Hacking on own confidence vibes pls

Supertrooper

Supertrooper

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I've decided that tonight I'm going to take the big diplodocus (really a shire x) out on my own. He's a big wuss on his own and strong. I don't want to always have to rely on someone else to hack with but I'm already nervous!!

My plan is to go down the farm drive opposite, if I leave it till after six I shouldn't!! meet any tractors, I'm going to go about 1/4 mile down as there is a kind of roundabout that makes a good turning spot. He goes down this drive all the time with his friend so he's used to it.

Apart from that it's going to be rescue remedy, singing and lots of everythings fine pats (for him!) but i could do with some positive vibes. It's so silly and I wish I could just get on and not worry xxxx
 
good luck and enjoy. I put my ipod on in my pocket so we can have a wee sing song when out hacking- takes your mind off the nerves too! :D
 
I've only ever once hacked out with anyone else.I've seen a lot of hacking alone and worried threads and would love to know what are the advantages of hacking out in company?
 
You could say to yourself I will just go out for 5 minutes, I can get off or round round at any time.

After 5 minutes you could decide to come back or if it is going well, try another 5 minutes & so on
 
Going out in company?

It's nice to stroll along having a chat and a giggle. It is also great for the more nervous rider, who will feel supported.
 
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poops said:
You could say to yourself I will just go out for 5 minutes, I can get off or round round at any time.

After 5 minutes you could decide to come back or if it is going well, try another 5 minutes & so on
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This!! Helps a great deal, you dont feel 'trapped' into doing more than you want to, and as a result, you do another 5 mins then another until you are doing lovely long hacks!

Also think of it as a little adventure you are going on together, a shared treat, and you can decide the route as there's only you. And think, if it goes a bit horrid, we can just walk back with me leading you.

The sense of achievement in hacking alone makes up for the added stress level, so enjoy. NB if theres any road work pls dont use headphones/ipods as its v dangerous. TBH I wouldnt use them anywhere as you never know when something is rustling in hedge and you need to be prepared. But understand they may help relax
 
elsbells said:
Going out in company?

It's nice to stroll along having a chat and a giggle. It is also great for the more nervous rider, who will feel supported.
Click to expand...

The only time I "did" company I bouldn't hear a thing the other rider said because of the wind and had to shout to reply as we were riding single file.Felt I was holding her back,and would've much rather ridden along happily as usual at my own pace looking at the view and talking to my mule!
However I guess its O.K. if you ride out from a yard and are used to company.My only other experiance is doing "Fun" rides,which sometimes aren't much fun when you have people charging passed on hyped up ponies,but I guess this is something I'm learning to deal with,just got to find the right people to ride them with I guess :)
Love the advice so far.Thats what I did when starting Malaga,I had a plan and was prepared to change it if things weren't going right.If I lost confidence I went back a few steps to where my confidence level had been the best and did every step 7 times before going on to the next step....suprising how afterrepeating it 4/5 times you are just screaming to move on:D....confidence back!
Usually you can't do this in company because the other rider doesn't have the patience and will push you over your confidence levels.
Agree with the i pod thingy,you need to be listening to your horse not music...but I don't like the tthings anyway ;)LoL!
 
When I hack out on my own (which is more often than not) I usually take a deep breath before I get on and say you can do it. Then I have a set route in mind (but this is flexible) and off we go. I talk to my mare all the time and tell her about future adventures we are going to have and I often sing nursery rhymes to her ? I give her lots of pats and good girls and neck scratches. I also try and breath and smile.
It can be enjoyable riding out with someone else, but there are times when you have to go on your own and knowing that you both can do it helps. Good luck xx
 
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