Hacking and nerves?

Pony_Puzz

Pony_Puzz

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So I'm hoping to go hacking for the first time on my pony, who has only previously hacked on single lane quiet tracks. He hasn't been out since October so I'm expecting quite a bit of looking/spooking so I am taking someone with me with a lunge line/lead rope even though I'm not a complete novice I turn to jelly with nerves on the road. Our yard is on a 40 speed limit road through a village (which is straight so people go 60), that is very common for meeting other horses. Is there any good tips for keeping your nerves down/coping with things?

Any tips are very welcomed :) thanks!
 
Lots of singing and whistling.
Lots of concentrating on relaxing your seat and sitting back almost a little, relaxing your lower back.
Pat your pony plenty and keep singing :D good luck and safe hacking
 
Know your route, wear hi viz, have your phone, chat to your pony, know your hand signals for turning, slow down and stop, remember you are allowed as per the highway code to take the spae of a car so although I am not saying walk in the middle of the road, walk slightly away from the kerb so cars need to slow before passing and HAVE FUN!!! :)
 
Talk to your pony. My pony gets very nervous and spooky when out hacking alone on the road so i have a full blown conversation with her! People probably think im bonkers but it helps alot. (She thinks shes not on her own!):D xxx
 
Thanks :D and yeah S_V I have my ride and road safety (no idea how I passed it, I think I was in a dream the whole time... that or a panic attack!) Will be dragging mum and dad along with me just to keep me company on foot. Has anyone tried rescue remedy? Or should I just go for the drink :D
 
Rescue Remedy for you and Kodi, sing so you breathe and try and relax your arms/sholders so he can't feel it through the reins - realise that is easier said than done!:eek::rolleyes::rolleyes: I always attach a balance strap of some kind to the D rings - that way you have something else to hold on to that isn't pulling on his mouth.

Also ear plugs for f_s or dad so they don't have to listen to your singing.......:eek:;):rolleyes::rolleyes::D:D:D
 
Haha I will probably just talk non stop instead or sing in my head, the poor people in the village might never come out again!
 
There goes that idea then! I guess it will be singing, though they may call the police thinking I'm drunk when its just awful singing :)
 
I shall do, I think I might go on Thurs/Fri as he needs his shoe back on first but I'll be sure to get pictures no matter how far we go!
 
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