What age should a horse be before riding

Question
Hello and good morning,

We just bought a 17month old Buckskin Quarter Horse and I have been lounging him daily for 4 months.  I have introduced a saddle to him but no weight. How old should he be before we start adding weight and riding him.  He is not going to be in shows, no racing, no barrels strictly English and western pleasure riding.
Thank you and have a great day,
Bobbi-Jo Rackliff

Answer
Hello Bobbi-Jo,

My reply is not going to please you,I'm afraid.  No horse should be lunged until the age of 4. This is because the hock joint is still extremely weak and undeveloped and lunging him does damage to that joint.  He may be OK for a few years, but as he matures he will suffer hock joint problems.

At age of full 2 years a horse can be saddled and bridled and led around.  At age 3 he can be mounted and go on trail rides on straight lines at walk and trot.  At age 4 he can begin regular work including arena work with large rounded corners, lunging on a large circle.

I know that many trainers turn out competition horses at age 2 and 3, but this does not make it right or good for their horses.

If you wish to keep this horse healthy and sound for many years, turn him out and let him grow up. Bid enough does not mean old enough.

Happy riding,
Dorothy