riding at 2.5

Question
what are your thoughts on riding QH filly at 2.5yrs.

I dont wantt o cause any damage and she has been in training for 3 wks. And doing very well and willing.


Answer
I wouldn't necessarily have any problem with riding a horse at 2.5 years of age with a disclaimer..

DEPENDS ON HOW THE FILLY IS BUILT - is she mature or small for her age?
DEPENDS ON HOW ITS BEING RIDDEN --- hard galloping, lots of physical activity --- other than quietly riding along
DEPENDS ON HOW LONG EACH DAY...

see just some of the variables? - we have GENTLY started them as young as 18 - 20 months --- riding at a walk and progressing to jog with a "tad" of loping with a light person - saddled and in a round pen with halter and lead ropes...

Young Horses are like very small children -- their attention spans are short short --- to ride a willing young filly into the ground would be a horrible mistake --- she'd get tired - muscle sore and start to resent her new avocation.  

There are too many variables here with not enough info to tell if you're doing "damage" --also please define what you mean by "damage"?  what is she being trained for?

Thanks
Dee