Work Level for a Young Horse?

Just driving work really. I would continue to find real work that requires only a modicum of effort until she is fully grown, almost four.

I started a young fast growing horse in harness by two. Hitched him beside the mare who was in single shafts and drove them on team lines. He was big and ready by 3, so I hitched him low on the evener, or hooked her back to the load, but drove him spreading manure, and skidding logs.

He was an amazing work horse. Full of heart and cooperative beyond imagination. The early work was significant in the application later in life.

However, by 15 he had a rotated pelvis and developed lameness that I could attribute to some explosive power in slippery conditions, but I was never certain that my early use in semi heavy work had not contributed to a predisposition.

Undoubtedly, the early work is important for application, but be very patient and thoughtful about the progression into weight and exertion. I didn’t disregard the adage about waiting until 3-4, but I was also a little enthusiastic about the growing capability of the horse. Light skidding, cart work, cultivating in the garden, all good projects, but the truth of any work with animals is that at some point you are faced with some mounting effort and exertion….. Just be thoughtful, or prepared to accept the results.

I personally don’t regret the activities that I undertook. I cannot be certain either way. I got 10 good solid years of work from the best horse I’ve had. His lameness was just too soon for the potential he had, and was most likely unrelated to the early-ish start. I’ve moved on….. Just an honest review.

Carl

I have been thinking about this a lot of course! I am just starting to drive a two year old mule that is pushing 17 HH! I will work him lightly this winter with logs and snow plowing and such, but not sure about next summer, I suspect he will make a full pull, but I will decide as I go. This summer Lee was three (fall foaling though) and she did raking and tedding but no mowing or baling. In my set up those are the harder jobs. I believe next year she will be ready for anything. Many folks wait to start their training until they feel they are ready for work. I can see why from a time management point of view, but for me it is nice to have six months of work like logging fire wood or something where you can afford the time to let them learn a little and work into bigger jobs. Two and half sort of allows for this.

I am 32 and it is catching up to me. Both my grandfather and father died in their 40’s, I guess i better enjoy it while I can huh?