What are those thingys called?

checkmate1

checkmate1

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 August 2007
Messages
796
Visit site
Had a dreadful hack today, on advice from instructor I'm walking my horse out inhand then getting on and riding when shes settled and going froward confidently, getting off again if needs be and getting back on (raising alot of eyebrows on my yard
blush.gif
). (Btw young horse very unconfident hacking all of a sudden)
Now this is good advice, and it or would be working if I could bloody get on! I cannot get on the thing, shes not overly huge, 16.1 and I'm very tall, but I can't! Getting her to stand is hard enough (but thats another story and something that I don't mind working on!) but then I cant get on! Does anyone know what those stirrup thingys are called that you can make hang from the stirrup so its longer? (Does that make any sence?!!) I can't be bothered to lengthen stirrup as I need my wits about me when on board, don't even touch the girth! Any ideas?!
 
I'm sorry, but your instructors advice is not very good.

You are often much safer (and much more effective) on top than on the ground. I wouldn't be faffing on getting on and off again on a hack. Surely that's teaching your youngster that whatever is scarey must be scarey if its rider is scared enough to get off??

Why has your instructor suggested this?? What does you horse do on a hack?
 
I have to say I agree with The Psephologist, this getting on and off malarky sounds very dangerous and surely is sending your horse the wrong signals. Can you hack out with a 'nanny' horse until yours gains some confidence again?
 
They sell them in robinsons. tbh though I would not lead her first, if you need to get rid of some enegy first lungeing would be better/safer rather than leading her
 
[ QUOTE ]
I'm sorry, but your instructors advice is not very good.

You are often much safer (and much more effective) on top than on the ground. I wouldn't be faffing on getting on and off again on a hack. Surely that's teaching your youngster that whatever is scarey must be scarey if its rider is scared enough to get off??

Why has your instructor suggested this?? What does you horse do on a hack?

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto, I've always found it safer to be on top.
 
I dont think its bad advice - mine doesnt like hacking out on her own and gains lots of confidence from me leading her on the ground - I just get on a bit later and ride back. I dont think you are teaching them bad things - you are teaching them that its alright to carry on past whatever it is they dont like- once they gain your trust on the ground they listen to you more when you are on board. You can build this up and try it ion board next time. I wouldnt recommend long reining out though - I thought this was a good idea as mine is confident long reining out hacking but the other day things went wrong and she spooked,span round and bolted off- you cant hold them when they go flat out and wrap themselves around trees - we were both lucky not to have been more seriously injured but my poor horse is now on box rest recovering from some nasty gashes and I bet we are back to square one with the hacking issues - these things take time! It definitely does help to have a nanny horse or someone on foot to build their confidence up.
 
Hi all thanks for your posts, to be honest all that you've said goes around it my head all the time its how I was taught to treat young or nervous horses, but really this is the best way forward for this particular horse. I do always hack out with others , but she stopped wanting to go in the lead, always ducking behind others, and the more I've pushed her the worse its got. There are two options when the horse wont go (or so I've encountered) beat it til it does, or get off. How on Earth can a horse know or think you are scared to go onwards/past something if you are personally leading the horse past/through/onwards? it cant, and really it does make sence. Shes not a spooky horse and is fine in heavy traffic etc (before I backed her I spent months roaming the lanes in hand with her) but has suddenly lost alot of confidence-rearing, bucking, you name it we've done it. I think its a combination of her age, recovering from injury and shes now very fit and well-nightmare, better when she wasn't fit!
My YM reccommended long-reining, but as you say treacle-beastie on todays roads it is not at all safe, and if you've got to get someone to walk by their head for safety whats the point?!
 
[ QUOTE ]
My YM reccommended long-reining, but as you say treacle-beastie on todays roads it is not at all safe, and if you've got to get someone to walk by their head for safety whats the point?!

[/ QUOTE ]
Long reining along the road, any road would be downright irresponsible in this day and age and agree you are doing the right thing by leading when you feel you need to. I did this with my older horse when he was young until I got more confident with him and it never did him any harm. I've also done it with the baby horse and think I'm much better confident and at his head than a quaking idiot on his back. Stick to what you feel is right, the road is no place to get dumped and have a horse running loose.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top