7 secrets to spook-free hacking

The summer months are the perfect time to get out and about on your horse and explore the countryside. But if he struggles to cope with the sights and sounds he sees out hacking, then you might find rides are more of a challenge than a chance to relax. This is where we’re here to help.

Our seven secrets to happy hacking will have you and your horse stepping out in style and enjoying rides again in no time. Read on to discover how.

Did you know?

If you do have an incident on the road, the British Horse Society encourages you to report it to them for their log of incidents involving horse riders.

Secret one

Do your groundwork

Early stages of your horse’s training – and a regular part of it throughout his working life – is made up of groundwork. It teaches your horse valuable life lessons, such as stopping, backing-up and moving forward or sideways on command.

The better your horse’s groundwork skills, the more control you’ll have under saddle and the more solid your relationship will be. So, go back to basics often to ensure the foundations are well and truly in place.

Secret two

Desensitise him at home

The safest place to teach your horse to accept the various sights and sounds he’ll come across out hacking is in a confined area, such as an arena or field.

The key to success is to introduce the objects gradually and reward him for any positive effort he makes. If you’re not sure how to do this alone, why not book a few sessions with your trainer or a reputable equine behaviourist?

Top tip

Turn your schooling area into a ‘handy pony’ course, including obstacles for your horse to go over, under and in between.

Secret three

Check it’s not you

We can often be the cause of problems under saddle without even knowing it. If you get a bit uptight out hacking, you’re probably transferring some of your anxiety through to your horse.

A confident rider, on the other hand, will give their horse reassurance to pass spooky objects safely.

If you’re struggling with nerves, you could book some sessions with a confidence coach or seek advice from other experts you trust.

Secret four

Go out with a sensible horse

If you have a friend with a sensible horse, hack out with them for a while. It’s amazing how much confidence your horse will gain from hacking with a chilled-out partner. 

Avoid allowing your horse to tuck in behind his braver buddy all the time, though. This can become a habit and, rather than increasing your horse’s confidence, it could do the opposite.

Instead, take it in turns to go in front as well as riding alongside each other. If you see anything spooky up ahead, put the braver horse nearest the object to give your horse reassurance.

Top tip

Singing is a great way to help you stay calmer in the saddle and if you sing, you have to breathe – another tool for helping you stay relaxed on board.

Secret five

Keep him busy

If your horse has plenty to think about, he’ll have less time – and brain space – to worry about any hazards he sees out and about, and you can keep him more occupied by turning sections of your hacks into schooling sessions. 

As long as it’s safe to do so, there’s so much you can do out on rides, from transitions and lateral work to circles and serpentines. 

If your horse is listening to you instead of worrying about what’s ahead, you’ll be in for a calmer and more obedient ride.

Secret six

Communicate with other road users

When riding a horse who’s likely to be upset by other road or track users, communication is key. There’s nothing wrong with politely asking people to stop, step to the side or slow down, but always thank them for doing so.

This will give your horse time to assess the situation and allow you all to pass each other safely. 

Did you know?

If a dog runs towards your horse, it’s usually considered safer to stand your ground rather than gallop off and risk provoking a chase response in the dog.

Secret seven

Get off if you need to

If you’re of a certain age, you may remember having it drummed into you that you must never get off your horse out hacking because ‘that way he’s won’.

This is an outdated theory, so if your horse can’t be encouraged to pass something he’s scared of, there’s absolutely no shame in jumping off and leading him past it, or up to it, to have a look.

Your horse is likely to take great confidence from you being on the ground – after all, if you’re willing to pass it, why shouldn’t he?