Giving a horse confidence hacking alone

[Tiggy1]

Anyone got any tips how to get a horse really confident hacking alone?

 

[scotsmare]

Take it out with a friend and do the same route a few times, then try it on it's own. If it's ok, do the same route a few times again till he's relaxed then try going further afield. Unfortunately it's a practice thing!

 

[Tiggy1]

Meant to add that she never does anything particularly naughty, just feels very tense and does quite a lot of snorting.

 

[scotsmare]

Does the snorting & tension get better as you go on?

 

[Tiggy1]

Not really.
Went down to our flat field today by ourselves to do a bit of schooling.
Stayed there for about 20 minutes just walking circles and practising transitions and I would say she was as tense coming back as when i rode down.
She is 8 and still abit green.
Highland mare so the breeding is fairly sensible.

 

[OWLIE185]

Hack her out by herself each day for at least 1 hour per day. This will give her plenty of experience.

 

[Zobaby]

I used to have a Highland mare like this - she would look and snort and always seemed tense, but never did anything. I found hacking out with a friend often on the same route, then going out on her own on the same route worked well. The more you hack alone, the better and more relaxed she'll get

x

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

walk it in hand locally

 

[Michelle73]

Ditto Genle Warrior - thats what we do with youngsters, whats wrong with taking a step or two back to go much further forwards?

 

[Nosey]

Also helps when you hack in company to take it in turns taking the lead as that helps build their confidence. When her confidence starts to wane a bit let her have a spell behind the other horse so she can build her self up again!

 

[ceva]

Totally agree with scotsmare, thats i i got my very nappy mare out on her own., sang a lot and whistled when I was out on my own, Misty didnt mind my horrible singing voice it seemed to help if she felt a bit anxious

 

[Grumpy Herbert]

I've been taking my nervous and spooky gelding out for a walk round our hacking route in hand and he's been loving it. It also gives me a chance to see from the ground just what he does when I'm on board so I know how to try and sort it out. I have started riding him part of the way now and just increase that distance each time. He's still spooky, but I know from past years that if I persevere he'll come right.