I like to refer to our young horses in their first year as “summer yearlings” as it is a time of fast growth both physically and mentally.

You can actually get your first glimpses of the type of horse you will have as all of the growthy parts start coming together. Don’t be alarmed if your yearling still seems very out of balance conformationally as it may be an indication of a lot more growing in store for the particular individual.

The main thing at this time is to be aware of the proper development that can be influenced by providing regular farrier care, nutrition, worming and veterinary care.  Many physical problems can be improved and even avoided if attended to at this time due to the growth that is taking place.  Once the growing period is over, little can be done to correct problems that can affect your horses future performance capabilities.

Continue with your ground training.  A horse that leads properly translates to a horse that in the future will ride properly.  Does your yearling lead easily and willingly without leaning and intruding on your space?  Can you turn right while leading on the left without having to push your yearling away from you?  Try little tests to determine the lessons you need to work on to improve leading.

Remember in a perfect world we should be able to lead our horse equally as well on the left or right side.  Simply take one step at a time and ask your yearling to move its shoulder away from you.  This one lesson can make a big difference.  You are in essence getting control of the feet.  After you accomplish this lesson begin working with moving the hind quarters with the stepping under and laterally.

Remember to simplify your requests. Ask for one movement at time and be patient and build on understanding with good praise for completing a task successfully.

Jackie Brittain
Merriewold Morgans Trainer