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What to expect2007-11-24 21:22:01

The girl I lease a horse from wants me to show her 2 year old paint filly in walk trot classes. She is trying to sell the horse and wants it to have show experiance but she doesn't want to compete in walk trot classes as it wouldn't be fair going against all the kids when she is eighteen. I'm pretty sure this is the filly's first show and she is very gentle but she is quite young and green. What should I expect from her at the show grounds with all of the other horses around?

Answers:

Hmmm...I wouldn't do it, personally. That's taking a huge risk and quite frankly.. at 2 years old you shouldn't be doing anything more than really in-hand and/or lunge classes - much less be mounting it.

Too young in my opinion.. even if it is a Paint.

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Expect the unexpected, horses have different personalities just like humans.

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2 years old! My horses aren't ridden till 3 years of age. I have 4, 2 year old, all ground broke, saddle broke,they clip, shoe, tie, load everything a older horse does, but no weight other than a saddle. Their knees aren't full closed yet. My horses may be very gentle around familiar places, but they won't be at a very stress full place like a show ring. To much to soon. Better to have a sound horse than a crippled 4 year old.

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she might be a little freaked out. maybe just go to a show without entering her in a class first, to see how she reacts to everything. if she seems agitated, walk her to a little quieter place and let her relax, then work your way to louder places. if she starts acting up again, take her back away from the noise again.

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hmmm is that a little YOUNG!??!?!?!?!?!?! for show experience maybe she could do a hater class or something but not riding!

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My horse's first show may have a halter class or two. Lots of time being walked around to see things, grooming, quiet time and as little stress as possible as I want this horse to like showing. I think this would be good for this filly and she would be getting exposure in a positive way that can help her sell. I may be hesitant to buy a filly I am watching go in the ring in her first show as a 2 year old and under saddle. I would rather see her learning about shows at this age. I hope she's had her knees xrayed to be sure they are closed. Just "walking and trotting" is a lot on those knees and who knows if she isn't going to get terribly excited and strain something? She may be very, very excited just being away from home. She could call a lot, pay little attention to her handler and zip around to see all the sights. This is easiest handled by a calm person who is looking out for her safety and is on the ground. Of course, she may also be just fine! But I see more buzzed youngsters at shows than not. If she seems more than you can handle on the ground, beg off on the classes until you can lead her around, then walk her around the grounds comfortably. She will do better all around then.

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Like BigDaddy said.