. Everyone in their family rides him and she is showing him in 4h and stuff. They have younger kids then his little girl so they will always keep him. although they did tell me that if they for some reason have to get rid of him they would call me first.