14 months ago

Looks pretty good for a bonus baby. 😎 👍 I like his build.

Have you started his groundwork yet? There's a lot that can be accomplished before you get on him that will make swinging a leg over so much easier when the time comes. And you have lots of time.
Personally, I wouldn't climb on him for two more years at least. The epiphysial growth plates in his legs may close up at about two years, but his spine is still forming, and he'll still be growing for at least a year beyond that.

He has had ground work since birth. He was dragging a lead rope before he was waist high. He loads in a trailer and unloads two feet at a time stopping for the next pair. He picks up his feet for trimming, he stands to get sprayed with a water bottle, he puts on a fly mask, he moves off of a pointed finger, and leads at the shoulder. 

I have done most of the training to this point but we now have a trainer working with him to make sure he gets everything he needs for his age. 

We had a young trainer that did great work with him when he was very young. She got the foundation going for me.  Now we have an older trainer that gentled mustangs for a living. 

He is a good boy and he and my pony have finally bonded to where they graze nose to nose now. The pony has taught him manners and space. 

He is getting flag work now and he does not mind it over his head but when it slides off his butt he does not like it yet. Slow and meaningful training is what he is getting now.