Our First Hack of 2012 with pictures!

[sophielouise]

And to be honest, only our 3rd solo hack and our fourth ever hack ;D

Hacking was the main reason we left our old yard - as busy A roads just are not fun (and neither Pete or I are confident with fat moving, large lorries and articulated vans) - so we moved to a closer yard with direct access to off road hacking and I am determined to make the most of it

He is proving to be *such* a bold, confident and happy Pete out hacking - I think I have a future potential endurance pony rather than a potential dressage pony! I am not the most confident of hackers (well, to be honest I'm not the bravest of riders full stop ) but Pete has enough confidence for the both of us (a bit too much in fact!) and I'm learning that with the right pony riding can be fun!

We do need to work on persuading Pete to walk, rather than jog/bounce along - but he actually settles better if you let him trot and get on with it. Halting also needs a lot of work - and Pete does occasionally forget that he has been taught to steer, but he is a funny way, giving me lots and lots of confidence. I also possibly have the only pony that sulks and naps on the way home

For a 5 year old, he is amazing - he isn't bothered by water, steep hills, he didn't bat an eyelid when three dogs came running over and ran between his legs and we even had our first (minuscule) jump over a ditch and a log ;D

A view of some of our hacking ...




Out there, enjoying it all






Trotting up a hill, which is steeper than it looks!


On the way home




xxxx

[curlytobiano]

Good for you! The hacking looks wonderful - so glad that you can enjoy it! Top marks for the hi viz too

[joflo]

[laurac]

wow amazing hacking, think you and pete are going to have lots of great times at your new yard

[georgina23]

Fantastic hacking. Looks like you are going to have a lot of fun together.

[sandy]

Lovely pictures. Fabulous hacking. Well done to you and Pete x

[ladyndibs]

He sounds amazing, so glad you are able to enjoy hacking out on your own, whe.n I had the confidence I loved it

[jen1]

lovely and im so jealous im going on mine tommorow all being well

[mrsmills]

What a clever boy!

It sounds as though you and Pete are developing a fantastic relationship. And what fabulous hacking. That's what it's all about really, isn't it - exploring the countryside with your best furry friend.

Wishing you and Pete many more happy hacks in 2012!

[daisysp8]

Your hacking looks absolutely out of this world ... and i love the high viz

Glad he`s building your confidence up ... here`s to 2012 ;D x

[wills]

I just love Pete. Looks like youve got plenty of space to explore. Heres to many more happy hacking.

[sophielouise]

Thanks, he is absolutely super - even if he can be a bit of a friendly thug who pretends if has never been taught manners! He has been IH started so we all know that's not true!!

My instructor and my Mum made me promise I would always ride out in high viz (Im one of the few that do!) so I went shopping at Olympia for him - I thought the leg wraps came in packs of 4 so only got 1, but discovered that they only came in one pair and my friend had sold out of pink - so he has mismatching legs! ;D

We look a bit silly in all our high viz - but at least we can be seen!

I've never enjoyed hacking before - but with a pony like Pete and it all being off road, I've been converted!!

[Deleted]

What great news! I'm so pleased your yard move has been such a good one, looks like great hacking

[marychick]

wow that hacking looks amazing! Pete looks adorable in his pink hi-viz noseband too!! ;D Good to see you two are enjoying yourselves! x x x

[auburnalia]

Yay - hacking is fun!!! You'll soon be wondering around the countryside wondering what you were ever worried about - although in fairness an highly strung TB did play his part in killing your confidence - I am so glad Pete is giving it back to you! He's such a super ponio! ;D