Hacking a jumpy horse...

[Flyingwithoutwings]

Hiya, I'm new to the whole loaning thing but I'm starting to part loan a lovely chestnut mare in the new year. One thing when hacking she gets very excited and jumpy, I'll always be hacking out with someone else, but I'm scared she'll canter off with me. :/ any advice. I would like to do a lot of schooling with her, but there is so much great hacking around where I live that it would be a shame to waste it.
Thanks in advance xx

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Have a few lessons with a really good instructor on her to begin with. This will really help you when you're hacking too. Going with another horse is very wise (especially while you are still new to each other) but make sure that the rider is sensible and understands that you want calm, successful hacks not ones where you gallop every time the horse's hooves hit any grass.

 

[Charlie007]

I agree with the lessons but if your worried about this now is she the horse for you?

 

[luckyoldme]

I would nt go straight into hacking out.........Maybe build up your confidence in a school or field? I know in the early days of having my own horse I was very nervous.......which in turn made him more nervous.

 

[p87]

A lot of jumpy horses spook at ridiculous things because they know they can get away with it, especially when they have a nervous rider. Don't hack out until you are confident enough to keep her under control, both in the school and ideally in the fields as well if possible. Once you are confident with that only then would I suggest hacking out, as remember when you hack out you aren't contained within a school or field any more.

You sound very nervous and I echo what Charlie007 says... if you are having doubts about your ability with this horse before you even get her, I'd be inclined to say you should get a horse you feel safe with.