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?

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

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....!!)

 

[SantaVera]

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

 

[Glitter's fun]

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

 

[ihatework]

It’s a just get on with it situation!
You don’t need to go for miles or fast but honestly don’t overthink it!

 

[catembi]

I was so worried about taking my 4 yo out with another horse as solo hacking had been rather fraught and I thought she might be worse in company. But she literally went, ‘Oh good, a friend’ and turned into a placid trekking pony!

 

[w1bbler]

Be honest with your new buddy that you have concerns, hopefully they will be supportive & able to help you out. I would just go for it, but with concerns explained first.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Like OP, I would be equally cautious about just going out on the public highway and hoping all will be well (where lets face it you get every bloomin' lunatic speeding along at you and the last thing you need is strange horses prancing around!).

There is some good advice on here.

The other advice I would give is (1) make sure that both horses & riders have lots of hi-viz on; and (2) at least one of you be wearing a hat-cam. Just make sure you've covered yourselves for every eventuality. Also as someone else has suggested, just talk through speed & route as you both might need to make allowances. One person's ideal ride might be a good hoon across open country; whereas the other might welcome something a little more sedate! You will also need to discuss whether any of your horses might be traffic-shy, in which case you'd need to put them on the inside.

Enjoy!