A question for all happy hackers

[Daisy2]

I hack out about 3 times a week, normally a a steady pace about 4/5 miles.
I have found a lovely off road route but its about 7/8 miles round trip. My horses are pleasure neddies and not particularly fit, do you think this ride would be too much?
We would have the odd canter and trot but mainly slop along and chat particulary the last couple of miles home... what do you think? and how long are your hacks?.. my neds are chunky cobs in there early teens.

Oh and any particular care after, normally they have a drink, cool off, brush down and out in the field 24/7.. I think that covers everything!

I am just worried about doing too much and causing soreness or an injury

Thanks

 

[CrazyMare]

Mine aren't happy hackers, but its not much more than you usually go so I would just go for it! Don't go mad on the cantering, but you will know if your horse is tired - I doubt it wouldn't be by the end. They keep themselves pretty fit when they live out 24/7.

Mine only get hacked maybe once a fortnight due to work (this will increase with lighter evenings), and work pretty much every day in the school/field/roundpen and do 12 miles with ease.

 

[foo]

Go for it and enjoy. Its not so much the distance its the speed.

 

[Spudlet]

Go for it - as long as they're reasonably fit, healthy and you don't blast it I'm sure they'll be absolutely fine and probably appreciate the change

 

[JoBo]

I’m sure your horses will be absolutely fine doing that! Just take it easy, you will know if they are getting tired. Have fun!

 

[Sparkles]

They'll be fine probably enjoy it loads too! Mine does....ended up on a 6hour hack last summer up round and past Cherhill white horse....best hacking land I've ever found I think!

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

You already do a nice length route so your horses should cope just fine, just take it steady and as mentioned, you know yourself when your horse feels weary

 

[ladyearl]

Go for it it's not much further than your usual. We're just getting back into the way of it just now and planning for a long un next weekend. Mind you we've decided to ride to a pub and stop for a break (for the horses of course!!) and then ride back. For the last week and during next I've been/am upping the anti on time out and doing a bit of hill work for fittening. You'll know when the horse is starting to get weary in which case keep the pace sensible. Enjoy!!

 

[Daisy2]

Many thanks everyone we will go for it...the sun is suppose to shine too

 

[sea_view]

I think they will be grand adn love a wee change of scenery, have fun xx