Just the other day, I was working with Kadence on the ground.  Many of the things I initially taught her as a yearling are still helpful in getting her focused and ready for work under saddle.  (Hey that is the whole intent of yearling classes, right?)  As I have many times in the past, I made the comment that wouldn't it be nice if I could show her NOW in those classes?

Yearling preparation should be based on the individual

Every Longe Liner Is Different

But really, one of the most fun and challenging portions of getting a yearling ready for longe line and in hand trail is the fact that it is a different yearling every year.  No two babies are the same, and even though most of my fundamentals are the same, I certainly don't apply everything in the same way for every yearling.  As I get to know each one through the season, the program will be tweaked as I figure out what works best.

I find that some yearlings enjoy more ponying, some like turnout, some need to spend time tied to the wall, etc.  As we progress toward the bigger shows in the fall, getting a yearling to peak at just the right time is another huge challenge.  Ideally I would like my yearling to be fresh, confident and interested as I enter whatever my big futurity In Hand Trail class is in the fall.

Similarly, scheduling your trip to go to the World or Congress a year in advance seems almost impossible to me.  Some yearlings need time to settle in at big shows, drink some water, sleep in the stall for a few days, and just recover in general.  Other yearlings who arrive too early may be bonkers from lack of turnout or other variation from their routine and would do better arriving before the class and showing immediately.

Figuring out these details and more are part of what makes showing yearlings all the more interesting.  No two are alike and the sooner you mold your program to fit your yearling instead of the other way around, the sooner happiness and success in your relationship and showing is going to come. 

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