Advice - finally found someone to ride out with … but?

[canteron]

I have been hacking out my cob alone for 4 years (haven’t done much else) …. but a new lady has moved nearby and would occasionally like to ride out, which is amazing!

But my horse can be not very good with ‘new’ things and I am not the most confident rider (maybe connected?) so how do we intrduce the horses.

We could ride in the ménage first and see how they react - or just get on with it.

What would your advice be?

 

[Midlifecrisis]

Just go out for a hack. Treat it as matter of fact. I’m really pleased that you ll be able to have company sometimes.

 

[Highmileagecob]

If you are a bit worried, are you able to tie them on the same yard whilst you groom and put tack back on? Enjoy the company! I hope it works out for you.

 

[Trouper]

Just go for it - yours may get some confidence from another horse alongside him.

 

[SEL]

Just go for it. My littlest cob was a bit ears back when we first met other people to ride but now she is either interested or ignores them (she has a type....!!)

 

[Sanversera]

Arrange to meet up and do a tried and tested route your horse is familiar with, before you meet your new hacking partner take your horse out on its own for a solo hack. That way he'll not be fresh and less likely to react adversly. I always used to hack my youngsters and excitables to pony club local shows and meets,took the edge off. Enjoy your hack.

 

[Red-1]

If you are worried, why not share an arena horse first, if that would make you more comfortable? I don't think there is a right or wrong, just whatever makes you feel most confident.

 

[humblepie]

Just check as well your hacking aims are compatible. I generally hack on my own as don’t trot on the roads other than to get round a blind bend or move on to a clear part for a car to pass whereas we have some at yard who will trot fast on the roads. Am sure the horses will be fine and be nice for you all.

 

[Esmae]

Just get on with it and chatter away and ignore Dobbin underneath you. Have a good time.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

If your still worried I would invite her to meet at your yard so you and your horse are familiar with the whole thing. As already said go on a familiar route. Definitely check your hacking compatability , you don't want to find yourself having to gallop about if you don't want to. Other than that get on and go!! Enjoy!

 

[cauda equina]

Just check as well your hacking aims are compatible. I generally hack on my own as don’t trot on the roads other than to get round a blind bend or move on to a clear part for a car to pass whereas we have some at yard who will trot fast on the roads. Am sure the horses will be fine and be nice for you all.

I agree with this - some people seem to take the view that hacking = going as fast as possible
I'd have a chat before organising your first ride to make sure that you're both expecting the same sort of ride, and one that you're comfortable with

 

[Goldie's mum]

If you're worried, would your friend be ok to go for an in-hand walk together first?