03/09/2020
Before backing your youngster please read -
A horse ages roughly 3 times faster than a human.
So a 90 year old human is a 30 year old horse. Both very old, usually arthritic, don’t have many of their original teeth left, and very likely retired and enjoying the finer things in life.
A 25 year old horse is a 75 year old human. Still works so far.
A 20 year old horse is a 60 year old human. At that point where the body doesn’t work like it use to but the brain is all there and wants to be active.
A 13 year old horse is a 39 year old human. Middle aged, prime of their life where their knowledge and physical ability are about equal.
So let’s get down to the babies and work our way up.
A 3 year old horse is a 9 year old child. A child. Not ready for work by a long stretch. We have moved past sending children down the mines.
A 4 year old horse is a 12 year old child. Often will do odd jobs for pocket money, maybe a paper round, mowing lawns etc. Basically a 4 yo horse can start a bit of light work to earn their keep.
A 5 year old horse is a 15 year old teenager. Think they know it all, cocky, and ready to up their work and responsibilities. Still quite weak and not fully developed so shouldn’t be at their physical limit but can start building strength.
A 6 year old horse is an 18 year old human. An adult. Ready to work hard.
Pushing your youngster too hard too young will result in failure of many body parts. Joints, tendons, ligaments as well as their brains. Waiting one year at the beginning can give a horse another 10 years of useful working life. Be patient with your pride and joy!
Written by Vikki Fowler
