HOW MUCH SHOULD A 6 YR OLD HORSE KNOW

Question
I AM CONSIDERING BUYING-$2500. WHAT SHOULD A 6 YR OLD KNOW.
HE IS NOT REGISTERED- STILL IN SNAFFLE. WHAT BASICS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED
THANK YOU - PAM

Answer
Dear Pam,

Well, that completely depends on the breed and the discipline you are buying it for. From my personal point of view, a 6 year old should be competent in all gaits, transitions and work on an intermediate level. This means the horse should, in dressage terms, be able to canter on a small circle, go backwards freely, and have started lateral work. Higher forms of collection should be schooled from 8 years onwards, once the horses muscular development allows this.

If you are wondering about other disciplines, I would recommend you to ask one of the American experts, as they would have a better idea from the market in the US.

Good luck and kind regards

Katrina