I have a three year old Arabian filly, and I would like to know the best time that I could start riding/showing her. I know that Arabians mature physically slower than other horses, but do the mature mentally slower also? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

actually, arabs and other hot blooded breeds physically mature faster than warmblood and cold bloods. That being said, you could start light hacking a 3, jumping a 4, depending on her mental state, MINOR showind consistant with what she does at home. BUT, BIIIIG but, have you ever started a horse before? If you haven't, but you have a lot of experience (extensive show mileage, and knowledge of how the horse uses it's body and how the rider can affect performace), under the extremely watchful eye of a professional, you can do it. If not, best leave it to the professional; green plus green=black and blue as they say, or worse, a improperly trained horse, or a severly injured rider.

Not to be mean, but the fact that you had to ask what time to start the horse, signals that you need to link up with a prof who's started dozens of horses before...

^^true. Most horses start light hacking around 3 yrs old, and maybe jumping at 4. I would deffinatly get a proven trainer, prefferably one that has worked with young arabians before. Board the horse there for a while, and try to learn as much as you can about how your trainer is training your horse to be able to use later.

I'm not saying any of this in a mean way at all but I think you definately need more experience with training your horse, especially if it is your first horse that you have ever trained. So many things could go wrong, and if the situation is put solely on one person, well thats kinda dangerous. Even with a professional training it, it's still a lot of work to think about. So I would reccomend thinking things through more and realize what you're getting yourself into before you find yourself with your hands full. Maybe read a book about it or talk to someone who's been doing that for a while. Good luck with your horse!!

First of all, if this is your first time breaking a horse--GET HELP. Preferable from an experienced trainer who has been doing it a LONG time.


Second of all, Arabs and other such breeds mature quicker in most ways compared to horses such as warmbloods who mature incredibly slowly.

Third, if you want to be safe, have a vet out to x-ray her legs and see if all her joints have closed, it's the only way you can be absolutly sure.

Fourth, if youre experienced enough to do this on your own [which..personall if you have to ask what age is okay, I think you'll need help] and you positive her joints have closed, it's perfectly fine to start backing her.

But backing does not come first.

Have you started ground training? [longing, leading, giving to pressure, ground driving, etc.]

Have you worked on her ground manners? Does she stand quietly while you groom her? Can you mess with all four feet with her not caring?

There's a lot that needs to be thought about when starting a young horse.