First hack out from the new yard - so nervous

[Gorgeous George]

Went out for my first hack since moving yards on weds, OH came with us on his bike and I was useless a complete bag of nerves and at one point I was shaking

George was fine, he was quite goggle eyed and stepping out as it was all new - but we went on the road, across a very muddy field and through some woods. He did a little shy when we met a deer but nothing much, I just find that since falling in Jan whenever he pricks his ears/lifts his head up I panic - whatever is the matter with me, hacking used to be such a joy

 

[Damnation]

Once you know a few hacks and get used to the surrounding areas you will be fine, I had the same problem too, but my horse naps lol! :3!

 

[bex1984]

well it's always a bit nerve racking going out on the first hack somewhere new. The more times you go out and nothing bad happens, the better you'll get. And it sounds like George was a star!

Maybe try some rescue remedy? it's good stuff! And talk/sing constantly, it helps stop you from tensing up and holding your breath.

 

[__Annie__]

Have a few nips from a hip flask during your ride

Other things I'd suggest are to remember to breathe!,smile and flex your hands/ fingers/toes to relieve tension. All the best

 

[Damnation]

I sing ten green bottles when I am feeling a bit tense, the breathing etc helps me relax and calm and not loose my temper if things go wrong.

 

[Hollycat]

Well done. George looks fab!!! The first hack is always the worst - soon you'll forget about feeling nervous and just enjoy yourself.

 

[Happytohack]

Bachs Rescue Remedy for you and Pax for George

You know that he is a superstar, it's just you have lost confidence in yourself a bit

Concentrate on the positives instead of worrying about what might have happened - easier said than done I know.

 

[Tiffany]

You probably would have been a little nervous anyway riding out from a new yard. You'll soon get your confidence back so don't worry too much and try to focus on all the good times rather than your fall in Jan. Easier said than done sometimes I know.

 

[moneypit1]

Well done you! Its always a bit of a nerve teaser when you move yards. You did good and your beauty looked after you fine! Keep doing it, don't give in to those nerves and enjoy, it will get easier.xxxxxxxx

 

[amzy]

I would either ride out in company a few times to start with or just take your horse for some walks in hand for a while to get used to the area. You could take the pressure off yourself to hack by doing some groundwork or long-reining in the school instead until you're feeling more confident. When you are hacking make sure you sing a really silly song and then laugh out loud to yourself (apart from when going anywhere where there are lots of people)! Lol. My final suggestion is drink some alcohol beforehand but get someone to drive you home afterwards. It will get better as you both settle but don't push yourself over your comfort zone, just do short rides to start with and build them up in your own time.

 

[Sprout]

Well done both of you for going out - and dont worry about any "first hack nerves" they will soon go as you become more familiar with your surroundings.
My new ponio arrived last Friday, and introducing a new pony to the New Forest where we have herds of wild ponies bombing about, cattle hiding behind gorse bushes, and donkeys leaping up braying just as you ride past can be a very interesting experience!!!

I rode him in the school on Saturday, and took him out on the lanes yesterday, but for the first time ever we didnt see any ponies/cattle/donkeys!
I dont think I will be venturing out today in a howling wind and torrential rain, and I know that when I do go out tomorrow, I will be pretty nervous, so I will just have to sing loudly (poor boy! ) and keep thinking about you being brave - that might get me through! Its nice to hear that I am not the only one overcome with a wobbly feeling sometimes.

Hope you soon feel more relaxed and settled.

 

[Fransurrey]

I completely relate to this. My bad fall was in September and I tore muscle off my pelvis by sliding along the floor. I had to be taken away in an ambulance. I haven't had a fall since, but am still a bag of nerves when I ride. I had my first canters on the pone last week (I'm terrified of being out of control, even though my fall was from another horse) and yesterday felt like I'd won the lottery after riding him past a football match! I've had to get a bit in his mouth for the first time in 4 years, just because I was so tense and it was transmitting through to him. It's worked, I'm glad to say. I moved yards in Jan, so just over 3 months after the accident, but was still a bit fragile and all too aware of feeling like a numpty.

Well done on your first hack out. Glad to see in other posts that I'm not the only one to sing (wail)!