Confidence While Hacking Out: Overcoming Common Fears

Introduction

• Common Fears Covered:

  • Hacking out alone
  • Meeting dogs
  • Meeting traffic
  • Horses bolting in open spaces
  • Losing control in open spaces
  • Spooky horses
  • Falling off

• Validation:

  • It's normal to have these fears.
  • This is a safe space to discuss and address them.
  • Having a coach is invaluable.

Common Theme: Lack of Control

• Fear Origin: All fears are rooted in a lack of control or predictability.
• Preventive Steps: Actions to take before getting on the horse:
  • Equipment choices
  • Riding decisions
• Demonstration with Woody: Practical examples and gear usage.

Essential Equipment

• Neck Strap: For balance and control, used by both novices and professionals (e.g., William Fox-Pitt).
• ID Tag: Contains essential info (name, contact numbers, yard owner's info) for emergencies.
• High Visibility (Hi-Vis) Gear: Worn by both rider and horse for visibility.
• Back Protector: For safety, especially in unfamiliar or open spaces.
• Equilab App: Safety tracking feature to monitor and share your hack.

Control Over Riding Environment

• Time of Riding: Avoid busy traffic times.
• Riding Partners: Choose calm horses and understanding riders.
• Route Choices: Opt for safer, known routes.
• Preparation: Evaluate potential risks and create a safe plan.

Tackling Common Fears

1. Confidence in Canter & Open Spaces

• Preparation:
  • Confidence in walk, trot, and canter in an arena.
  • Light seat and rein bridging practices.
• First Canters:
  • Enclosed areas like woodland paths or uphill routes.
  • Go with a trusted rider whose horse can set pace and stop reliably.
• Manners in Open Spaces:
  • Prevent horses from associating open spaces with automatic cantering.
  • Walk and trot work in open spaces to build control.
  • Communicate with riding partners to manage pace and control.
• Personal Confidence:
  • Take baby steps, increase canter duration gradually.
  • Maintain a secure position and have confidence in your control aids.

2. Meeting Dogs

• Preparation:
  • Anticipate high dog traffic areas and times.
  • Communicate with dog owners to secure their dogs.
• Handling Aggressive Dogs (BHS Guidance):
  • Stay calm and distance yourself if necessary.
  • Allow the horse to defend itself.
• Judgment: Assess the dog’s behavior and decide whether to stand still or move away.

3. Meeting Traffic

• Good Practices:
  • Ride single file when cars pass.
  • Demonstrate good road manners (e.g., waving thanks).
• Desensitization:
  • Slowly introduce young horses to traffic with experienced horses.
  • Choose less busy roads initially.
• Handling Dangerous Situations:
  • Stop and let dangerous cars pass.
  • Use GoPro for documentation.
  • Report incidents to authorities using the BHS app.

4. Spooky Horses

• Anticipation: Be aware of potential spook-inducing objects or areas.
• Security: Ensure a secure riding position.
• Confidence Building: Hack with older, confident horses.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior.
• Protective Gear: Body protector, neck strap, identification tags.

5. Hacking Out Alone

• Assess Horse’s Behavior:
  • Confidence in stable and schooling sessions.
• Build Up Gradually:
  • Start with short, familiar routes.
  • Use routes familiar from previous accompanied hacks.
• Safety Measures:
  • Wear body protector, use a tracker, and provide your route to someone.
• Preparation and Positivity:
  • Make precautionary arrangements but accept that some things are out of control.

Conclusion

• Preparation and Enjoyment: Emphasize good preparation to enhance enjoyment and safety.
• Feedback and Engagement: Encouragement to share feedback and suggest future topics.

Final Note

• Prepare well, make informed riding choices, and enjoy your hacks safely!