Comments on: At what age can you start riding an arabian horse?

By: Badger!

Badger! — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:08:59 +0000

You start training all horses (with the exception of racing Thoroughbreds, as much as I don't agree how early they train those poor things) around the age of 3, because then their bones are strong enough to support extra weight. Any younger and the bone structure isn't complete and has a larger chance of injuring itself. You can ride it during training, though I wouldn't recommend it unless you were very experienced, because "green" horses are completely new to riding. When the horse is fully trained and has some experience, it'll be around 4.
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By: gallop

gallop — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:38:59 +0000

Well, the post above mine doesn’t have the facts so straight either. Research sources have to be validated before they are accepted as fact.

All breeds mature at the same rate, according to a leading expert on equine skeletal maturation and conformation. Dr. Deb Bennett is the author of the famous Ranger piece, as well as several books on equine conformation, and she Is a recognized authority on this subject. She recommends waiting until at least the age of four to begin any horse under saddle. Before that, ground work should be done in preparation, and geared to the mental maturation and capabilities of the young horse.
So, an Arabian is no different from any other breed when it comes to the rate of maturation and readiness to carry weight. If you want details, then I recommend you read this article in its entirety. It is well worth the time it takes………………

http://www.equinestudies.org/r.....8_pdf1.pdf

Also, Arabs do not have longer or more fragile legs. They have dense bone and good bone to body mass ratio, making them far less fragile than some other breeds. Purebred Arabs have fewer vertebrae, giving them a shorter rib cage and shorter loins and good weight carrying capacity, but the growth plates in their vertebrae are not completely ossified until they are at least 5 1/2 years of age, just like all other breeds.
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57 years with horses
The research of Dr. Deb Bennett PhD

By: msbettyboop40

msbettyboop40 — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:20:59 +0000

Dang it but people need to get their research right.

While many breeds tend to say 4 is a good age, Arabians mentally and physical mature slower. Many say that 5 is a better age for riding. Their legs are not longer (many Arabians are shorter) but their growth plates mature slower as does their backs.
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http://animal-world.com/horses.....nHorse.php

By: HorseMad

HorseMad — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:57:59 +0000

At whatever age you feel ready, with supervision initially the same as with ANY horse. x
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By: sparrow

sparrow — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:44:59 +0000

2 to 3 years, but don't over do it. Horses competing in Futurities are 3 year olds
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By: I'm bite size. So bite me!(:

I'm bite size. So bite me!(: — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:31:59 +0000

The average age to start breaking horses is typically around four. Mind you, this is light riding at a walk and trot only. Cantering at such an early age could cause lameness later in life. Arabians tend to have longer and more fragile legs the your typical horse. Have your farrier take a look at your horses legs and knees because every horse is different. Some take longer to develop than others.
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horse owner

By: Bear

Bear — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:42:59 +0000

soon as u r big enuff to stay in the saddle
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