hacking out

[emily]

I have just started riding again after 10 years. Although i am really loving it i now become very nervous whilst hacking out. I had a few bad experiences whilst at a certain stables with horses running off with me. I have now changed riding schools and i am feeling more confident but i have a great fear that this will still happen and that i will not be able to stop the horse. Also that i will fall off. Any suggestions for confidence boosting.

[Sidesaddle]

I know how you feel too. I have an ex-race horse which I ride side-saddle. He had a bad back at Christmas which has been sorted out but he ran away with me in the sand school and wouldn't stop due to his bad back. It was scary, even the instructor couldn't help. I have every confidence with him in the school but have only just plucked up the courage to hack out with him. He is a real gentleman but get him in open country and he dances. I went out for the first time on Saturday and apparently I was white in the face but I came back with some colour. The leader of the ride I went out with was great and looked after me all the way. So I agree with the previous message ask for a horse you are comfortable with and feel you can trust. Go out with someone experienced who will look after you and help you through it. Keep talking to your horse or even better if things get tough, sing. Also if you are tense you tend to lean forward and hunched up, with my boy this means the rider is ready to race ! make sure you sit up and relax. Good luck.
Sandra

[Sean]

Some horses when out in the open take advantage of people and gallop off, this is called bolting. Well first I would just stick to the ring until you are comfortable with riding again, and another pointer if you can get an older horse that probably won't bolt when out hacking and always go with an instructor.