When it comes to raising and training young horses, one of the most important things to understand is timing. While it might be tempting to rush into saddle training, a young horse’s body simply isn’t ready for that kind of work. Their growth plates—the soft, developing cartilage at the ends of their bones—don't fully close until they are closer to 5 or 6 years old, depending on the breed. Asking too much too soon can lead to long-term structural issues and even permanent damage.

But just because you shouldn’t ride a young horse doesn’t mean you can’t work with them.

In fact, early groundwork is essential for shaping a calm, confident, and cooperative horse later on. This is the ideal time to focus on:

• Building trust and a bond

• Introducing basic handling and leading

• Exposing them to new sights, sounds, and environments

• Gently supporting physical development with the right tools

Let me introduce you to Domino.

Domino is my 13-month-old filly, and while she’s far from ready to carry a rider, she’s already learning how to be a great partner. One of the tools I’ve incorporated into her routine is the TheraPlate—a vibration therapy platform that helps increase bone density, improve circulation, and support muscle development, all without any stress on her joints.

At this age, we're laying the foundation: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I love seeing how much she enjoys her time on the TheraPlate, and I know it’s helping her grow stronger and healthier as she matures. We’re investing in her future now, so that when the time does come to ride, it’s a smooth and stress-free transition for both of us.

If you’re raising a young horse and want to give them the best start possible, I highly recommend looking into a TheraPlate for your program. It's been a game-changer for us. You can learn more about it at www.theraplate.com, and if you decide to get one, be sure to mention my name to receive a referral discount with some extra perks.

Taking the time to work with your young horse the right way now can save years of retraining and repair down the road. It's all about patience, planning, and putting their long-term health first.