AShetlandBitMeOnce
Well-Known Member
Just wondering how you guys hack?
I see hacking as 'down-time' or 'fun-time' of sorts, compared to when I need his full concentration and for him to really work in the school. I therefore allow him to meander a little, I also let him walk along like a llama horse.
Now, due to recent spooking issues, I have begun to retain a good contact and ask him to be more forward, when I have the contact he then rides 'on the bit' as I have been working really hard lately on getting him to work properly, so this is great.
However, I cannot help but feel a little bad that I am asking him to work and concentrate during the only times he gets off the yard.
But then again, I would like him to be fit enough to do the hunt season next year. I currently school 4 times a week (weekdays, flat work, he works up a sweat) and 1 hack at the weekend (between 5-8 miles, hills, short gallop, 30% roadwork). I can do a 5 mile hack after work when the clocks change, but I can't help but feel that this isn't going to be good enough.
What would you do for the best?
I see hacking as 'down-time' or 'fun-time' of sorts, compared to when I need his full concentration and for him to really work in the school. I therefore allow him to meander a little, I also let him walk along like a llama horse.
Now, due to recent spooking issues, I have begun to retain a good contact and ask him to be more forward, when I have the contact he then rides 'on the bit' as I have been working really hard lately on getting him to work properly, so this is great.
However, I cannot help but feel a little bad that I am asking him to work and concentrate during the only times he gets off the yard.
But then again, I would like him to be fit enough to do the hunt season next year. I currently school 4 times a week (weekdays, flat work, he works up a sweat) and 1 hack at the weekend (between 5-8 miles, hills, short gallop, 30% roadwork). I can do a 5 mile hack after work when the clocks change, but I can't help but feel that this isn't going to be good enough.
What would you do for the best?