Tips for hacking alone- blip!

[kt with Hanni]

Hiya,

I've always had a fear/anxiety for hacking alone as my past experience has been difficult due to nappy pony. So I've always avoided riding alone. However since having Cody I thought I should make the effort and just do it. So the first time I did it about 4 weeks ago it went well although he did try to turn back. I pushed on and all went ok. Today I rode out alone for first time since. I put a neck strap on and took some rescue remedy. I was feeling anxious I will admit it but just thought I have to fight my demons. So got off the yard fine. When further afield he tried to spin. I held on and pushed on - I was scared tbh! I knew I couldn't turn back - his previous owner used to get too anxious and turn back so he got his way with her. I knew if it turned back it would be a problem that would spiral out of control. So I continued the circular route for 30 minutes at walk. He had a second spin just after first and I continued. After that we went past two horses who were being schooled in a field. He was forward but fine, no reaction. We continued me nervous but I hummed all the way around to control my breathing. So we got back alive lol in one piece! How am I going to overcome this and relax/enjoy myself!? Will it get easier? I took rescue remedy before and even gave him some. I do believe he may have been trying me out though if he's been allowed to do this and has not been hacked alone for about a year. I also rode at around tea time so he probably just wanted to go home. I'm glad I had neck strap that gave me some reassurance.

Any tips!? This is supposed to be fun! Thanks

[clipclop]

Firstly, you survived. The spins didn't unseat you, you didn't turn back and he didn't get unmanageable. It was successful.

Repetition is the key, take him alone on the same route and only introduce a new route alone once he has done it in company. That way you'll know any potential sticky points and be able to prepare better.

Considering he's not been out alone for so long, it was a successful hack :-)

Sent from my GT-I9195 using proboards

[portiabuzz]

sounds like your doing better then you think to me, keep at it

[Hannah]

I don't think you had a blip kt! Really good for you that you are fighting your demons head on, well done I think Cody asked a couple of questions, you answered and on you both went. The more you "practise" riding on your own the better he (and you) will become. The spinning could stem from fear, and it probably did at least to begin with (with his previous owner). So the more you get to know each other, the more trust you have in each other, the easier life will be for both of you. If the spinning is an evasion, when he realises that spinning does not equal turning for home, he is also less likely to do it. From what you have written, it sounds like you have managed the situation well.

I agree with clipclop, only do familiar routes on your own for the moment. Explore in company. You chose a good route to begin with as it was fairly short. There is nothing wrong with starting off leading him, then getting on later. Equally, there is nothing wrong riding part of the ride, leading for part and then getting on again later. This leading section can be especially helpful to get your nerves back under control if you have had a worry. Keep up the good work!

[ruthp]

Echo all the above. Feel the fear and do it anyway! I have very similar problems, mostly caused by my anxiety, but it know that the more I ride alone the more we both enjoy it. Every time something happens that pushed the comfort boundaries and we survive is a positive - it means I know we can cope next time. And don't think getting off and leading is a failure. If you've taught Cody to really respect you on the ground and you're feeling very anxious on board, getting off can be a really good way of lowering the adrenaline for both of you. You can get back on again when you're past the sticky point and you're both more relaxed.

[maryanne]

Sounds like you are doing really well . I can empathise with you having a nappy pony which can make hacking alone not always enjoyable. Some positive things I have learnt are firstly to make sure you are both confident and happy with ground work. I never get to the point out hacking where it becomes a battle or unsafe. I'm confident in knowing that my pony will lead past anything and will happily dismount and lead. Secondly, don't put too much pressure on yourself to succeed. Some days I think I must do xzy route and it all goes wrong and I feel totally rubbish. Its best just to do something else on these days. Finally, what I found really helped with my positive thinking when hacking is to think there is something really exciting we are going to. This could be anything - a show where you know you are going to come first or a beautiful beach where you can imagine you are on black beauty! I know it sounds silly but it helps me and I'm sure my pony can feel it too

[portiabuzz]

how are you doing with Cody, any updates? sending big hugs xx

[kidsmum]

Echo all the above and maryanne, I agree about believing you are going somewhere nice. I once read about a person who imagined George Clooney was waiting for her! Let us know how you are getting on.

[portiabuzz]

Hope you and Cody are ok x

Sent from my GT-I8160