Hovis_and_SidsMum
Well-Known Member
Yesterday I took hovis for the longest hack I've ever managed, on roads, in a big group to join in the pub ride hubby had organised.
He was so well behaved even when we met a big kit car with the loudest engine in the world, lawnmowers etc and all the other horses got a touch frisky. One horse is nutty anyway and went the whole way sideways which did upset Hovis a little but we held it together despite a few jogging fits.
We got to the pub and the lovely owner had set aside an area of his lawn for us, we all dismounted, let the horses munch whilst we had a pint (or two!!) and sandwiches then we mounted up and rode home.
We had one minor wobble about 200m from home when Alf (nutty horse) couldn't be held any longer and took off past us. Hovis took off in pursuit (only in trot) and wouldn't listen to any attempt to stop him. That said i think i panicked a little so pulled back and held rather than a series of halts which is normally enough to stop him.
I am so proud of my boy and me! It's only the 2nd time in more than a year i've had the guts to take him off the yard - previous attempts have seen more crying, shaking and hysteria than at a Take That concert. Plus it was a big group of horses. So i am very happy!
Hovis enjoyed the pub and has added to his fan club as the rather astonished patrons all came out to see us and fell in love with the big hairy beast. We have also discovered he likes lager shandy!!
So to everyone having a confidence wobble - it does get better. Don't give up, if i can do it anyone can!
He was so well behaved even when we met a big kit car with the loudest engine in the world, lawnmowers etc and all the other horses got a touch frisky. One horse is nutty anyway and went the whole way sideways which did upset Hovis a little but we held it together despite a few jogging fits.
We got to the pub and the lovely owner had set aside an area of his lawn for us, we all dismounted, let the horses munch whilst we had a pint (or two!!) and sandwiches then we mounted up and rode home.
We had one minor wobble about 200m from home when Alf (nutty horse) couldn't be held any longer and took off past us. Hovis took off in pursuit (only in trot) and wouldn't listen to any attempt to stop him. That said i think i panicked a little so pulled back and held rather than a series of halts which is normally enough to stop him.
I am so proud of my boy and me! It's only the 2nd time in more than a year i've had the guts to take him off the yard - previous attempts have seen more crying, shaking and hysteria than at a Take That concert. Plus it was a big group of horses. So i am very happy!
Hovis enjoyed the pub and has added to his fan club as the rather astonished patrons all came out to see us and fell in love with the big hairy beast. We have also discovered he likes lager shandy!!
So to everyone having a confidence wobble - it does get better. Don't give up, if i can do it anyone can!
