Now that the 2020 competition season is pretty much over for some of us — to be honest, it feels like it didn’t really begin — it’s that time of year where many riders turn their attention to the next generation of new faces.
Every legendary horse started out as nothing more than young, raw potential and these super stars all went through their own period of early education.
While backing a young horse is definitely not for the inexperienced, here are six things you might experience if you’re about to start your own…
1. You will have misplaced your body protector
As well as the obvious approved riding hat, a body protector is a wise choice when you start working with an unbroken steed. It’s possible you might not have worn it since last winter, so you’ll need to dig it out and dust it off. Just check the ‘lockdown pounds’ haven’t stopped it from fitting correctly…
2. You’ll realise which people you really trust with your life
There are a few individuals who you would trust to pick up a parcel from the post office or look after your purse, but there are very select number who you would trust to hold a young horse while you mount it for the first time. They need to be calm and reliable — in summary, you’ll suddenly realise who your “ride or dies” are.
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3. Your life might flash before your eyes
Everything can be going swimmingly and then bang, a spook out results in the youngster trying his hand at pulling some shapes. If you’ve done the groundwork, hopefully there won’t be too many touch and go moments when you see the ground approaching you fast. Usually, everything ends up all right (either you hold on or you get up and get back on).
4. You’ll be bored of long-reining
It’s a catch 22; you may be bored, but you’ll also get super fit in the process. And long-reining is such a great way of reducating the young horse from the ground that it’s always worth it.
5. You might wish you’d left the horse out in the field to ‘mature’
In the intial stages, it can feel like the end result of a beautifully backed horse ready to hit the circuit is a lifetime away. Those frustrating moments where you feel like you’re not making any progress might make you wish you’d left your horse out at grass for another season to grow up. Time out can be good to let a horse mature mentally and physically, but some setbacks are all part of the process so take it slow and persevere.
6. You’ll get super-excited
Every stage, no matter how small, feels like a huge win and backing a young horse is one of the most rewarding parts of being an equestrian. Who knows, you could be sat on a future champion and you just don’t know it yet…
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Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
