wwyd? hacking nightmare :(

No additional ideas from me as I think you've had good advice so far but just wanted to say how mature and sensible you're being given that you're 17 (that sounds patronising but is well meant, honest! :o). Personally I'd want to know if my daughter was struggling out hacking and would appreciate being told. Refreshing that you're more interested in safety than just hooning around the countryside.
 
Could you possibly mention that you aren't happy taking her out if anything happened? At 13 it's a big ask just having her, let alone on top of a horse, and one she can't control! If the worst were to happen it's a lot to put on anyone let alone someone who hasn't chosen to do so.

Agree that your mum will be a good way to communicate and may emphasise that you aren't an adult (play on this point) there to chaperone a kid but there to enjoy your horse.

Good luck!
 
I used to teach p/t at a local riding school which included leading out hacks. We had a simple rule of thumb - every new customer was assessed before they went out of the yard on a horse and if they couldn't canter (and preferably jump) without stirrups, they didn't hack out. Even the quietest old plod can sometimes get the wind up their tail when they hack out and you have to be prepared for that possibility.
 
I've been in this situation too, I think the best thing is just to say 'Sorry we've planned a ride together the two of us for a while now, lot's of fast gallops the horses usually get very excited and can be dangerous I think it's best she doesn't come out today' and then tack up and go.

Also just ignore her, when you see her coming just walk of, or tack up your horse and get on and just go without her.

Not nice I know but it's for the best..
 
Just say 'No'. And you have a very valid reason to do so, not just because she is a novice.

She is 13. You are 17. In the eyes of the law, you are an adult (over 16) and she is a child. If anything happens to her out on your hack with her (without her mother in attendance) that causes damage to her or others, or others' properties, and someone (or heaven forbid, her mother) wants to pursue a claim for damages, ultimately, you will be responsible. Fortunately, horses are unpredictable and in many instances any claims will be turfed out of court but it could be expensive getting to that stage.

Tell the mother this, and state quite firmly that you do not want that responsibility. And if she doesn't buy it, your YO or your own parents need to square up. She shouldn't even be left on the yard without adult supervision.
 
CL66 said:
You sound very articulate, so I'd just explain all that to the mother. Sounds like she needs more lessons before she's hacking
Click to expand...

^^ This. You are thinking of the child's welfare afterall and if you say nothing and an accident happens then the mother may well ask why you did not warn her.

Sadly too many parents buy their child a pony and then stop all lessons presumably as a cost saving. I have one friend who seems clueless that noone stops learning and the particular importance and value of lessons for a child on their own pony. Once the child's confidence is gone it will take a lot to restore it.
 
I said I would update you and honestly forgot.
But here goes. Thanks for all your advice, I think I used it all!
With regard to my hacking nightmare I had a quite word with the mother and the child. I did it myself but had my mum in the stables behind me cluelessly brushing my horse just in case it got out of hand and I needed a bit of help. The girls mother begrudingly listened and I agreed that girl could still ride with us when we were going on short hacks but not long fast ones, and that mother had to me be there. I bluffed a bit about me not being insured to ride with people under 16 to get my point across and she agreed it was fair and too much responsibility.
Anyway, child thinks she is too good for lessons and that it is her poor poor pony! Pony goes well for others who are a little more experiences but of course the mother believed girl and now they are looking for a horse with more potential. God help us all! Anyway, in the end I managed to solve my hacking problem by being kind and considerate yet firm and I am proud that I found the confidence to face up to and solve this issue.
Thanks for all your help and advice! :)
xx
 
Just read your last post and deleted my post as it sounds like you have resolved it sensibly and maturely. Let's hope the young girl doesn't suffer (or her pony) as a result of her decision not to improve riding.


Enjoy your hacks!
 
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