Young Horse Training: How to Successfully Train Your Horse

Training Young Horses: The Basics

➡️ Video tip: In this video you will learn everything about training young horses - from getting them used to new challenges under saddle to developing their genetic potential. FN training ambassador Christoph Hess shows how important physical and mental health are and why the focus should be on the joy of learning without coercion. This is the basis for a reliable leisure or sports partner!

There are two main goals in young horse training. The first is to get the horse used to the new challenges under saddle. The second is to train the horse so that it can develop its genetic potential (disposition) and meet the requirements of the rider and the corresponding training. The physical and mental health of the horse is particularly important. A young horse should learn with fun and joy and not with coercion and negative pressure. There are many ways to train a young horse. However, in order to have a reliable leisure or sport partner at the end of young horse training, there are many things to consider. Mistakes in young horse training can have fatal consequences and pave the way for a problem horse. This is why the basics of young horse training are crucial for the horse's future.

When do you start training a young horse?

The training of a young horse begins long before it is ridden for the first time - in fact, it starts at foal age. These early lessons, which are extended over a period of several months or years, are often referred to as the "Foal ABC" called. Handling and contact between humans and horses plays a crucial role in the first months of the animal's life and should not be neglected alongside species-appropriate rearing.

However, proper training should not begin before the age of three. When the horses return to the stables after the warm summer months in the field, the classic training of young horses begins. Getting used to the lunging girth, saddle and bridle are then on the training schedule. The first mounting is at the age of three, not earlier. At the age of 3.5, the horse is then put out to pasture again and the following winter, the horse is broken in properly.

Ground work is one of the most important basics in young horse training. And not only in the classical riding style. Especially in the training of young horses in the leisure sector or in western riding, horsemanship horsemanship in young horse training according to Parelli or Monty Roberts. Only when the horse tolerates and accepts everything from the ground does the rider get into the saddle. In horsemanship, young horses have to learn far more from the ground at the beginning of their training than in classical training. Nevertheless, a rethink is beginning in the traditional training of young horses. Trainers and riders are increasingly taking horsemanship theories and training plans as an example and preparing horses more carefully for their first ride.

We start with ground work with young horses naturally starts with the basics. These are leading, stopping, taking a step back and reacting to human body language. The most important thing here is that the young horses learn to concentrate and relax. Patience is very important here. Horses quickly notice when the trainer or rider is stressed or impatient. This is then transferred to the horse. In the beginning, the horse should be practiced in short intervals. 5-10 minutes is completely sufficient. Nevertheless, the training should always have a positive end, so if the training interval is exceeded for 2-5 minutes, it's not the end of the world. However, it should not become a regular occurrence.

Lunging young horses correctly: This is how its done

➡️ Must-Watch: Learn the foundations of training a young horse with Brendan Gallagher as he guides you through early lunging and long-reining techniques. Discover how to develop rhythm, balance, and confidence while keeping your horse relaxed and responsive—essential groundwork for future success!

When can you lunge a young horse for the first time? Or rather, when does it make sense to lunge a young horse?

Young horses are different from our broken-in adult horses, which have been lunged and broken in at some point in their lives. Young horses are not balanced and are not used to lunging. That's why lunging for the first time can look a little strange. The young horses then tend to walk a crippled line and often fall back into a lower gait because they can't keep the trot or canter on a curved line for long.

It helps the young horse enormously to be lunged in a roundpen for the first time. Here the horse has a spatial boundary through the wall of the roundpen and can focus more on its body and the trainer. If a round pen is not available, you can also divide the riding arena in half to create physical and visual a boundary.

You are not alone. Get help! A second person can make the whole thing easier. While one person stands in the middle, a second person can lead the horse in a circle around the person holding the rein.

The first work on the lunge is truly demanding, as the young horse must learn to balance itself on a curved line for the first time. The better the horse maintains the circle on its own, the further the second person can move away. From that point, precise impulses can be given to prevent the horse from drifting to the center. The second person can also assist when driving and during the transition of the hand. The lunge handler stays in the middle of the circle, roughly at the horse's shoulder height, and gives the signals. Use voice commands to transition the gaits and wait patiently for the horse to respond. Some horses quickly understand the task, while others take a bit longer. However, there’s no need to despair if it doesn’t work immediately. Give yourself and the horse time to master the new task. Also, keep an eye on the concentration span of your young horse. The first lunge attempts should last no longer than 20-30 minutes. Galloping on the lunge is recommended only after about a week.

Erste Schritte in der Ausbildung eines jungen Pferdes

Neben der Bodenarbeit und dem anlongieren kommen noch weitere Schritte während der Ausbildung eines jungen Pferdes auf den Ausbilder zu. Von der Wahl der richtigen Ausrüstung bis hin zu ersten Aufsitzen.

Die passende Ausrüstung für Jungpferde finden

➡️ Must-Watch: Struggling to find the perfect bridle for your horse? Olympic show jumper Reed Kessler breaks down five key factors to help you choose the best option—whether for competition or casual riding. Don’t miss these expert insights!

The right equipment is an ongoing topic in equestrian sports. In the young years, with the changing seasons, or due to injury-related breaks – the horse's body constantly changes. The good news: If you’ve been diligent in groundwork, the first time lunging will be easy. For now, a halter and lunge line will be sufficient. Alternatively, a cave can also be used. It is also recommended to use boots to protect against injuries. Things get more complicated when the bridle is introduced. That’s when it’s important to find the right bit, and that’s not so simple.

The first steps have been taken, and it's finally time: it’s time to get on the horse! This also means finding a fitting saddle. But before the saddle is placed on the horse, it's advisable to use a lunging girth to get the horse used to the feeling of a girth. Afterwards, a suitable saddle should be chosen together with an experienced saddler. Especially with young horses, the saddle must often be checked and adjusted, as their muscles change quickly. A well-fitting saddle is crucial to avoid negative experiences, allow the proper muscle development, and prevent pressure sores. To make mounting easier later, the horse should already be well accustomed to the saddle. In the beginning, it can be lunged with the saddle on and later lunged under saddle.

Mounting and getting used to the rider's weight

First and foremost: Special care must be taken when starting the horse! A familiar and, ideally, experienced assistant should always be present to intervene if necessary.

➡️ Must-Watch: Training a young horse? Learn essential techniques as Brendan Gallagher guides a three-year-old through her first independent ride. From mounting to trotting under saddle, discover how patience, trust, and clear guidance create a calm, confident partner - a must-see for anyone working with young horses!

‍The preparation for mounting is a lengthy process. The contact with the saddle area should be established early on through tapping and applying light pressure. Once the saddle is on, pressure can also be applied while standing and lunging, shaking the saddle flap, and manipulating the stirrups. The stirrup should then be increasingly loaded to prepare for mounting. Afterward, you can carefully "hop up" with your foot in the stirrup. To get the horse used to the rider’s weight, the rider first lies across the saddle. Over time, the horse can take its first steps with the rider’s weight on its back. Here, the young horse must learn to balance itself again. The process of lying across the saddle is followed by rising the torso and eventually sitting upright on the horse. Praise generously and wait for the horse to relax before moving on to the next steps. Once the first steps have been successfully completed, you can carefully begin to continue working on the lunge. At first, it’s helpful to have an assistant who leads the horse on the circle line until it gains confidence. The rider initially takes a passive role. Work slowly up to the trot and eventually the canter. Here again, your sensitivity is crucial, as there is no set timeline for what the horse is ready for.

Breaking in young horses: What you should know

Once the familiarization phase has been overcome, the rider gradually becomes more active, while the commands from the lunge leader decrease. In the beginning, the driving leg aids are still clearly supported by the learned voice signals. This allows the horse to quickly recognize what is being asked. Once everythin essential is working on the lunge line and the horse can be parried through, the lunge line can be removed. A good tip: Leave the lunger in the middle for the time being. This way, he can still help out with familiar signals if necessary.

How to ride your horse when it's growing

Help, my young horse is growing and growing! Growth spurts are definitely not uncommon, and yet they cause a lot of confusion, as they significantly disrupt our young horses' physical well-being. They have to rebalance themselves, are often tired and their heads are somewhere else entirely. Christoph Hess shows you how you can work with your youngsters when they are really busy with themselves.

What comes after breaking in young horses?

➡️ Must-Watch: Want to build trust and confidence in your horse? Owen Cooper shares expert insights on introducing new cross-country elements to training, helping your horse stay bold and willing. Learn how to set your horse up for success - essential viewing for eventing enthusiasts!

The breaking-in is behind us, and both horse and rider move independently and confidently in the arena. What’s next? The training of a young horse doesn’t end after the first ride and continues to require a lot of time and empathy. The general standard for the progression of further development is the so-called Training Scale, which consists of Rhythm, Relaxation, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness, and Collection.

While these points build on each other, they are by no means to be understood as standalone and checkable. The training points influence each other and develop simultaneously. While the scale serves as a model for the entire training, each training session should also be based on it as a guide.

The first three points of the scale, Rhythm, Relaxation, and Contact, form the habituation phase and are especially important for the training of young horses. The movement in rhythm is a prerequisite, as it refers to the evenness of the steps. This is followed by Relaxation, as the rhythmic movements must flow through the swinging back to be correct. This means that the muscles in the back contract and release without becoming tense. The relaxed horse is ready to stretch and confidently takes the contact with the bit.

Contact is the continuous, soft, and elastic connection between the horse’s mouth and the rider’s hand, created through the relaxed stretching toward the bit. It is the third point on the Training Scale and is part of both the habituation phase and the two following phases: the development of impulsion and carrying power.

Following Contact comes Impulsion. Impulsion is discussed in the trot and canter, as these gaits have a suspension phase in which all four legs are off the ground. The goal is to extend this suspension phase and transfer the impulses from the hindquarters through the swinging back into the movement of the horse. Without a relaxed horse, this is not possible.

The next point on the Training Scale is Straightness. Through Straightness, the natural crookedness of the horse is balanced out. The aim is for the front and hind legs to be aligned on the same track, and the pairs of legs should follow one line. This ensures that both halves of the horse’s body are evenly loaded, promoting the horse's health by preventing uneven overloads on joints, muscles, and tendons.

The pinnacle of the Training Scale is Collection. Here, the previously accomplished work comes together, and a well-balanced horse is tested on its ability to carry itself and increasingly collect weight onto its bent, engaged hindquarters. Work in Collection is extremely demanding and should only be asked of physically and mentally prepared horses.

The goal of the Training Scale is to raise well-trained horses that are supple and balanced, ensuring health and willingness to perform.

Is training a young horse the right thing for me?

Anyone considering training their own young horse should first consider whether they have the right qualifications for this task. This includes the question of riding ability: Do I have enough experience to train a young horse? Ideally, the rider has already ridden not only different horses, but also young horses with varying levels of training. Solid handling of the horse, as well as knowledge outside the saddle, such as in lunging and groundwork, is also essential.

On the other hand, it’s also about character: Am I patient, resilient, disciplined, and able to deal with setbacks? An anxious rider tends to be less suitable for training young horses than a calm rider who approaches this task with confidence and experience. Not to be underestimated is whether the rider can, or already does, take regular lessons, is in contact and in dialogue with trainers and other riders, and whether they have the competence for self-reflection and a willingness for further training. The rider should always be able to act fairly and consistently toward the horse.

If these criteria cannot be clearly answered affirmatively, purchasing a pre-trained horse is the obvious alternative. Another option is to buy a young horse and have it trained by an experienced rider. Below you will find tips and tricks on how to make this decision and approach your goal correctly.

Tips for buying a young horse

Buying a horse is a long-term commitment, so it’s important to approach the decision thoughtfully. Before you start your search, clarify your goals with the horse, as this will determine your requirements. Decide whether you need a young or experienced horse and consider factors like size, health, training level, competition experience, and any successes.

Your rider profile is also key: What strengths and weaknesses do you have, and what qualities should the horse have to complement you? For a young horse, competent training support at home is essential. Once these questions are answered and you have a clear idea of your future horse, the search can begin. Don’t forget to consider your budget.

Costs and Effort: Young Horse vs. Trained Horse

It’s difficult to say universally whether buying a young, inexperienced horse or an older, trained horse makes more sense. As described earlier, this depends on the specific horse and rider. However, there are some general guidelines to consider when making this decision:

An older horse is usually already ridden and may have even achieved competition success. During a test ride, you can get a concrete impression of the horse’s training, ability, and potential, and compare it with your own goals. The advantage of a trained horse is that goals, such as competing in tournaments, can often be reached faster than with a young horse. A downside is if the horse has had negative experiences or developed bad habits, as these behavioral patterns are difficult, if not impossible, for the new rider to correct.

With a young horse, the work starts from scratch. This means that while the horse may not have learned much yet, it also means there are no previous negative experiences to work around. Buying a young horse means many years of shared experiences ahead. Health issues are less common compared to older horses, although health checks should always be conducted when purchasing any horse. The downside of buying a young horse is the “teenage phase.” The horse is still in its developmental stages, and a common result is that the training may not progress as quickly or well as expected. Overall, with a young horse, you need to be more flexible and adjust training goals according to the individual horse.

Buying a young, green horse means committing to its training, with all the advantages and disadvantages that this path may bring.

Rearing young horses: Husbandry and Feeding

A central point in the purchase of a horse is the keeping. You can use the horse's previous husbandry as a guide, as a young horse may be changing stables for the first time and will be confronted with many new impressions. The usual form of husbandry would then be a constant. However, it is even more important that the stabling is first and foremost horse-friendly. But what is actually horse-friendly? The four light, air, exercise and company are known to every rider and should be available to every horse. Exercise is essential for young horses to develop healthily. The animal should have the opportunity to exercise for several hours a day, which means not so much working with the horse, but rather free access to a paddock, paddock or similar. The next point comes into play here, namely contact with other horses of the same species. If you buy a horse while it is still a foal, you should possibly give it to a rearing center if it cannot have sufficient contact with other horses of the same age in its own stable in order to develop its social behavior to learn social behavior. In a foal rearing facility, the animals usually live together as a herd in the pasture and, for example, move to a playpen in bad weather, which also allows the herd to form. The following principle is often heard when raising a horse for the first few months and years: "Let the horse be a horse first." It is also important to allow the horse to interact socially with others later in the young horse's life. The form this ultimately takes is up to the rider.

➡️ Must-Watch: Feeding young horses correctly is crucial for their growth and development! Learn how to adjust feed times and quantities, ensure the right minerals, and manage slow feed changes for a healthy start. Expert tips to optimize your young horse’s nutrition!

Previous times and quantities should also be adhered to when feeding. The feed must be individually tailored to the animal in terms of type and quantity. It should be adapted to the phase of current growth and development of the horse in young horses and adapt with their change. Minerals are often added to young horses as they have significant needs for physical development. If the new owner wants to change something in the feeding after buying a horse, it is important that the feeding is changed slowly and it does not change radically from one day to the next. Basically, the same applies here as in most points: If in doubt, the owner should seek professional advice and assistance with feeding.

How to overcome problems in the training of young horses

Working with horses is never easy. There is progress in training, but there are also setbacks. Just because a lesson works well today doesn't mean it will work the same tomorrow. We must not forget that horses are living beings and not machines that have to work at the push of a button. No matter how well we can communicate with horses, we are often at a loss when problems arise. Nevertheless, there is a solution for almost all problems in young horse training. FN training ambassador Christoph Hess explains how to get to the bottom of problems and find solutions in the Academy.

Presenting young dressage horses at shows

In both the UK and the US, young dressage horses are often presented at shows with a focus on their potential and developmental progress. The systems are somewhat similar, but they also reflect the unique equestrian cultures and structures of each country. Here’s a breakdown of how young dressage horses are typically presented at competitions in both the UK and the US:

United Kingdom

In the UK, young dressage horses are showcased through several age-specific classes. The primary goal is to assess the horses based on their future potential in dressage, evaluating qualities such as movement, balance, and rideability. The structure usually involves the following:

1. Young Horse Classes:

• These are designed for horses aged 4 to 7 years old.
• The horses perform movements appropriate for their age, with 4-year-olds typically showing basic walk, trot, and canter, while older horses demonstrate more advanced movements.
• These competitions are often structured in line with the British Dressage Young Horse Championships, which provides a clear path for young horses to progress in their career.

2. Selection for National and International Competitions:

• Horses that perform exceptionally well at the national level can be selected for international young horse competitions.
• For example, the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses often takes place in Verden, Germany. UK riders frequently target this event, with horses being selected based on their success in national competitions.

3. Judging Criteria:

• Young horse classes are typically judged by a panel of experienced dressage judges, who focus on the horse’s natural balance, rhythm, elasticity, and overall potential for higher-level dressage.
• In these classes, judges also consider the horse’s conformation and movement, with particular attention to how they are developing.

4. Age Grouping:

• 4-year-olds: These horses show basic training with a focus on rhythm, walk, trot, and canter.
• 5-year-olds: These horses are expected to demonstrate more collected work and some lateral movements.
• 6 and 7-year-olds: These horses show more advanced movements and are evaluated for their ability to perform higher-level dressage work like flying changes and lateral movements with more refinement.

United States

In the US, the system is also focused on the development of young horses, but the approach is shaped by different levels of competition and a strong focus on the potential for future Grand Prix success. The key features of young horse presentation in the US include:

1. Young Horse Competitions (USEF):

• The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) organizes various competitions for young horses, similar to the UK system.
• The most prominent event is the USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Championship, which has separate divisions for horses aged 4, 5, and 6.
• The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championship provides an opportunity for horses to compete in these divisions and receive national recognition.

2. Young Horse Tests:

• These tests are age-specific, similar to the UK, but there is an added focus on scoring horses in a way that determines their eligibility for international competitions.
• Horses typically perform tests that include basic movements and progress through more complex movements as they age.
• The 4-year-olds show basic dressage movements with emphasis on harmony, while 5 and 6-year-olds are expected to demonstrate more advanced movements.

3. Selection for International Competitions:

• The US also sends young horses to events like the World Breeding Dressage Championships in Verden, Germany.
• The selection of horses for these international competitions is highly competitive and based on their performance in national events and training camps.

4. Judging and Evaluation:

• The judging system in the US is similar to that of the UK, with judges evaluating the natural movement, balance, elasticity, and overall ability of the horse. Judges also look for a horse’s ability to demonstrate future Grand Prix potential.
• Judging is typically more focused on the quality of the gaits and the training level, as US competitions often have a future-oriented approach.

5. Age Grouping:

• 4-year-olds: Expected to show walk, trot, and canter with a clear understanding of the basics.
• 5-year-olds: Show more development in collection, with lateral movements like shoulder-in and leg-yield.
• 6-year-olds: Horses at this level are expected to show advanced movements such as flying changes and half-passes, often judged on their ability to perform these movements with ease and grace.

Differences Between the UK and US Systems:

1. Focus on Sales and Future Potential:

• In the US, there is often a stronger emphasis on showcasing the horse’s potential for future competition, which is closely linked to the market for young horses, especially for top-tier horses that might eventually compete at Grand Prix level.
• The UK, on the other hand, focuses more on the horse's development within the national competition system, with international success being a secondary focus for many competitors.

2. Competition Structure:

• In the UK, many young horse competitions are integrated into regular shows, and the horses compete in specific age-group classes.
• In the US, young horse competitions are often separate events that lead to major national championships or are part of the Markel Young Horse Championship Series, which is a highly structured series specifically designed for young horses.

3. International Presence:

• Both countries place significant importance on the international aspect of young horse competitions, but the US has a larger emphasis on targeting horses for the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships and training camps that cater to this goal.

In conclusion, while both the UK and the US follow similar principles of evaluating young dressage horses based on their potential and development, they have different competitive structures and emphasis on international events. The UK focuses on its national system with a strong link to breeding and selection for international competition, while the US has a more market-driven approach with a strong emphasis on the sale and training potential of young horses.

Presenting young show jumpers at the show

The systems for presenting young jumping horses in Germany, the UK, and the US share the common goal of evaluating the potential of horses for future success in the sport of show jumping. While each country follows similar principles of age-specific competition, there are unique features in each system that reflect their respective equestrian cultures and competition structures. Below is a comparative overview of the systems in Germany, the UK, and the US.

➡️ Must-Watch: Want to improve your young showjumper’s balance and straightness? Watch as Jos Lansink works with 5-year-old stallion Chezarro, focusing on flatwork, neck lengthening, and balance - key foundations for a successful jumping career!

Germany:

Germany’s system for presenting young jumping horses is among the most prestigious and organized in the world. The country places a significant emphasis on breeding and developing horses with the potential to succeed at the highest levels of competition. The cornerstone of the German system is the Bundeschampionat (German Championships for Young Horses), held annually in Warendorf. This prestigious event serves as a key platform for showcasing young jumping horses across various age groups.

Age Categories:

• 4-year-olds: These horses jump basic courses, typically around 1.10 meters. Emphasis is placed on their jumping technique and carefulness.
• 5-year-olds: Horses jump slightly higher courses (up to 1.20 meters) and are assessed for scope and jumping technique.
• 6-year-olds: The horses jump courses of around 1.30 meters, with judges looking at their ability to handle more complex lines and technical elements.
• 7-year-olds: Horses in this category jump advanced courses (around 1.40 meters), with the focus on their consistency, rideability, and ability to manage higher-level competition.

International Focus: Germany actively selects horses from these events for international competitions, most notably the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium. Horses that perform well in the Bundeschampionat are often sold to international buyers, further promoting Germany’s breeding and training programs.

Judging Criteria: Judges focus on the horse’s jumping technique, scope, rideability, temperament, and conformation, ensuring that the horse has the physical and mental qualities necessary for a career in jumping.

United Kingdom:

In the UK, young jumping horses are showcased through a series of age-specific competitions, with an emphasis on developing horses to progress through the ranks. The system is somewhat less centralized than Germany’s, but it offers numerous opportunities for young horses to prove themselves at the national level.

Age Categories:

• 4-year-olds: These horses typically jump courses around 1.10 meters and are judged on their jumping technique, form, and carefulness.
• 5-year-olds: Horses in this category jump slightly higher (around 1.20 meters) and are assessed for their scope and ability to handle more challenging jumps.
• 6-year-olds: Horses perform at a higher level (around 1.30 meters), and the judges assess their ability to tackle more complex and technical courses.
• 7-year-olds and beyond: Horses jump courses up to 1.40 meters, and judges look for consistent performances, advanced jumping skills, and overall suitability for higher-level competitions.

International Opportunities: Like Germany, the UK sends horses to international events such as the World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken. The country’s young horse competitions often serve as qualifiers for these high-profile events.

Judging Criteria: Similar to the German system, judges in the UK evaluate the horse’s technique, scope, and rideability. They also look at the horse’s attitude and willingness to perform, as well as its conformation, ensuring that the horse is physically suitable for a future in jumping.

United States:

In the US, the system for presenting young jumping horses follows a similar structure to that of the UK and Germany but has a distinct focus on creating pathways for young horses to progress into international competition. The USEF Young Jumper Championships are the main event for young horses, and like in the UK, they are divided into age-specific classes.

Age Categories:

• 4-year-olds: These horses typically jump basic courses (up to 1.10 meters) and are judged on their jumping technique and carefulness.
• 5-year-olds: Horses jump slightly higher courses (around 1.20 meters), with the focus on scope, rideability, and jumping technique.
• 6-year-olds: The 6-year-olds perform on courses around 1.30 meters, with an emphasis on their ability to handle technical challenges and more advanced jumping.
• 7-year-olds and beyond: At this level, horses jump courses up to 1.40 meters and are evaluated on their consistency, rideability, and overall performance in more complex jumping situations.

International Competitions: The US selects horses from the USEF Young Jumper Championships and other national events for international competitions, including the World Breeding Jumping Championships in Lanaken. Successful horses often move up the ranks and are groomed for the top levels of competition.

Judging Criteria: Like in the UK and Germany, US judges assess the horse’s technique, scope, rideability, and jumping form. They also evaluate the horse’s temperament and trainability, as these are critical factors for long-term success in the sport.

Comparative Overview:

• Competition Structure: Germany is known for its Bundeschampionat, which is a central event for young jumping horses. The UK and US also have important national events, like the British Young Horse Championships and the USEF Young Jumper Championships, respectively. Germany’s system is more centralized around the Bundeschampionat, while the UK and US systems have more dispersed events leading to national championships.
• Age-Specific Classes: All three countries have age-specific classes for 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, and 7-year-olds, with the focus evolving from basic jumping technique to more complex courses as the horses grow older. The emphasis is on the horse’s potential, scope, and ability to tackle higher-level challenges as they mature.
• International Presence: Germany is particularly strong in sending horses to international competitions such as the World Breeding Jumping Championships in Lanaken. The UK and US also send top horses to these events, with both countries placing strong emphasis on identifying horses with potential for international success.
• Marketability and Breeding: Germany’s breeding programs are world-renowned, and horses that perform well in events like the Bundeschampionat often receive attention from international buyers. The UK and US have slightly different approaches, with a greater emphasis on developing horses through competitive series, while Germany has a more market-driven approach due to its prominent breeding sector.

The systems for young jumping horses in Germany, the UK, and the US share common principles of evaluating jumping technique, scope, and rideability, but each country has its unique structure and focus. Germany is known for its centralized Bundeschampionat, which is a prestigious event that serves as a key platform for young horses, while the UK and US offer more regional competitions leading to national championships. All three countries aim to identify and develop top-level jumping horses, with a focus on international success and marketability.

3 Tips for successful training of young horses

1. How often should you train your young horses?

Especially if you are new to training young horses, but still have a lot of experience with horses, the question arises as to how often you should ride a 3-year-old horse. The more structured among us create training plans in young horse training to record what, when and how much the young horse does. However, the rule of thumb is that a 3-year-old horse is worked 3 times a week, a 4-year-old horse is worked 4 times a week and a 5-year-old horse is worked 5 times a week. From the age of 6 it becomes more flexible. Of course, this rule of thumb is only theoretical and refers to the work of young horses, which includes lunging, riding and ground work.

When breaking in three-year-old, four-year-old or older riding horses for the first time, it is advisable to ride the horses repeatedly for 10 to 20 minutes in the first few days to get them used to riding. After that, you should pay attention to the horse's needs and not overdo it, as the horses are still growing and do not yet have the mental capacity of older and more experienced riding horses. In concrete terms, this means that you should not work a three-year-old, broken-in horse more than three times a week. You should also allow the young horse contact with other horses of the same species and make sure that the young horses get regular exercise in the paddock or paddock. After all, the horses must first be able to cope with being broken in, ridden or lunged. A horse walker is no substitute for time in the paddock or paddock.

2. Youngster training: step by step

Every small step, whether it's getting used to the equipment or sitting in the saddle for the first time, means a lot to the horse. That's why we should enjoy the small steps in young horse training and not move on to the next step too quickly. If something goes well, you can take the next step, but if what you've learned doesn't work, you can take another step back.

A good example of this is standing still when mounting. You have practiced for weeks that your horse stops at the mounting aid, had a second person to hold the horse and can now mount your young horse without help. After a few weeks your horse becomes impatient and takes a step forward when mounting, after two more days it starts to walk while you swing your leg over the saddle. A few weeks later, it will no longer stand still at the mounting aid. What now? Riding works, but getting on the horse has become difficult.

Then you have to take another step back and focus on keeping your young horse standing still. So now you start again from the beginning. Stand on the mounting aid, lie over it, down again, stand still, praise, get on the mounting aid, praise, down again and so on. Until standing still on the climbing aid has stabilized again. Then mount, dismount, mount, dismount. Not all in one day, of course! But keep it up continuously over days and weeks so that the horse can internalize the calm stop.

As you may have noticed by now, the step-by-step approach is energy-sapping, but is beneficial for the rest of the horse's life. Because once a horse learns something properly, it never forgets it.

3. Developing a youngster-training plan

Horses are individuals; your friend's young horse has completely different requirements to your own. While one horse makes a lot of training progress quickly, the other horse needs longer to achieve the same goals. That's why an individually tailored young horse training plan can help to monitor training progress and regression and adapt the training to the horse's needs.

Young horse training: Summarized

Young horse training is a complex and essential phase in the development of a horse into a reliable leisure or sport partner. It begins at foal age with socialization and groundwork ABC and continues with careful breaking in and systematic further training. The focus is on key fundamentals such as physical and mental health, trust and the joy of learning. Structured training based on the training scale promotes balance, suppleness and the continuous development of the horse. With patience, empathy and professional support, mistakes that could lead to problems later on can be avoided. This lays the foundation for harmonious cooperation and a sporting future.

Young horse training: The most important questions and answers

How much does it cost to have a horse trained?

How much does it cost to have a horse broken in? The costs vary depending on the type and duration of training. A full ride-in, where the horse is fully trained by the trainer, generally costs between 500 and 1,000 euros per month and usually includes training and stable hire.

How do I teach a young horse to lunge?

To get a young horse used to lunging, you should start with a step-by-step approach:

1. Get the horse used to halter, cavesson and lunge.
2. Lead it on a large circle to internalize the movement in a circle.
3. Work with clear voice commands.
4. Slowly increase the duration and intensity of the units.

When should you lunge a young horse?

Lunging can be started when the young horse is physically and mentally ready, usually from around two to three years of age. The training sessions should be short at the beginning to avoid overloading.

Can anyone break in a horse? / Can I break in my horse myself?

‍Noteveryone is able to break in a horse themselves. Breaking in requires experience, patience and specialist knowledge in order to train the horse to be physically and mentally healthy. Inexperienced people should seek professional support.

How long does it take to break in a horse and how quickly can you break in a young horse?

The duration varies, but it typically takes several months to break in a horse. Training is done in stages to ensure that the horse has mastered the basics and is physically and mentally ready.

When do young horses become calmer?

Younghorses usually become calmer as they get older, especially after the age of four to five, when they lose some of their youthful energy and become more routine in training.

Can an older horse still be broken in?

‍Yes, older horses can also be broken in. However, it often requires more patience and adjustments, as the horses may already have established behavior patterns.

Which concentrated feed/muesli for young horses?

Younghorses need concentrated feed that is specially tailored to their growth. It should be rich in minerals, vitamins and energy without being too heavy. Feed such as specially adapted young horse muesli or concentrated feed with a moderate energy intake is ideal.