Losing my hacking nerves.

Fools Motto

Fools Motto

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I work with horses. Some don't hack, but the ones that do are generally very good. However, the hacking is beyond the worst hacking you can imagine, and the roads we use we also share with heavy haulage companies, and heavy plant businesses that seriously don't hang about and have no time for horses. I've had a few close calls, but nothing recently. However, I really have lost my nerve and avoid it if at all possible. I try to go out if my boss has told me to, I try to make much more effort at the weekends, but as each week passes, I'm finding myself worrying more and coming up with all excuses. i have never lost my nerve in any way shape or form before, so I'm finding it frightening.
I'm fine hacking anywhere else. One of the owners is looking into moving us, and oh my god, I so hope it works out as I really don't want to keep the horses in the arena all the time.

Does anyone here take any form of calmer to help? Or shall I just totally admit that where we are is not for me? I love my job in every other way.
 
Hi I'm not sure I can offer any advice but didn't want to read and run as it sounds like you are in a bit of a pickle with this being your work. If it was simply exercising your own horse you could just move I guess. Im not sure any amount of calmer or hypnosis would help me in that situation, but if you are normally confident and clearly are an experienced rider, then it might help. I see that the confident rider web site has hypnosis CDs for hacking which includes going out on roads. Is this something you might try, it does work for some people?
 
I'd say it is probably best to say how you're feeling before it gets any worse! Hopefully your boss is understanding and can help you address your anxieties. Google emotional freedom technique I've used this and found it very beneficial!!
 
From your description, it sounds as though your worries may actually be a pretty rational reaction to your situation, and to how safe you perceive it to be. I think you should probably talk it over with your boss, and make sure that if you do go out, you don't go out alone. Are you in a position to research and put into practice techniques for specifically desensitising horses to such heavy traffic?
 
I view it differently to you. I would not describe that as losing your nerve but gaining a sense of self preservation! It happens to everyone as they age. Not that I am calling you old! what I mean is teenagers have no fear a lot of the time. Once the though enters your mind that you are a mere mortal and not invincible as you once believed, you cannot help but be a little more cautious. It is natural and sensible. You may be the best rider on a well trained horse who would never spook, but you would still be dead if a huge lorry ran you down. I think your boss is being unreasonable to ask you to take that risk especially on a grooms wage.
 
Firefly9410 said:
I view it differently to you. I would not describe that as losing your nerve but gaining a sense of self preservation! It happens to everyone as they age. Not that I am calling you old! what I mean is teenagers have no fear a lot of the time. Once the though enters your mind that you are a mere mortal and not invincible as you once believed, you cannot help but be a little more cautious. It is natural and sensible. You may be the best rider on a well trained horse who would never spook, but you would still be dead if a huge lorry ran you down. I think your boss is being unreasonable to ask you to take that risk especially on a grooms wage.
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Completely agree. I'd never ride in those conditions.
 
Firefly9410 said:
I view it differently to you. I would not describe that as losing your nerve but gaining a sense of self preservation! It happens to everyone as they age. Not that I am calling you old! what I mean is teenagers have no fear a lot of the time. Once the though enters your mind that you are a mere mortal and not invincible as you once believed, you cannot help but be a little more cautious. It is natural and sensible. You may be the best rider on a well trained horse who would never spook, but you would still be dead if a huge lorry ran you down. I think your boss is being unreasonable to ask you to take that risk especially on a grooms wage.
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This totally. I think you are just being sensible. I have given up riding on roads that are not even as bad as ŷou describe because I don't feel safe. Your boss has a duty of care to you. If you do not feel safe then I think you should speak to your boss about it and take it from there. Your boss should be pleased that you are considering the horses safety as well as your own.
 
I agree with what kinnygirl1 says.

Over the years my friends and myself had to adjust our hacking to account for the increase and severity of traffic. There was a time when we could go on road hacks after work. Gradually it became impossible, and that was on fairly quiet roads. Nowadays I pick my times very carefully and wouldn't even bother with the roads if there was another way to get to the bridleways, and I'm very brave out hacking and my horse is pretty much bombproof in the heaviest of traffic, just don't see the point of taking needless risks.

To be honest, your nerves are perfectly understandable and your boss really should reconsider the wisdom of making you hack on these dangerous sounding roads. Especially if the horses aren't even your own.

You say you are confident hacking anywhere else which suggests your haven't actually lost your nerve.
 
It's not your nerve it's your common sense kicking in. Hacking on the roads today is quite frankly dicing with death. I got hit by a car years ago and was dragged on the road - my back never fully recovered. I'm sorry to say that riding these days is becoming less and less enjoyable and relaxing unless you are fortunate enough to be able to ride off-road.
 
Yes I agree with the majority here OP - you shouldn't be hacking and especially not alone in that situation. Try and discuss it with your boss but if you can't change it then your only option is to change jobs. Sorry that isn't what you want but this does sound very dangerous and your nerves are totally justified. Good luck x
 
Sorry about your predictament; that does nt sound like a fun element of your job - for you or the horses.
As others would suggest you speak to boss; I would also go in and be pro-active; perhaps as you say a lot of the traffic is these 'heavy plant' drivers- could you/boss speak to the managers there? Perhaps a few words to the drivers from the managers may help the situation?
I d also ask your boss for head cams so you can record what is happening- and generally seems a good deterrent. Plus you can show your boss- so if they are less sympathetic beforehand can see what is actually happening?
Good luck- stay safe and high vized up!!
 
I've been riding trail close to 30 years (oh my god, I just realized that)...as a teenager we used to spend a bit of time on really busy roads and every year there was a story of someone getting hurt or killed out there and more often than not the horse was killed. I won't do it anymore, and thinking back I'm amazed I did it. I'll do the hardest trail my horse can handle, mountains, bridges, mudding, you name it. I won't deal with heavy traffic for more than a very short jaunt and often I will get down and walk them for it. Even with my horses trained to deal with traffic, I've had too many close calls and too many drivers just don't give a damn.

I think you're worries are quite rational and your concerns should be brought up to your boss.
 
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