Hacking alone

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Quartz

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Do lots of you hack alone?

I am bringing my horse home for the rest of the summer as have lovely lush field with shade for him, compared to dried out field with no shade at stables. Anyway... I usually hack in company although he is always the head of the hack as very brave even though only 6 years old. Obviously will not have anyone to hack with so will be going out alone and in new territory. First obstacle being the main road we have to go down, then all the cows etc we will encounter. Some words of wisdom would be gratefully appreciated from those of you who hack alone and what are your views on it????
 
Quartz said:
Do lots of you hack alone?

I am bringing my horse home for the rest of the summer as have lovely lush field with shade for him, compared to dried out field with no shade at stables. Anyway... I usually hack in company although he is always the head of the hack as very brave even though only 6 years old. Obviously will not have anyone to hack with so will be going out alone and in new territory. First obstacle being the main road we have to go down, then all the cows etc we will encounter. Some words of wisdom would be gratefully appreciated from those of you who hack alone and what are your views on it????
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I hack alone sometimes, granted its better to go out with others purely because of the chats and laughs but my mare can cope out alone. I make a decision before I go that if I am nervous or not happy about anything I will jump off. Keep it short at first so no pressure. Don't worry about it.
 
I usually hack alone with my 5yr old, it depends on the horse entirely!

I would hack him out on your normal routes alone, before you move him, just so he gets a feel for it. He may become insecure, or he may be comforted by the familiar routes. Then when you do m ove him he'll feel more secure on an unfamiliar route with lots of scary cows etc..
 
Get one of those mobile holders for your arm/leg. I feel more confident with that,but then, i do have to wear childrens joddys as i'm so short and they don't have pockets. I hack alone a lot, on a plonker of an Arab who spooks at everything and hates big vehicles. It's actually quite nice and peaceful on your own. After nearly a year of it though, i am looking forwards to change and having someone to hack out with, it gets a bit lonely after a while. Maybe you could arrange to meet up with someone from another yard now and again to break it up a bit.

Also, i always put hi vis on me and the horse, so if we get seperated we are both more easy to find. Hopefully he is less likely to get run over too if he has it on and runs off like the plank he is.
 
I like to ride in company, but I really like to hack out alone.

When I first started we used to get a fair bit of napping going on, as my lad was 5 and pretty green. I just took it steady and progressed a little further each ride. I also used to ride out every other day, without fail, in order to reinforce the positive lessons learned on the previous ride and if there was a particular sticking point on the ride, like a road junction or scary gate, we would work and work at it until we cracked it. There would then be LOTS of praise.

Riding confidently and quietly used to reassure my gelding that 'all was well' and when we came across 'spooky things', I always allowed him plenty of time to have a good look and a sniff.

It took us about 9 months to give him complete confidence (as much as you ever can), but he will go pretty much anywhere now, in company or alone.
 
I am going to get some high vis bits and pieces for us, what with having to go on the main road and all.

I really want to do it, but our first and last hack alone was a disaster and havent done it since. To be fair he had cuts in his mouth from a problem with his teeth, so wasnt keen on bit and rein contact which is fair enough. I didnt know this at the time but did ask the YO to call out the dentist as he was reacting badly to bit and reins and I was sure he was in pain. YO said she doubted there was anything wrong etc etc, keep riding him. Anyway..... he reared when I was mounting him, not a good start, then he spooked and wouldnt go past something so I got down to lead him. Of course couldnt get back on as he kept rearing. Long story short, lost lots of confidence in hacking. Mouth all healed and yes I was right he had been in pain, should of trusted my instinct with this one as I know him better than YO!!!
 
Very seldom hack in company, just out on our own usually with a programme in mind to work on certain things: leg yield, collection, transitions, canter work etc.
It would be hard to be in company and do what we have to do as 'homework'. He does spook but there again miniature horse eating shrews are a recognised problem especially for 18hh Warmbloods in gallop!! And galloping sideways is surprisingly comfortable
 
Im a nervous nellie hacking alone but now live somewhere where I only have someone to hack with once a week, so have to be brave.

Bear in mind that although the roads etc stuff seems the scariest, the falls generally come in places you think are safe and when you least expect it, so be chilled about the 'o no' places, they will probably be ok ironically.

I found it a great help to think of it as a little expedition together, to go on a route we had done in company or on foot before, and to think 'if theres a problem, I will just get off and lead them home'. Getting off of course might not help the issue, but the point is if you always could do it, you then dont, cos you feel more relaxed having the option.

Lots of hi viz and phone and someone knowing your route and timescale.

First time just go down the road and back, try and build on the successes.

Ive never got to the stage of enjoying hacking alone as much as in company, but for me just doing it is a triumph so you dont half feel good when you get back!!

BTW the last time I fell off (try not to do it more than once a year), I then found afterwards horse had hooks on teeth causing little ulcers in mouth. And she had been rasped regularly as recommmended, now shes on every 5 months teeth!; dont know if it caused her to dump me but quite likely, you feel terrible but I think they do get over it once the pain has gone a bit better than they do with some other things, so try not to worry about that.
 
Jazzy prefers going out on his own I think as he can go at his own pace. He always comes home much more calmly than if I go out with others. He walks soooo quickly that I keep having to stop him when out with others, so he gets really frustrated by the time he gets back!

He's getting better at keeping pace with the other horse, but I feel that it's destroying his natural gait so I make sure that he can go out on his own every other ride or so.

Make sure that you and your horse are both confident though - any hint of reluctant could lead to issues in the future. Ensure that anything that your horse spooks/shies/stops/spins at is corrected then and there, or it will be 10 times worse next time you meet it, even if it takes all day!

I'm sure you'll be fine though - relax and enjoy it!
 
I pretty much always hack alone - I don't think I've hacked out in company for about 4 months... hmm...
It is nice to have company sometimes, but I like nothing better than going for a wander in the evening sun with my horse and my dog.
 
Touches wood quickly before i start!!!

I have never fallen off hacking on my own. I think its because in my mind there would be a lot of hassle trying to find horse etc so i think i sight a bit tighter on my own!!!!
 
could you get someone to go with you on foot/ bike the first few times? that way you can get used to being alone (i.e. no horse friend) but are not completely alone should anything bad happen & you would have someone to help you
 
i hack out alone most of the time or get someone to walk with me, i have no one to hack out with so i have no choice in the matter really i do find it really nice though and it better to get your horse used to going out on his/her own as you dont want them getting used to going in company all the time, if i could ride with someone would be really good but i wouldnt rely on them and still go out on my own the majority of the time.x
 
I nearly always hack alone as my horse is a bit of a 'blazing walker' and I haven't met anyone yet who can keep up. I can keep her at the back but it's not as relaxing.

I ALWAYS use a neck strap and keep hold of it all the time, my girl's really good but they can all spin at the drop of a hat and the neck strap has always helped me to sit any spooks easily....up to now!!

I also have an ICE band looped onto the breastplate - it's one of those rubber bracelet things that charities sell to raise funds. I've written the contact details of my OH on the band so if horse and I part company at least anyone who finds her will know who to call.:)
 
Eriskayowner said:
Jazzy prefers going out on his own I think as he can go at his own pace. He always comes home much more calmly than if I go out with others. He walks soooo quickly that I keep having to stop him when out with others, so he gets really frustrated by the time he gets back!

He's getting better at keeping pace with the other horse, but I feel that it's destroying his natural gait so I make sure that he can go out on his own every other ride or so.

Make sure that you and your horse are both confident though - any hint of reluctant could lead to issues in the future. Ensure that anything that your horse spooks/shies/stops/spins at is corrected then and there, or it will be 10 times worse next time you meet it, even if it takes all day!

I'm sure you'll be fine though - relax and enjoy it!
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Lately he has started spooking going over small bridges, well always the same two actually. Do you think its best to go back over it again when he does it, or just continue on the hack which I what I usually do.
 
I hack quite a bit on my own, even when Lacey was a 4yo as she is sensible out hacking, and the roads are quiet.

I always take a phone and wear lots of hi viz (I do this alone or in company) and I've recently bought an extra medical armband that I keep in my tack room for hacking and a laminated small card that I attach to Laceys saddle with details such as owner, yard, extra contact details if we were to part company. If I was to be found knocked out etc then the medical armband has extra details etc, same for the card on Lacey's saddle. :)
 
monkeybum13 said:
I hack quite a bit on my own, even when Lacey was a 4yo as she is sensible out hacking, and the roads are quiet.

I always take a phone and wear lots of hi viz (I do this alone or in company) and I've recently bought an extra medical armband that I keep in my tack room for hacking and a laminated small card that I attach to Laceys saddle with details such as owner, yard, extra contact details if we were to part company. If I was to be found knocked out etc then the medical armband has extra details etc, same for the card on Lacey's saddle. :)
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Good idea putting something on saddle i have a shoulder bag i carry phone in i hack out 99% myself on my youngster i find its better really nice to hack out with someone once a week/fortnight if i can but nothing in concrete you do get used to it and you can please yourself and its actually a bonus if you think positive you and horse get more confident
 
Can you walk him out in hand a couple of times for part of the route? See what his reactions are and get him used to the different area.
 
Tillyfilly said:
Can you walk him out in hand a couple of times for part of the route? See what his reactions are and get him used to the different area.
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Think I will try this. Although worried I will look a prat if he spooks and manages to run away from me lol!! There is a huge field behind mine, usually its full of horses but has been empty this year. Thinking of asking owner if would mind if I ride round it, then I ride on the road a few metres and can trot round field, next to canal. Maybe a good starting point or chickening out, not decided yet!!!
 
Quartz said:
Think I will try this. Although worried I will look a prat if he spooks and manages to run away from me lol!! There is a huge field behind mine, usually its full of horses but has been empty this year. Thinking of asking owner if would mind if I ride round it, then I ride on the road a few metres and can trot round field, next to canal. Maybe a good starting point or chickening out, not decided yet!!!
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I think walking the route in hand first is a good idea - also being prepared to get off and lead if the horse seems genuinely scared.

If you think the hrorse is likely to get away from you, lead with a lunge line attached to the bridle, then you have time to hang on.
 
I hack alone 99% of the time as no-one else round here seems to be riding out during the day apart from professional riders and they wouldn't want us tagging along!

My boy had real confidence issues when I first had him as he'd been a trekker and never ever been on his own whilst riding out. I had someone to help me; and she suggested leading him on the outward journey to build up his confidence, then, quietly slip on his back and ride him back to the yard.

Also its important to give yourself the freedom to get off and lead him if needs be; there's no failure in that and the horse will be glad you've come down to his level and been his buddy, as it were. Its all about building up confidence slowly and gradually rather than punishing the horse for napping, spooking or whatever, which will only reinforce the fact in his head that its dangerous being in the big wide world on his own! But if he trusts the rider as herd leader, that's what you want to aim for.

I found Michael Peace's wisdom very helpful; also some of the "intelligent horsemanship" concepts. There's nothing like solo hacking for bonding you and your horse and time spent now doing the groundwork will pay dividends. If he does spook at something, distract him and get him listening to you by for e.g. doing some leg yield, or half halts, or maybe 6 paces of trot followed by 6 paces of trot, just to get him back and listening to you.
 
Quartz said:
Do lots of you hack alone?

I am bringing my horse home for the rest of the summer as have lovely lush field with shade for him, compared to dried out field with no shade at stables. Anyway... I usually hack in company although he is always the head of the hack as very brave even though only 6 years old. Obviously will not have anyone to hack with so will be going out alone and in new territory. First obstacle being the main road we have to go down, then all the cows etc we will encounter. Some words of wisdom would be gratefully appreciated from those of you who hack alone and what are your views on it????
Click to expand...

You will be fine & really enjoy it, I'm sure. Would be a good idea to keep him in a firm contact and with plenty of encouraging leg the first couple of times you go out. Echo what the others have said re: mobile phones and Hi Viz.

Have fun!!
 
MilosDad said:
Very seldom hack in company, just out on our own usually with a programme in mind to work on certain things: leg yield, collection, transitions, canter work etc.
It would be hard to be in company and do what we have to do as 'homework'. He does spook but there again miniature horse eating shrews are a recognised problem especially for 18hh Warmbloods in gallop!! And galloping sideways is surprisingly comfortable
Click to expand...

ROFLMAO - don't you ever dare criticise your seat again! :D :D :D
 
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