This section is from the book "Training Young Horses To Jump", by Geoffrey Brooke. Also available from Amazon: Training Young Horses To Jump.
I would further suggest that when possible young horses should be bought early in the summer, or, better still, at the end of the previous winter. This will give sufficient time to condition and train them, and, if they have already been hunted, a better opportunity to correct their previous faults before the coming hunting season.
Age and condition are the first considerations that must be taken into account. It is necessary to bring the young horse on to hard food gradually, and his exercise must be in proportion to his condition. Plenty of slow exercise is essential. (See "Feeding," p. 94.) I cannot emphasize too strongly the importance of moderation with regard to conditioning and the amount of work to be given to a young horse. His training must be progressive and by no means hurried.
Good manners are essential for all horses, if they are to be a pleasure to the rider. Patience and common-sense are the guiding factors to attain these requirements.
 
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