With some curious and friendly young connemaras at Elliott Blackmon’s place

U.S. Eventing Team coach David O’Connor was teaching in Ocala early this week on the topic of training 4 year old horses. He shared a story about a cadence he drills into his working students while they are working with the four year olds:
“What are we riding?”

“Four year olds!”

“What are we doing with them?”

“Waiting for them to be 6 year olds!”

Sure ride them. Sure walk, trot and canter. But ever playful. Show them things and let them learn that you are generous and friendly and that work is fun.