What a difference a companion makes

[elsielouise]

For the last few months I've been hacking out on my own in cr** weather forcing myself to get out as have such limited time in the winter and keep my two on my own. Mine have been so sharp it really hasn't been fun at all.

Then today I rode out with a neighbour (that I met last week) on her 26 year old for the first time and my mare was a changed creature.
Soooooooooo relaxed, almost felt her sigh with relief as she settled into following this aged mare.

We don't really know each other but I think I was a bit over the top with my thanks as the change in my mare was so significant. We walked, trotted and even did a downhill canter stopping nicely (ish) at the end.

We've exchanged phone numbers now and promised to do it again. I do hope so as it was the first hack I;ve really enjoyed since the summer. She hadn't been ridden for a week either which shoots down my theory that its lack of excercise that winds her up.

Makes me think that me relaxing as was chatting had a big impact on her too. Now just have to get her the same when we go out alone tomorrow.

Anyone else get this? How do you relax your horses when hacking alone?

 

[Murphy3]

I sing - I have such horrible voice it makes him behave! My boy is a very sociable character and I only started hacking him out on his own this summer and he was a bit nappy but we got there and back to the tune of me singing awful country songs!

I used to go out with a neighbour and her mare who was sharing his field but she has moved since and so we are alone. I'm going to try and link up with some people locally as we do like the company.

 

[Eaglestone]

I always find that if you are 'chatting' away with your riding companion the horses are much less stressed, than if you go quiet if a hazard is coming your way etc ..... I have also noticed that if I ever answer my mobile whilst aboard (off the road

) my old boy is always on his best behaviour .... and I always put that down to him hearing me chatting

I am good at that

I hope your new found 'friend' will be able to ride out with you regularly as it sounds like you would like this