Packing versus riding starting out

As mentioned before I’m training to 3 year old mares to ride, and I wondering if anyone ever just packed with their horses the first year or two before trail riding them a bunch? I’ve heard of outfitters taking inexperienced horses and putting them in a packstring for the first couple seasons before they switched them over to riding. Seems like it would be a good way to introduce the horse to different areas/challenges.

Secondly, does anyone ever just lead their packhorse into the...

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