Nervous about hacking

[tracyward]

I have had my mare for nearly 3 years now, been up and down with my confidence, has 2 sessions of hypnotherapy and seem to be ousing with confidence now, this is in the school (my comfort zone :) ) ...........

I have been out hacking a hand full of times, always with someone on foot or another horse, but because she's not been on the roads for a while, i'm nervous that she will be spooky, would it be of any benefit to her if a more confident person rode her out until she becomes use to traffic again.

I would also love to do some jumping with her, she has a fantastic little jump and she really enjoys it, but again i'm nervous.

Any help to steady the nerves would be greatly appreciated. :(

[Afellpony]

Is there someone you know with a really quiet horse that you could go out on the road with?

[ANN H]

I've had my horse for three years and really only started going on solo mini-hacks in the summer. I started again at the weekend and managed 25 minutes! Its really just a case of forcing yourself to do it if you can. I started hacking Misty out with somebody on foot, and we'd swop halfway through. Also, try the Bach Rescue Remedy - it works for me! Good luck.

[eventerbabe]

i used to be nervous about hacking til i moved to my own yard. i don't have a school so in winter my only option is hacking. its almost like being cruel to be kind. i forced myself to go out hacking every day. when i realised all the 'if's' i had in my head hadn't actually happened (like bolting and spooking) i totally relaxed. horse and i were transformed into happy hackers after only a few weeks. start off with someone on foot, or a steady, reliable horse accompanying you. don't go far to begin with. 5 minutes down the road is a great start then build it up from there. best of luck!

[Trewsers]

Yes, try the BAch's flower remedy - I didn't think it was working - only I don't think I was giving Storm enough - anyways, gave her :o ahem, rather a large dose:eek: :p on Sunday and we had a splendid hack - first good one (although short) in quite some time!!!:D Just keep them short and build it up - thats what I'm trying to do. Good luck!