ironhorse
Well-Known Member
Thought I'd have a first go at riding my 3yo on the road on his own today. He hacks confidently round the farm - if he spots anything spooky, I just talk to him and squeeze him forward and he's really quite brave.
Our yard goes straight onto a bridleway and then onto a quiet lane, perfect really, and the trainer has hacked him out on his own. I've hacked him in company and he's been brilliant, quite happy to go in front or behind. He hasn't seen a lot of traffic but been fine with what he has met and our yard is very busy with tractors etc
Thought I'd just go a little way down the lane and then turn round as I had no phone and no hi-vis (I know, I know, wouldn't normally forget it!) Was just pulling into a layby when I saw a cattle truck coming down the lane. I thought the best thing to do was stay in the layby and the driver slowed to a crawl, which was really helpful. Anyway, poor little guy wasn't having it, whipped round and tried to run! I stopped him and turned him back towards the lorry, thinking the best thing was to go past it.The driver was brilliant and turned off his engine while I mouthed apologies and rode my rigid, anxious baby past him!
I walked on another few yards and then turned round as planned - to his credit, although my youngster was clearly a bit upset, he walked obediently back to the bridleway, and didn't really jump at anything on the way back.
So...I guess I need to go back to riding him in company. Our other horse would be just as bad, she hates lorries so would not help, but there is a neighbour I can call on. Presumably another, confident horse will reassure him. I've never had one that was bold and confident, all of mine have been rubbish in traffic but I'd really love to ride him out on his own eventually.
I guess I just put it down to bad luck to meet a lorry on such a narrow lane and to good luck that the driver was so understanding
Our yard goes straight onto a bridleway and then onto a quiet lane, perfect really, and the trainer has hacked him out on his own. I've hacked him in company and he's been brilliant, quite happy to go in front or behind. He hasn't seen a lot of traffic but been fine with what he has met and our yard is very busy with tractors etc
Thought I'd just go a little way down the lane and then turn round as I had no phone and no hi-vis (I know, I know, wouldn't normally forget it!) Was just pulling into a layby when I saw a cattle truck coming down the lane. I thought the best thing to do was stay in the layby and the driver slowed to a crawl, which was really helpful. Anyway, poor little guy wasn't having it, whipped round and tried to run! I stopped him and turned him back towards the lorry, thinking the best thing was to go past it.The driver was brilliant and turned off his engine while I mouthed apologies and rode my rigid, anxious baby past him!
I walked on another few yards and then turned round as planned - to his credit, although my youngster was clearly a bit upset, he walked obediently back to the bridleway, and didn't really jump at anything on the way back.
So...I guess I need to go back to riding him in company. Our other horse would be just as bad, she hates lorries so would not help, but there is a neighbour I can call on. Presumably another, confident horse will reassure him. I've never had one that was bold and confident, all of mine have been rubbish in traffic but I'd really love to ride him out on his own eventually.
I guess I just put it down to bad luck to meet a lorry on such a narrow lane and to good luck that the driver was so understanding
Last edited:
