Craigs Stables is a purpose based facility in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty.
23/03/2025
๐๐พ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ช๐ฒ๐น๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐:
While the allure of young horses competing in high-profile events like the Sunshine Tour is undeniable, itโs crucial to acknowledge the potential harm that early competition can cause. Horses, particularly those between the ages of 5 and 8, are still developing their physical strength, coordination, and emotional maturity.
Young horses are not just mini versions of adult horses, they have different physical needs. Their bones and joints are still growing, and intense work at a young age can lead to chronic injuries, especially in disciplines that involve jumping or tight maneuvers. The repetitive nature of these movements in competition can cause stress on the body, leading to conditions such as soft tissue injuries, tendon strain, and joint issues. When these injuries arenโt given proper time to heal, they can lead to long-term problems that might cut a horseโs career short.
Mentally, young horses may not be equipped to deal with the stresses of competition, especially when they are exposed to the noise, crowds, and pressure to perform. For many horses, this early exposure to high-pressure situations can lead to anxiety, fear, and stress. Horses may also develop behavioral issues, such as refusals, resistance, or disinterest in working. This can create a cycle of frustration, leading to even more stress for both horse and rider.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
Rest and recovery are as crucial as training in any equine sport, particularly for young horses. Swedenโs regulation of a minimum two-week break between competitions for 4-year-old horses is a step in the right direction, ensuring horses have enough time to recover physically and mentally between competitions. This rest period allows young horses to rest their bodies and minds, promoting long-term health and well-being.
In addition to breaks between competitions, Sweden has also implemented measures like optional nosebands in dressage competitions, showing that welfare comes first. These regulations focus on giving horses the time they need to grow physically and mentally without the strain of continuous competition.
Rest is essential for muscle recovery, bone growth, and mental clarity. Just like human athletes, horses need time to recover from the physical exertion of training and competition. Without adequate rest, they are more likely to experience injuries and burnout, which can end a promising career prematurely. Swedenโs regulations emphasize this, recognizing that time off between competitions is not only good for the horseโs body but also helps maintain their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the sport.
๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ญ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐๐
Instead of rushing young horses into high-stress competition environments, we should aim to develop them at a sustainable pace that aligns with their physical and mental maturity. This means giving them time to grow, allowing for regular breaks, and ensuring that their training is progressive and suited to their developmental stage.
Proper groundwork for young horses is essential. Instead of jumping straight into high-level competitions, young horses should be gradually introduced to the experience of shows and competitions. Training should focus on building a solid foundation, with a focus on fitness, stamina, and relaxation rather than pushing for immediate results. Time spent on groundwork, long-lining, and desensitizing can help young horses build confidence and learn to cope with new environments in a non-stressful manner.
In fact, many experienced equestrians and trainers recommend that young horses should not be asked to compete at full intensity until they are fully mature, which typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 8. By this age, the horses are better physically equipped to handle the demands of competitive equestrian sports. Horses who are given a slower, more thoughtful start often have longer, more successful careers, and are less likely to suffer from injuries or burnout.
๐ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
While events like the Sunshine Tour are still incredibly popular and attract top competitors, there is growing recognition of the need to rethink the way we treat young horses in competitive environments. Countries like Sweden have taken a stand for equine welfare by implementing rules that prevent overworking young horses, but the rest of the equestrian world needs to follow suit.
In recent years, there has been an increasing movement within the equestrian community to prioritize the well-being of horses. Many trainers and owners are beginning to place a higher value on longevity and health, choosing not to rush their young horses into the spotlight too early. This shift in attitude is critical for the future of the sport, as it ensures that horses can have healthy, fulfilling careers that last for many years.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ: ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ
The Sunshine Tour is a major event that takes place annually in Spain, attracting competitors from all over the world. Among the eventโs many divisions are the young horse classes for horses between the ages of 5 and 8. These classes offer young horses the opportunity to showcase their talent and begin their competitive careers. However, the demands of these competitions raise concerns about whether they are too much for horses that are still developing.
โข5-Year-Old Final: Held on Wednesdays during Weeks 3 and 7, featuring courses at 1.20 meters in height and a speed of 350 meters per minute.
โข6-Year-Old Final: Also on Wednesdays in Weeks 3 and 7, with courses at 1.30 meters and the same speed.
โข7-Year-Old Final: Scheduled for Wednesdays in Weeks 3 and 7, featuring courses at 1.40 meters and a speed of 375 meters per minute.
โข8-Year-Old Final: Taking place on Thursdays in Weeks 3 and 7, with courses at 1.45 meters and the same speed.
These events are designed to evaluate the ability and potential of young horses, but they can be physically demanding. At just 5 years old, horses are still growing, and their bodies may not be fully prepared for the stresses of jumping high fences and navigating complex courses. Requiring them to do this year after year can result in injuries, burnout, and even early retirement.
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ค ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
The debate over young horses competing at a high level is ongoing, but itโs clear that the welfare of these horses should always be a top priority. While competitions like the Sunshine Tour offer great exposure and experience, we must remember that young horses are still in their formative years. They may be talented, but their bodies and minds are not fully mature, and pushing them too hard can cause irreversible damage.
๐๐๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ค ๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ
The competitive world of young horse classes, like those at the Sunshine Tour, will always attract attention and enthusiasm. But as a community, we must remember that young horses need time to develop and mature at their own pace. Pushing them too hard too soon can result in injury, burnout, and lost potential.
Swedenโs regulations serve as an excellent example of how we can balance the excitement of competition with the reality of equine development. By allowing young horses adequate rest and time to grow, we give them the best chance to succeed in the long run. We should take these lessons to heart, ensuring that our competitive practices prioritize the health, happiness, and future of the horses involved.
As the equestrian community continues to evolve, letโs focus on sustainability, not just for the horses but for the sport itself. By slowing down and giving young horses the time they need
Below sunshine tour, 6 year old class, 1.15m
