Please Help - Scared to hack out!

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LittleSoph

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Well, it's becoming increasingly apparent that I have a bit of a phobia of hacking! I have no idea why as I've never had a major issue whilst out hacking but it just scares the life out of me.

At the same time though, I'd like nothing more than to be able to saddle up and plod out around the lanes whenever I feel like it, rather than have no option other than to go in the school.

We have 950 acres of off road hacking straight out the back of our yard, but there are often farm machinary around which worries me. We also have nice roads to hack round out the front of the yard. But I just get myself in a panic when I go out on him.
I've walked him out in hand/long reined him up the track a few times and he's been fine, but as soon as I get on I'm soooo nervous!

Any ideas/tips to help me get over this as I'd just LOVE so much to feel confident out and about. So far I've only got as far as the corner of the end of one field and only ever with someone walking with us (which is rarely a possiblity as everyone is always busy)... pretty pathetic really! I want to be able to explore and relax... but I just can't seem to allow myself to.
 
You have to be really tough with yourself and just make yourself go out for a little wander, start off just literally 5 mins and turn back..you'll gain confidence!! Good luck! By the way..when I get scared, I generally sing 10 green bottles!! Talking to my horse helps too! You'll find ways of calming yourself down. Good luck!!
 
I'd try setting yourself little targets. For example to the end of one lane and back and when you're happy doing that try going a bit further. Don't push yourself to go out for a big long hack just do 5 or 10 minutes and build up from there. Good luck with it and I'm sure you'll quickly get more confident!
 
Work in the school for a bit then go for a wander down the lanes?

We often ride in the school, then walk off on a short hack of 20/30mins, just chatting. You kind of end up there before you have realised.
 
As you have a school, why not go in there for half an hour then go for your 5/10min hack. Lovely way to cool down after a schooling session.
 
I used to be a Trek leader for 3 years & hacking out didn't bother me at all until I had a baby 6 months ago & for some reason i'm a nervous wreck. It all starts as i'm about to mount. I start shaking & I go all wobbly & if i see something further ahead that i think my horse might spook at the first thing i want to do is jump off and lead him past but I just grit my teeth & try my hardest to get past that point & 9 times out of 10 he won't even look at this scary thing that im terrified of. When we get back from hacking I feel so pleased that I can't wait for the next day, but i'm still the same nervous wreck as the day before. Im alot more confident riding out in company.
 
I can completely sympathise, I found when I got my horse that I was really nervous about hacking for no reason - and then getting annoyed with myself for being nervous (which doesn't help). Don't despair though, last Sunday I went for a canter in company, rode past pigs etc and was fine, which was unheard of six months ago.

Things that have helped:

Can you find someone to hack out with? People usually say a nice, steady horse but what helped me most was hacking out with a recently started youngster. This was because his rider was happy to take it slowly, spend ages giving him a chance to look at scary objects, get off and walk for a bit etc.

Try to reduce the difference between walking him in-hand and riding (in other words do half-and-half, get on when your happy and off again when you start getting nervous). This is obviously only any good if you can get on easily and it doesn't irritate your horse too much.

I use a scented spray called Pax which is supposed to cover up the scent of you being nervous to avoid it affecting your horse too much. Probably just a placebo for me, but if it helps I don't care why.

Have a go at self-hypnosis, you can save money on the Confident Rider hacking one by buying and downloading it online.

Make sure you're happy in your mind that you've done everything to make yourself safe. It's not helpful if you get out of the yard and realise you have no mobile phone.

Most of all, don't be afraid to praise yourself for each achievement. It's no good saying things like 'I only walked around the lanes for half an hour on my own, everyone else does that all the time', you have to be saying 'wow, I would never have done that a month ago and it went really well'.
 
"I've just placed an order for a 'Hacking With Confidence Confident Rider Hypnosis CD'
Who knows if it'll work. It could be a load of rubbish... but it's got to be worth a go!"

"Have a go at self-hypnosis, you can save money on the Confident Rider hacking one by buying and downloading it online."

Sorry, our posts crossed!

I have found it helpful - not a miracle cure but has a definate affect. It's difficult to find a 3/4hr slot to do it when I won't be interrupted though, especially since if I listen to it in the evening I fall asleep. I found it had the most affect if I listened to it on a Saturday morning and then immediately went to the stables and went for a hack.
 
Do you feel any different if you lead your horse out? is it the fact that your going out and seeing things on board your horse or just in general?
 
Hi I know exactly how you feel. I wouldn't mind but 10 yr ago, I was the hacking Queen of North Yourkshire
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I studied for my degree on my old boy! Then as he got older (still acts 4) we didn't go as far and silly things used to scare me, ME that is not my boy, he couldn't have cared less!! I am slowly dealing with this by dropping myself straight in the deepend
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I bought a 2yo, backed him etc and now (at 5 although we strted sooner) I make myself hack out, everywhere
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he isnt naughty, he has no reason to kill me and I can ride - well thats what I tell myself and it works. The more you do, the easier it is. Put a neck strap on and a back protector - for phsycological reasons if nothing else. It is loads of fun! Good luck
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Oh, I read your blog about you and Freddie and it was brilliant. You have come such a long way the pair of you, with some ups and some downs, I know.

After a particularly bad fall, not from my boy, I lost all my confidence, didn't even want to get on. My friend, who I shall be indebted to for the rest of my life, rode him first so I could see he wasn't going to do anything - do you have someone who rides similar to you to do this for you? I walked behind and saw he was okay. Next I got on but not without a lead rein. Again, it only took a few 100 yards for me to realise he was not going to do a thing but I stayed on lead rein until confident enough to say take it off. One day we arranged to ride out on lead rein again and she didn't turn up. I had already tacked him up and told my OH to lock himself in the stable and not come out, I was going to get on. I got on and ventured up the lane to the end. I was so nervous but my boy did not bat an eyelid. I turned round and rode back.

I think however far back you need to regress, to a leadrein, whatever, take things slowly. My confidence built up and even when we have had the ocassional spook or whatever I know that he isn't going to do anything major, he wouldn't totally flip out or anything so I just stay calm and talk to him and onwards we go.

I am sure Freddie isn't nasty in anyway, more worried about things so he needs you to show him theres nothing to worry about.

As I said, take things really slowly, almost at a standstill and everything footstep you take is one towards you getting your confidence.

xxx
 
Kenzo, I have NO problem with him in hand atall. He's an angel and I'm 100% confident leading him out. It's just an entirely different story when I'm in the saddle, daft I know.

I think the fact he bolted in the school the other week didn't help. I'm worried that if he sees something he doesn't like he'll just run.

Archiesmum, thanks for reading our diary. I just like to keep it to look back on. We have come quite a long way, especially as I lost my confidence three(ish) years ago to the point where I couldn't even get on my old pony. It's taken me so long to get that back and my fall recently really knocked me for six. I just get so frustrated with myself and feel like I'm letting Freddie down.
 
Have you tried Rescue Remedy?

You sound very similar to me, i am absolutely fine long reining and leading, but i get scared he will throw me off!

You have to start small. Get on, walk to the end of your drive and get off.

Next day, end of drive and 5 minuets, following day +5 mins etc etc.

Take it one step at a time.
 
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Kenzo, I have NO problem with him in hand atall. He's an angel and I'm 100% confident leading him out. It's just an entirely different story when I'm in the saddle, daft I know.

I think the fact he bolted in the school the other week didn't help. I'm worried that if he sees something he doesn't like he'll just run.

Archiesmum, thanks for reading our diary. I just like to keep it to look back on. We have come quite a long way, especially as I lost my confidence three(ish) years ago to the point where I couldn't even get on my old pony. It's taken me so long to get that back and my fall recently really knocked me for six. I just get so frustrated with myself and feel like I'm letting Freddie down.

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No its not daft at all, your no doubt actually being 'too sensible' for your own good (and I mean that in a nice way if that makes sense) which probably makes you over value the risk factors on things, ''what if this happened and then that happened because of that'' etc

I completely understand because when riding something that is rather sharp or youngsters etc you are taking those extra risk and it not just based on trust, it is just purely putting yourself in danger and hoping that all goes well.

I think you need to concentrate on reminding yourself that your have a lovely cob who like you say is pretty much rock solid, and you could be on something a hell of lot worse in which case you'd need to have these worries.

Riding in the school first and once you feel your are confident, take a trundle around the yard/farm and treat it like small hack. Or ask your YO if you can ride in a big open field that is on the yard/farm where you feel close by and are safely in fenced in, if your horse does bolt again, maybe this would actually be a good place for him to do it so you can grab the bull by the horns and learn to tackle it and it won't feel like such a big thing to worry about, so I'd get your confidence up doing this before going out, because although you may only go a few minutes up the road, its a big step and although you can make yourself do it, you can't make yourself feel ok about, so you need to feel mentally ready for it before you do, before even try and get out of the yard, otherwise it won't be enjoyable and then its pointless.

Having someone with you will also help, a friend on a bike for example, it really does help.

You'll get here hun
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I know how you feel. I had a lot of problems after an accident last year and totally lost my nerve, to the point where I parted company with my horse. Determined not to give up, I bought the most wonderful lad who is helping me.

Anyway, I have found these things helped:

Rescue remedy. Start taking it a while before you plan to ride.
Wear a neck strap (or an 'oh sh!t' strap as I call it)
Always plan a route carefully
Take someone with you. Preferably on foot, they can do gates etc and also be a calming influence.
Breathe deeply - you will be surprised at how this can help.
Don't try to do too much - little and often is good.
If you are in a bad mood or have had a bad day - give it a miss, have a cuddle and a grooming session instead.
Sing or chat to the horse. My lad knows all sorts of gossip and all the lastest tunes.
Remeber to take your phone - its a good psychological crutch.
Don't be too hard on yourself. We all have problems, wanting to get them sorted is a really good start.


Finally - try to enjoy it. Have a look around you and enjoy the scenery, give your horse a pat and remember why you do all this.

Good luck.
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I used to be terrified of hacking - didn't do it for literally years. In the end, I had a job where I had to hack out polo ponies - 5 a day, ride and lead, 6 days a week, for 3 months. I got over my hacking phobia
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Then I had a bad fall and gave up riding for over 4 years - I've only just started again. I had a few lessons in the school, then took my friends quiet cob for a plod up the road (she's now my share horse!). Friend walked with me with a lead rein in case I got really nervous. Then I went on a 2 hour hack from the RS I go to - on their most sensible confidence giving cob. I just wanted to walk, but felt so good once I was on, that we ended up cantering everywhere we could
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Back to share horsey - we did the same route a few times, going out with friends on their horses, then went up to the woods with a fellow livery who used to teach me years ago (so I trusted her). We just walked, but it was a nice hack.

We've progressed on from there - I'm happy going to the woods, plodding round the lanes and into fields, and we even rode up the main road into the village and past the supermarket last weekend.

So, the point of my rather long waffle is to say - take small steps, do a little more each time, and you'll soon relax and enjoy it more
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I have been here so I can totally sympathise. I used to do a bit in the school and then just go up and down the lane, no more than 5 mins. I also got friends or OH to walk or cycle alongside, and we always took a leadrope in case i got into difficulties (never did!). I then started making my hacks a little bit longer, or going out with someone else. Also sometimes I took George for a walk in hand to familiarise himself with a route and then I would ride him along that route. It has taken time, but I have got there, maybe not 100% but I do enjoy my hacks now.

Good luck.
 
Thanks guys. After reading these I'm SOO determined to get out hacking!!!
I've decided getting him going well in the school is going to take a backseat because I think I use it a bit as a reason not to hack. I think my confidence has got to be paramount importance now and I'm going to work hard on getting him hacking down that lane. We have fabulous hacking and I have an amazing little horse, it's about time I made the most of both.
 
havent read all the replies so apologies if i am repeating whats already been said. Have been going through a similar thing with my loan horse and found the best thing to be going out with others who are 100% (assuming there are some on your yard). Have also hacked out with the owner which helps so much as she knows him inside out and just says oh hes fine with X or Y (lorries etc.)

hope you manage to overcome it
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First off have to say your boy looks georgeous.
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Getting confidence isn't easy to start with, I havent read the other posts so I may be repeating others.

You need to push yourself a little bit at a time, if you can ride out a little every day and push your limit each time your confidence will gradually improve, I take it your beastie is a sensible hack, even if he faffs a bit at things like stuff in the fields, do it a bit at a time together, sing to him talk to him, it may take some time but it can be done, I speak from personal experience, if you can get a sensible person to hack out with you who can encourage not bully this will help, I found riding everday really sorted out my riding and confidence, ride his and your backside off and I gaurantee things will get better.
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Pity your not near me as I would love to help as I have been through this myself.
 
RachaelStar is who to talk to about this, until a month or so again she'd only ride in the school/confined spaces and was petrified of riding on grass. She has pictures up jumping in a field now, so whatever she did has worked!
 
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You have to be really tough with yourself and just make yourself go out for a little wander, start off just literally 5 mins and turn back..you'll gain confidence!! Good luck! By the way..when I get scared, I generally sing 10 green bottles!! Talking to my horse helps too! You'll find ways of calming yourself down. Good luck!!

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I second this advice, you have to push yourself, albeit slowly, and singing and whistling can help
 
When I go out on hack alone I take a pack of polos in pocket then if I or horse feel nervous then we have a polo "picnic" to forget our fears!!!!!
 
Is there anything else in your life that's stressing you out? I always found I got nervous riding when it was something else in my life stressing me out, not the riding itself.

Riding shoud be fun. If you are miserable hacking then don't force yourself to do it. Everyone is different. Fot some people forcing themselves works - for me it never did - just made things worse. Its important to build your confidence in your horse and his confidence in you. If that means going on a leadrein so be it. Who cares? Soon you will be asking to have it taken off when you are confident nothing will go wrong. If you do force yourself to hack and are nervous and miserable that's going to be passed through to your horse and he is far more likely to spook or be silly. After all if mum is scared then there must be something scarey out there surely? A fall will just make matters a lot worse.

A friend recently went on a weekend hypnosis course for nervous riders adn found it really worked. May be worth considering if you find the CD useful but not quite getting there.
 
Just wanted to also say that for me, hacking out on a completely bombproof horse (a 5 year old arab stallion no less) in heavier and heavier traffic really helped me. I gained confidence in myself which I was then able to pass on to the original horse instead of her picking up on my fear.
 
Have been there too!
Great advice fom everyone. I also found Gelsemmium homeopathic pills helped a lot.
Then hacked out really early in the morning. Less traffic and also less people at the yard so less pressure.
Your horse sounds lovely, enjoy him.
 
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