Runoff Ranch LLC

10/19/2025

10/11/2025

We love our homegrown boy Amerrican Sensation AQHA

09/26/2025

Confidence is a beautiful thing although it can be much like riding a rollercoaster 🎢

09/25/2025

Great read with links to even more information!

Always keep learning!

📣 Myth vs. Science: When to Start Young Horses Under Saddle

Many folks say: “A horse shouldn’t be ridden until age 6+.” That idea sounds safe—but science says it’s not optimal. Responsible work starting around 2 years old helps build a sturdier, healthier horse, not a broken one. Here’s how:

What Research Shows
• Young, moderate exercise helps bones, cartilage, tendons & ligaments adapt during growth. If you wait too long, certain developmental windows close and gains are harder (or impossible) to make.

 https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/breaking-horses-not-bones-properly-raising-young-horses-avoid-costly-injuries

• Horses that enter race training at 2 tend on average to have greater earnings and longer racing careers, compared to those delayed. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916178/

• Early exercise (pasture access, short high-impact bursts) reduces lameness risk versus horses kept stalled or idle. 

https://www.producer.com/livestock/growth-plates-are-instrumental-in-shaping-a-horses-life/

• Full skeletal maturity (especially in spine/neck) might not happen till ~6 years, but many of the superficial or limb growth plates fuse much earlier—making moderate, balanced training feasible well before “6 years old.” 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916178/

What “Responsible Early Training” Looks Like
• Gradual introduction of weight/rider
• Lots of turnout / pasture time so horse moves naturally
• Avoiding constant hard work until the horse has had time to strengthen (bones, joints, supporting structures)
• Monitoring recovery & not overloading
• Working with a vet / trainer who understands growth & individual variation

Science-Backed Articles & Studies
1. Training Young Horses: The Science behind the Benefits (PMC) — shows benefits of starting 2 yrs old in controlled/race training. 

2. Breaking Horses Not Bones: Properly Raising Young Horses to Avoid Costly Injuries (Mississippi State University Extension) — compares starting early vs waiting, effects on lameness, bone/cartilage health. 

3. Growth plates & Equine Bone Maturity (Jessica E. Black) — anatomy & timeline of growth plate fusion. 

Bottom Line

Waiting until 6 in hopes of “full maturity” may be well-intended, but you lose developmental opportunities. If done well, starting around 2 builds strength, resilience, and lowers risk of breakdown later. My recommendation: rethink the “wait till 6” rule. Science wants you to work smart early, not just wait.

05/22/2025

CHECK OUT THESE TWO

Both available will hold with a small deposit. Lots of pictures and videos if interested.

Lots of talent, versatility and potential in their pedigrees!

Low x,### starting with a 2!

Located in Menomonie, WI

12/25/2024

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!

11/30/2024

We have decided to give out FIVE $500 live cover contracts. Must be paid in full by the below date to get the deal!

I will run this special until December 6th 8pm CST OR until five contracts are filled!

MESSAGE US FOR A CONTRACT!! 🔥 🎄

💥 WE WILL DO ONE BOOKING FEE ONLY CONTRACT ($200)💥
Share this post, comment your mares info (picture of her, her papers and anything else about her) WE WILL PICK ONE December 6th 8pm CST!

Breedings must be used in 2025.

05/21/2024

I will have time for one or two more training horses mid June! Adding buttons, hauling, groundwork…No c**t starting at this time

I also am able to add two or three lesson students that own their own horses that are seeking weekly or bi-monthly lessons! Immediate openings!

05/16/2024

Bugs has legged up so so nicely, we are having so much fun with her!

I cannot believe she’s still here though!! Message me today to come meet her! Can also help with transportation arrangements!

04/30/2024

Guess what day it was here?