when did yu feel ready to hack out alone

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narkymare

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Ive been having lessons on my horse for what seems like ages int he school and only riding him in the school to practice.
Wherever i hack him out, there will be traffic and im so scared of something going wrong - my friend takes him out and always reports he has been good as gold.
When or how do i know im ready to take him out - for us both to be safe - i am so so sick of the bloody school, i know my horse hates it and i do too.
Im dying to take him out - but im also scared he will be hurt

How did yu know you and yur horse were ready to hack out alone?

He halts fine, is lazy - its hard worlk to make him keep in trot lol - my instructor says hes ideal for me because of this - i so know he wont tank off and want to gallop - hes far too lazy lol - im 43, hes an 8 year old cob.

Am i being too safety concious??????
 
I knew because I forced myself to do it
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but take someone out on foot with you as much as possible, and slowly let them drop back until before you know it, you're on your own :) if he's good anyway, you have a bit less to worry about
 
ive just been talking ot my son and husband about this - they have agreed ot help

So sunday morning 7 am i will hack Arthur out, Paul my hubby driving in front - Arthur knows our car and Paul so will follow happily - and Tim my son will follow behind ready to block and sort any idiots out,

I just need them to escort me over the busy ring road - then its open country - i wil text tehm when we re approacht eh ring road and they will guard again

Thanks madzz xxx
 
Take to the reins when you are in a positive frame of mind and set yourself little goals, if you are not sure what to expect then perhaps lead him out first. Its good having someone walk by you but I find its always better on your own, you can relax more in a odd way and you then dont have to wean yourself off company. Dont beat yourself up either, if I could hack in company all the time I would. Great feeling though hacking alone when you have had a positve relaxing ride. Good luck.
 
narkymare I know exactly how you're feeling! I'm going to have to start taking the new boy out on my own soon. The home he came from took him out alot on his own so at least I know he will, it's more me than him.

I would go on a Sunday morning first thing and have someone with you on foot and if all is going well get them to drop back or if it's a circular route meet them on the way back. Talk away to your horse or sing if needs be as it will keep you breathing and therefore keep both of you relaxed and enjoy it xx
 
I had this problem with mine when we first hacked out solo.

What I did was to get someone to help me; she went out on her bicycle with us and when the horse napped (which he used to do) she helped me to get him past things, and then she gradually dropped back to I was basically going solo. This helped a lot in getting confidence at meeting traffic etc. Now we're hacking out on our own with no probs.

It sounds like you just need that little push to go for it; perhaps some positive visualisation would help? Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is good for this and many sports & horsey professionals use it to help them achieve their goals.

The other thing you could do would be to lead the horse out, and then at about half way point, just hop on and ride back to the yard without making any big deal of it.

Basically its about YOUR confidence rather than the horse's which is the issue and its this you need to work on coz if you're nervous it can affect your horse.

The other thing you could do ...... you say your nervous of riding out on the roads - is to ask your instructor about taking your BHS Riding & Road Safety test. This would not only give you the necessary skills and knowledge of what to do when riding out on the roads but it would also give you a great deal more confidence as well.
 
clipcloppop said:
early on a sunday morn... and find yourself the shortest little circular hack you can do. book yourself a date in your mind... and then accept NO excuses... and just get on and go.

do it! :D
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I agree with Clipcloppop! Find a really small circular hack that he is used to doing in company - first do it with someone walking with you - I'd say walking not car as they are better placed to help you out if needs be. Have a lead rein clipped on but carry it like an extra rein. Then once you've done it the once with someone on foot then go alone but have someone waiting for you at the yard. Small steps and then the world is your oyster!! The only excuse I'd accept is torrential rain - no point having a miserable first hack.

One of my girls had her first canter last week - a little by accident but it gave her the kick up the bum she needed!! She has since been for her first canter on the moor and we are encouraging her to do a little more each time!
 
I hadn't hacked out by myself until I got the Spooky Pony 2 years ago. Lack of a school on our yard meant that I had no choice if I wanted to ride, and I never really questioned my competence to do so. The first time, I went out with another horse, and then, I just set out on my own. Initially, he would plant and/or teleport sideways and/or spin at every second boulder/branch/flappy blue thing, but gradually, he got more confident. Each time, we got a little further in exploring, and gradually, as I got to know him better, I asked him to up the pace more often. I'm still most confident with him if we're out in the woods, which is a bit odd, considering how spooky he still can be! :o :confused: :)

Setting yourself a small, achievable goal, such as a short circle around the block, seems like the perfect way to go!
 
I have wanted to hack out alone since I got my horse in March. It has taken me till now to find the courage to do it alone. He has been in the field next to my house since July and we have really got to know each other during this time. Also during this time he has not been schooled just hacked with a friend of mine, going on lots of long hacks always different so he always saw new things. Also he was always in the lead. Basically really got to know how he reacted to everything and just learnt to trust him and myself. I have now taken him out twice on mine own, trying to avoid to much main road as it is harvest time and we have loads of grain lorries going past. He deals with this really well, and tractors and animals!! When he looks suspiciously at something I make sure I keep the reins soft and low and push him forwards with my body. The only thing I really hate is the road, but he is fine, does the occasional crab but thats all. You will know when you feel ready and as you have people who are willing to come with you to keep an eye out try not to think about it too much as you will end up putting too much pressure on yourself.
 
I have always hacked out alone, it was how I learned to ride. I was too dim to realise you did it any other way so you being experienced will be absolutely fine. Trust your horse trust yourself pick a quiet time and enjoy yourself. The idea of taking a foot follower is excellent too, just walk along and chat, my daughter is quite anxious but always enjoys our trips out with me on foot.
 
I always used to hack alone until I got my current horse. He had never hacked out before and I was scared of the traffic because at my last yard we were surrounded by main roads.
I moved yards and did school work but the vet and physio said I had to hack out. I had no one to go with so I got on and did it. No choice and he was good. We added company and he actually better by himself than in company. lol
 
My horse was bought for me to hack until I am ready to hunt/compete etc, so I ws desperate to get out on him, much to grandads despair I went out, we had a few bucks etc, but i stayed on and it was real fun :D (grandad followed me in the landy though :L) xx
 
thank you all - excellent tips and advice - i am going ot do it this sunday, th elead rope as an extra rein is excellent idea - my hubby can walk alongside

Ill let yu khow how we get on!!!! :)
 
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