Hacking out on your own....Would you/do you do it?

I used to go for hours on River on my own - found it more relaxing than going with others and we built up a huge bond. I don't hack my youngster on his own yet (he's only been out twice!) as he still needs nannying but soon will be going out with a companion on foot and building up to solo hacking...

That said there are some people who are too cautious to hack alone. We have a girl at our yard who refuses to go out alone as she worries that something may happen, she is very safety concious all the time and her horse does not seem to suffer for it.

But yes - take a mobile, ensure someone knows where you are going and when you will be back (and remember to let them know if you're feeling braver and go for 30 min rather than the 10 you told them!), and build up to longer distances!!! you'll love it!
 
Another one here who has alwayus hacked alone - Its only this last week i've had company. Its lovely, your horse will appreciate your full attention and you get to relax without making polite conversation, and go where you want at what speed you want. Whats not to like?!
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DO wear high vis yourself as an absolute minimum, and take mobile phone and make sure you've got relevant numbers of people to call in an emergency.

I also highly recommend your horse wears high vis - does he own any? If not you might like to invest in some leg bands, a reflective neck band and/or tail strip - I always always go out with high vis on both me and the horse even if I'm not going anywhere near a road: so that if something happens you can both be found easily - makes for one less thing to be nervous about!
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I hack on my own all the time.
As someone else said, it helps to clear the head!
Just build up the time you are out gradually and take a mobile with you.
 
I generally always hack alone.

Its a skill I simply wont go without in a horse. We enjoy an amble, at our own pace and a chat (mostly me talking though!!)

I always wear Hi viz, tabard, leg wraps and neck cover.
 
I hack on my own occasionaly, usually when there's no one on the yard to entertain me
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and... i wear no or very little hi viz *prepares to be shot down* BUT i am usually not on roads, and in full daylight, have a mobile etc..... at least i don't do it bareback like i did with my old pony
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Horsey not great on his own though, has got a LOT better, but still has the odd turn-and-gallop-for-home moments
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I very rarely ride out with other people.

So the norm for me is to be riding my horse all on my little lonesome.
 
I usually hack out on my own, with my pony we sometimes hack for 15 miles/5 hours sometimes getting incredibly lost but it is the best feeling ever, go for it
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I have hacked out alone for years (including Central London and some of the wildest parts of Great Britain!). The saddle and bridle of my horse is dog tagged with the telephone number of my vet and myself on it. I also carry a biro, whistle, hoof pick, bandages and a mobile phone. (Whistle to warn shooters that I am about).
 
I hack out on my own regularly and have done since I was 14. It's nice and relaxing and you can choose where you go and at what speed.
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I would definitely recommend it. Especially if your horse is generally well behaved. Start off by going on a short ride. Take your mobile phone and tell somebody where you are going and approximately how long it will take you and gradually increase the length of hack you go on as your confidence increases.

Good luck
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My horse is often a total tw*t and I've hacked him alone since I was 14
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take a crop and a mobile, wear hi-vis, make sure somebody sensible knows where you are, and have fun!

I sing when I ride alone, Dylan does not approve lol.
 
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