Hacking alone

[express_75]

Hi

I took my 5yr old mare on a hack this afternoon. We usually go with another lady and her older mare, who is my mare's field mate.

My horse was ok but very hesitant (sp) it felt like the hand brake was on and i just kept talking to her and encouraging her to go forwards. She wasn't spooky. Im a novice rider & want to be able to go alone, im quite competant but it was weird riding her alone as she's so easy to get going in company.

Any advice for hacking alone? How do i get her more forward going? I don't want to scare her or myself!

Thanks

 

[Parkranger]

Just keep your leg on and keep talking to her - she'll get better in time!

 

[scotsmare]

Practice - you did well to get out on your own today - keep going! Talk to the horse (it will calm you down too!)

 

[Racing_Gal]

Just time, be positive, try to keep your pulse rate low and keep your leg on.

 

[popsicle]

You are doing the right thing. She wouldn't want to leave her field mate and thats normal. Well done, she sounds like a fine mare!

 

[express_75]

Thank you all!

I did feel my pulse rate rising but i knew that talking to her to help me relax etc and get her listening. It was so weird being on out own!

I want her to go alone as it will do our confidence good.

Do they get better with time? How ofter should i go it alone?

 

[CracklinRosie]

Try a little pocket radio. Not too loud though. I find it relaxes my girls, especially if I sing along, again not too loud!!!!!!

 

[Ziggy_]

Yep, practise lots of short hacks. Also when your out in company practice taking the lead and letting the other horse drop back for a bit so your kind of on your own for a minute or 2. (assuming both horse will be confident to do this). Also if you ride the same route a few times it will be more familiar and she'll relax and stride out a bit more.

 

[express_75]

Thank you all!

I will keep you posted on out progress

Great advice as usual

 

[Jingleballs]

It sounds like you're doing well - the "handbreak" feeling is just her reluctance to go out alone but practice makes perfect and the more you take her out the more confident you will both feel!

 

[FestiveFuzz]

If you feel your heart rate rising just sing out loud, you may get the odd funny look (mainly from your horse if your singing is anything like mine!) but it works a treat

 

[YorksG]

Singing works a treat, helps your breathing and she has you to listen to

 

[jellyshake]

sounds like you're doing the right things already, lots of calm encouragement

I recommend singing too lol, oh i do like to be beside the seaside is my fave

 

[hellybelly6]

Well done you!

I love hacking alone. I like to sing and chat to my horse, he used to be a bit funny about going out alone, but my lovely singing seemed to help. His thinking was probably the sooner we get going, we get back and that awful noise will stop!!

Remember to think positive.

 

[BethH]

Think you've already done really well and your horse even better. Just keep doing what you are doing and get her out on her own regularly