Why Would Anyone Back a Foal?
- Thread starter newforest
- Start date
Are they just getting him used to light tack?? I assume no-one is getting on! The more different experiences youngsters get the better: rugs, plastic bags, being rubbed with a whip, halters, ropes - why not a very light saddle and girth? It looks 'wrong' as it seems the precursor to mounting - but assuming that is NOT remotely on anyone's agenda then can't see how it is harming the foal?
Mark Rashid's 'Old Man' used to fashion a foal harness when they were newborn and carry them around in it - it apparently made their acceptance of tack much much less stressful later on.
With my shetland foal I used to stand astride him (no weight on his back) while giving him scratches and rubs to get him used to the idea of people being above him.
Where did you find the pic? Do they explain what they are doing and why?
Mark Rashid's 'Old Man' used to fashion a foal harness when they were newborn and carry them around in it - it apparently made their acceptance of tack much much less stressful later on.
With my shetland foal I used to stand astride him (no weight on his back) while giving him scratches and rubs to get him used to the idea of people being above him.
Where did you find the pic? Do they explain what they are doing and why?
OF COURSE I agree with you, NF, that's awful!
However, there's a backed and driven yearling on Dragon Driving today, so I'm afraid that countries that live in glass houses probably can't throw any stones.
However, there's a backed and driven yearling on Dragon Driving today, so I'm afraid that countries that live in glass houses probably can't throw any stones.
Holy fuckity fuck. That is so wrong.
(also what is with the white rope going round and round his belly)?
rushes off to H&H taking popcorn.
(also what is with the white rope going round and round his belly)?
rushes off to H&H taking popcorn.
The rope I believe is a flank rope fairly common with some nh methods. Had to ask someone what is was as after 5years of lesson never once used it or was taught it.
This little chap has also had a bridle on.
Rider is also seen mounting holding onto saddle.
This little chap has also had a bridle on.
Rider is also seen mounting holding onto saddle.
The other photos neither do I. The owner of the mare and foal took them. Mum was watching in one photo as foal not weaned yet.
Foal not WEANED yet?
And they dare to call this NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP????
Perhaps if they had put a 5 month baby on its back... :devil:
And they dare to call this NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP????
Perhaps if they had put a 5 month baby on its back... :devil:
Actually I am really glad they didn't wean him yet. I think it's very beneficial for them and I am all for extended breastfeeding -for all mammals!
The rest... I just can't imagine what they are trying to achieve with this. 2 years is sort of the usual backing age here and I thought that was too young and waited longer with Minnie.
The rest... I just can't imagine what they are trying to achieve with this. 2 years is sort of the usual backing age here and I thought that was too young and waited longer with Minnie.
we don't touch ours until the year of their 3rd birthday, start them and then seriously start them in the spring of their 4th year. That's plenty early enough. Their brains are not ready to take serious work in....some I have turned away until they were 5!
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