Too early for flat work?

Question
Hi, I would like to know if i am doing the right thing. I have a 17.1hh IDxTB, he is three years old and was broken early by his previous owner. Since i have got him i have been doing flat work- giving him plenty breaks in between (NO JUMPING!) and he is a dream. I also go hacking (more often than schooling)just at a walk to get him totally traffic proof. However i am not sure whether this is too much for him as he is still growing, the only thing is he will get very bored and most probably develop stable vices if i was to stop altogether. What would you advise be in these circumstances?

Answer
Hello Alexandra,

Year three consists of The Elementary Field School.  This is walking, trotting and cantering,if he offers, in the open, on trails on straight lines or light curves such as a road or trail.  NO CIRCLES.  Work and exercise will not hurt, rather help him to develop, but circles at this age will damage his hocks.  Take him out in the company of an older calm horse so that he can develop good manners in the field.  He can step over natural obstacles if they are really low or he can even follow an older horse over at a trot and jump. But don't put him at more than 1 1/2' or 18".  When he is four he can begin lunge work and riding on circles, but not before.

Happy riding,
Dorothy