Posted 2017-01-19 2:34 PM Subject: Futurity Age Opinions?
Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168 Location: where the wind blows
I have a super nice 3 year old filly. She was started in October last fall of her 2 year old year. She is currently still at the trainers getting a reining basics put on her. I was over and watched her get rode today and she is coming along pretty nice. The girl I have starting her said she's started walking and trotting the pattern a bit the last week and she is doing it very nice. At the moment she is built a bit downhill, her butt has grown and is pretty big but her front end hasn't quite caught up. Anyway I've always been a pretty firm believer in not pushing these youngsters and have always thought it best to futurity them at 5 not 4. However after watching her today I'm sure seeing a horse that could probably be running pretty smooth by next year at this time (her 4 year old year). So now I'm struggling with myself as to waiting and not compete on her until 5 or crack her out as a 4 year old. Right now she is also quite lazy. I will be taking over riding her the first of Feb.. She is working cow bred on the bottom (Doc's Hickory x Smart Little Lena) and sired by 99 Goldmine. I'm pretty excited about her and wanting a long term aged barrel horse for myself for years to come. What is everyones thoughts on this? Success rate of 4 year old futurity versus 5 year old for long term?
Posted 2017-01-19 4:58 PM Subject: RE: Futurity Age Opinions?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
Definitely not a trainer but if you are wanting a long term horse I would wait until 5 and just ride pretty easy until then. Regardless of how big or mature they look, the longer they have to keep the stress off the joints, etc. the better for their longevity.
Posted 2017-01-19 8:46 PM Subject: RE: Futurity Age Opinions?
Expert
Posts: 2122 Location: The Great Northwest
RodeoCowgirl4u - 2017-01-19 2:58 PM Definitely not a trainer but if you are wanting a long term horse I would wait until 5 and just ride pretty easy until then. Regardless of how big or mature they look, the longer they have to keep the stress off the joints, etc. the better for their longevity.
The above and mares tend to mature faster. I would give her more time if you can it will pay.
Posted 2017-01-19 8:57 PM Subject: RE: Futurity Age Opinions?
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216 Location: Wonderful Wyoming
RodeoCowgirl4u - 2017-01-19 3:58 PM Definitely not a trainer but if you are wanting a long term horse I would wait until 5 and just ride pretty easy until then. Regardless of how big or mature they look, the longer they have to keep the stress off the joints, etc. the better for their longevity.
I really have to agree with this. I am not judging anyone that runs 3's & 4's but to me and the value of my horses and the time I put into them, I will not futurity them any earlier than 5. I don't usually push hard enough to even make the futurities honestly, but I have had horses run into their late teens.
Posted 2017-01-20 7:58 AM Subject: RE: Futurity Age Opinions?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 878 Location: "...way down south in the Everglades..."
In my area of the country there really aren't options for futuriting 5 year olds. So 4 is what I have to go with to do it. I have a 3 year old with potential but I won't make a solid decision until this summer. I also have two that just turned 5 that were NOT ready so I held them back until this year and although I won't be doing any futurities (due to the lack of 5 yr old ones) I feel like I can take them slower and just introduce them to the 4-D stuff and see where they end up. I like not feeling pushed, so IMO just keep going along with her and then see as this year progresses how you feel. I will say though that if they are not physically or mentally ready, you would be way worse off trying to push to a certain deadline if you are looking for a longterm partner.
Futurity Age Opinions?
The above and mares tend to mature faster. I would give her more time if you can it will pay.
