Jenee Edwards Equine Coach

28/07/2025

Why I Waited: The Importance of Age and Individual Development in Backing a Young Horse

Following on from the conversation around “breaking” versus “backing,” it’s worth looking at another often-debated aspect of starting young horses: when to do it.

In many breed, particularly lighter types like the Australian Stock Horse or breeds like the Crosby, it’s still common practice to back horses at two years old. In some disciplines, horses are even in full work or competition by three. But that timeline has never felt quite right for me.

So why have I waited so long?

My current young horse is nearly four. And yes, by some standards, that might seem “late” to be starting under saddle. But when I look at him, I still see a baby, physically, mentally, and emotionally. He’s growing, changing shape, and learning how to manage his body and emotions. Starting him earlier may have been possible, but it wouldn’t have served him.

The science supports this slower approach. A horse’s bones, particularly in the spine, don’t finish developing until around 5 to 7 years of age. Rushing into ridden work too early can set up lifelong physical issues. Just as importantly, young horses need time to develop confidence and trust in the people around them and feel safe enough to express natural curiosity. Some are bold explorers from the start, while others are more cautious and need time and support before they’re ready to engage with the world around them.

And it doesn’t matter what breed they are; waiting is more beneficial across the board. I backed my last horse, an Irish Sport Horse, at six years old. Physically he needed that time to develop across the back to carry a rider, but mentally he also wasn’t ready any earlier. Many people told me I should have started him sooner because of his size. To me, that was more reason to wait. Bigger horses often take longer to mature, not less and pushing a large, still-developing horse into work too early can do more harm than good.

Every horse is different. Breed, build, temperament, and life experience all play a role. But for me, choosing to wait has been about prioritising long-term soundness, both mentally and physically. I want a horse who enjoys the work, who is ready to learn, and who has a solid foundation that sets him up for a long and happy ridden life.

There’s no medal for being the first one on. The reward is in the connection you build and the horse you bring along slowly, with thought and care.🥰

26/07/2025

“Breaking” vs “Backing” a Horse: Words Matter

The language we use in the horse world reflects our values, and few terms spark more conversation than the difference between “breaking” and “backing” a horse.

Traditionally, the word “breaking” described the process of starting a young horse under saddle. It implied a forceful approach: breaking the horse’s will or spirit to make it compliant. While some of these methods were effective in producing a rideable horse, they often came at the cost of trust, confidence, and long-term partnership. The image of a bronc in a round yard being “ridden down” until it stopped resisting still in the minds of many.

Today, many horsepeople are shifting away from that language, and that mindset, toward a more thoughtful, horse-centred approach often referred to as “backing.” Backing a horse focuses on a gradual introduction to tack, weight, and cues, with emphasis on communication, consent, and calm progression. The horse is taught what’s expected and invited to participate, rather than forced to submit.

I’ve seen both methods in action over the years. Through experience, observation, and plenty of learning, I’ve chosen a path that prioritises connection and partnership over compliance. There’s something deeply rewarding about building trust with a horse about watching them grow in confidence because they understand what’s being asked and feel safe in doing it.

The words we choose signal our philosophy. “Breaking” implies domination; “backing” implies guidance. And while every horse is different, the goal should remain the same: a confident, willing equine partner who understands their job and enjoys it.

In the end, it's not just about getting on a horse’s back. It’s about how you got there and how the horse felt about the journey.🥰

(That's why I don’t back other people’s horses 😉. But I’ll always cheer you on, you know your horse best and what it needs.)

26/07/2025

**Training in All Conditions: A Valuable Lesson for Young Horses and Riders**

Today, despite the wild weather outside, I made the decision to embrace the elements and use them as a training session with my young horse. After picking up my new horse from Dandk Metal Sculptures😉, I saw the unpredictable conditions as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

Training in all types of weather teaches young horses how to stay focused and adaptable, no matter what the world throws their way. It builds resilience, improves confidence, and strengthens their ability to handle unexpected challenges, whether it's rain, wind, or snow (and trust me it felt like snow today🥶). But it’s not just the horse that benefits—riders and handlers also deepen their connection with the horse when working through varying conditions. It fosters trust and communication, as both horse and rider learn to read each other's cues and work together, even when the environment is less than ideal.

While a cozy day by the fire might have been tempting, today's training was a reminder that every condition can be used to prepare a horse for anything ahead—and strengthen the bond between horse and rider along the way.🥰

15/07/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19pggr7Rt3/

The 3PE Subcommittee are holding the following Zoom Sessions.
If you wish to attend, please message us via this page or email the HRCAV office on [email protected] for the links.

Introduction to 3PE
Wed 30th July - 7:30pm

Rules:
Wed 13th August - 7:30pm

Course Design:
Wed 17th September - 7:30pm

01/07/2025

Entries close in 4 days. Head to Event Secretary to enter.

17/06/2025

Billabong Adult Riding Clubs Winter Woolies show is less than a month away 😍
We are holding this year's event at Wangaratta Pony club ground on the Sand arena 😀
A great event for all.

Hope to see you there🤩🤩

Enter now via Event Secretary 🐎

15/06/2025

A great sunny day held in Rosedale today.
Thank you to Rosedale and everyone who came, along especially our demo riders. 🙏

14/06/2025

Here's a great opportunity to have your say at what you would like for the future direction of the HRCAV.🤩

Bitless bridles allowed across all disciplines was one suggestion 😉

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16jAEK8NAo/

🚨 HRCAV Members – We Want to Hear from You! 🐴

The HRCAV Executive Committee is currently developing a Strategic Plan to guide the future direction of our organisation — and your input is vital. 💬

We’re asking all members to complete a short survey to share your thoughts, ideas, and priorities. This is your chance to help shape the future of the HRCAV!

📅 Survey closes: 30th June

👉 Complete the survey here:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=KhtNKX3Veky04fWFkJDBUuvU9wuiPItIgkN7clRUngRUQkQyM1VEMVZGMFM5WkI1WDhVTTQzMDRXTy4u

📲 Or scan the QR code below to access the survey instantly:

Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Together, we’re building a stronger future for all riders. 💪🐎

31/05/2025

"Bringing wabi-sabi into your life doesn’t require money, training, or special skills. It takes a mind quiet enough to appreciate muted beauty, courage not to fear bareness, willingness to accept things as they are — without ornamentation. It depends on the ability to slow down, to shift the balance from doing to being, to appreciating rather than perfecting."

Embrace the perfection of being imperfectly you.😍

27/05/2025

Last year I found myself needing a horse to ride and a lovely friend offered me the opportunity of riding her young one. 🙏

The first question I asked was at what age was he backed. I'm sure she saw the relief in my face when she waited until he was 5. 🥰

When I got him, I didn't just jump on and ride for an hour. I did lots of ground work and in hand work, to build him up to be ridden.
When I started riding him it started with very short moments in the saddle. I'm talking as little as 5mins at first then 10 mins. Over a number of months I slowly built up and added in different exercises to set him up for success.

I saw this today and thought I'd share;

https://www.thehorsephysio.co.uk/are-you-in-a-hurry/ #:~:text=The%20vast%20majority%20of%20younger,three%20or%20four%20years%20old.

It’s an age-old debate. The vast majority of younger horses are backed (‘broken in’) at three or four years old. At this age, the growth plates have not fused, and many horses are unable to function optimally into their teens, potentially through damage that occurred in relation to starting ri...

22/05/2025

Its been over 7 years since I competed in Dressage and hadn't had an opportunity to compete in 3PE.
I knew I wanted to compete again. I knew it wouldn't be easy after such a break and my training style taking a different path.

Here are some steps you should consider when getting back competing.

1. Rebuild the Foundation.

Focus: Balance, position, seat, and feel.

Ride regularly—3–5 times a week if possible

Refine your seat without worrying about reins or aids. Work on the lunge is great or just on a loose rein.

Work with a coach who understands your background and can work with you at the right pace.

2. Horse Partnership (most important in my opinion)

Start slowly with basic work—rhythm, straightness, transitions.

Liberty and in hand work to build the connection and communication with your horse.

Relearn the feel of correct movements.

3. Fitness & Body Awareness

Dressage/3PE requires core strength, flexibility, and feel.

Add Pilates, yoga, or targeted strength training.

Even 10–15 mins daily can make a big difference.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Start with local shows to get used to the environment. Treat them as a training session.

If you can, choose lower-level tests first, even if you’ve ridden higher before—build ring confidence again.

Work toward recognised competition when the basics feel solid and consistent.

5. Mindset

Forget perfection. Focus on progress and consistency.

Be patient—some days will feel like setbacks. That's normal.

Celebrate small wins—a square halt, better contact, a clean test and getting that canter circle. 🥳

Get out have fun and enjoy your horse. 🐎

Don't forget to thank him for the ride. 🥰

Photo credit Grain and Mane.

23/02/2025

I often have riders ask if they can have a lesson on the ground or start on the ground before riding. My answer is "absolutely, yes!"

Giving horses the opportunity to look, sniff and explore is an important part of training.

Today I used the opportunity to show my 3yo a few obstacles I had set up. And in true Crosby style he had to taste a few too. 😆
This will be helpful when he is a ridden horse in the future.😃

*Side note, I do not allow unbroken horses in my lessons 😉