AmyMay
Situation normal
But that’s not what the other rider did. They were trotting as the op came around the corner. Not because the op was coming around the corner.
Let’s not create a scenario that didn’t happen ?
Horse wanting to catch up with others on a hack
- Thread starter Georgie's mum
- Start date
But that’s not what the other rider did. They were trotting as the op came around the corner. Not because the op was coming around the corner.
Let’s not create a scenario that didn’t happen ?
Kat
Well-Known Member
But in this case the OP wasn't struggling when in sight of the other rider who walked until out of sight.
It was only later when the OP struggled and the first the other rider knew of this was when the OP came galloping up from behind. At which point she allowed the OP to continue home with her.
I don't see what else the other rider could be expected to do.
And I say that as someone who has allowed a complete stranger to join me on a hack because her horse was upset at mine being in front but wouldn't pass mine. She did ask me nicely and apologise for intruding, so since then I always speak to her if I see her out, although we haven't found ourselves having join up since.
Mrs B
Well-Known Member
Nor would I. My rule is 'always ride to the level of the least capable rider in the group.' If I can see another rider's horse having a meltdown, of course I will stop/double back/wait.
But in all fairness to the other rider, the OP said her pony was still 'fine' at the point the other rider turned the corner.
What would you have the other rider do - keep popping back to check on her?
Winters100
Well-Known Member
But this is not what happened. The other rider acted reasonably in walking at her horses normal pace, which was faster than the pace of a 13.2, until out of sight. At this point OP says her pony was fine, and remained fine until she rounded the corner. She was not having any problem with the horse that the other rider could see, and did not indicate to the other rider that she might have a problem if they trotted, which the other rider had the good manners to wait until they were out of sight to do.
OP has also written on another thread:
'I don't think its acceptable to trot ahead of someone AT ALL unless you are already part of the hack. Even then, you should ask the others on the hack if they are ready to trot. I went through the same situation recently and my pony held out for a while, but then it all became too much and she galloped up to join the one in front. I was told that I was out of control and that she shouldn't have done that. Well, horses are herd animals, and it was only the third time we'd been out on our own.'
So basically OP feels that no one can get out of a walk when there are any other horses in the vicinity, even if you have waited until out of sight to do so.
It is not the fact that a new owner made a mistake that people are critical of, but rather the attitude that this is just something unavoidable, because horses are pack animals and she is a new owner. She also seems to object to being told that she was out of control, well unless she had intended to gallop up to the other horse then yes, she was.
motherof2beasts!
Well-Known Member
My boy can do the same, managed to avoid the galloping bit. If a horse is hacking towards him he’s fine , doesn’t try to follow but if behind anyone /thing he’ll try to follow, including other horses, walkers, cyclists! He is a very nervous boy and had never been out alone till I got him.
what I do now is circle him or make him go a completely different direction and redirect his mind all together. In the early days of our partnership if I felt he’d gone beyond nervous and more like a bomb I’d get off and lead but he’s always calmed instantly if he can follow me !
what I do now is circle him or make him go a completely different direction and redirect his mind all together. In the early days of our partnership if I felt he’d gone beyond nervous and more like a bomb I’d get off and lead but he’s always calmed instantly if he can follow me !
JFTDWS
Well-Known Member
The correct response to galloping up behind someone and upsetting their horse is "I'm so sorry, I didn't realise he would react like that and I clearly need to revisit his training. Are you Ok?". Not "horses are herd animals, you shouldn't have trotted!"
We've all been in situations where things haven't gone to plan, but most of us manage to remember our manners, and remember that we are responsible for keeping ourselves and others safe when we go out in public.
We've all been in situations where things haven't gone to plan, but most of us manage to remember our manners, and remember that we are responsible for keeping ourselves and others safe when we go out in public.
JFTDWS
Well-Known Member
Howdy, how's it going? Thanks, I'm still doing archery (when it's not miserable weather at least!) and I've joined a low budget fun re-enactment type group for more madcap adventures in the future. If I ever do anything interesting enough to be worthy of a thread, we'll see...!
The Xmas Furry
🦄 🦄
Absolutely this!
Manners and politeness go a very long way, both seemingly getting very rare in the current climate.......
Cortez
Tough but Fair
Welcome back! We've missed you.
Crazy_cat_lady
Well-Known Member
I don't ride anymore but mine used to be very excitable if he heard the hunt when we were out, or could see another horse ahead, or one memorable occasion when we came across the driving society with multiple horses and carriages!
I'd bridge my reins if he lit up, it gave me more purchase so he couldn't yank his head down and run off, that's rude. He may have jogged along but he never ran off to catch up, if he had he'd have been going back the way we came! I almost always hacked him in his 3 ring gag too, although only on the top least severe ring, after the time he heard the hunt when he was in his snaffle. Again he didn't run off but he took a very keen hold. While we mostly slopped along on a loose rein, having the gag gave me that extra bit of control if he did get silly. 99% of the time he didn't need it, but it was there if I did. I also put it on if we were in company as some of the people I went with were nervy, so it was important I had him under control and where they needed him to be (behind them)
I also wouldn't expect to have to stay walking if i passed someone else, I'd get til I was a good distance away or round a corner then trot on to put a bigger gap between us, while glancing back to check they weren't in trouble
If he was being a real moron, he was made to leg yeild one way then the other. The only time he ran with me was because a herd of cows came up the part of road we were on, rather than carry on along the turning they were supposed to. Me and my friend thought we'd turn and walk to keep ahead of them, bad move off they took! Fortunately able to direct them towards a wall and they stopped, we paused for breath then continued on the way we'd been going.
I'd be going out regularly, mine used to nap when I first took him out alone, so if he planted off I'd get and we'd go a bit on foot. He ended up a buckle hack (hunt and carriages not withstanding!!). I also didn't walk the whole way home and would gallop some of the fields on the way home. But we mainly hacked alone, another reason I liked hacking alone as I could choose what I wanted to do. But in company, he would stay behind and walk if they wanted to.
I'd be going out in company lots of changes of who goes in front of behind,. different paces etc. They need to be able to cope with all sorts of different scenarios hacking to make it safe for those around. Could an instructor ride her and recreate the scenario you came across so you can see how they manage it. That's another reason I bridged my reins if I could feel mine lighting up, so it never got to the point where he could get away from me
I'd bridge my reins if he lit up, it gave me more purchase so he couldn't yank his head down and run off, that's rude. He may have jogged along but he never ran off to catch up, if he had he'd have been going back the way we came! I almost always hacked him in his 3 ring gag too, although only on the top least severe ring, after the time he heard the hunt when he was in his snaffle. Again he didn't run off but he took a very keen hold. While we mostly slopped along on a loose rein, having the gag gave me that extra bit of control if he did get silly. 99% of the time he didn't need it, but it was there if I did. I also put it on if we were in company as some of the people I went with were nervy, so it was important I had him under control and where they needed him to be (behind them)
I also wouldn't expect to have to stay walking if i passed someone else, I'd get til I was a good distance away or round a corner then trot on to put a bigger gap between us, while glancing back to check they weren't in trouble
If he was being a real moron, he was made to leg yeild one way then the other. The only time he ran with me was because a herd of cows came up the part of road we were on, rather than carry on along the turning they were supposed to. Me and my friend thought we'd turn and walk to keep ahead of them, bad move off they took! Fortunately able to direct them towards a wall and they stopped, we paused for breath then continued on the way we'd been going.
I'd be going out regularly, mine used to nap when I first took him out alone, so if he planted off I'd get and we'd go a bit on foot. He ended up a buckle hack (hunt and carriages not withstanding!!). I also didn't walk the whole way home and would gallop some of the fields on the way home. But we mainly hacked alone, another reason I liked hacking alone as I could choose what I wanted to do. But in company, he would stay behind and walk if they wanted to.
I'd be going out in company lots of changes of who goes in front of behind,. different paces etc. They need to be able to cope with all sorts of different scenarios hacking to make it safe for those around. Could an instructor ride her and recreate the scenario you came across so you can see how they manage it. That's another reason I bridged my reins if I could feel mine lighting up, so it never got to the point where he could get away from me
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
Oh please, that sounds such fun. Brighten up our dull winter days a bit, nobody else does archery or "low budget fun reenactment". I'm imagining a lot of painted cardboard and knitted chain mail ?
.
SEL
Well-Known Member
My 4yo was a complete **** the first time we met two horses on the road coming towards us. Drivers aren't the most considerate on this road so that also fed into the actions taken.
Firstly when I felt him grow to 19h of snorting dragon I stopped him and started talking to him. I also called ahead to the other riders saying hi, he's just 4 and I think he's finding it all a bit exciting. They rode past slowly and when the ridiculous plunging started I asked if they'd mind stopping so I could hop off and walk him in the opposite direction. Lots of pleases and thank yous because I don't want to be known as the lady who can't control her horse!!
I've hopped off one other time but otherwise just make him stand and listen to me before walking on. The tantrums are now practically non existent.
Yes they're herd animals but they also need to learn to stand, wait and go at the pace their human wants. Takes time and patience but I think the other rider was very tolerant. You could always have called ahead and asked if she'd mind waiting.
Firstly when I felt him grow to 19h of snorting dragon I stopped him and started talking to him. I also called ahead to the other riders saying hi, he's just 4 and I think he's finding it all a bit exciting. They rode past slowly and when the ridiculous plunging started I asked if they'd mind stopping so I could hop off and walk him in the opposite direction. Lots of pleases and thank yous because I don't want to be known as the lady who can't control her horse!!
I've hopped off one other time but otherwise just make him stand and listen to me before walking on. The tantrums are now practically non existent.
Yes they're herd animals but they also need to learn to stand, wait and go at the pace their human wants. Takes time and patience but I think the other rider was very tolerant. You could always have called ahead and asked if she'd mind waiting.
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
Georgie's mum can I ask how old you are? Because the only thing which would excuse this attitude, that everyone should hack at the pace you dictate, even total strangers with no connection to you who just happened to come across you on a hack, would be if you are young.
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Winters100
Well-Known Member
It is definitely worth a thread, preferably with lots of pictures!
HashRouge
Well-Known Member
I agree with all of this. I feel a bit sorry for the OP - her post didn't come across as blaming the other rider, I thought she was just upset by the other rider's implication that the horse has got worse since she's had it (which sounds a bit unfair). I also don't know why people are assuming the OP didn't apologise to the other rider when her horse charged up behind her - she certainly hasn't said this unless I've missed a post?
As for the horse's behaviour - obviously far from ideal, but it sounds like this is something that hasn't happened before and came a bit out of the blue, so I'm not sure the OP deserves the telling off she's getting on this thread. Obviously now she knows this is something her horse might be prone to, she can find ways of dealing with it and perhaps go back to hacking in company until she is confident the horse will be more settled and behave better in a situation like this.
Arzada
Well-Known Member
AmyMay
Situation normal
Are we outing the OP for (now) being 68, or wondering if they were good enough to have a horse three years ago?
Gloi
Too little time, too much to read.
Interesting. Feel a bit sorry for the OP now and wonder if they just haven't yet learnt a good technique for managing a pony that wants to go faster than they do.
JBM
Well-Known Member
Disagree I’ve (I hope) always been extremely apologetic if Ive done anything stupid with my horse around someone else
Young people can still have manners! Even tho it’s less common
JFTDWS
Well-Known Member
I didn't intend to de-rail the OP's thread 
Cheers, hope you're well, I've certainly missed your contributions / historical / classical dressage genius in my absence too!
That's quite an image! Sadly the armour is one side they take pretty seriously, so no funky knitted chain mail for me! No fun horse reenactment stuff going on at the moment due to winter, all my reenactment games are dismounted sword waggling. I'll come back with photos after the next summer season I hope
Alas, there are no pictures, and nobody likes a thread without photos!
Cheers, hope you're well, I've certainly missed your contributions / historical / classical dressage genius in my absence too!
That's quite an image! Sadly the armour is one side they take pretty seriously, so no funky knitted chain mail for me! No fun horse reenactment stuff going on at the moment due to winter, all my reenactment games are dismounted sword waggling. I'll come back with photos after the next summer season I hope
Alas, there are no pictures, and nobody likes a thread without photos!
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
You probably need to be careful who overhears you say that ???
JFTDWS
Well-Known Member
*sniggers*
Now that's a HHO trope I've missed - straight into the gutter, with knobs on!
My rapier is longer and sharper than anything else one might be waggling at me
Kat
Well-Known Member
Longer and sharper than Mr Nicholson's swiss roll? ?
*sniggers*
Now that's a HHO trope I've missed - straight into the gutter, with knobs on!
My rapier is longer and sharper than anything else one might be waggling at me
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Hi good to see you again .
JFTDWS
Well-Known Member
Hackback
Well-Known Member
In my experience endurance type pleasure rides are brilliant for getting horses used to other horses being about but keeping a distance. It's also good practice for the humans to get used to the etiquette of checking with slower riders if it's safe to pass and making way for faster riders go in front and continue at their desired pace.
Obviously I wouldn't suggest the OP take her horse on her own at this stage, but going with a friend or in a small group might help take the edge off the excitement.
Obviously I wouldn't suggest the OP take her horse on her own at this stage, but going with a friend or in a small group might help take the edge off the excitement.
Caol Ila
Well-Known Member
Noticed this thread because JFTDWS popped up on my 'newest posts.' Welcome back.
To say a word on topic, my old horse used to lose her sh*t when she saw a horse in the distance. She wouldn't bolt or run up to them or bother them in any way, but I knew I was about to have a bad time. It got better with exposure and got worse when we were at quiet yards where we didn't encounter many other people hacking.
To say a word on topic, my old horse used to lose her sh*t when she saw a horse in the distance. She wouldn't bolt or run up to them or bother them in any way, but I knew I was about to have a bad time. It got better with exposure and got worse when we were at quiet yards where we didn't encounter many other people hacking.
Scoti1420
Well-Known Member
My main thought reading this has been - what if the horse is from another yard and isn't going to the same home you are? If they are out doing fitness work do you follow them until they are done?
Not being able to separate from them might take you miles away!
Not being able to separate from them might take you miles away!
Boulty
Well-Known Member
I think there's fault on both sides here... Yes obviously galloping up behind people because your horse has had a bit of a meltdown isn't ideal. She was well within her rights to come & have a word & advise you to get some help but it was out of line for her to make implications that your horse's behaviour has deteriorated since you bought it if this isn't the case & this was a one off incident.
I think most of us have had incidents where we've briefly lost control & potentially put other people in danger. I had a horse bolt down a road with me because he was mortally terrified of a cow that looked at him funny, we crashed through 2 other riders I was out with when they tried to block him in & took them several hundred metres down the road with us until they were able to pull up. Obviously I didn't know that cows eat horses & would not in a million years have anticipated such an overreaction. I learnt to catch him in the millisecond before he launched himself & he learnt not to run away from things that scared him at warp speed ( well not for more than a few paces anyway, although I'm not sure that the teleporting sideways was MUCH of an improvement if I'm honest!). It took a heck of a lot of groundwork & walking out inhand plus a lot of hacking out with very confident, calm horses & riders to improve this.
Same horse had an incident where one of his cheekpieces snapped & I lost brakes & steering leading to galloping across ground that definitely shouldn't have been crossed at that speed until the person I was with was eventually able to pull up.
I've also been out with plenty of people who've had "little moments". The funniest of which was out in a group on a multiday ride everyone setting off like the clappers at full tilt on our first canter / gallop. Thought we were going a tad fast for rock hard chalk when we still had nearly 50 miles to cover in the next few days but figured it must have been intentional as person in front was extremely experienced. Turned out they'd had total brake failure in a bitless bridle which became apparent when they had to turn into a hedge to stop!
Anyway basically it can happen to us all sometimes. I probably wouldn't go out completely alone again until you're happy you've got a solution for dealing with it (speaking to your instructor would be a good start & doing lots of mixing up the order out hacking with others, maybe practice having an ever increasing gap between you in both walk & trot for short periods?)
I think most of us have had incidents where we've briefly lost control & potentially put other people in danger. I had a horse bolt down a road with me because he was mortally terrified of a cow that looked at him funny, we crashed through 2 other riders I was out with when they tried to block him in & took them several hundred metres down the road with us until they were able to pull up. Obviously I didn't know that cows eat horses & would not in a million years have anticipated such an overreaction. I learnt to catch him in the millisecond before he launched himself & he learnt not to run away from things that scared him at warp speed ( well not for more than a few paces anyway, although I'm not sure that the teleporting sideways was MUCH of an improvement if I'm honest!). It took a heck of a lot of groundwork & walking out inhand plus a lot of hacking out with very confident, calm horses & riders to improve this.
Same horse had an incident where one of his cheekpieces snapped & I lost brakes & steering leading to galloping across ground that definitely shouldn't have been crossed at that speed until the person I was with was eventually able to pull up.
I've also been out with plenty of people who've had "little moments". The funniest of which was out in a group on a multiday ride everyone setting off like the clappers at full tilt on our first canter / gallop. Thought we were going a tad fast for rock hard chalk when we still had nearly 50 miles to cover in the next few days but figured it must have been intentional as person in front was extremely experienced. Turned out they'd had total brake failure in a bitless bridle which became apparent when they had to turn into a hedge to stop!
Anyway basically it can happen to us all sometimes. I probably wouldn't go out completely alone again until you're happy you've got a solution for dealing with it (speaking to your instructor would be a good start & doing lots of mixing up the order out hacking with others, maybe practice having an ever increasing gap between you in both walk & trot for short periods?)
Boulty
Well-Known Member
PS *waves at JFTDWS* I thought it was you replying to my thread the other day but your reply was far too sensible so wasn't sure I'd remembered the right acronym! Looking forward to much more lowering of the tone with sword innuendos & to reenactment & archery pics (preferably reenactment WITH archery or is that not allowed for H&S reasons?)