Week 6: Showing young horses EVERY weekend
@emilyboldt "nothing against having nicely trained 2&3 year olds; I just think they are not, when they are young, mentally capable of showing EVERY weekend, and seeing nothing but arenas and their stall. Even older horses shouldn't be hauled around THAT much. If you do, give them a few days off here and there. Let them see the light of day and take them for a little trail ride."
I strongly believe in this. No matter the age of the horse, let them go and be a horse. And yes, I do think some 2&3 year olds can handle it. Some as in, a few. Just because people have 2&3yr olds that are trained, doesn't mean they have to/can show them EVERY weekend. Some young ones are mentally and physically ready, but that's for a show here and a show there.
With hauling and showing to hard, can come soundness issues. Weather it's needing injections, or hoof sore (from standing on concrete floors as the time etc.) it could easily happen. Then you run the risk of drugging them (which is illegal on the QH circuit. If you get caught you can be kicked out, and or banned and denied all privileges.) Or risk having your 2/3 year old horse injure it's self to the point it may not be able to stay sound now, or later in life.
I have a mare that I had to trailer to shows last season due to her being green and unaware of the "show horse life" I'm not against taking them to shows to get them use to trailer rides, the sights and sounds, and all, just give them a break every once in a while. If you show every weekend, take them for like every other weekend, or every two.
I also believe in giving horses time off. Not only the older ones, but all of them. After Congress (October) my trainers give all of the horses that went the next whole month off. This is just training they get off. They still get lunged to keep muscle and to stay fit and all.
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