08/10/2025
Wonderful information
𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
Every young horse develops on its own timeline, and their growth plates are a big part of that story. These soft areas of cartilage at the ends of bones are where growth happens and until they close, the bone isn’t fully mature.
Here’s a general guide:
• Knees usually close around 2 years old
• Hocks and fetlocks around 2.5 to 3
• The spine, neck, and withers can take until 5 or 6
That’s why slow, correct work early on matters. Light groundwork, short rides, and balance-building exercises help strengthen soft tissue and coordination without overloading immature joints.
Starting too hard, too soon doesn’t make a horse “tougher.” It can cause tiny amounts of damage that don’t show up until years later... stiffness, uneven growth, or early arthritis.
Good training builds a foundation, not just muscles. Taking it step by step now keeps them sound, strong, and confident later.
𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐗 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬
xxvets.com ◦ (940) 514-9500
