in the grand sceme of things I have so little experience, comparatively. But I see patterns. And one pattern I see--- altho a horse is physically able to carry a rider and seems a nice mannerly laid back horse on the ground, under saddle, on rides, the immaturity is so obvious. I know horses vary, but the most mild mannered great temperament horse at age four or five is just not gonna be as mentally relaxed and confident as a 9-10 year old. I have come to really REALLY praise and value the notion of starting horses late. I have one horse, Traveller, my gosh, he is barely trained and just naturally the best, most laid back horse. Just so agreeable and gentle natured. but last time my husband rode him on the trail he just out of the blue kicked at the horse behind him, acted like he was in the pasture or something. My jaspar was a sorta nutcase and then at age 7 he seemed to get calmer and quieter every day. Tivar and Fox, they are 10, so laid back on the trail. So unafraid. And fox was not started until age 8, Tivar around 5 i think. I would never start any breed horse at earlier than 5 i think. I dont want anymore broken bones! Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
