for hoof hearted and other solo hackers in new places

[cazrider]

Long title, but today Sen and I went out for our second solo hack in new place. Just to say to those who were a bit nervous of the first one: The second was a breeze. Sennie was wonderful. No calling to other horses, just excited and keen, and, dare I say it, a tad disappointed when we turned round to come back.:) He was beautifully behaved. He anticipated the canter up the stubble field, and was bouncing, waiting for me to give the command to go, then we were off, but he came back easily to trot at the top of the field.:D It's going to be such a shame when they plough it up.

A lovely hack. About 45 mins this time, with more on the farm hacking. After 5 weeks, I think he's finally settled properly. :D

I wanted to post this for those of you who are going through moves and/or new horses. It takes a while, but they do get there.:) He's like a different horse to the one I first took to the new yard 5 weeks ago. It just took time.

[hoofhearted]

Thanks Cazrider, glad you had a lovely hack :). Makes it all worthwhile doesn't it.

[buffy2202]

Great to hear that things are good. Moved my new horse to yard this week. Went on a hack in company yesterday and he was fine. Early days and a bit nervous about going out on my own.

[NicP]

Great to hear.

Cody is much happier in the new yard - unfortunately for me that means he is rolling more so looks more skewbald than grey most of the time!

Hoping to get that first hack this w/e but rode him in the school today and he was more relaxed than he has been to date so I am very pleased. So glad I moved.

[icegirl]

Thats great Cazrider - I remember you having some rather exciting hacks before; makes it so much nicer when they calm down a bit doesnt it?!:) We did our first solo hack at the new yard last week and it was great.

[cazrider]

Thanks Guys.:)

I must say I LOVE it at the new yard, and am spending much more time with him. It was definitely a good move for us.

[buffy2202]

Thanks cazrider, went on first solo hack today with louie. He was a bit snorty and looking at everything, but he was ok. Only went down a short track and turned back about 30mins in all, but it was great!

[Whatanejit]

Great news Caz and great to share your experience with others. It really is so unsettling when they first move.

I definately prefer the quieter yards too.

Long may this feeling last :)

[domane]

Nice one Caz :)

I have to say that I think the nicer weather helps too. I moved Cherry last October and whilst she settled in very quickly (I think she much prefers less hustle and bustle) - it has taken me a LOOOONG time to get used to being there on my own a lot. I didn't love it instantly as much as I thought I would and back in the spring I really craved someone to hack out with.... I think in a way the poor rainy summer has almost helped me because now that the sun has finally come out, I am more than happy to pootle around on my own with Chez....

[cazrider]

For me, I think its a lot to do with having been persuaded to come to this yard by a friend who lives nearby anyway, and who used to be my main hacking partner at old yard until she moved. She likes hacking at the crack of dawn like I do:rolleyes: so we've been out most weekends. And my other close friend who came with me doesn't ride as often, and prefers the afternoons, but I've hacked out with her too. It's great! Yesterday I hacked out twice, morning and afternoon with each of them, which was probably overkill, but I loved both, and so did Sen, although I must admit he was a bit surprised when I came at him with the saddle yet again.:o

[Tiggy02]

I will be experiencing this shortly as well as am moving my horses from full livery to a yard we have rented near me - not had them at home for 4 years so its a bit like starting again and will be hacking on own for first time in ages as do not appear to be any other horses around till we either loan our pony out or get a livery

[NoviceNic]

Honestly, I am struggling to find the courage to solo hack. Seems there arent many routes around me so it makes me wary that I have to turn around and come back the way I went out. I know its all in my head and my ponio is so good. But I still struggle to get out and about. I feel that I need my confidence so I can enjoy it more. Just gonna have to push myself out of my comfort zone before the Winter hits us. :o

[cazrider]

Honestly, I am struggling to find the courage to solo hack. I'm not surprised Nic. I think people way underestimate the nerve solo hacking takes. Especially when you've just moved yards or got a new horse. I was c..king myself the first time.

I think the only advice I can offer if anyone wants it, is what worked for me, do it really early in the morning so there's nothing to distract them, and plan only a very short hack the first time, I was out for about 20-25 mins, but before then, the day before, I'd gone just down the road a bit then come back, that sort of thing.

Today I've just come back from longish hack with friend, and we split towards the end, and I brought him back down a little lane which runs behind our yard. This was another new thing, separating and coming back on our own. Again he was really good. He looked for her for about four strides, they called to each other once and that was it.:)