[Grey Wolf]

Kachi is a 15h, 5 y/o Morgan mare. We've had her since she was weaned. Other than the occasional brief hop up on her back as a part of her ground training, she had not been backed prior to last week.

This was an intentional choice. We want the growth plates closed before backing.

In the mean time, we worked Kachi on the ground, preparing her in every way imaginable. Kachi lives on 15 acres with our other horses in the "front yard" (we're "front yard" breeders, not "back yard" breeders, thankyouverymuch! )

My wife and I both ride our already trained horses, but I'm bone on bone now in my back from a helicopter crash some years ago, and the bride (also being a mom and our business manager) didn't want to risk getting hurt backing another new horse, so we've hired a trainer.

These pictures are from her second backed lesson, fourth lesson overall with this trainer. Here, he's getting on as sloppily as possible. He hung in the stirrup, dragged his leg across her butt, and plopped in the saddle...

Here' he's asking for flexibility (did many reps on both sides). she came all the way back to his foot with just a tad of pressure....

She was in season at the time. No fussing, no moving around, no bucking, no head tossing, no pulling on the bit, no nothing. Just relaxed, and willing.

The trainer said we've left him very little to do. He rode her about 15 minutes, mostly at the trot, asking for frequent stops and backing, even got her to side pass a little bit, using the halter and lead ropes, and a simple full cheek snaffle.

I'm riding her this weekend. He says she's ready. nothing fancy, mind you, but he's convinced she will protect her riders.

We've been criticised a lot (not by you guys, though ) because we emphasize ground work so much, and back our horses late. Come to think of it, the critiques come from folks that have never raised or trained their own... , so they're pretty much invalid. Nevermind.

Anyway...I'll be the first to admit that this mare has a tremendous disposition, and loves work. Some of it is genetic, no doubt (Morgans do have that reputation). But her younger brother (same sire, different dam) is the same way. He's coming four and won't get backed until next year (assuming he's done growing...note to self...17.1 is BIG for a Morgan...cut off Miracle Gro...). A sweet, well mannered horse that sees the fun in work, and enjoys it.

We think we're on to something here...

Anyway, thanks for tuning in. Just had to brag on my girl. I don't know how I'll ever bring myself to try and sell her...

[Amber.Molly]

Beautiful horse!! I've never actually heard many stories like yours.... its usually 3 at the latest that people hop on. I just recently bought a 5yo gelding that had never done a darn thing - including ground work. But he's coming along so quickly and nicely!!

Definately think you're on to something Congrats on a beautiful and smart horse !

[Heavenly Jumper]

How lucky the horses are that live at your place.

You should market the idea and become the next big fad horse training guru... Just kidding!

[JBandRio]

Originally Posted by Grey Wolf

Here, he's getting on as sloppily as possible. He hung in the stirrup, dragged his leg across her butt, and plopped in the saddle...

PERFECT!!! So many people start out being oh-so-careful and doing things "properly" that the horse expects that, and the first time someone scrapes a foot across the rump getting on, it surprises the heck out of the horse and off we go!

We've been criticised a lot (not by you guys, though ) because we emphasize ground work so much, and back our horses late. Come to think of it, the critiques come from folks that have never raised or trained their own... , so they're pretty much invalid. Nevermind.

LOL, yeah, never mind. Groundwork as preparation for ridden work is sadly too underestimated by too many folks.

[Nevada_Silk]

That's awesome, Grey Wolf. Glad to see things are going well with her!

[guess who]

I actually agree with you here. Ok, so i'm a hypocrite- my horse is only 4, and off the track, but then my excuse is that he came backed. If i'd raised him, i would've backed him maybe at 4 (or more like lunged him with a saddle), then waited a year to properly back him.
Ground work is sooo important though. Honestly, I've been doing it with my OTTB, and it works wonders. I can't believe how much more quickly they seem to learn things. Mine can already back up a few steps under saddle, after 6 weeks training and no backing training (except on the ground) just because he knows the voice command

You sound like you're going about everything exactly right. Congratulations :-) and good luck with your horse..she's very pretty

[lacy]

I agree. Granted mine is only 3 and I have JUST started to get on her. But, I have been ragged on by many people of WHY she is not broke yet. It drives me insane and makes me feel like a wimp sometimes because a lot of it is coming from my family- but they used to raise Standardbreds, so thats another story

She's a very pretty girl

[Narmowen]

I got my mare at 5, with no previous work except she'd been haltered once in a while. She's a dream to work with (after much work, on my part, though!)

[Grey Wolf]

I just spewed coffee all over the monitor...

Originally Posted by HeavenlyJumper

How lucky the horses are that live at your place.

You should market the idea and become the next big fad horse training guru... Just kidding!

[Grey Wolf]

Thanks, all!

I really think - and many of you have confirmed - that they can be a lot easier to train when they're just a bit older. This mare of ours was a nibbly little ****** 'til 3. Compliant, but always wanting something, didn't like standing still, etc. She's calm as a cupcake, now...she was worth the additional 2 years, I think...