Hacking nerves

[CaptainBeaky]

For about a year I have been riding my neighbour's horse - he is a thoroughbred and is about ten. To start off with we got on well out hacking, but during the summer we had a few incidents which knocked my confidence with him - for example he completely freaked out when we went past some pigs and he has messed around in the road with me because he doesn't like lorries/tractors/other large vehicles.
I started to ride out less and stuck to schooling in the field, which was fine until winter came and the field became too wet - then I had to go out hacking. Whilst I was getting him ready I would start to feel slightly sick, and then I would get on and be a bit of a nervous wreck - I tried really hard not to let this show but as soon as we neared the roads I knew he could tell I was scared (pretty much all of our hacking involves some road work). I had a lesson with him and did gain more control, but I still feel like he could easily take advantage of me as he is a very strong horse and I am not such a strong rider.
When schooling him I feel very relaxed and get on well with him, but I am aware that I tense up out hacking and then he messes me around more. I really want to be able to relax and enjoy taking him out but I've got myself into a bit of a cycle which is hard to break! Soon I will start riding him again (he was having a break over winter) and the field is still too wet, so it is either don't ride or go hacking...
If anyone has any tips I would really appreciate them - I do hack other horses without any problems, it is just this horse in particular and also the fact that I am always alone when hacking.

 

[AdorableAlice]

First step is done in that you have recognised and begun to address the issue.

Can you find some one to ride the TB for you whilst you hack alongside on a safe horse. If you can watch the TB ridden and behaving that might give you the boost you need.

 

[Orangehorse]

Rescue Remedy? Seriously, this can help. Riding confidence is all a bit of a con trick - we are conning the horses we are in control, because ANY horse can get away if they really want to. So you have to keep that veneer of confidence that you are in control.

 

[CaptainBeaky]

I used to ride a very sweet mare out with him and his owner - he used to behave pretty well apart from general spooking, which doesn't bother me at all. But it is since then that he has begun to be a problem and he doesn't have the best ground manners either (his owner told me he nearly kicked her in the head...) :/ I might see if I can get someone to come with me sometime and bring another horse though, thanks for the suggestion

 

[CaptainBeaky]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a go

 

[AdorableAlice]

I used to ride a very sweet mare out with him and his owner - he used to behave pretty well apart from general spooking, which doesn't bother me at all. But it is since then that he has begun to be a problem and he doesn't have the best ground manners either (his owner told me he nearly kicked her in the head...) :/ I might see if I can get someone to come with me sometime and bring another horse though, thanks for the suggestion

Reading this I have a different view. There are plenty of nicely mannered horses that would love to take you for a safe hack, do you really want or have to battle with an ignorant rude and bolshy one ?

 

[CaptainBeaky]

Reading this I have a different view. There are plenty of nicely mannered horses that would love to take you for a safe hack, do you really want or have to battle with an ignorant rude and bolshy one ?

I would ride others but for the fact that I struggle to find them! I ride out with my old instructor but that isn't that often and her horse is very easy (I do want a challenge!). I was riding a youngster but now he is being driven by his owners so they don't need much ridden work doing with him... I'm in several facebook groups and check online sites several times a week but there is very little that is close enough to me :/ I did find one horse but haven't been to try him yet, and he is a little bit far from where I live.
When schooling the TB and I get on pretty well, but then part of me says that if I can't hack him, should I be riding him at all?

 

[BarnesBridge]

I would suggest having someone knowledgeable go out with you on foot - just knowing there's someone there to help if something were to happen just eases your mind and relaxes you. If you're relaxed, he will be and you'll have a great time Good luck!! X

 

[texel]

It is understandable that you have become anxious about hacking out your horse. The horse as a prey animal senses your tension and reacts accordingly. Horses never try to be difficult on purpose and need to feel safe if they do not feel safe they worry. The horse is not being rude or bolshie, that is a anthropomorphic view.

You have to see it from the horse's point of view, his messing about just means he is frightened and if you then become tense so does he as you have given him a reason to worry and the situation gets worse as he then reacts to your worry. He isn't being awkward on purpose he is genuinely scared.

You just both should get to know each other more by doing ground work exercises, it really is fun and builds confidence. Put it in perspective you are both frightened of each other's shadow at the moment.

There are some good videos about basic groundwork you can view and certainly taking your horse out for a walk is a way to start to enjoy each other's company.

All the best.