Hacking out?

Question

I want to hack out on a horse im sharing. Hes a 16yr old TBxID. He has not been out in years as the owner does not ride. She is ok with me taking him out with another very quiet cob.

The lane is about 100 metres from the yard gate and we have to go next to a pretty busy road. He is not very spooky but has his moments.

What is the besy way to go about it?

Where do I start?

Answer 1

It is very good that you are taking him out with a CALM cob. A calm horse is a key part to introducing your horse to hacking again. The first time you go next to a busy road, just walk him into it...let him sniff everything and let him reassure himself that nothing is going to eat him or nothing is scary. When you think your horse feels comfortable and so do you... hop on him. You probably want to take it slow. If he spooks you need to know how to controll him!

Good Luck :) Hope this helped!

Answer 2

i would take him out with a quiet horse and keep him to the inside take leadroap with u incase of problems and keep the jorney short if ok go a bit further each time to build your confidance and horses remember to were reflective gear

Answer 3

You're right that you should go out with this quiet cob, as he will help your own horse. Try and go out at the most quiet times (I find this about 7 o clock) and wear one of those tabards.

Answer 4

If your really worried about it just take him out on a halter by himself to get him used to it. when you go out with the cob dont trot or anything till your sure he's relaxed and comfortable.

x*x

Answer 5

Pick a time of day when you know the traffic will be quiet, like Sunday mornings, or late evening when you know all the work traffic has got home.

If you are able to ride two abreast then make sure the cob is on your right side i.e. between the traffic and you.

If you cannot ride two abreast then let the cob go infront.

Please make sure you wear Hi Viz gear, stay relaxed and enjoy!

Answer 6

It's been awhile so take it slow walk out to the trail mount up when you get there, on the way back dismount when you come to the road. I'm sure he will look around on the trail just stay relaxed say "woah" and have fun he will have fun too!

hope this helps...please best answer this!

Answer 7

Hi!

At first treat him as if he is not experienced in traffic. lead him on a bridle with a lunge rein, that way you have control and if he spooks or rears you will ahve enough length in the lunge rein to keep yourself safe. Wear strong boots with a good profile, gloves and a hard hat!

Lead him between 2 safe horses, one in front and one behind, not side by side as this will infuriate other road users. Make sure you have reflective protection on, a tabard, bandage, rug etc. In other words be seen and be safe.

If this goes successfully for a few days do the same route and routine, but ridden. Take it slowly and have fun. You will succeed in the end, and then have a safe ride in traffic.

Best of luck!

Answer 8

So you are used to riding him in a field/arena -do that first or lunge him some if he can do that. Get the freshness out of him first.

Time your ride so you are not going out on the road with all the school traffic or the 5 o'clock people going home from work.

I find 7 - 7.30 is usually amazingly quiet but it may be different where you live.

Wear some reflective gear and let the cob lead the way. If you can go side by side then do so.

Don't stay out too long on your first trip.

Have fun.

Answer 9

try walking him in hand a little bit of the way and let him sniff about. make sure to wear a hat incase he does decide to do something. then ride him a bit of the way and keep going further everyday. the more you ride him on this route, the more he will get used to it and get into his surroundings.