Tobiano
Well-Known Member
My Bilbo is a saint, and has done so much to restore my riding confidence (older, not very supple rider!) but I am still nervous about hacking alone. Today we went for a hack on out own, just walking, as I do this to build up my confidence. (Fine hacking in company). We had a little episode - we had to walk past a field with a mare in it who got a bit excited and came galloping up to the fence behind us - this spooked Bilbo who cantered on the spot a bit until we got past. Then within 5 minutes we had to pass a big colourful barrier and Stop sign due to some waterworks - we were on a verge with the road between us and the hazard, and a barbed wire fence on the other side. He balked, eyes on stalks, and I had a job to stop him sidling into the barbed wire. Then he decided the only way to get past was at top speed - I hung on and got him back after about 12 strides. I didn't head straight for home, but turned away and did a bit of a loop. He calmed down and we got back to the yard ok without any more dramas. But I wondered whether I should have taken him back past the hazard until he walked past it rather than galloping
but I didn't have the guts.
What do you think - should I have done it differently? If we have to go past it again do you think I can prevent the same thing happening?
What do you think - should I have done it differently? If we have to go past it again do you think I can prevent the same thing happening?