Riding a new horse for the first time

Always in the school, at least you're contained! Think it feels safer. I wouldn't have the guts to hack out on a brand new horse! :eek:

I think it was my boy's first ever time in a school when I trialled him: he trotted on tiptoes all the way round trying to look at himself in the mirrors that were placed for the massive 17hh warmbloods (he's a little 15hh cob!)
 
I haven't got a school, so always have to hack out. Our lanes are quiet and I'm confident anyway. I think wherever you ride, alone or with company, you need to be quiet and confident, so let that affect your decision.
 
And depends if the horse knows the area. If he's used to hacking there, I guess hacking would be ok. If he's new to the yard, school.
 
School or section of field I think, but it depends, if you've ridden the horse a few times already when viewing etc you might feel more confident. I probably wouldn't mind a hack in company but alone might be a bit much.
 
I've jumped on loads of horses that I haven't ridden before and taken them hunting or exercise for polo. If you work on a yard, that's what you do - jump on and get on with it.

Basically it depends on the horse - has it done the job before? Does it know as much as you do or more? Is it a youngster that needs bringing on carefully?

Its horses for courses - each situation is individual :)
 
She's an 8 year old ex polo pony who's been out if work completely for about 6 months. She was the polo yards favourite hack so know she's good to hack but she's still a little on her toes when shes turned out and neighs constantly and jogs and spooks at monsters all over the place.
 
I hacked my latest one out in company first time but he was a 4 year old and had never been in the arena depends on the horse
 
in the school although I rode in a 4 acre field... not ideal but I didn't have anywhere else :o but no I wouldn't hack out as I don't know them well enough to know what they are going to do
 
I don't have a school and most of the time I don't have anyone to ride with. My last two I have ridden up and down the lane and around the field a bit on the first ride to let them see the surroundings. Second ride is time to hack out and go and explore. That is what works for me.
 
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