This hack was sent to test us - my horse is a saint

I think Lilly did great - and I wouldn't be worried about hacking out again solo, on a horse who coped that well. Stop and look is always a good reaction in a youngster - much safer than some of the alternatives! She's trusting you and keeping her flight instinct in check because she believes you will keep her safe. You did - that will only build her confidence in you.
 
Caol Ila said:
This probably doesn't apply to a bus and a lorry, but many cars have stop/start, so the car automatically turns off its engine when you stop, then turns it on again when the driver shifts back into a gear or moves their foot to the accelerator. So when car drivers seemingly turn off their engine for a passing horse, I doubt it's usually intentional.
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Yes - I have had this happen twice recently, drivers tend to stop but keep their foot nearly on the accelerator, and in preparing to get going again just a touch starts the car too soon. One time I was riding a big young horse who hadn't been out for ages (rehab) and he spooked into the ditch, nearly falling over - there were some choice words said to the driver. Can't stand those stop/start cars.
 
Every hack is going to be a breeze for Lilly after that! What a good good girl to hold it together ❤

We had a bank holiday hack like that recently. We were both very fresh back to hacking after a fall so me and pony already anxious and had my partner with us, but it was like slurry tank, tractor, slurry tank, quad bike, leaf blower, barking dog, man hiding in hedge, man hiding in hedge with CHAINSAW, slurry tank, another barking dog, running cows, slurry tank 😂 The three of us came back like we were returning from war.

Now every spooky thing is like "at least it's not a bloody chainsaw" 😂 at least its not a man flying through the air off a bike!
 
Well, we did it! Absolutely not ideal conditions, it was rather windy and starting to rain, but they live out 24/7 so I kind of take the stance that they don’t really have an excuse to be silly because of the weather… However, she was brilliant, even with a new challenge thrown in!

The first stretch of our hack involves going down about 50m of shared pathway next to a busy road. We took my other mare for company. She’s fabulous 99% of the time but her one vice is being a bit nervous in traffic. Normally that’s not an issue as I just lead her down the path. Unfortunately, the neighbours in the next door field had decided to bring their horse lorry and park it smack bang in the middle of the pavement, meaning we had to go on the road. I could’ve waited but one of theirs is notoriously difficult to catch and we could’ve been there for hours, I’ve made that mistake before!

So me in front on Lilly, my other mare Saffy being led behind we march up to the lorry, wait for a break in the traffic, and manage to manoeuvre around. A few snorts, but Lilly was responsive to what I was asking. We made it onto the pathway, and I look behind to see Saff having a bit of a meltdown. Lilly, thankfully, is completely oblivious. We make it up the track to the big field, the other rider gets on Saff, and all is good again!

Off we go, Lilly marching in front. It was a very forward walk.. she felt quite anxious but like she was putting on a brave face. I just tried to get her to chill as we went around. We even managed a trot! There was a little bit of head tossing, so the dentist and saddle fit are now on the list to be checked (dentist was in December but they said to keep an eye out, saddle was last checked 6 weeks ago) but overall we survived the loop with no dramas.

Back through the big field and she was really good, then all of a sudden big spook and she shot off to the right! I managed to regain control pretty quickly and we got home with Saffy in front and no further drama.

I was super anxious before hand but I’m glad we’ve got it out the way!
 
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