A Very Happy Hacker

[Ample Prosecco]

Lottie loves hacking. I think she likes show jumping and XC too as she is so keen and forward with ears pricked. But it is hard to tell. If I drop the rein she won't go round a course on her own. But out hacking she makes it clear she wants to stay out longer and go a bit further.

There are 2 loops you can do from our yard that you can do as a figure of 8. Near the end of the first loop you turn right to finish and head back to the farm at a T junction. Or you go left to start the 2nd loop. Lottie always asks to go left. If you drop the reins she chooses left. If you say right she drags her feet as if to say 'awwww, going home already!' Every other horse on the yard turns right given the choice. So nice to know a horse likes her job.

 

[Upthecreek]

It’s wonderful isn’t it. Both mine enjoy hacking, but one definitely more than the other. I often ride & lead if I’m short of time and when we get to a point where we could go one way for a longer ride one will always want to go that way whereas the other will always look to take the shorter route. It’s such a joy to hack a confident horse that genuinely enjoys being out and about. One of my greatest pleasures these days.

 

[cauda equina]

It's great when they're good at and enjoy hacking as that's a ready made 2nd career if they can no longer compete

 

[Skib]

My share loves hacking too. If we are forced to ride in the school by bad weather or my health, she gazes pathetically at the big metal gates which lead to the tracks. She too prefers a long rein so she can get a good look at everything.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Mine is the same. Only horse on the yard that naps when you turn him for home & he honestly sulks a bit if you are out for less than 2 hours ?

 

[Peglo]

So lovely to hear. My first pony loved hacking. I’m sure she noticed any changes on our routes, tractor in a field, hedges trimmed etc. It’s an awesome feeling having a horse enjoy spending time with you and both having a good time.

 

[bouncing_ball]

So lovely to hear. My first pony loved hacking. I’m sure she noticed any changes on our routes, tractor in a field, hedges trimmed etc. It’s an awesome feeling having a horse enjoy spending time with you and both having a good time.

Yes I had one who thought the point of hacking was an opportunity for him to sightsee.

 

[ycbm]

I had one like that, he would march straight past the gate to carry on the hack. Lovely, isn't it?
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[tda]

My old pony Tinker was like that, happy to be out and always up for a new turning rather than regular routes

 

[Barton Bounty]

Since we moved yards BB is only just finding massive confidence in his new surroundings. He doesn’t like to hang about or stop though, he would much rather the traffic just pass him rather than pull in! Must be crocodiles in the puddles lol. So I can’t wait for the summer to get some longer hacks in. But he likes to choose the long route and also the route with a canter ?

 

[Cherryblossom]

Poppy is like that. Sulks when turned for home and tries to go into any field that she has ever been ridden round.
Only problem came when I rode out with my neighbour for the first time and ended up getting the vet because I thought something was wrong with her. Turns out she REALLY doesn’t like being behind! ?

 

[Squeak]

Hacking physically transformed my horse but I also think it's great for really building a relationship with them, particularly if they enjoy it and aren't looking to just try and go home again.

 

[SEL]

Microcob is like that. If my yard gates opened outwards I swear she'd be off before I was on - annoying that she needs the human to open the gates really.

She does have her preferences though. One of our shorter routes has a lovely canter stretch and I find her gently leg yielding towards that bridleway entrance if she wants a blast down it.

 

[ycbm]

Microcob is like that. If my yard gates opened outwards I swear she'd be off before I was on - annoying that she needs the human to open the gates really.

She does have her preferences though. One of our shorter routes has a lovely canter stretch and I find her gently leg yielding towards that bridleway entrance if she wants a blast down it.

You've reminded me of the time I forgot to hold onto the reins and my cob walked out of the gate, which was open for some reason, and was a mile from home before his way was blocked by a motorist and I could catch him to get on!
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