Riding Flint tomorrow...wish me luck- but where do I start

polyphonic

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I know it sounds like a sillu question- and I know the worst he can do- but I do not what is like to ride since the 5 months have passed. I would LOVE to hack out, as they have beautiful lanes- but he hasnt always been good on his own. I want to give him a free rein so to speak as there isnt any pressure to achieve anything either- He cost me alot of money but owes me nothing, I need to tick him over but do I start by a short ride around the yard or a hack? If you dont know whats happened to them on the last few months where would you start?? Just like to add I am not nervous about getting on- more upsetting him than anything
 
Can you hack him out with someone else - would that make him better or worse? Could you go out in the school for 20 mins first to get your 'riding legs' back?
 
I dont think it will be my riding as I have continued riding since- although I broke my collar bone. BUT- I am fearful of upsetting him- tell me I am being soft. I could get him out on his own but Im worried he will worry if that makes sense?
Thank you for responding z
 
I think you'll be fine!! Just do what ever you would have done before...

Glad to here you have him back!
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Take it easy and do whatever you feel keeps you both safe and happy. I bet it will be much better than you thought - good luck
 
I would start by giving him a big hug and a polo then just have a little pootle round the yard as it's the first time in a while for him, then do more next time
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I know how you feel - I took Adrian out on his first ever solo hack today cos o/h's bike had a flat tyre & he'd lost the pump. It was a way he'd never been before too - I had to go the road way cos the bridleway has 7 gates on it, all off which are hard to open.

He was a bit doubtful, & my mare didn't help by shouting her head off for him to come back...

For your first hack, do whatever you think would make him happiest - go out with someone else if you think he'd prefer it or go out alone if other horses wind him up?

Let us know how you get on! I'm so pleased you got him back - I wanted Cat back with all my heart & soul, & it's so fab for you that you're able to re-form your partnership, whereas the best I can do is try to forge a new one.
 
Sounds stupid bu the partnership never ended for me- nor him- the woman said he changed outlook when I left him (although she was a liar!)
Maybe it is me being apprehensive and not be subconsious (sp) of it,

Just to sit on him will mark 2008 as the greatest start!!
 
Why don't you just try hacking him out on his own? I suspect he will be so damn glad to be back with you on top that he will do whatever you ask of him. He knows where he stands with you, unlike the place he was at and I doubt you will upset him in any way. I look forward to reading about how it went.
 
I'd start by taking him into the school for 10 mins to see what your up against in terms of fitness and damage old owner has done, then take him for a walk up the road. But in the school first as you dont want to take him out on a hack and then find he has a problem turning left or chucks his head round or something similar
do about 30 of just walk and maybe a bit of trot if you feel he is fit enough on the hack.
Relax and enjoy the hack, enjoy haveing your horsey back!
 
Tack him up as if you're going for a hack, put your hi vis on and take him for a walk in hand round the lanes.

Chat to him as you walk, you are old mates after all and he will appreciate the company. Then after a few minutes you may just feel like getting on.

When I first had Will i was really apprehensive having had a bad fall on the road so I led him all over the place for a while, eventually i got fed up of walking but it did wonders for his confidence in me.
 
CM i can really second that advice! i have done that many time with my younster, about 1/2 way round i get fed up of walking and hop on!
 
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