Exracer hacking problems!

[Mlini]

Does anybody else have an exracer that is a pain to hack?

We are having a bit of an issue with hacking. He has always been sharp out hacking but is becoming more and more difficult. Everytime he sees an open field, he wants to be on it. It's not just that he gets excited or joggy (I wouldn't mind that), he actually drags me off the road. If I stop him going forwards, he will go sideways or backwards. Last night I had to get off because he was totally unmanageable. He even threw in a buck - which is not like his usual 'beach donkey' attitude towards life! I have tried a stronger bit - he just got his knickers in more of a twist and decided that he could go backwards just as fast as he could go forwards. He is fine just walking up the road and back, where there are houses either side, but as soon as he sees open spaces he turns into a monster. I know all he wants to do is gallop, but there aren't any suitable fields to go on. And I'm not 100% sure I would have full control of the situation if I let him go He did have me off when I took him for (what was supposed to be) a canter in one of the fields at the yard.

So how do I get the racing out of his brain? He is only 6 and been out of training for about 18 months (I think)

 

[Pampered Ponies]

I have 2 ex-racers and one is very like yours - different scenarios but same behaviour. Luckily the other one is a total angel. What I would say is that he is not really any better if he has company - even if the other horse is totally relaxed and bombproof.

I am being helped by my fab instructor and what is clear is that if his mindset is relaxed and submissive before we set out, then things are fine. If not, then it's a battle from the start - running backwards, spinning and bolting for hime would be his preferred traits

He gets taken in to the school and does some work in-hand, on the floor until he is flexible physically and he is relaxed mentally - and listening to what you are asking him. Then we just walk out. If he starts to stress/tense up then the same work in terms of circling to get flex and relaxtion are repeated until he gives again - at which point he then goes forwards calmly again. We have taken him different distances/routes and got off and walked him home from varying points (only getting off when he is behaving well) so that he doesn't start to associate any particular place as the point at which he starts to get anxious about going home. Sometimes we walk out in-hand then walk back.

So far, this has worked relly well and the feeling that I get from him has changed froom out-and-out imminent explosion to a managable anxiety which is improving.

Not sure if that makes sense - and sorry its so long - hope you find something that works for you.