First hack since horse took off with me

Q

Quartz

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I have slowly been building my confidence up after my horse took off with me a few weeks ago. I have been riding in the ring since but not on a hack. Today I decided to go for it, so off we went me chatting and singing to keep nerves at bay and felt good. But only after 10 mins we passed by something that he didn't like and for the first time ever he spun round and headed for home. Fine I pulled him back but he still wouldn't go past so have to admit that I got off and walked him past and carried on on foot for a while. I know I know lots of you are against this but I julst couldn't risk loosing my confidence completely again. Got back on and trotted and walked a bit and then got off again to walk next to him just so he didn't think that each time he wouldn't pass something I would get off, so just to confuse him really!!! Anyway we made it round and by the end of the hour I was more confident and pushing him on past things! So feeling quite good but not completely there yet!!!
 
Well done - remember riding is supposed to be a pleasure so don't beat yourself up if you have to use techniques which prevent you from being scared or not enjoying yourself.

Confidence is easily lost but so hard to regain.
 
Well done for getting out there and doing it :) I think the key to gaining confidence is taking that initial step to do something you're not so keen on and then repeating it often! So lots more nice hacks for you if your nerves can take it! You'll soon find that the nerves subside and you start to enjoy yourself.
I'm exactly the same with jumping, scares the life out of me but once I get the hang of it I start to quite enjoy myself :p I've just bought jumps for my field so that I can practise x poles with my OH there keeping an eye!
 
Chestnut mare said:
Well done :D must of taken a lot of guts to get back on and hack out! What did u do about your tack in the end? X
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Honestly I haven't changed his tack. Have had his back etc checked and his saddle checked that its a good fit. But as for changing his bit for extra brakes I haven't. I haven't yet found the guts to hack out with company as he tends to race to be at the front, but hope that will come before the summer!!!
 
Well done!! Getting off works really well with some horses/problems. He was probably feeling your nerves and over-reacted to something he would normally ignore so I am sure he will be back to normal in no time.
 
Well done as a fellow 'lost my confidence hacking' rider I completely know where you are coming from and you did very very well and have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of in getting off I did the same on my first accompanied hack and we have only got as far as plodding round the village! Really well done and remember there is nothing wrong with baby steps (or so people keep telling me :) )
 
Well done. Not been on for a while but checked your posts and saw that the "osteo" found nothing grave amiss. This is good. As a rider of an ex bolter I will tell you how I solved it (with help); ride him forward, forward, forward. Every stride. Every stride be on his case. What worked for me, was picking a point, a blade of grass, anything, no more than a few metres away and riding confidently towards it. I absolutely would not advocate getting off, but hey ho, many on here think different. But well done, and keep at it, and keep confident (the big secret is, even if you don't feel it, ride well and the horse never need know :)). Keep us updated xx
 
skewby said:
Well done. Not been on for a while but checked your posts and saw that the "osteo" found nothing grave amiss. This is good. As a rider of an ex bolter I will tell you how I solved it (with help); ride him forward, forward, forward. Every stride. Every stride be on his case. What worked for me, was picking a point, a blade of grass, anything, no more than a few metres away and riding confidently towards it. I absolutely would not advocate getting off, but hey ho, many on here think different. But well done, and keep at it, and keep confident (the big secret is, even if you don't feel it, ride well and the horse never need know :)). Keep us updated xx
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Thanks, I must admit I was not riding him forward for most of the ride and yes I was nervous. Half the ride is in open countryside and no I did not feel confident hence why I got off, and yes I know lots of people are against this and honestly its why I went out alone. Towards the end when we got back into the village I started to push him forward and not let him focus too much on something that he looked at with intent to spook!!! But it did take till the end of the ride. However I like your advice and will bear that in mind next time I take him out. What I do find hard is controlling my hands when I'm trying to pretend to him I'm confident and pushing him on, I know I pull my hands back or tighten around the reins even if I try not to!! Tips for that would be great.
 
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