doodle
Well-Known Member
Things hacking wise have not been plain sailing with robin and I admit to being scared. Not long after I got him he flipped out in a field and it terrified me. Isla then took over eventing him and so was doing fast work etc. I was still anxious to hack him out and was pleased if I managed a little trot. He then had all sorts of issues and effectively had since sept off. Being off for so long means he NEEDS to hack out to build up strength. I have realised with him if he is a bit excited it is best to crack on and get him moving. I think years of an ex racer and Minto have taught me to sit very very still and do nothing. This does not work with robin.
So i have been hacking out in company and on my own, on roads and tracks. My nerves have gone and he has been brilliant. He does have a spook that is just him but I now know he is not going to spin and dump me. Of course there are now lots of stubble fields.... it is warm and still today so time to bite the bullet. Down the track into the first field, into field and straight into trot and we kept trotting. Did a big square and facing back to yard he asked to canter, very politely. So I said yes. Cantered along and pulled up when asked. Lots of pats and grinning. So out of that field and further down the track and into another field. Again into trot and trotted all the way along the bottom, turned up the hill. Asked him to canter and we set off. What an amazing feeling. He has a big powerful canter which I love anyway. I kept him quite contained for a few strides then let him bowl on. All the way up the hill and when I sat up and said good boy he came back to walk. It helped that he was puffed. I promptly burst into tears. I see what Isla means tho, he is strong. But strong in that he is in your hands but he didn't once feel like he was out of control or going to take off.
I know for most people that is not a big deal but for me and him it is! He has just had 3 apples.
So i have been hacking out in company and on my own, on roads and tracks. My nerves have gone and he has been brilliant. He does have a spook that is just him but I now know he is not going to spin and dump me. Of course there are now lots of stubble fields.... it is warm and still today so time to bite the bullet. Down the track into the first field, into field and straight into trot and we kept trotting. Did a big square and facing back to yard he asked to canter, very politely. So I said yes. Cantered along and pulled up when asked. Lots of pats and grinning. So out of that field and further down the track and into another field. Again into trot and trotted all the way along the bottom, turned up the hill. Asked him to canter and we set off. What an amazing feeling. He has a big powerful canter which I love anyway. I kept him quite contained for a few strides then let him bowl on. All the way up the hill and when I sat up and said good boy he came back to walk. It helped that he was puffed. I promptly burst into tears. I see what Isla means tho, he is strong. But strong in that he is in your hands but he didn't once feel like he was out of control or going to take off.
I know for most people that is not a big deal but for me and him it is! He has just had 3 apples.
it took me years to get me and my boy hacking comfortably without major hissy fits at something or another so I know it's a major achievement for both horse and rider. It was well worth the pain as I can hack on my own or with others for hours and I love it.