Moving up the levels - is it too much too soon?

[FEIJuniorBound]

Hello all, I need some opinions. I am currently looking at a very nice 7 year old 17.hh warmblood gelding. He is training first level, he has NOT done any shows. I do believe the potential is there for him to be a third level horse. Now here is the dilemma: I want to show FEI juniors and I have to do it in a years time or I will be too old. (FEI juniors is the equivalent of third leveI.) Is one year enough time to train a horse from first level to third level? He would be in a regular training program with my instructor and of course I would be getting regular lessons. Am I asking too much? Would I be compromising soundness? It would have to be a solid third level too, not just "getting through the test." Thank you all so much and please tell me if I am being unrealistic!

[horse99]

Well although I do think it's doable under the right circumstances, I would not recommend it. That is a lot of pressure to put on yourself and the horse and unless you have developed several horses to that level and beyond successfully, I would say the odds are not in your favor.

[striderrider]

I agree with the above. While a year can be enough time in some situations i.e. a very talented horse and a very talented rider, for the majority, it's probably not going to happen. I would say you maybe have a better chance if the horse already has clean flying changes and a high degree of suppleness. How often will you be able to ride? How often will your trainer be able to ride? Has your trainer done this before?

[FEIJuniorBound]

Thanks for your honest replies. I do appreciate it.

I have not trained a horse to this level before, let alone several horses. My trainer would be doing most of the riding/training with me having lessons 2-3 times a week. Sometimes we would probably have to ride the horse twice a day i.e. my trainer rides in the morning, then I come out after school and have a lesson. I do agree it seems fast, but to buy a horse already trained to the level is a lot more money so I need to know if it's doable or just unrealistic.

[FEIJuniorBound]

Oh yes I forgot to mention, the flying changes are not on the horse yet, just counter canter. He is fairly supple, but obviously he has been trained in a lower and longer frame then what is asked of them in third level so the degree of suppleness may change once more is asked of him.