Question about Horsie Babies

[HappyHorse13]

OK, so I was browsing around on Horsetopia (had nothing better to do ;) ) and I find this add...it was a three year old Tennesse Walker (yee ha! I heard their fun :p ) gelding. It said there had been a "300" pound lady on him, no offense.

Wouldn't that hurt the babie's back? Or could even cause a sway-back?! I've always heard and read that young horses like that should be started lightly and not have much weight on them.

Or is it just me??? :confused:

[Skip_n_Hide]

wow i love the coloured writing lol... i havent got the patience to do all that colour changing lmao! :D erm, im not sure about the back thing bt i think that there may be a problem from this... dont take my word for it! :p

[rebelelite]

I really think it depends on the horse. A three year old in general should only really be walking and trotting and doing many transitions in between to learn to balance himself. Then work on cantering outside on an uphill surface before attempting a canter on the flat. Or at least that's how I have been taught. As far as weight goes, if it was kind of a deal where someone just wanted to try riding and plodded around a bit, or a heavier person is doing some light riding it's no big deal. Extensive schooling may strain tendons and/or cause a sore back. But then again, that could be the case with any size rider. I have my own opinion on riders who are in excess of 300 pounds but I'll keep that to myself. I know many heavy people who ride and who are good at it. But they're all on developed mounts.

[JanesEyes]

AGH lol noooo!! not good. its not so much the back as their joints aren't closed. Also, the ligaments and muscles and bones aren't done closing. (that is one reason that there are so many track injuries- NO 2 year old should be ridden at a gallop).

anyways, back to it. im not sure about a sway back, but definetly joint problems. a three year old should get used to tack, and walking with a light person on their back. i wouldnt even trot until they were four. It is a little late, but if they are started too early there is no end to the damage that can be done! Most horses are still growing at that age :P

sorry, i hope taht wasnt too much info!