Strong when out hacking - advice please

little_critter

little_critter

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My mare can get fairly strong out hacking.
I don't believe she would tank off with me but when I want a gentle walk, she power walks. When I want a steady trot she trots like a racing trotter. She doesn't change gait without me giving her 'permission' but is always at the top end of the pace she's in.
I find it hard work and not a fun hack trying to hold her all the time - my arms had a real work out today and I worry about all the pressure I'm putting on her mouth fighting with her.
She is impatient and will ride right up the backside of any horse in front, if I fight her too much she starts to leap/plunge.

So - suggestions please.... different bit? (she's in a loose ring snaffle with lozenge)
I know you will say "Schooling" but she's not strong at all in the school. What could I do with her on hacks to make her more patient?

It's not that she knows the 'fast' places because we've just moved yards and this was her first hack from the new yard.
 
When the pony I hack rushes I try to give her as much rein as possible and it usually settles her, the more I pull the more she rushes so I just give her some slack and do the odd squeeze/half halt. However she's absolutely titchy so I feel much braver letting her go knowing I could always stop her and it's not far to the ground! She rushes in the school too, think it's just her way of doing things but she settles really well if I just go floppy and let her chill.
 
If you've only just moved yards she's probably quite unsettled and everything is new and a bit worrying. Was she the same at your last yard?

I do agree with kityjay though, when my chestnut was like that I found dropping the contact and letting her stretch down was a lot more effective than trying to hold her. Mostly she would relax if I threw away the reins.
 
Yes -she was the same at the old yard.
I'm wondering if I should try to do as much hacking as possible until she finds it boring.
I do try to chill - but it's easier said than done when it feels like she wants to storm off all the time.
 
My mum used to ride an 18.1hh mare who was an absolute tank when out hacking - and that's a lot of horse to be power walking along on!! I found that the more I held onto her the worse she got, she'd start stamping her feet and throwing a paddy. I never went past walk out hacking her as I simply didn't trust her any faster but she was the same in the school in all paces and in canter if she was held back, she'd buck.
I found that if I kept a very light contact and tried to keep my seat very light on her she seemed to settle and although she still power walked it seemed to be more controlled and calmer. I don't think it helped that when she started to hack her owners used to bomb her about everywhere and she never quite got out of it :(
K x
ETA - I know its very hard to keep calm - how about getting someone to walk with you or hack out with another very calm 'nanny' horse? It often helps to have someone to chat to when you're on a nervous hack! :)
ETA again :p - a stronger bit often helps - we have used a pelham bit with a curb chain and double reins successfully on a couple of horses including the one above and it has helped
 
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This is just my personal opinion - feel free to ignore if you want lol!
Could you try a bit with a curb action? She might respect your aids more then. Maybe a pelham or bubble bit. So you could have two reins and use the snaffle 'til she gets strong then use the curb?
 
If any of mine get too strong I use a kinnerton noseband with their normal snaffle bit (with lozenge) and it makes a world of difference.

I also use martingales if they decide to have a bucking session!! (prob not helpful to you tho!)

But I can't recommend a kinnerton enough. They're old fashioned and traditional, and certainly not fashionable, but it always helps me with brakes without upgrading bits!!
 
Thanks all - the horse I went out with today was safe and steady - the problem is my mare is impatient and insists on wanting to have her nose in front. Not much good if it's my first time round the route and I don't know where I'm going!
I don't think I need much more brakes - just a little extra to make her respect me.
She came with another bridle with a 3 ring gag but it had never been used on her, when I tried it today there was no way it was going to fit.
I was thinking of getting a martingale - if we start to fight she starts to evade the bit by raising her head.
Lukily she's not a big girl - only 14.1hh but she has more than enough power for me.
 
A martingale is a good idea even if it is only for your confidence - I started out hacking with a martingale on my 14.2hh p/l mare as we were just getting to know each other and it just gave me the confidence across open spaces!
K x
 
Just a quick update - today we had a lovely hack. We were both chilled out and there was no fighting at all. I actually enjoyed hacking for the first time in years!
I think the biggest problem last week was that we went out with another pony and Skye felt she HAD to be in front and was very impatient.
Today we went out alone and she was very good - although it's a new route so I wonder if she'll get stronger as she gets to know the route.
Now I just need to work on her manners when with other horses.
 
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