Training Young Horses for Long-Term Soundness
- Horses Inside Out
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Starting a young horse's training is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it also comes with huge responsibility. The choices made in the early years will directly impact the horse’s future soundness, performance, and overall well-being. Whatever your future ambitions, understanding the fundamental principles of ethical and biomechanically sound training is essential. In this article, we look a the key areas you need to consider when you are training a young horse for long-term soundness.
Growth and Development
Before starting on a young horse’s career under saddle, it’s crucial to consider their physical and mental maturity. All horses are individuals and develop at different rates, and it’s important to consider that their skeletal structure is not fully mature until approximately six years of age. The spine is one of the last areas to finish developing and isn't fully mature until up to eight years of age. Training too early or with excessive intensity may, in the future, lead to long-term damage, including joint issues, arthritis, and back pain.
The later young horses start their ridden life and the more preparation and conditioning that is done beforehand the better. There are many different beneficial activities you can do before your horse is skeletally mature which will help prepare him for his future ridden work. These include:
Appropriate Pilates style core strengthening, stretching, posture and balance exercises
Groundwork exercises
Polework
Long reining
It's important to build up muscular strength slowly. Working for short periods of time - as little as 10 minutes is enough to begin with. As a general guide, work a 4-year-old no more than four times a week and a 5-year-old five times a week.
Skeletal Maturity and Exercises for Youngsters is an On-Demand Webinar that explains exactly what growth plates are, what they look like and how and when they close. Understanding this subject can help when it comes to putting together appropriate training for young horses.
In this recorded on-demand webinar Gillian compares skeletons with both open and closed growth plates - one from a 9-year-old Warmblood dressage horse and the other from a 3-year-old pony. Gillian also discusses the age at which young horses should be started and looks at different activities and exercises to help prepare young horses for future ridden work.
Balanced Training
As your young horse's training progresses keep it systematic, incorporating a blend of groundwork, ridden work, and rest. Many soundness issues occur from an imbalance in training that places excessive strain on certain parts of the body. Think of the work you ask your young horse to do a little bit like a school term – it consists of a period of work followed by some time off.
The aim is to build strength and correct posture in the horse. Also addressing straightness and prioritising symmetry. Variety is key both physically and mentally and can be done through groundwork and varied exercises, including hill work, polework exercises, and hacking over varying terrain to help build all-round strength.
Listen to your Horse
Repetitive strain injuries are common in young horses that are pushed too hard, too soon. Signs of early wear and tear include stiffness, reluctance to move forward, and changes in behaviour. Riders and trainers must develop the skills to recognise and respond to signs that the horse may give you that he’s not happy or comfortable in the work he’s been asked to do.
What to Consider
Quality Over Quantity - Short, effective training sessions are more beneficial than prolonged work.
Early Warning Signs – If you feel your horse isn’t comfortable talk to your professional equine therapist and vet for advice and help assessing subtle signs of discomfort.
Regular Rest Periods - Just like human athletes, young horses need time for muscle recovery and adaptation.
Creating a Willing and Happy Partner
Long-term soundness is not just about physical health, the horse’s mental well-being is just as important. A stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed horse is more likely to develop resistance, leading to compensatory movement patterns and physical strain.
Build confidence in your young horse through consistent and fair training methods that are also fun. As well as training don’t forget other aspects of your horse’s management – regular turnout with other horses is key for their mental health. Again, as already mentioned, regular down time is good both mentally and physically.
A Team Approach to Success and Soundness
Ensuring long-term soundness requires a team approach. Collaborating with your horse’s team of para-professionals – vet, farrier, equine therapist, saddle fitter and trainer will all help to provide a well-rounded support system for your young horse’s development, health and well-being.
As your horse embarks on their ridden career lots of changes will happen to them physically, so schedule in regular check ups with your saddle fitter, equine therapist and farrier to ensure your horse is comfortable. Not forgetting the importance of a well-balanced diet that will support musculoskeletal health and development.
Training young horses with long-term soundness in mind requires knowledge, patience, and a commitment to the welfare of the horse. By considering their physical development, structuring balanced training programme, prioritising mental well-being, and working with your team of professionals, you are well on your way to setting your young horse up for soundness and success.
Remember, the choices you make today will determine whether your horse remains happy and healthy for years to come. Train with care and respect every step of the way and your partnership will thrive.
Further Online Learning
Movement and Behaviour is an 8-week Online Course with Dr Sue Dyson.
This unique training course will enhance your observational skills and understanding of ridden horses using the Ridden Horse Performance Checklist.
This online course runs from Thursday 1st May - Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
Join us to discover the knowledge and skills needed to identify pain-related issues before they escalate.
Growth and development was the focus of the Horses Inside Out 2024 Conference. You can watch all the presentations on-demand to help you understand more about horses from birth to old age. There are over 20 inspiring and educational lectures for you to watch. Each one presented by world leading experts who share the latest scientific information on:
Skeletal maturity
Training for the future
Laterality and asymmetry
Common developmental issues
Developmental abnormalities
Modern horse breeding
Feeding for the future
Dental problems
Training aids
If you'd like to share what you are doing with your young horse to help ensure future health and happiness, please share in the comments below.
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