Fear of hacking in open spaces

[Gorgeous George]

Went out for a hack today and made myself go up to the farm ride (I pay an annual fee to use it so want to make use of it), I went round it in trot because I was too scared to canter in the open space

We do sometimes have a little canter out there but not very often, it is such a waste as there are long mown even edges to canter along. George doesn't do anything, and he is pretty easy to stop I just find the open space intimidating

I will canter when we go out hacking in the woods and don't fret about it which is daft.

Just wondered if I am bonkers or if anyone else has this problem? I am planning on doing a HT in Sept, heaven only knows how I'll manage, perhaps I'll be the one trotting round

 

[grandmaweloveyou]

Oh hun is this cos of the accident you had some months ago? Such a shame but you should never do anything youre not sure of. What do you think George would do and to be honest, where could he go even if he did become strong? Sounds like the ideal place to brave a bit of fun and youll be exhilerated.

 

[floradora09]

I can sort of see where you're coming from, but personally I prefer open spaces! Maybe if you go out with a friend or two it would be less intimidating?

 

[cyearsley]

I would say keep trotting and then incorporate canter work when you are happy. Also, canter away from home, not when heading back to home as that's when they're more up for it anyhow. If you go with someone else, make sure it's a good solid, steady neddy who will act as a good influence! It can be daunting in open spaces but think of it as safer as no low flying branches, you can see what's coming, the ground is generally better and you've got more space to sort things out if needed. Be ppositive and do it gradually to build your confidence and good luck! PS Some cross country schooling and maybe a sponsored ride will be good preparation for a hunter trial but again its doing it all gradually to build your confidence.

 

[Burnttoast]

I prefer the woods too!

If I'm feeling a bit freaked out about the likelihood of going too fast (my usual worry!) on our local farm tracks I trot until nearly the end of whatever nice bit of track I happen to be on and then when we're all settled and he knows we'll be stopping /turning corner or whatever quite soon I just pop into canter and that usually ends up being lovely and chilled. I prefer this to starting in canter and then stopping cos I've got anxious. Would that help? And you could gradually canter earlier each time, say.

 

[Janah]

Try cantering a hundred yards and then trotting and straight back to canter for a hundred yards. You will feel in control and your boy will be used to change of pace, thereby building up your confidence.

I do this when schooling my boy, canter half a 20 m circle back to trot and straight to canter again to make him listen and not motorbike.

Jane

 

[FinellaGlen]

I'm no help I'm afraid because I haven't cantered on a hack for ages. There are too many rabbit holes on my regular track and the rest is on quiet tarmaced lanes.

I thought I was brave today after my dressage test because I rode a little way round the cross country course (avoiding the jumps) and trotted back. I think you are doing really well and you will just do a bit more as and when you are ready, until you reach a point where you are happy to canter in open spaces for longer periods of time.

 

[canteron]

Hey, give yourself full marks for going hacking and enjoying it - you would be suprised how many people aren't confident enough to do that. Definately, definately don't beat yourself up because of what you are not achieving - you are actually doing pretty well hacking out on your own, I think thats amazing!!

I don't suppose it matters to George whether you trot or canter, so if trotting is what makes you and George happy then I would say just enjoy!!!

 

[ForeverBroke_]

How about trotting around the tracks etc, and for the very last few moments squeeze on for a canter if you feel in control etc. I had this exact problem with Darce, apart from i wouldn't even trot

Least you'll be near the 'end' of the track if anything does feel a bit rushed etc.
I'm sure you'll be fine

Have fun!!

 

[Bowen4Horses]

i have exactly the same fear... and for slightly different reasons than everyone else...

my horse is bombproof. totally stoppable, in fact it can be hard to get him INTO canter. however, on our 'usual' hack routes i don't want to canter... in case he 'learns' to canter at that spot. and takes off one day.

i'm much happier cantering in strange places...

*blush*

how bizarre we all are!

 

[JessPickle]

I am the opposite, dislike cantering in woods/confined paths don't mind fields! Its just what your used to, you should just keep going there and trotting until you have confidence to canter