hacking etiquette

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111ex111

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So I've been riding for 7 years and only just come out of a riding school (finally got my arse into gear and found a share). He's a 16 year old tb and such a gentleman, really looks after me!
I hack out with the owners mum & her horse but have never really hacked out properly before. I've done riding school hacks and hacks to the beach on holidays etc but they were all with someone leading and we just followed.

Anyways, what are some hacking 'rules' I should know about. I dont want to upset/annoy anyone so anything you think its helpful please let me know :)
 
Welcome to the joys of riding on your own! A few basic things to be aware of are not racing round bends, as you never know what you might find. Pass other horses at a reasonable pace, be aware of how there horse is behaving, and slow down if neccasary. Thank cars who slow down for you, don't wander along the road on your phone. Be friendly to walkers etc, but be aware that some dogs are vicious!
Most of all have fun.
 
Slow to a walk when you meet pedestrians or motor vehicles. Give people on the ground a wide berth, lots of people are afraid of horses.

Do not trot or canter passed other horses.

Turn the horses head to the right when passing cars. Take your riding and road safety test. It will give you some good tips and hand signals.

Thank slowing cars and motorbikes - don't swear at them if they don't slow down.

If another horse is playing up. Stop your horse and keep the situation as safe as you possibly can.

Where 3 significant items of hi-viz gear every time you ride even when others don't.

Hope this helps.
 
In general, behave as you would like others to. Remember to thank all considerate drivers, pull off to let vehicles pass if necessary, if out in a group check that everyone is happy to change the pace, wait for slower horses, NEVER barge past people without warning, either those on foot or on horses. It is easy to be a pleasant happy hacker and to keep others happy, just takes good manners and common sense. :)
 
If you turn their heads to the right, their bums cant swing out into the traffic :)

Thank and smile at every possible driver. The next time they pass you they might be driving a bus and they will be more inclined to slow for you :D
 
It's just good manners!

Remember that many of the general public are frightened of horses. Don't charge past them or squish them.

Most people are polite and accomodating of horses but do not think that gives you a good given right to lord it over others. You do NOT automatically have right of way just because you're bigger than them!

Keep yourself and your horse safe on the road but try not to p'd drivers off :let them past etc if possible and always say Thank You.

WEAR HI-VIZ. It may well save you and your horses life.

Do not make a mess of the ground. iIf it's wet and squlechy, stay on the dry/hard bits/go somewhere else.

It really is just being sensible and considerate of others.
 
All the above, but i would add that if you are riding in a group always make sure that when you cross a road you all can cross together - never leave a horse behind waiting for another gap in the traffic, if it panics because the group has left it it can be very dangerous.
 
If you are riding with new companions, rather than saying 'lets trot/canter here' it comes across better as 'happy to trot/canter along here?' - never go shooting off, nor just give in & follow blindly if you do not want to.
If you are going to 'extend' then agree with riding partners where you are going to pull up & stick to that place.
Take turns in going in front if the track is narrow, dont barge & be 1st all the time - likewise dont let companions barge you out the way otherwise you will find yourself tucked behind most of the time. Some people always have an excuse as to why they must be in front - its good manners to educate horses to try to go behind at times :)
Take turns in opening & shutting gates, its good practice to have a go till your horse is proficient as others might be.

Best advice is to relax & enjoy your ride :)
 
If non horse riders are doing scary things, ask them calmly and politely if they could stop. Went past some cars recently where people were unloading canoes - "friend" I was with started ranting at them as his horse reared and span. When I explained to them how scary a walking canoe was they were good as gold, but not being horsey had no idea horses would be upset at what they were doing
 
Ride at the level of the least compatent, most nervous member of the group. Make allowances for veteran/baby horse ( in her last few months of ridden work, big Ruby - RIP- only walked, we only hacked with people who were happy to do that.)
Say hello to people, many folk assume that horse riders are posh/snobby etc.
If its safe, allow pony mad children to say hello to your horse.
Tell someone where you are going and a rough idea of return time.
Consider getting ID tags for your tack, if you and horse part company hacking, it makes finding you much easier.
 
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