Hacking alone

Quartz said:
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.
Click to expand...

I would go out with a sensible horse a few times on that route to reassure your horse, but if you choose a certain route, ensure you do it. Horses are too big and powerful to dictate to us where we go. As long as the bridges are safe for you to use then carry on as planned!

X
 
I've had massive confidence issues hacking alone on my nappy horse who spins and runs backwards. Now we're sorted. If I'm having a less confident day I don't hack, he knows me too well and can read my mood in an instant.
Anyway I'll explain what works for me:
You have to learn to slow your breathing a bit to 'pretend' you're confident. Talking to your horse will help. It reassures you both. Wear a body protector and loads of Hi Viz. Have your phone with you, mine goes in my boot. I got a dog-collar tag made with details on, which I put on my saddle in case me and horse become separated. A neckstrap will give you confidence, when you feel them getting twitchy and ready to spin. You can grab a handful of mane or put a strap across the front of your saddle as I do. Keep your heels down and your seat is secure. Your heels are your anchors. This is what I tell myself, and it really works. If there is a problem you must be unflappable, keep talking normally and ignore spooky things and keep your aids light and breathing slow. In the event of a nap keep circling until your horse goes forward.
Plan your hack and visualise it before you go. Keep your route in your head as you go, I'm convinced this helps. Your first hack should be short and sweet, 15 mins. Reward your horse verbally for passing things, being good etc - really go OTT. Always reward them on your safe return. That way they see hacks as a nice thing. Remember when you're out in the big world together that your horse has no desire to be alone, so is unlikely to try to get rid of you in any way.

Good luck! Just imagine how happy you will be when you've done it! I cried all the way home on our first solitary trouble-free ride. Go for it!!
 
Leading in hand is a really good way to get you both feeling comfortable - they naturally like to follow rather than go first so if they can follow you a few times to suss out gate ways, abandoned haylege bales (which always look the same but randomly vary in spookiness!!) Thats your best bet.

I like the field idea too - the luxary of having a closed gate, just make sure you walk round that field a few times first hey as tempting as the little blast may be (for you both ha)
 
I pretty much always hack alone. As an endurance rider, going out by themselves and non nappyness are essential for me.
I currently have a friends 5 year old on loan and she is doing great seeing the sights solo. I think the key thing is to be confident and 'think forward' at all times - my main priority is forward motion and they can dick about a bit at first as long as they take me where I plan to go.
No mobile reception on most routes for me - self reliance and building trust with your horse are what it is all about.
 
I lost my confidence hacking alone about two years ago when an friend of mine had a bad fall hacking alone, my fear instinct and the " what ifs" kicked in, my horse can be nappy, goaty and a bit of a git if he has a mind to. I usually hack in company,( either of my sons if I can persuade them) or more usually my father or husband on the bike, yesterday after a break down in communications my husband never caught me up and I managed to hack out on my usual route totally alone, we encounterred a jogger, an upturned wheelbarrow and some hedgecutting equipment, not to mention the hay bales ! I felt very pleased with my horse when we crossed the potato field where he always naps, even with company. I prefer to hack in company but have proved to myself that I can do it, if I can, anyone can I am the worlds worst nervous nellie!
 
I taught my yougster to hack out solo as I had no-one to hack out with. I would school him at home and if schooling goes well and is calm then take him for a very short ride, just 10 mins to cool him off. Then gradually decrease the schooling and increase the time hacking going over the same route until he settles.

Always make sure you have plenty of time so no rushing which reduces your stress.

If there is something spooky, as long as its not something that will move, don't look at it, look straight past it, so he picks up from your possition you are going past it not at it. If he won't go past something, if you can keep him straight and give him time to assess the situation, but don't let him turn round. Put your leg and gently, if he goes forward at all reward him by taking the pressure of and giving him a pat.

If he does turn make sure you turn him back the way he turned from, don't let him carry on turning until you go all the way round.

If he really is scared, is fine to get off, but make sure you are safe when you lead him.

My mare now hacks out past pretty much anything on her own.

Most important, have fun!!
 
Hacking out alone?Well you are not are you..you and your horse are in each other`s company exploring the countryside,and that is the very best company you can have.Watch the ears..they`ll tell you everything,and chat to your horse..you may find one ear is "logged in " to your ramblings.
 
noblesteed said:
I've had massive confidence issues hacking alone on my nappy horse who spins and runs backwards. Now we're sorted. If I'm having a less confident day I don't hack, he knows me too well and can read my mood in an instant.
Anyway I'll explain what works for me:
You have to learn to slow your breathing a bit to 'pretend' you're confident. Talking to your horse will help. It reassures you both. Wear a body protector and loads of Hi Viz. Have your phone with you, mine goes in my boot. I got a dog-collar tag made with details on, which I put on my saddle in case me and horse become separated. A neckstrap will give you confidence, when you feel them getting twitchy and ready to spin. You can grab a handful of mane or put a strap across the front of your saddle as I do. Keep your heels down and your seat is secure. Your heels are your anchors. This is what I tell myself, and it really works. If there is a problem you must be unflappable, keep talking normally and ignore spooky things and keep your aids light and breathing slow. In the event of a nap keep circling until your horse goes forward.
Plan your hack and visualise it before you go. Keep your route in your head as you go, I'm convinced this helps. Your first hack should be short and sweet, 15 mins. Reward your horse verbally for passing things, being good etc - really go OTT. Always reward them on your safe return. That way they see hacks as a nice thing. Remember when you're out in the big world together that your horse has no desire to be alone, so is unlikely to try to get rid of you in any way.

Good luck! Just imagine how happy you will be when you've done it! I cried all the way home on our first solitary trouble-free ride. Go for it!!
Click to expand...



excellent advice - im goping on my first very short hack today on teh country lanes only with my hubby walking with us - well tht was the plan but its very very windy here today so i might do it another day. Anyway i will certainly follow this and lots of other excelllent advice here xxx
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top