K.Clarke Equine LLC

01/06/2026

Forever the best arena supervisor, complete with his raccoon blanket 😅

01/05/2026

01/02/2026

Before backing your youngster, please read.

🐴 Horses mature very differently to humans.
A rough way to understand it is that horses age around three times faster than us, but their bones, joints, and spine take much longer to fully develop than many people realise.

This is where things often go wrong.

Older horses for context:
•A 30 year old horse is like a 90 year old human.
Stiff, worn, and well into retirement. These horses deserve comfort, gentle movement, and rest but still to be active for the mind and joints

•A 25 year old horse is like a 75 year old human.
Still capable, still willing, but strength and recovery are limited. Careful management is key.

•A 20 year old horse is similar to a 60 year old person.
Mentally sharp, experienced, and often keen but the body may be sore, stiff, or slower to recover.

•A 9 years old to 13 year old horse is like a 39 year old adult.
This is prime time. Physically mature, mentally settled, and strong enough for consistent work.

Now the important part youngsters
This is where patience matters most.

•A 3 year old horse is like a 9 year old child.
Growth plates are still open, balance is poor, and muscles are underdeveloped. At this age, learning should be about handling, confidence, and calm exposure not carrying weight.

A 4 year old horse compares to a 12 year old child.
They can cope with very light work in short sessions. Their bodies are still changing, often unevenly, which is why they feel awkward and inconsistent.

•A 5 year old horse is like a 15 year old teenager.
This is the risky stage. They may look strong and capable, but internally they are still developing. The spine, joints, and soft tissues are not finished growing, even if the horse “seems fine.” Shouldn’t be jumping 110cm classes!!!!!

•A 6 year old horse is like an 18 year old adult.
The skeleton is far more mature, muscles can be developed safely, and the horse is mentally better able to cope with pressure.
This is the correct age to begin proper, consistent work.

Pushing young horses too hard, too early doesn’t always show immediate damage.
The problems often appear later as:
•Lameness
•Joint disease
•Kissing spines
•Behaviour issues labelled as naughty or lazy
•Horses breaking down far too young

One extra year of patience can easily add ten more years of sound, useful working life. Good training isn’t about how early you start.
It’s about how long the horse stays comfortable, willing, and happy. And it’s bloody high time age classes at big highs at young ages were banned!!

My own Connie Storm, age 6❤️

12/28/2025

Very interesting pictures and information!

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Gump and Kendra! We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and are so thankful for each and every one of you! 🎄🎄

📸:

12/21/2025

12/09/2025

🎁✨ HOLIDAY SALE IS HERE! ✨🎁
Give the gift of better riding this season with K.Clarke Equine’s Holiday Sale!

For a limited time, enjoy 10% OFF:
Lessons & Packages (including our state-of-the-art riding simulator lessons!)
Rider Biomechanic Tools
Fitness Programs

Our riding simulator is the perfect way to build confidence, improve technique, and level up your skills in a fun, supportive environment—no matter the weather! A perfect gift for the horse person in your life or a gift for yourself!

🛒 Shop: shopkclarkeequine.com
🏷️ Use Code: HOLIDAY10

Celebrate the season of giving with savings on all of KCE’s offerings! 🎄💙

12/06/2025

Reggie’s monthly date with may be his favorite day of the month 🥰

12/04/2025

DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS?! Join in us for and help celebrate our new FOOD TRUCK!

Thank you for your response to our surveys! In response to your feedback, we are in the process of acquiring a food truck to be used at BCHP. Your generous donations will help us with start-up costs and secure essential food services that have been sorely missed. After all, what’s a horse show without a little nourishment to fuel our passion? By contributing, you’re not just feeding the need for quality sustenance; you’re also cultivating an atmosphere where participants and spectators alike can savor every moment. So, let’s come together and nourish our equestrian spirit—every contribution counts in making BCHP a thriving hub for horse lovers!

www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=EF9HTJV8CUT5Q

11/27/2025

Do I get pictures of the horses during clinics? No. Barn cats? Absolutely 😂

11/19/2025

Full service from 😂