Hacking alone

[exracerfan]

Just a quick question I hope someone could help me with...

My rising 5 yo tb has decided that he no longer wants to hack out alone since moving yards, at our previous yard he would nap at the gate but it was possible to evetually get him moving forward by just waiting on him finishing his tantrum and keeping him turned out the gate, not in. This wasnt a problem to deal with as it was a quiet road, however we now hack out onto a busy main road and thus his tantrums are a little harder to deal with. We were at this yard previously and done all the basics here inc walking him out inhand and leading him out on his own with someone on him with no probs.

He is 101% in every other way and has never given me any trouble through the whole rebacking and reschooling process - however i need to nip this in the bud now and would appreciate any ideas/anecdotes/suggestions from an alternative point of view (NH/IH) to mull over......

thanks.

[Deleted]

As always, you need to look at the cause to address the solution: what, looking through his eyes, is it that is bothering him? Is it just his confidence, do you think, or may there be something else affecting him? Do you also feel less confident at all? Is it always at the same place? If so, is there something there that scares him or is it "just" the traffic in general?

If it is his confidence, I'd maybe think about longlining, first in a school if you have one, or a field, then in safe places such as bridleways (maybe you'll need to lead him there and make sure you've got a good helper with you). It can help as the horse has to deal with being out front. Again, if it's confidence, try and build it back up on small chunks. When he's done something that he found really difficult but tried hard to do, end it there as a reward.

If it is the traffic, is there somewhere, a field next to the road or the top of the driveway, where you can despook?

It is always so hard to know what to say without seeing the situation but these would be a couple of possibilities. If the above isn't of any help, maybe a second pair of eyes would be a good idea.

[exracerfan]

Thanks for the reply.

I totally believe it is just being out on his own, he is fine with other horses both in front and behind ans is no hassle in traffic what so ever. He is even fine if out with my boyfriend on his bike, he will follow that quite happily.

He started napping in the field we are allowed to ride in too, but I have managed to deal with this while on board with no drama.

I will long rein him round the field and then possibly try taking him over to the common for a walk inhand/on long lines this weekend and see how we get on.

thanks.