[FleetFeet]

Just contemplating what things I can do with my filly to prepare her to go under saddle in a year and half....

I was wondering if there is anything wrong with using side reins and the like on an unbroke horses? I mean of course I would slowly introduce the concept...I just mean is there anything wrong with working a young horse to start building their top line and getting them used to engaging their hind end?

or is it too much on their legs to be asking them to sort of frame up and what not. Just curious...

[CJnBucksMom]

Bumping. I'm interested in hearing the responses.

[Showrider]

How old exactly is your filly?

[Alliekk]

As long as you are not rushing her, I don't see a problem. I wouldn't start any sort of work with weight (saddle work) until she is at least 20 months.

[JBandRio]

Side reins are not where you start, not with an unbroke horse, not with a broke but unfit horse

There is much to be done before you introduce sidereins, because introducing them too soon too easily gets a horse who evades contact or who leans on the reins.

You first have to get her forward and relaxed on the lunge line. With in-hand groundwork you need to get her giving to pressure but not seeking to avoid it.

THEN side reins can be used to *help* shape her outline. They are not THE instrument of a frame, they are just one part.

[Alliekk]

Do you have another horse you can use to pony her to accept the fact that you will not always be on the ground next to her? Some horses can't handle not being able to see their human, so ponnying is an advantageous option. I would do lots of trotting while being ponied rather than lunging (depending on her age.) I wouldn't suggest lunging until a year and a half minimum. You don't want to strain her joints by asking to to do continuous circles, and being an off-balance baby, she will have a tendency to lean into her circles, causing even more strain to her fragile joints.

[ArabianHaven]

I do not start my horses until 3. What I have done with my young ones is stuff like tacking them up, teaching them to tie, bathe, clip,ect. I also have climbed onto a tack box and leaned on the horse. We also have walked to riding arena (me on the ground with him), but aside from that, I will not do anything untill at least 3.

[JBandRio]

There is sooooo much that you can do with and to a horse before you ever get on them, to make getting on and starting riding life a non-event. It's invaluable to teach them what bit pressure means, what whoa means, how to steer, etc. It's hard enough for them to balance a rider for the first few times, let alone try to do that AND work on stopping/starting/steering

[FleetFeet]

Thanks for the replies.

My filly is just about a year and a half (on nov 23 to be exact). In any case, I was just curious what people had to say about it.

I am of course doing other things with her like teaching her vocal commands, desensitizing, giving to pressure etc, etc. I just now have begun to introduce her to a bit and bridle so we are still a ways off from using anything like side reins.

I was just curious thats all.