Starting yourself vs. hiring "the Pro"

[pippa553]

It's time for me to make a decision on wether or not I am going to be starting my four year old under saddle myself or hiring a pro to do so. What are some of the considerations I should weigh in making this decision. Pros and cons?
The horse is lounging and long reining well.
Thanks.

[Ajierene]

I like to start my horses myself, but they are not necessarily heading to the Olympics and I enjoy the process. I also have a good bit of experience in starting horses under someone else's watchful eye, then on my own.

The Pros of sending one away is that you don't have to deal with silly greenness issues (bucking, rearing) or spend quite so much time on the basics -the pro takes care of all of this.

some of the cons are the money, the time without a ride (unless you lease something in the mean time) and the possibility you send it to the wrong pro that messes up the horse.

If you know someone of good reputation and don't want to deal with the 'hassle', then by all means send to a pro. Just like different disciplines and different personalities, starting horses is not for everyone.

[angel]

The considerations should be:
1) Do you have a round pen?
2) Are the fences around your riding area safe in case you need to use them to stop a horse?
3) Do you have a fairly balanced seat?
4) Do you have someone who is skilled that can help you with the first few rides?
5) Is your horse totally reliable when you are handling him from the ground?

If you are even asking this question, it means you are seriously considering doing it yourself. Some people do not have the patience to work with a youngster, and believe me, they can be trying at times.:lol: But, the reward of knowing that you have done all the work (and made all the errors) is very fullfilling. A first horse is always special!;):cool:

[eponacelt]

The considerations should be:
1) Do you have a round pen?
2) Are the fences around your riding area safe in case you need to use them to stop a horse?
3) Do you have a fairly balanced seat?
4) Do you have someone who is skilled that can help you with the first few rides?
5) Is your horse totally reliable when you are handling him from the ground?



:lol: I Had all of these things, and STILL opted to send my boy to a pro. Two years later, I don't regret it at all. She had the finesse that I lack, as well as the extreme patience in dealing with the sillies that all young horses inevitably have.

Another question to ask yourself - If this horse pulls a real stunt (always an option, no matter how great you think they'll be), will it hurt your confidence, even if you're able skill-wise to handle it? Also, ask yourself whether you're always VERY CLEAR about EVERY AID. A good pro will be, which can help enormously and pay dividends in the long run.

Good luck making your decision. I know that I AGONIZED over mine, and ultimately lost the friendship of someone who thought I should have done it myself, partially because of my decision to send my boy away, but like I said...two years later, I am SO glad I did it and don't have any regrets.

[Foxtrot's]

If you want to learn and improve your horsemastership then it would be natural to want to start a horse and take it on in its development. All pros started on that first horse once.

On the other hand : "Green horse, experienced rider; Experienced horse, green rider" is a pretty true saying.

If, like me, you have had your time doing everything, but have reached a stage where you don't feel you are the woman you used to be, then it is money well spent with a pro.

You learn from every horse you start, so the first horse gets some disadvantages in that he may not always have the consistency of cues, etc. But with patience and being slow, it is part of becoming a rider. If you can give him a proper program, instead of casually riding him 'whenever' and not fall by the wayside re time, etc. and you are already a competent rider, sure, why not.

[GreyDes]

I did a little of both - I had my three year old in full training board for four months, but did the riding myself, under the trainer's supervision. I wanted the professional supervision, and her indoor arena, to get him started, but really wanted to do as much as possible myself.

I'm really, really happy with how he's going so far. I just brought him home a week and a half ago, and he's transitioned well. I'm sure he would have been further along if I'd had her do all the riding for four months, but I plan to keep him for 20+ years, so no rush on my end!

I bought him from his breeder, and I did have them put 30 days under saddle before they shipped him, so he'd done W/T/C in a round pen, but nothing else.

The pros - access to the facilities I wanted to use
- professional supervision/troubleshooting
- opportunity to bond

The cons - spent both time and money
- had to deal with some of the "greenie" issues
- lots of early morning rides so I could fit it in around my trainer's schedule and my full-time job :)

[EqTrainer]

I have started a lot of ours myself. But I also know what my strengths and weaknesses are. For example, the first time we asked one of our babies U/S to trot, he reared up and flipped over backwards. No reason that any of us could fathom. Since I could not figure out why he did it, I was reluctant to continue w/him. Turned him out for a month while I checked around... told my farrier what had happened and he recommended a friend of his. I called him, chatted about what happened and made it clear that if the horse was truly a rearer, that I wanted to know that - that I did not want it "fixed" if that was so, as I did not want him to get hurt.. or anyone else, for that matter. That I would decide what to do w/the horse from there if he thought he was truly a rearer.

After his 10th ride he told me the horse never, ever thought about taking his front end off the ground but that he had incredible brakes and he thought he might learn to prop if someone wasn't careful. I left him w/him for 90 days and when I brought him home I could not tell I had not started him myself.

I KNOW that if I don't understand what is going on, that I should defer to someone who does, or can figure out it quickly. So my advice is, if you do it yourself, then be sure that if you get out of your abilities to admit it and send the horse to someone IMMEDIATELY to fix it or figure out what is going on BEFORE it becomes a big hairy mess.

We still have that horse and he is fabulous.. and never light in the front end.

[Lambie Boat]

cons of sending a horse out farther than you can watch @ day:

many trainers figure 3 weeks at new place before even touching them, to 'get settled' Then more lunging/long lining/round pen for a few months, even though you've been doing that and they are ready to be backed. Then, there is no guarantee the trainer will be doing the work, since it's dangerous work and there's a good chance they don't have insurance or $$$ to get fixed and anyway, can't afford to be laid up so someone else does the work. and that work may or may not be supervised. the tack and methods can be different than you'd like. can you tell I sent a baby out and it turned out badly? very badly? and I have trust issues and limited money to spend, so not able to give a young one over for the 6 months-year the horse may need.

Pros? you don't have to do it! or you don't get to do it?

I love the process, the daily improvements, I spent 30 years backing other people's horses and have a knack for it. Guess what? I forgot I'm FIFTY YEARS OLD now, 17 pounds bigger and my horses STILL aren't totally started. It's a 2 person job. I'm not up to the task and I'm horseperson enough to admit it.

[BBowen]

I was fortunate to have a wonderful trainer at my farm who excelled in starting young horses. All along, my plan was to do everything myself with this youngster and up to the point of starting her, I did. However, when it came time to start her, I had not been riding regularly and wasn't as secure in the saddle as I felt I needed to be. I wanted her to have a confident start with someone that understood baby moments and give her confidence in having someone on her back.

The only stipulation, I wanted to be the first one on her (which I was) and he had to work with both of us since I would be the primary rider. He did ground work for less than a week and I was in the saddle. He worked with her six days a week for 15 to 20 minutes so that she would have a consistent schedule and not be overloaded. Within a week after my first ride and his riding, I was on her having my first lesson; still very short.

Unfortunately, the trainer had a great job opportunity and he is not back this year, but I feel that we have such a great base to start with this year (she was turned out over the winter). And, our trainer is always available by phone.

[blackhorse6]

Also sent mine away.. He is still with her.. I have had several young horses but decided to send this horse to a "pro" because my boarding facility did not have a resident dressage trainer. I ride him once a week and thus far am thrilled with the progress.. Much better than if I had done it myself. I watch the trainer ride and she is not the least bit phased by his "childishness" and actually laughs.. She rides him through the difficult moments and I have seen a huge change in his desire to work and also his self confidence.. I would send him away again in a heart beat. :yes:

[Mike Matson]

Last year I started my 4 year old Hanoverian, Fine Arnold, with my trainer, Fernando Noriega, a former cavalry officer from Peru who specialized in dressage while in the military. I watched the rides every day and learned a lot about the development of a young horse. Last week Fine Arnold and Fernando went to a Manolo Mendez clinic (he was second in charge at the famous Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, Spain). Fernando rode and all I heard from Manolo was "good", "excellent", or "perfect". Manolo then got on and rode for 20 minutes. When he got off he said, "There is only one thing wrong with this horse -he's not mine."

Bottom line - with a great trainer you get a correctly trained horse.

[pintopiaffe]

If I had the money, I would send my four year old and rising three year old to my teacher's for a month or two.

I don't. Not even close. But they would be miles and months ahead of where they will be otherwise.

I am hoping to get the four year old in with a young horse starter whose work I have seen in some of my students horses. He makes soft, supple, light horses, without being TOO flexible in the neck or behind the bit.

I am just too old and too broken to even think about it. I can't respond fast enough any more, and am protective of my knee. BAD combo.

I think when you are young and flexible (and bounce!) and BELIEVE you can do it, you should. The learning is invaluable. And later on you're going to hit an age where you don't bounce so much any more... and will miss being "the only one" ever on that horse...

[GiGi]

I started my gelding with NO round pen NO fences around my arena and other stuff mentioned. However I had started many other horses for other people before him. THE biggest thing to ask yourself is "Will you be willing to admit when something gets beyond your ablitity to train your horse for and ask for professional help?" Example: I have taught many horses to lunge but my gelding was horrible. I got a trainer to come to the barn to work us through lunging. I had never started a dressage horse under saddle only western so same horse and I went to trainers for 4 months when he was ready to start training for a specific discipline. I did all the work but under supervision of a pro. And "Do You Feel Comfortable Doing The Training?" If so I say give it a try; its very rewarding and fun. Just know your limits and always get help if you need it.

[JMurray]

I am 56 and I want to keep it safe so I will have my very nice easy going young horse backed and started by Roddy Strang for 30 days this fall as a 2 year old and then again next spring as a 3 year old after a winter of turn out.

I have too much to lose getting hurt with a young horse so won't start any more horses myself. I have done 2 myself with help from a trainer on the ground and really enjoyed the process.

I will board him with my dressage trainer for his 3 year old year and we will both ride him.

OP, The decision needs to be made based on where you are in your life and in your experience level and what experience you want with this horse. I just don't bounce any more so am going to take the conservative route and use professionals with this horse. 20 years ago I would have done it all myself.

Good luck and enjoy the journey whatever method you choose.

[columbus]

I have started my own and sent them out for at least 3 months no less. I prefer sending them out. They get a long way in 3 months. They have a work ethic and discipline. I have done an average job with one horse and a better job with another. I do better after we have mounting and walk trot canter. A pro puts them on with no fuss and I take forever to put on canter. We amateurs and semi pros tend to be more sporatic. Goofiness is harder as we ride less and you need to ride at least 3 or more horses a day to be on your game for all they can throw at us. The worst that happens is we must have forward established and I see way to many starts that never get a forward horse so problems build from that. I want to send to a trainer who rides indoors and then gets them outdoors as well. Trail riding, riding up and down hills, and a very very solid mount because I am really bad at mounting and it is well worth it just for that. It is better for the horse and for me. PatO

[FancyFree]

I sent mine out to the best in the area when I moved to San Diego. The best for starting horses that is. They made more progress in the first week than the trainer that I had her with for three months. The one assistant who worked with her specializes in riding greenies. My horse progressed by leaps and bounds. I've been riding since I was eight years old, so almost forty years. But my current mare is my first baby. It was eye opening to find what a different experience babies are. Going in, I was confident I could do it on my own. For me, at this time in my life, I found it was not something I could do well. I'm very happy with sending her to someone. It was worth every penny.

[Coreene]

Should have sent Oliver to a western trainer for some good honest work when I first got him, since he was 6, barely started and had spent 3 years in pasture while former owners were transferred overseas. Moving forward, any greenies or those who need bootcamp are going to one. Starts them off with manners and no greenie bullshit.

[FancyFree]

Should have sent Oliver to a western trainer for some good honest work when I first got him, since he was 6, barely started and had spent 3 years in pasture while former owners were transferred overseas. Moving forward, any greenies or those who need bootcamp are going to one. Starts them off with manners and no greenie bullshit.

I agree that your particular trainer Coreene sounds wonderful, but it would have to be a special trainer like him for me to send my horse to a western trainer again. Our one experience with a western trainer involved a "patience pole", and long sessions in the round pen that ended with a pancake sized abrasion on the shoulder of my mare. All my calls as to what happened went unreturned. I still have no idea what happened to her. Of course with any trainer you have to check them out throughly. One of this guy's rules happened to be "the mommas aren't allowed to watch the babies" which should have been a huge red flag to me. So I had no idea what he was doing. He came highly recommended though. Until the time I've heard of your success with your western trainer, I've had a bad taste in my mouth about them. But I now realize that was generalizing. Not all use such harsh methods.

I'm so glad Oliver is doing well. It's such a relief when the training goes well and you get what you pay for.

[Coreene]

How awful! Yes, I lucked out having a very talented one at the same stable. Two talented western trainers, actually.

[merrygoround]

The last one I started, I did the ground work, had someone else do the initial work U/S, WTC, and hacking out. Then I took over the reins, and while I will not say it was a snap, it was a lot less risk to life and limb even if there were no bucks.

Years ago I never batted an eye starting youngster w/o round pen, but with a longe line.;)

[Jeannette, formerly ponygyrl]

One thing I'm not sure anyone has menetioned yet is whether you have another person you trust who can help you from the ground some. It can be awfully handy to have someone lead you, or be next to the horse, for the first "pony ride" and it can be handy to have someone in the center with a longe whip and maybe with you on the longe for early trots and canters. It can also be a disaster with the wrong person on the ground - and can go great without anyone else - but it's something to consider in deciding whether to do it yourself or send the horse out or see if there is someone who might come to you...
There are dozens, if not millions, of paths which work for getting a horse going under saddle. Being comfortable with the path you choose for your horse is key!

[Valentina_32926]

Whether Trainer starts or me depends:

1. Crazy horse - goes to cowboy to start after I have her lunging W/T/C with saddle and bridle.

2. Normal young horse - I start and get horse doing a W/T/C.

If no problems I can take them up to showing 2nd level training some third level.
If some problem(s) I have the trainer ride to fix the problem then teach me how to keep it fixed. So I save money by doing most of the work myself and having trainer refine my work or fix issues that I might find.

[Gontyna]

I am a 40-something amateur. I have a four-year-old filly and a three-year-old gelding that I have bred and raised myself. My place has a round pen, arena, etc.

I knew from day one that I could start the filly -- she had "amateur's horse" written all over her. When she was 3, I did ground work, got her going under saddle, and later sent her to my trainer's, so that she can see more of the world than she would at my house. As for the gelding, I have known since he was a little guy that he was going to be out of my league (he's quick, catty, athletic), so I am doing the ground work with him and will definitely be sending him out for saddle training. Knowing what to do was a "gut" thing with both of them.

[Lambie Boat]

any trainer or rider in Oregon wanna come help me start a horse or two, please PM me. It's now or never!

[eggbutt]

I think it depends on the young horse as well as the experience/confidence of the person starting it. Some youngsters are so unflappable they could be started in a Wal-Mart parking lot, while others will take one negative experience and carry it throughout their lives! :eek::yes::lol:

If you go the trainer bootcamp route, I can't stress enough taking your time finding that right trainer....ask for references, visit the facility, ask questions, don't be intimidated - they will be working for you! Will they have round pen work, open work, relaxing trail work, etc., etc. I've seen so called "trainers" ruin potentially great horses, costing their owners mega bucks to have re-trained. As most of us know it's very hard to undo bad training!!

[Dune]

I think it depends on the young horse as well as the experience/confidence of the person starting it. Some youngsters are so unflappable they could be started in a Wal-Mart parking lot, while others will take one negative experience and carry it throughout their lives! :eek::yes::lol:

If you go the trainer bootcamp route, I can't stress enough taking your time finding that right trainer....ask for references, visit the facility, ask questions, don't be intimidated - they will be working for you! Will they have round pen work, open work, relaxing trail work, etc., etc. I've seen so called "trainers" ruin potentially great horses, costing their owners mega bucks to have re-trained. As most of us know it's very hard to undo bad training!!

I agree with all of this. :yes: For me, been there, done that and have nothing to prove. I don't bounce like I used to and I don't want baggage if something goes wrong in those first few weeks so I send 'em out. There's plenty of excitement :eek: left in the first year of riding anyway. :winkgrin:

[Movin Artfully]

Regarding any trainers...please ask to see horses they have trained and ask at what level they expect them to be after 30-60-90 days etc. They should want you to watch training periodically to check your progress and also so that you learn how to handle the horse.

Someone above posted that she knows of trainers to take a minimum of "three weeks to get young horses settled in before working with them". Please do not let anyone take advantage of you like that. Are you going to allow them 3 weeks to settle into a show grounds?

My husband and I start 6-8 young horses under saddle each year. They are given 1 night to settle and then expected to begin. Work sessions vary based on conditioning.

Realistic progress- A horse that comes in halter broken/gentle should be riding at all three gaits with transitions/control after 30 days. A horse that comes in and is not halter broken or catch-able may take up to 60 days to see the same progress. After 30 days, all of our young horses trailer load, clip, bathe, and vacuum. For horses handled 5 days per week by professionals, this is a reasonable request. I really believe it is worth spending the money to have it done right the first time instead of spending more money to have someone go back and fix things later.

For those of you who use cowboys- there are some amazing ones out there...but huge variation in quality and timing. Please screen them too :)

[Obi]

I went through this same thought process last year. I sent my then 3 year old to be started. The trainer was referred to me and he seemed to know his stuff for a cowboy trainer. 90 days later and I am still wondering what I paid for. Almost ended up giving the horse away after that. He was a spook monster and had no confidence. Sent him back to the breeder where she 'fixed' everything that was done. My horse had no sense of control, no idea what 'whoa' was, did not understand how to lunge (came back the first time with all this natural horsemanship crap). So I spent more that twice the money to have him where I wanted him a year ago. And I have yet to get in the saddle (first attempt after original trainer sent me to the hospital).

My advice is that if you are unsure of what to do, be sure of what you are going to do. My biggest fear on doing it on my own was to screw the horse up. Instead, I paid someone to do that for me, and then paid another person to fix it. Do not go by word of mouth, ask for names of clients you can call, ask for a contract, ask what the 30, 60, 90 day plan is. Ask if they will be doing the work or will it be a working student. Ask what is being done. Ask for reports. The second trainer text messaged me the first time my guy got on the trailer. She also did the same thing when her daughter got on his back. Another huge key is to know if you will be getting training too! What good is your horse if he is trained a specific way and you do not know that way. Make sure you plan to have sessions with you and your horse at the end of the contract. AND GO WATCH HIM BE WORKED~ That 'mamma doesn't get to watch the babies' crap is BS. Your trainer should want you their to see progress. If they don't want you there...then there is no progress!
Good luck!

[blackhorse6]

I guess this is why I feel very fortunate that my trainer is only a hour away.. She doesn't mind me coming to watch her ride and she encourages me to come ride at least once a week so I can get a "feel" of what she is doing. So far I am "thrilled" with the progress..
On the other side.. I sent a young mare to be started by a cowboy....HUGE mistake.. Just because someone calls themselves a cowboy doesn't mean they are better at starting horses.(some are, many arn't) Many are less expensive but I have learned the hard way that you get what you pay for.

[Lambie Boat]

you can pay a fortune and get nothing too, so 'you get what you pay for' doesn't always apply when it comes to sending a horse to a "PRO"

I need a Moving Artfully type trainer! few and far between. a very niche market

[blackhorse6]

Yikes...so true:)..my mistake;)

[eggbutt]

For those of you who use cowboys- there are some amazing ones out there...but huge variation in quality and timing. Please screen them too :)

AMEN! I don't consider "yee-haw" actual training!!:winkgrin:

[eggbutt]

As I mentioned earlier....get references, check references, watch them work, demand a plan and demand communication. That said, it's unfair to send rank horses to trainers without full disclosure. Sometimes the 30 days turns into 60 - 90 because the horse has had no training whatsoever but the trainer has been told they are this and that on the ground when in reality they are bordering on dangerous. Be honest with any prospective trainer and demand the same from them. Again, they are YOUR employee for the moment.

[Movin Artfully]

A couple of other things that I wish I'd known when I started out with my first trainer...and make a huge difference in young horses I start now.

make sure and ask if they will agree to ride the horse outside as well as inside. Some won't. An indoor arena is typically a very controlled environment. I have seen quite a few horses going nicely for a trainer at 30-90 days and the owner goes home happy only to take the horse outside to ride and then the horse understandably has issues. More monsters live outside than inside... Many shows arenas are outside...many home arenas are outside. If you plan to ever ride outside the indoor arena for the life of the horse- you will be doing yourself a favor by having them spend some time outside and move inside later.

Know what arena size they plan to ride in and if they utilize different sizes. Young horses AND TRAINERS can rely on the wall dimensions for support. If your horse is only ridden in a round pen or a very small arena, and you take your young horse into a large arena or wide open space...most young horses will become insecure. That is okay if you are a confident rider and know how to help them...otherwise...it is something the trainer should be introducing them to.

The above tips I really believe are universal. Any young horse starting in any discipline will benefit from being ridden outside and in a large space/arena rather than a very confined/contained space. It is absolutely fine to start in one area and work into another area...just so long as they are exposed to both very early.

[Movin Artfully]

One other thing. Be careful with trainers who lunge and ask why they lunge.

I grew up with trainers who insisted on lunging before every ride as a safety/"take the edge off"/"warm-up" issue. That is an absolute crutch.

If your horse is being trained properly, you should be able to saddle up...mount up...and start your warm up. Otherwise...your horse is actually being trained to be unable to perform without being lunged first.

Lunging can be valuable. Exercise when no turnout is available and as a training tool in an of itself. But it should not be used as a mental/physical preparation to have the horse ready for you to get in the saddle.

[FriesianX]

I've started many myself, but the older I get, the less it appeals to me. A few years ago, I discovered a cowboy who does a great job with sport horses. Went and watched him and his step-son work with several different horses, and talked to a couple of highly regarded dressage trainers about horses they rode that the cowboy had started. All good! He has started a few for me and my clients, and has done a great job. There is NO yeehaw! And he understands FORWARD. He and his step-son have awsome seats, they are fearless, and they LIKE horses. And all their horses are started in regular ol' snaffle bits. They are also not opposed to opinions and listened to me about some of the work and asked my advice about things. And they greatly welcomed me coming to watch anytime I wanted - if I wanted to hang out for hours and watch other horses go, that was OK too.

All cowboys are not the same. And I'd agree, go watch what is going on. If you are going to be intimated by keeping a young horse forward, even if it gets humpy or unbalanced, if you have any fear issues, it is well worth having someone else start your horse. But pick someone carefully, as already noted, the wrong person can cause more problems than solutions.

However - cowboys aren't the only ones who have "good and bad" in their ranks. Several years ago, I bought a youngster who had been started by a 'classical dressage trainer' - I can't tell you how long it took for that horse to be comfortable going FORWARD and truly taking contact. And a client of mine has a young horse (well, not so young now, it has been two years!) in training with another 'classical dressage trainer', and same thing going on. Anyone can claim to be a trainer, it is up to you, the owner, to check out their credentials!

[CatOnLap]

You really need a trainer you can trust.
Every horse I've owned who was started by someone else, came to me with serious and often hidden problems. The reasons people pass them on.
Every horse I've started myself does not have any hidden problems and is rather uncomplicatd to ride even by other people.
So I don't have a lot of trust in a lot of the trainers out there.

But if you haven't started a horse on your own before, just don't do it. It is a skill that is learned by young people whose bones bend instead of break and who can take a falll and get back on the horse instead of on a stretcher.

And if you have started one before, make sure you ahve a helper for the first month, every session. Someone who can dial 911 at least.

[Coreene]

Just to clarify, some of us have spoken highly about western trainers, not Joe Random The Cowboy at Yee Ha Ranch. Huge difference between the two, and absolutely agree with doing research, speaking to current and former customers, etc. But having a good western trainer start your horse is not "sending it to a cowboy."

[PaulaM]

the number one thing I have learned about hiring trainers to start young horses is to ask for references and check with those individuals. Also, find out exactly how many horses they have actually started and finished their training, both of their own and for other individuals.

[sidepasser]

Just to clarify, some of us have spoken highly about western trainers, not Joe Random The Cowboy at Yee Ha Ranch. Huge diference between the two, and absolutely agree with doing research, speaking to current and former customers, etc. But having a good western trainer start your horse is not "sending it to a cowboy."

I totally agree, big difference between my cutting horse trainer that I send the OTTBs to for restarting and Joe, wannabe yahooo spur, kick and whip cowboy down the road..

Find a good western trainer and check credentials if you are sending one out to a western trainer..same as with an english trainer..both disciplines have their good and bad apples!

[eggbutt]

Just to clarify, some of us have spoken highly about western trainers, not Joe Random The Cowboy at Yee Ha Ranch. Huge diference between the two, and absolutely agree with doing research, speaking to current and former customers, etc. But having a good western trainer start your horse is not "sending it to a cowboy."

Right on!

[okggo]

I start my own, and in the past have started horses for others. We offer our youngstock for sale with that package deal, if they want someone to start them when they are old enough, I will.

I've NEVER used a round pen. The last guy I started - the first time on his back was in a large pasture. I make 100% sure they understand everything they possibly can via ground work before I climb up and then I take things at their pace. I also start the beginning work with help from my hubby. It's a normal session as usual + rider.

A HUGE con I've seen to sending them away is the RUSH! It's that - in 30 days horse learns w/t/c and comes back perfect mentality that has resulted in horses in my care for re-starting. Not all horses progress at the same pace, and while there are certainly pros out there that go at the horses pace, often people send a horse away for a limited duration expecting the world, and that can equal rushing, cutting corners, and ending up worse off.

[HappyTalk]

I started my own young horse and it has got to be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It was a goal I always had, so I went for it. I had my training methodology mapped out for how I was going to do it. Some of it many people would consider unorthodox, but it worked well for me. I bought my horse as a fairly feral 7 month weanling. I worked with him EVERY day even if it was only for 10 minutes. I tried to expose him to every life experience I could. I ponied him on the trails and took him for overnights at busy barns so he could learn to look at things. Lots of ground work !!! When I backed him at three years there was no rear, no buck. His first 6 months under saddle were out on the trail where he learned to go forward. I then started his dressage training under the eye of my long time instructor. I feel I have a more intimate bond with this horse, much more so than with my other horses.

I am 50+ and I would do it all again.

[sid]

Haven't read all the replies, but I think a big advantage of at least getting the basics on a horse yourself before sending it out (if that is the intention) is that it gives you a really good baseline upon which to judge your horse, willingness to accept what is asked of it, temperament, quirks, and work out any bugs before it goes away.

Plus, it allows you to hone your own training skills at the same time (unless of course you have no desire or patience for the time that should be put into it). You learn something new from every young horse, I think, no matter how long you've been doing it or how good you are at it.

I'm 57 now and wouldn't think of getting on a greenie anymore. I'm not afraid of antics or coming off, but...no one else to run the farm but me. I break now, I don't bounce like I used to..;). I may be getting older but I want my influence/training to be a big part of the horses early training experiences. Doing everything up to the point of actually getting on is good for the horse and good for me, too, as a horseman.

But "basics" can be widely defined by different people. My definition is being completely desensitized to saddling, girthing, bridling, lunging/transitions on the lunge (BIG loopy ovals and or using the entire arena), then long lining. Hanging stuff off the saddle that may flop on them at the flank or butt, walking on a plastic tarp, moving in and out of tight spaces (some horses really ARE claustrophic), lunging over ground poles. Also, standing at the mounting block, flopping over their backs, flapping stirrup leathers, etc. etc. There is so much one can do to prep a youngster before sending them out. It can and should take time, there are no shortcuts. An added bonus it that is will save you $$ also.

The only time I used someone else for all this fun stuff (well known, old timer) was when I had a torn rotator and then an SI injury. I hated being sidelined, but he did a good job. Had him come here so I could monitor.

Frankly, because I have made it a point to sit on the fenceline when my youngsters were yearlings and flopping a leg over them while they get "scrubbies"...getting on in earnest has always been very uneventful.

Like someone else posted, at the time it is time to get on and "ride", I utilize a younger person who has a lot of experience with getting on babies. But it's my job to prepare both for a good experience.

Once they've established W,T,C and the transitions calmly and can hack out a bit unfettered, serious work begins with a rider/trainer of the specific discipline the horse is headed for.

[Lambie Boat]

i took the horses up to that point sid talks about and that's where I got stuck. Sent one out for training to a western fella on my vet's recommendation: yanked horse back within the 3rd week and had to get a new vet. Now more than hesitant to send one out again so want a rider to come here and work on backing together. As I said, it's a 2 person thing.

I've had 2 riders come who were quite good but couldn't come consistently. It does next to no good to get up in tack once every 2 weeks.

[sid]

Lambie..agreed. But it's better than doing nothing. There is a lot you can do to keep a horse learning even if you can't get someone up top consistently. ;)

[Fairview Horse Center]

I have had several of my boarders start their own with just occasional help and guidance from me, or the trainer that starts mine.

My youngsters start SO much easier if I can be more hands on thru the process. If I am with them, I can give them confidence, and help the trainer to know the individual differences in each.

[magnum]

There is a LOT to be said for sending them to a trainer, esp. if you have a smaller, private farm. "Going away to school" matures them in a way that the "home court" does not allow. They learn about routines, about NOT having routines routines :winkgrin: ... , they learn the world doesn't revolve around them, and learn to deal with things they'd rather not in a totally strange and new environment ... You also have someone else consistently asking them to perform and they have to learn to TRUST someone outside of you as their owner. It's just a big deal to their mindset as a whole.

We start ours through saddling, then long lining, then hanging in one stirrup from BOTH sides (not swinging a leg over). We then send them away for about 90 days for their first backing, and to make sure all the antics are addressed .... Then bring them home and re-start them all over again on long lines to "mold" them the way we want. This approach is far superior to breaking them 100% "at home." It addresses their first days much more completely and increases their level of "exposure" more than we ever could doing it "home alone." They mature more quickly and are better "all around horses" much sooner than if they'd never left the farm.

Magnum

[MyReality]

My opinion is, if you have to ask, it means you should hire a pro (doesn't have to send away, maybe someone who could come to the barn).

For myself, I don't breed. I get young ones and I like them just broke, preferably less than 30 days... saddled/bridled, sat on, sort of understands the brake will do.

If I am to breed my mare, I will hire a pro to start the baby. I like cowboys, but I do know ones who are wonderful... just wonderful and way better than a dressage pro. I find they get the basics done faster (not to mention cheaper) without much fuss so the horse doesn't learn to fuss. Like I said, they are real good and I know them personally. I actually will not cosnider sending them to dressage trainers.

If it's someone you have to "ask for reference", don't use him/her. Always use someone you personally know has used etc.

[leheath]

My baby just turned 4 and is currently with a wonderful trainer. I actually started her myself, but I wouldn't do it again and I wish I had sent her to a trainer from the beginning. I didn't have anyone on the ground to help, and that was a huge problem. Still, I gave her a great foundation - lunging, long-lining, seeing the world, in hand work, saddling, bridling, 'trail walks', road work in hand, lying over her etc. I got stop, go and turn pretty well established in walk, then hit a brick wall when I tried to get the trot going. She is my first baby and I didn't realize how fast they can grow out of saddles - got bucked off several times (all my own fault for not realizing she had grown again) and now have a horse that is very sensitive about saddle fit! Thankfully, I found a wonderful trainer right at that time and sent her off. He got discovered the saddle fit problem and got her going for me. Then I continued for a while until she developed 4yo attitude and I got hurt again (she is a very athletic bucker). Now she is back with the trainer and I am borrowing a horse to get my confidence back on - much harder than just not losing your confidence in the first place.

I had lots of experience with young, green horses before starting my own and was a pretty confident rider. While parts of the process have been very rewarding, the frustration has been more than I wanted (I ride at least partly for relaxation from a stressful job!) and I would definitely send them off to get started if I was doing this again. My trainer was happy for me to watch him working other horses before I sent mine to him and he insisted I (and whoever else wants to, including my parents!) watch as many sessions as possible. Training me on my horse is also important. He starts with lots of ground work, including lunging (although less with my horse since that was already solid), but doesn't use lunging as a crutch. He starts in the indoor arena, but gets them out in open spacing and hacking alone and in company ASAP.

If you can find a really good trainer who specifically specializes in young horses, I would send them out.

[titansrunfarm]

This is a great thread (and my first post here :) ), I have been wrestling with this decision this year. I have a 3.5 year old WB/TB gelding that I have going well on the lunge line with saddle, stirrups flopping, bridle and sidereins adjusted for minimal contact, he is nice and forward and relaxed most of the time. I have started a few horses under saddle with supervision of a good trainer and then I started my now 7 year old mare myself and she was so easy, I felt invited to get on. This gelding seems to be a bit twitchy/anxious and boy is he athletic! I don't want to cause any problems with him as I am not as confident a rider I was 20 years ago! So, I am looking for a pro to work with him right now. I am supposed to meet a potential trainer tomorrow and see her facility, hope to see her working horses as well. Wish me luck and Thanks for this thread, I don't feel like I am 'quitting' on him anymore and have made the right decision!