Loan Horse problems

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samleigh

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I've a horse on full loan for 3 months, he's coming on amazing in his schooling work, really works and tries hard & I'm enjoying my lessons with my trainer with him, but I don't compete at all, I like to hack we're based in lovely countryside, I was aware he had issues with hacking but not that they were so severe. I thought a confident rider and plenty of hacking would be enough. He spins in the road at almost all traffic...hates traffic coming up behind him, loud engines, quiet bikes.. We hack slightly better with company in fact I won't hack him alone at all anymore he's dangerous, unfortunately not many people will hack with me as he makes them nervous and others just aren't available when I am..so we're stuck in the school. Should I cut my losses and give notice on this loan.
 
Have you spoken to the owner about these problems?

It sounds as if he's simply not used to traffic, and may not have much experience of hacking on the roads....(?)
 
3 months isnt a very long time to have given him to get used to hacking. Is there someone around who could walk out on foot with you to give him a bit more confidence? A pony I used to have a loan was a nightmare to hack and it took me and her owner a good year to get her to behave on the roads. We would take it turns, one would ride and one would walk. She was alot better with someone walking with her rather than another horse being with her. Now she is perfect on the roads. It will take time but is worth it in the end. Dont give up on him too soon
 
Were you made to believe the issues could be resolved or was that just an assumption you made?

I would speak to the owners. But be aware that if you're trying to do something you were told the horse wouldn't do then the aren't going to be very happy. At the end of the day though you are paying to keep this horses and if you're not happy with him then it's within your rights to send him back, the beauty of loaning :)

It does also depend on the horses age etc and as has been said 3 months isn't long really
 
I also see from your previous post that the horse has been out of work for 5 years - so again it's going to be understandable that there may be an issue with hacking....
 
Thanks everyone for the advise...so 50/50 with him. I am maybe impatient, been very lucky in my years of riding that this is the 1st horse I've had with problems, used to getting on and going. I shared my last ride & he was a pleasure & only ended due to her moving and taking the horse with her :( He is fraying my nerves hacking, we've been rearing, running backwards the works..I took advise from others who said hard work and a routine would do wonders but not yet...crystal ball anyone!
 
I have a couple of suggestions.
1) Get someone to walk out with you on foot when you hack out.
2) Do loops only, don't do hacks where you turn around and go home.
3) Perhaps lead him out a few times in hand to get him used to traffic?
4) Is it possible to turn him out beside a road?
5) Get an instructor to help you.
After this its time and patience.
 
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