breaking a horse to ride

Question
Hello
We have recently bought a shetland pony who is a year old,  could you tell us what age we can start to try and break him for riding.  

Thank you

Answer
Hi Kirsty!

This is a very broad question that requires a much more detailed answer.

First, he should be gelded ASAP if he is not.  Unless he is of excellent breeding stock and will produce blue ribbon winning babies AND you are experienced in studs....then it is not worth the trouble he wopuld make for you.

Right now, all you should be thinking about is "Step A" and you asked a question around about "Step Z".

Step A is too solidify all his ground manners and that will easily take up the next 12 - 18 months.  He must be perfect for you on the ground, then around "Step M" you want to be thinking about teaching him to correctly and productively longe so that you can get him doing all 3 gaits on command,  including collecting and extending.  This will all transfer to when you start to break him, especially if you also longline him (which I highly recommend!)

My best piece of advice to you is to talk to your vet, farrier, local Pony Club or tack shop about recommending to you a local trainer who has experience in ponies.  Have them out to evaluate your situation and discuss your goals.

Get some solid advice on giving him sound ground training.  Ponies are the cutest creatures on the outside and just little devils on the inside!  Why, they aren't even any good till they're almost 20!!  LOL!

Always treat him like a full grown and clever horse.  Too many owners think they are made of spun glass because of their size.  Assert your dominance now while he is young and can learn to understand his place in the herd.  I am not talking about hitting and yelling, I mean he must understand you are the Boss Mare...and things will go much easier for all concerned.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange