does hacking alone get easier

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swampdonkey

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my boy didn't hack alone but now that he trusts me more, i've had him 3 yrs i've decided to try again. hacks perfectly in company. i started off with him in the lead through the woods, which was hard work, spooking a little but easily rode him forwards. then started doing a little hack alone just 10 mins up a grassy track on our yard and he is quite comfortable now doing this hack. When i try the hacking in the lead now in the woods he seems to be getting worse, really slow and looking for any little thing as an excuse not to go forward. Thought he should be getting better not worse. Am i pushing him too hard or should i just be brave and take him through the woods on his own.
 
your boy will get better, mine did. I can tell now when he's slowing and getting sticky and often trot him through spooky spots, which makes him less spooky. have you tried trotting thru the woods?
Mine puts in the odd stop both alone and in company, he is ok if he can have a look and be 'persuaded' that its ok. If he spins I can usually get him turned back round and trotting on. But some days are better than others. Windy ones are generally spooky so I would suggest you avoid the woods on windy days.
 
Mine did used to be a little sticky, so I just got her trotting along, working from behind so she couldn't think about being sticky.

Shes now fab and goes for miles alone or in company.
 
Yes it will get better! I'm going through that stage at the moment with my mare, she fine to hack out in company but it very spooky alone.
I'm just bilding it up, hacking her places she knows well and staying away from roads at the moment! :D
 
Little and often is the key and don't give them an opportunity to look for the 'scary objects', so a good forward walk and working trot.
 
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