What to do with a yearling?

Question
I have bought a welsh D filly and want some ideas on what to do with her in the mean time before she is broken in, such as showing and what class she can be entered in. Also what the best age to break her in would be?
Thank you for the help
Ashley

Answer
Hi Ashley,

First of all, let me congratulate you on your new horse, and I hope you have a lot of fun together.

Showing, she can do Youngstock and the Welsh Section D in hand classes, she will have to be registered to do the Welsh Pony and Cob Society classes. You will need a white rope halter (easily available on Ebay)

Also, take her for walks out along quiet roads/bridleways, get her used to seeing traffic, make sure she is thoroughly spook proof by setting up a course in the field, like walking over plastic, umbrellas being opened near her, walking under washing lines, as this will make things easier when it comes to riding her.

As for breaking, wait till she is at least 3 for introducing a saddle, but 2-2 1/2 for introducing a bit.....after introducing the saddle, then start lunging, but keep the sessions short, no more than 15 mins each way.  Make sure you also work on both reins equally, a lot of people forget this and end up with very one sided horses.

Be guided by her height and build, I would expect her to make around 15hh+ at maturity, but if she was a late foal, leave her till 4 to break, if an early foal, you may be able to break her at 3 and a half.

Just enjoy her, and build up a bond of trust, which will make it easier on both of you when it comes to breaking, as she will trust you.

I hope this has helped and if there is anything else I can help with, please feel free to contact me.

Emma xx