hacking a young horse alone

J

JJtheJetPlane

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Hi there, i have a 4 yr old thats been on fun rides, been hacking with friends for about 6 months and is great with traffic. I feel its now time to get her out on her own..we have never done this before, i am thinking of getting my other half on the bike to start with but im just worrying what happens if it all goes wrong!! any suggestions or tips of the best way to go about it would be appreciated!!
 
OH on a bike is a very good idea, either ahead of or behind you though, not alongside because if pony does spook onto bike it gets very tangled very fast...
a good hi-viz vest (i've put an L sticker on the back of mine, works like a charm) really helps to tell motorists to slow down.
obv making sure you can get out of the way if anything enormous comes along (just in case) is a good idea.
positively forward with legs and voice, on a route you've already done, and she should be fine. lots of pats and reassurance if necessary obv, and keeping it fun for her! good luck!
 
He might surprise you, so think positive! If he's had positive experiences up until now there is no reason why he won't go out alone.

If it makes you feel more confident try it with your OK on the bike, but at some point you will have to try it alone. Pick a quiet time of the day, go for a short, familiar hack and if things go really, really wrong just get off and lead him. Might be worth having a mobile with you just in case.
 
mine are all hacked alone to start with as i have no-one to ride the nanny horse... if i think they will be iffy i have a helper on foot or on a bike either in front or behind.
 
I'd do a route he knows and to be super safe you could check it for new scaries - clackety windmills and so on. Then go for it. My youngster was hacked alone the third time ridden (not ideal, but got fed up with no help) and she was as good as gold. Just think forwards at all times and if in doubt leg, leg and more leg!
 
When i first got my 4yr old i used to take my mum along with me to walk next to me for the first few times then i just started taking her short distances alone and now i take her out for up to 2 hrs alone, she is good in traffic but if she does get scared i just talk her through it or get off and lead her past.
 
Well we did it!! hacked her out today on her own with the bike and she was good as gold!! No spooking or napping . i took some treats with me and stoppped as we went to turn home and we had a picnic which she loved!
Dont know what i was worrying about!
 
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