Horse wanting to catch up with others on a hack

[Georgie's mum]

I'm hoping for some support on this one, but obviously I will accept honest answers.

I've only had my current pony 5 months and she is brilliant. We've hacked out with others and in general she is really good, although occasionally she gets excited and goes faster than I've asked her to for a while. She always slows down after a few seconds and I don't mind this at all. We've only known each other a little while, and after my last horse, who was the laziest on the planet, its wonderful to ride a horse that GOES!

I've now hacked out on our own 3 times, the last time being Saturday. We were absolutely fine, until another horse from our yard joined our track from a side turning, and then walked off in front (my pony is 13h 2 - her horse is 16h 2 so obviously he is faster). Mine was OK for a little while and in fact the other ridere went round a corner and mine was still ok, but when we turned the corner she was trotting away from us, and mine flipped and galloped up to join her. Hers jumped about a bit, but then settled down and we went back home together.

Now I know it wasn't ideal, I do realise that! I see it that my horse doesn't yet trust me enough to feel safe with just me (although as I've said, we've had two hacks on our own which went really well). I just think that the pull of another horse was more than she could bear.

The rider of the other horse approached me yesterday and asked if I was having lessons on her (yes I am), saying that I was clearly not in control, and that my horse was fine when I first got her but now was just doing what she wanted. I don't know how she knows what my horse was like to start with - no different as far as I'm concerned, and I've never ridden out with her anyway! I have a lovely relationship with my pony - she is sensitive and affectionate and will willingly move wherever I ask when I do groundwork with her. She is also excellent in the school and stops immediately when I ask. I am having lessons, so I don't know what the other rider expected me to say. I'm not going to beat my horse to within an inch of her life so that she is so scared of me that she won't misbehave.

Has anyone got some sensible suggestions or advice? I do appreciate that I need to be in control of my pony, but I felt that her reaction was understandable under the circumstances.

 

[Goldenstar]

Firstly no it’s not ideal you could have caused a severe issue for the other rider even caused a fall and her horse getting loose so you must deal with this .
I am not surprised the rider approached you about it you can’t be out and about if you can’t control your horse in what is a very normal situation .
I am surprised and worried you seem to think it’s normal for horses to do something like that ,it’s not and you need to take steps not to put someone else at risk .
I can’t really advise on a course of action because I don’t know enough about your pony and yourself but stick to hacking in company for a while .
I would get the pony hacked alone by someone experienced , and raise what happened with whoever is teaching you .
You do need help to deal with this .

 

[CMcC]

I can’t give you advice on how to overcome the issue hacking on you own. But you can and will, with time and patience, overcome it.

But you are right her reaction was natural for a pony and understandable. The other livery was rude and ignorant ignore her.

 

[maya2008]

If it happens again, get off and wait until the other rider is well out of sight, or turn and go another way, or ask if it is ok if you trot ahead, rather than being just behind as they gradually leave. Many horses would be wound up by that, and part of having control is not placing them in a lengthy situation where they will naturally become anxious or wound up. If you jump off, let her eat some grass, wait 10min or so, problem solved. In terms of the fact that she ran off and you couldn’t stop her… I would talk to your instructor about that. They will be able to advise.

 

[Bernster]

It sounds to me like the other livery was trying to deal with it in a polite constructive way. Not to be ignored she was pointing out that you need some help here. Totally understand why your pony reacted like she did but yes you do need to master this. That doesn’t mean hitting your pony, it’s about finding ways to help her to do what you need her to do. So getting help from someone in person would be good. I’d ask your instructor for tips.

 

[Kat]

Mine gets excited if we see another horse in front. If she doesn't want to walk sensibly and tries to jog then I normally make her work harder, so we do leg yeild zig zags, shoulder in, lots of halt/walk transitions, changes of bend etc. If she walks nicely she can have a longer rein and a stretch and chill.

Alternatively you could try turning off or turning round to avoid the issue.

You really need to work on some strategies though, you can't have your horse taking off at speed whenever it wants to. You could have caused a nasty accident.

 

[Hallo2012]

it normal for her to WANT to catch up but not normal that she just bolts off to do so.

if someone elses horse bolted up behind mine i would also be angry and concerned.

mine would have been very wound up so i would have turned round and walked AWAY from the other horse until it was totally out of sight, but equally on hacks i am currently working on being in front/behind/in front/behind etc so he gets better at being behind.

 

[Kat]

If it happens again, get off and wait until the other rider is well out of sight, or turn and go another way, or ask if it is ok if you trot ahead, rather than being just behind as they gradually leave. Many horses would be wound up by that, and part of having control is not placing them in a lengthy situation where they will naturally become anxious or wound up. If you jump off, let her eat some grass, wait 10min or so, problem solved. In terms of the fact that she ran off and you couldn’t stop her… I would talk to your instructor about that. They will be able to advise.

This may work for you but the OP should be really careful about following this advice. Will she be able to hold her horse if it decides it wants to catch up with the other horse once she is off? A loose horse is much more of a dangerous situation than the one she was in fact in.

 

[Auslander]

Mine throws himself around if he spots horses up ahead, but he wouldn't dream of pissing off after them - and would get pulled up sharpish and told off if he tried it.
If I feel him starting to boil over, I turn round and go a different way

 

[sportsmansB]

My 17yo event horse would have tried to do this, he even tried to catch up with people on their feet on hacks, if there was another horse way in front he would have gone daft. During Covid when every eejit was out walking our roads he basically chased people from one group to the next...
To be honest I would have shouted to the other person 'could you stop and let me catch up please' and then trotted up to them and explained why. I am surprised if they looked when they were coming out of the side road and saw you there that this did not occur to them anyway.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

This may work for you but the OP should be really careful about following this advice. Will she be able to hold her horse if it decides it wants to catch up with the other horse once she is off? A loose horse is much more of a dangerous situation than the one she was in fact in.

In this scenario, the OP pony would have been unlikely to try to catch up with an out-of-sight horse. The problem arose because OP followed too closely behind. The other rider, whilst well within her rights to be cross and concerned that pony caught up at a gallop, should really have asked OP how she wanted to deal with the situation, before leaving her behind.
The best person to ask is your RI, OP.

 

[maya2008]

This may work for you but the OP should be really careful about following this advice. Will she be able to hold her horse if it decides it wants to catch up with the other horse once she is off? A loose horse is much more of a dangerous situation than the one she was in fact in.

She mentioned ground manners were good, and there were two other options I suggested. She and/or the other livery could have been badly hurt as it is.

 

[Kat]

In this scenario, the OP pony would have been unlikely to try to catch up with an out-of-sight horse. The problem arose because OP followed too closely behind. The other rider, whilst well within her rights to be cross and concerned that pony caught up at a gallop, should really have asked OP how she wanted to deal with the situation, before leaving her behind.
The best person to ask is your RI, OP.

From my reading I don't think they were close enough to have a conversation before the catching up.

I may be wrong but I thought the other rider turned out of a side turning up ahead and then increased the distance due to the faster walk.

I agree that avoiding the situation where you have another horse ahead and in sight is best but depending upon the hacking they can remain in sight for a long time.

 

[dogatemysalad]

My current horse has a desperate need to catch up with another horse too. He's great to hack anywhere, alone or in company, but if we're alone, he becomes very upset if he's not allowed to join a horse ahead. He does listen and doesn't tank off, but I generally shout ahead and ask if it's OK to join them. No one has ever had a problem with that. It's better than picking a battle that neither of you are going to feel happy about.
I generally avoid leaving the yard, until I'm sure no other riders have just left, although strangely, he's happy to pass other riders if they are riding towards us..
The most important thing, is staying safe. Be alert, so if another rider appears, you are ready to check your horse before he grabs the bit. If you don't feel confident that you can retain control, focus on training and hacking in company until the pair of you have got to know each other better.

 

[WestCoast]

Am I going to be the only one who is going to criticise the other rider her. She came across a less experienced rider, that she clearly knew was less experienced, on her pony out on its own and just charged off ahead on hers without any consideration. Meeting another horse and then parting from it on a hack is one of the most challenging things to teach a horse to cope with. Sometimes you just have to change your plans to help someone else out.

However of course it’s important that you can pull up your horse, or better prevent a bolt it necessary - definitely something to discuss with your instructor. I’m a fan of the Mullen mouth Pelham with rounding and a chain cover for hacking - but only if you're someone that hacks with a very light contact.

 

[Kat]

She mentioned ground manners were good, and there were two other options I suggested. She and/or the other livery could have been badly hurt as it is.

Totally agree that it was dangerous. Just a warning to consider the risk of a loose horse, which is potentially worse than a horse that is briefly out of control with the rider but then back under control once it has caught up.

Obviously better to avoid the horse getting out of control in the first place though.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Totally agree that it was dangerous. Just a warning to consider the risk of a loose horse, which is potentially worse than a horse that is briefly out of control with the rider but then back under control once it has caught up.

Obviously better to avoid the horse getting out of control in the first place though.

But allowing the 2nd horse to catch up at a gallop could equally have caused a loose horse. OP pony was fine while the other horse was out of sight round and really, as it seems this was a familiar route, should have worked out that the other horse would still be in sight and acted accordingly, being ready to stop the pony quickening up.

 

[Winters100]

Am I going to be the only one who is going to criticise the other rider her. She came across a less experienced rider, that she clearly knew was less experienced, on her pony out on its own and just charged off ahead on hers without any consideration. Meeting another horse and then parting from it on a hack is one of the most challenging things to teach a horse to cope with. Sometimes you just have to change your plans to help someone else out.

However of course it’s important that you can pull up your horse, or better prevent a bolt it necessary - definitely something to discuss with your instructor. I’m a fan of the Mullen mouth Pelham with rounding and a chain cover for hacking - but only if you're someone that hacks with a very light contact.

It doesn't sound to me as if the other rider just charged off. She walked until turning a corner, at which point OP had many options, and even then the other rider did not charge off, just trotted. I would not expect someone to walk for miles just because they meet someone less experienced, and it sounds as if she was very kind in cutting short her ride and seeing OP safely back to the yard.

OP, it sounds as if you have a good attitude about taking advice, so talk to your instructor. I would also say that you seem to have the wrong idea about teaching horses manners. Those of us who have horses who might want to gallop after the other horse in this situation, but who would not dream of actually doing so, did not achieve this by 'beating them to within an inch of their life'. A mannerly horse is not one who is afraid of humans, but rather one who has been taught to trust them.

If you want to hack alone you need to be confident that you can control your horse in a variety of situations, so I would stick to hacking with someone else for now.

Edited to add that OP, I just saw your post in another thread saying that in your opinion it is not acceptable for anyone to trot in any circumstance if they are ahead of other horses. In busy areas this would have everyone condemned to only walking for some considerable distance. It is for us to be in control of our horses in normal situations, and in your case the other rider showed very good manners in walking until she was out of sight. It also does not sound as if she yelled at you when you came galloping up behind her, but kindly took you back home and simply asked if you had an instructor. Many would have had a lot more to say, and personally I would probably be buying her some small gift by way of apology.

We need to get away from this idea that others are responsible for our safety. Saying that your pony's reaction was 'understandable in the circumstances', or that no one can do anything but walk if there is a chance that our horse may see them is simply not reasonable. Speaking personally, in the situation of the other rider, once I had got some distance from you and rounded a corner I would have known that you had the opportunity to turn around for a short while if necessary, and carried on at any speed I wanted, probably a lot faster than a trot.

 

[stangs]

It’s one thing having a horse with good groundwork in an arena, and another when asking them to behave the same when confronted with a big stressor.

Only you know if you feel it would be safe to dismount in the situation you describe. Plus, the problem with letting them graze is that you have less contact with which to potentially stop them. I tried that once, as my general rule is letting him graze if he’s getting anxious, but he took a few mouthfuls and then tried to tank off as soon as he couldn’t see the other horse. It’s not natural for horses in an environment they don’t feel safe in to keep grazing as a ‘friend’ walks away.

If you do let yours graze, make sure the head is turned towards you so you can circle them if they decide to go.

Personally - again, I did our hacks in hand so this might be less practical for you - I distracted with treats (treating for small things like halting) and took a different route. I would have wanted to practice him staying with me without changing direction while a horse walked away, but I don’t have a friend with a trustworthy horse to do that with. If you do, that would be a good way to try out your chosen technique in a relatively controlled environment.

 

[Lucky Snowball]

Hi, have a shared or group lesson and practice ‘lead rider forward to trot and join the rear’ might help get pony used to the idea. Then a friend out hacking trot away then stop and wait. Gradually increase distance.

 

[Jasper151]

I had a horse that I used to ride who was a nightmare if another horse was in front, or we were overtaken. She spent most of her life in a riding school so always sought the comfort of the herd (any horse would do for her)! Annoyingly if we had other horses behind she just wasn't fast enough to stay in front (lots of racing yards around so no hope against them!). I knew she wouldn't do anything to unseat to me, so we just had to have the conversation each time, like Kat has mentioned above, get them working hard and thinking about the work rather than the need to catch up with the horse. Even when the horse had gone from our view the mare would still try and jog the whole way home unless she had seen them turn a different way, so stopping and waiting never worked for us. I remember one day making her trot up a huge hill thinking she would be knackered at the top and settle down - it didn't work, she tried to canter up the hill and was still a bit of a tit at the top!

Maybe ask some others on the yard to help you practice, go out together and separate, ask them to go a few minutes before you and try different approaches to find what works best for you and your horse.

 

[JGC]

I would talk to your instructor to (a) make a plan to how to deal with these situations and (b) see if she could actually hack out with you and do some work when you're out.

 

[Goldenstar]

Am I going to be the only one who is going to criticise the other rider her. She came across a less experienced rider, that she clearly knew was less experienced, on her pony out on its own and just charged off ahead on hers without any consideration. Meeting another horse and then parting from it on a hack is one of the most challenging things to teach a horse to cope with. Sometimes you just have to change your plans to help someone else out.

However of course it’s important that you can pull up your horse, or better prevent a bolt it necessary - definitely something to discuss with your instructor. I’m a fan of the Mullen mouth Pelham with rounding and a chain cover for hacking - but only if you're someone that hacks with a very light contact.

TBH you don’t know the other riders situation the horse could have been young on one of its first solo outing could been in rehab ,could have been a horse that kicks or dislikes other horse , it could have been appalling in company I had one of these I could only hack with people working for me because she was a complete PITA she was magically talented so we lived with it .
As a rider you need to be able to cope with your own horse or provide that horse with company you can’t be galloping up behind other riders it’s totally unacceptable.

 

[Gallop_Away]

Definitely get some advice from your instructor. My 13.2 could be a sod for tanking off out hacking. He used to just get himself over excited and want to hoon off the second his hooves touched grass.

What worked with him was feeling when he was about to whiz off and circling him. If he went to shoot off again, circle again. He was only allowed to go forward once he had calmed down and would walk nicely.

He is now used regularly for hunting and is a perfect wee gentleman hunting and hacking.

 

[irishdraft]

I think most horses if hacking on their own would probably want to catch up with a horse in front but not to the extent of galloping up behind them, I'm not sure if this was on a road OP because if it was or possibly could be then it is not acceptable. More schooling required and maybe some hacking with others where you could practice going in front or behind . Personally I would not get off and you certainly do not need to beat your pony . My own horse can get upset in this situation, I quite often meet a local riding school out hacking so I will generally go in another direction if that's not possible just keep the horse between hand and leg until you can either safely pass them or you can change direction.

 

[Horseysheepy]

Hi, have a shared or group lesson and practice ‘lead rider forward to trot and join the rear’ might help get pony used to the idea. Then a friend out hacking trot away then stop and wait. Gradually increase distance.

Best advice so far.

 

[ycbm]

Your pony's reaction was understandable, as you say, but simply not acceptable or excusable. To be honest you were lucky that the person who you galloped up behind helped you to get home safely and waited before speaking to you quietly later. Many people, especially in the heat of the moment when their own horse was upset by yours, (and could have caused a serious accident) would have bawled you out then and there.

I suggest, if you haven't already, you go and say sorry, and thank her for seeing you home safely . This is probably what she was "expecting you to say". If you can't face her, you could leave her a card with it written in.

I'm sure you can sort this, now that you're aware it's an issue. You've got some good advice above.
.

 

[PeterNatt]

The person on the other horse should have been, more responsible and hacked back with you rather than just gone off ahead of you and then once round the bend trotted off as this will upset most horses. It is not unusual for your horse to want to catch up with a horse that was ahead f them or accelerates away from them. I am sure that a qualified and competent instructor will teach you how to ensure that you have more control of your pony.

 

[ycbm]

The person on the other horse should have been, more responsible and hacked back with you rather than just gone off ahead of you and then once round the bend trotted off as this will upset most horses

Can't agree with you there Peter. People have a right to hack alone if they want to, and once there is some distance between you, and especially if you can get safely out of sight, then I think the best way to deal with this is usually to trot on sharply to get right away from the other horse. Not if you can see the other horse is kicking off, of course, but this one wasn't ("the other rider went round a corner and mine was still ok"). It's a situation that happened all the time when my hacking was a commercial farm ride. Riders also can't expect other people out on a ride to change their plans and take them home, they need to hack in company until they are sure they can control their horse in this situation.
.

 

[Georgie's mum]

It doesn't sound to me as if the other rider just charged off. She walked until turning a corner, at which point OP had many options, and even then the other rider did not charge off, just trotted. I would not expect someone to walk for miles just because they meet someone less experienced, and it sounds as if she was very kind in cutting short her ride and seeing OP safely back to the yard.

OP, it sounds as if you have a good attitude about taking advice, so talk to your instructor. I would also say that you seem to have the wrong idea about teaching horses manners. Those of us who have horses who might want to gallop after the other horse in this situation, but who would not dream of actually doing so, did not achieve this by 'beating them to within an inch of their life'. A mannerly horse is not one who is afraid of humans, but rather one who has been taught to trust them.

If you want to hack alone you need to be confident that you can control your horse in a variety of situations, so I would stick to hacking with someone else for now.

Edited to add that OP, I just saw your post in another thread saying that in your opinion it is not acceptable for anyone to trot in any circumstance if they are ahead of other horses. In busy areas this would have everyone condemned to only walking for some considerable distance. It is for us to be in control of our horses in normal situations, and in your case the other rider showed very good manners in walking until she was out of sight. It also does not sound as if she yelled at you when you came galloping up behind her, but kindly took you back home and simply asked if you had an instructor. Many would have had a lot more to say, and personally I would probably be buying her some small gift by way of apology.

We need to get away from this idea that others are responsible for our safety. Saying that your pony's reaction was 'understandable in the circumstances', or that no one can do anything but walk if there is a chance that our horse may see them is simply not reasonable. Speaking personally, in the situation of the other rider, once I had got some distance from you and rounded a corner I would have known that you had the opportunity to turn around for a short while if necessary, and carried on at any speed I wanted, probably a lot faster than a trot.

She did not see me back to the yard, or cut short her ride.