[drivingpairs] starting young

I was watching OLN last night and they were featuring
the "Running W" QH's on that Huge ranch in Texas.  
Each cowboy has 4 horses at all times.  Every year
they are each given a 2 year old to train.  By the end
of the year, they can't get their $$$ bonus unless the
2 year old can:

Cut cattle
Spin on hind legs, leg yield, back up 20 paces
Stop on a dime
Do an obstacle course and be unflappable with things
like raincoats etc

and I forget all what else.


My husband's beautiful QH is a granddaughter of Doc
Bar.   She was ruined at the age of 3 by reining.  Her
hind end is gimped and while she is not "lame",  she
trips alot, will never "round" and can not tolerate a
lot of ring work without pain.   She is a good quiet
nice trail horse.

I know in Donkey breed shows you are not allowed to
drive them before the age of 3. I think the same in
true in miniature horse shows.

I am from the old school of thought too.  I started my
small mare at the age of 5 and she's awesome.   I have
one here that I am starting that is 9 years old that
is coming along just fine too.  

BTW - my beasts usually last well into their 30's. 
Even my old show jumper (who wasn't started until 5)
was sound until 32.  My welsh pony was still competing
in driving and barrel racing at the state 4H level
shows at the age of 39.

Martha in VA



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