The Disadvantages to Early Horse Training

Horse training includes much more than riding. It also involves training the horse to lead and give to pressure. The animal must also learn to accept baths and clippers, lunge, and load onto a trailer. Young horses should also be able to tie and to stand quietly for the farrier and vet. There are little to no disadvantages to training young horses in activities other than riding. These teach patience and obedience, and are the building blocks for readying the horse for riding. However, there are disadvantages to riding horses that are especially young -- yearlings, 2- and even 3-year-olds.

  1. The Legs

    • Some disciplines in the horse world, such as Thoroughbred racing, start riding horses as young as a year old so they are trained and ready to compete as 2-year-olds. Excessive concussion to a young horse's legs can cause problems with joints, bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. For example, "green" osselets are inflammations of the joint capsule in the front of the fetlock joint. If not allowed to heal, these can turn into true osselets, when bony growth appears at the front of the fetlock joint. This condition is chronic. Shin splints -- an inflammation of the membrane that covers the cannon bone -- are also common in young horses. Too much work and joint concussion on a young horse can also cause wind puffs, or soft swellings around the back, front and or side of the fetlock joint.

    The Back

    • A horse's spine is not finished developing until it is around 6 years old. This applies to every breed, according to Kristen Vlietstra, a certified saddlefit technician. Excessive training at a young age can drastically affect how the horse moves and develops. If you do ride your young horse, make sure that the saddle fits correctly.

    The Mind

    • Many young horses cooperate at the beginning of training. But too much work and few periods of rest can make some young horses resentful. Horses' attention spans are short as yearlings and 2-year-olds. Pushing too far can ruin a horse's work ethic and open the door to behaviors such as bucking, rearing, bolting or balking. Young horses need quick, positive training sessions.

    The Future

    • While some young horses may stay sound at first, starting them under saddle at a young age puts them at risk for the degenerative bone condition known as Navicular Syndrome, as well as arthritis, bowed tendons, bone chips and other problems. It may take five to 10 years for these problems to show up.