Q: What do I need to know about my yearling?

A: A yearling is a colt or filly between the ages of one and two years old. These horses and ponies aren’t foals anymore, but they also haven’t quite reached adolescence (their teenage years!) yet.

Characteristics

Yearlings are most likely fully weaned and independent of their mothers. They sleep less and spend more of their rest time standing rather than lying down. Play is essential at this time, as is interaction with other horses and ponies. Youngsters are curious about the world and enjoy mouthing anything they can find in their pastures or stables. Balls and other safe horse toys can help keep them entertained. These young horses and ponies need room to move so they can exercise and grow up strong. This period is also a time of rapid growth, so appropriate nutrition is important. It is possible to overfeed a young horse or pony, so care must be taken not to encourage too rapid growth, which can lead to joint problems. A youngster should be on the lean side rather than carrying a lot of weight.

Training

During this time, the young horse or pony should continue learning to be handled, lead quietly and stand for the vet and farrier. Short training periods to teach good ground manners while a horse or pony is young will make your life easier later on.

NOTE: A pony or horse under two years old is too young to start ‘work’, and any ‘work’ done at this time risks causing serious damage to their developing body.