How far is too far to hack to a show?

[Finns]

We had intended to go to patchetts dressaging on monday but am having transport problems. We're 4.5 miles away (mainly on roads). Is that too far to hack? (I don't want to knacker pony out unncessarrily but it would be last chance for him to do a qualifier (and hence maybe qualify for winter regionals) before 31 November). Finns is reasonably fit - schooled about three times a week for 45 minutes and hacked out other days for about 45 mins. Would appreciate advice! Thanks.

 

[Thistle]

As long as you get there and back in daylight and take it steady I don't see a problem. Look at it as part of your warm up.

Don't forget HI Viz wear though

 

[pottamus]

If the horse is used to hacks of that distance then go for it, he will be fine! It does not matter so long as you can do it in the daylight hours. Have fun! Bet you will be more tired than your horse!!!! LOL!

 

[dieseldog]

When I was a child.... we didn't have any transport and I used to hack about 10 miles each way on my 12.2 pony.

 

[conniegirl]

I hacked 3 miles to a local show this year, did 3 ridden classes plus the championship then hacked all the way back. Pony managed to still be pulling like a steam train on the way back, and this was in july on one of the hottest weekends of the year.

 

[Saf]

All last year hacked to Merrist and back just made sure I did classes in daylight

Good luck

 

[star]

last 3yrs i hacked my horse to merrist wood and back again - it was 5 miles each way and took about an hour of walk and trot, mostly roadwork. used to go and 2 affiliated dressage classes - got some interesting looks turning up in my fluorescents, but he often won, so didn't affect his scores! he was used to it though and was in full and regular work.

 

[pixiebee]

rode my pony 2 hrs to a funride-the whole ride was about 8 hrs long which inlcuded alot of galloping and xc-still jogged all the way home!!!!

 

[SpruceRI]

If you think about what distance you cross when hunting, 10 miles is nothing.

 

[Finns]

Think I'll go for it then! He is in full work and at least our warm up will be shorter than normal!!
Thanks for the advice guys

 

[Happy Horse]

I had a horse I regularly hacked to shows. He was a git and often refused to go in the trailer and when he did this he would be hacked to the show and back! I think the longest was about 15 miles each way!