My baby is 18 months old and comes from a strong cutting horse bloodline. (Doc O'lena and Poco Bueno) I worked him from the ground and also put a saddle and bridle on him. No problems, he acted like he is a old broke horse. The first time anyone got on him it was with a halter and lead rope bare back. Still no problems. We only did this for a few minutes and only a couple of times. So of the old timers says it is time to ride him. I was just wondering what someone else thought.[tongue]

Hi dakota!

Personally I like to leave mine until their 2nd birthday to actually do any "riding" on them.  I work with them before, saddling and such, and I may even climb on and sit there, depending on the horse.  But in my opinion they're way too young before their 2nd b-day, and even still young at that age.  Sometimes it's hard to convince the 'oldtimers' otherwise, believe me I've been there too!  I just personally believe that the younger these guys are "broken", the less time they will be good using horses.  Good luck and I'm glad you decided to get some "second opinions"!  

Ramsey

I wholeheartedly agree w/ Ramsey on this. At this young age, the horse is neither physically or mentally mature. Pushing a horse at this age can cause a multitude of problems from oversized/overstressed joints (which can lead to OCD), souring against riding/work, etc. In my opinion, I think anything under 2 is too young to be saddling or climbing on. I come mainly from a background of cow horses and performance horses and have seen many a horse ruined by being pushed too hard, too fast. I could show you research data on overfeeding and overexercising that would blow your mind. I've walked through clients'/prospects' stables and seen 8 year olds retired from the show ring from blown out knees, and blown minds. I know numerous folks on the training/showing end that make horses their business and some of the most respected ones (in my eyes and in others) won't get on a horse until they're at least 2 - 2 1/2 and then are only backing them, then really start to ask a lot of the horse in their 3 year old year. Everyone has a different opinion on the subject, I just opt for the opinion that keeps my horse the healthiest and happiest. As an aside, I have worked with many Doc O Lena bred horses and they tend to mature later than some of the other bloodlines.

WHOA!! I think that is WAY TOO YOUNG!! His body is not strong enough to handle a rider not to mention his mental ability. Some of our horses, we don't break until way after they are two, then let them out for the winter to grow up.
I wouldn't try to do things so fast, it may hinder you in the long run.

Everyone is so right! Their bones and ligaments aren't knit together and they are not mentally ready or mature enough to handle themselves or the rigors of the sport. I am always stunned whenever someone says they are "starting" their one or two year old to ride and do barrels.

I agree with everyone else. My mare (we just got her) is 6 years old and she has been broke since 2 but we are just now getting to really ride her. She is the sweetest and most loveable mare. I dont think any horse should be rushed into riding. JMHO![wink]