[drivingpairs] CDE Competition Ages

It's Article 2011: For CDE's the minimum age is 4 to compete,  5 for FEI 
Championships, but 6 for Singles in Intern. Events. Lower levels and National 
events and even Championships it's 4 for all, regardless if singles or 
multiples. 
So, since we start competing at 4, I start training (Holsteiners, not sure 
about other breeds) at 3, but carefully, as Merrie describes, and with babies, 
which grew up in the herd on pasture, roaming around. Short lessons, not 
pulling 
single, but when we start hitching, then in a pair. (See above as recognized 
by the rules, singles or pairs makes a difference). Mentally and physically we 
find with Holsteiners, if they grew up in the herd on pasture, they are 
usually ready to start with three. They are like eager students in Kindergarden 
then. If one waits till four, many are like teenagers, making it harder as they 
start flexing their own muscles and work against you, while at three they work 
with you. Then at four, they know what they learned at three. But short and 
easy lessons and not HEAVY work, and lot's of pasture time out in between again.
Hardy

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