Twenty years ago, we routinely started 2 year olds under saddle, but thankfully, this routine has changed over time. If I had a very compelling reason, like early competition, sales or because the colt was very rambunctious, I might start a horse in the fall of their 2 yo year. Otherwise, I’d prefer to wait until the horse is three and more mature. The size of the horse and the size of the rider is a factor here too, especially for a 2 yo.

The difference between a 2 yo and a 3 yo is huge and the same could be said between a 3 and 4 yo. A year later the horse is much more mature physically and mentally and its attention span is much greater so it is better able to handle the training—and the training goes much faster. 3 and 4 year-olds and are still quite malleable in their mind and behavior and easy to train, but once the horse gets to be 5 and over they may become more set in their ways and not take to training well (“I’ve never had to do this before, why should I now?”).

I wouldn’t get in too big a hurry to train your young horse under saddle. Work on ground manners and getting him as much exposure as you can (hauling him to different places; getting him used to standing tied; pony him with an older horse, etc.) but hold off at least until the fall of his 2 yo year to start any mounted work. Then, I would only ride him lightly for 30 days or so and turn him out for the winter and start again in the spring of his three year old year. If it were my colt, I’d prefer to start him in the spring of his 3 yo year. I know you are eager to get started but remember, he is really still a baby and needs time to grow up, both physically and mentally and there is lots of time left in his riding career! Good luck.

Julie Goodnight
Spokesperson, Certified Horsemanship Association

Thanks
Rick