Today's Hack

[wozzer]

Went pottering off to meet my friend on her horse today, in our hi viz, as we were going to go on a road hack. On the way, IU bumped into another lady, who we have ridden out with before. We met up with her and 4 of her pals a couple of months ago, as they were going to show us new places to hack out. (It turned out into a bit of a hairy, scary, galloping, mad kinda ride).

Anyway, turns out she was on her own as her mare has been playing her up when hacking out with others. I invited her to join us and we had a lovely hack, the three of us, and she took us to yet more bridle paths we didn't know of. Her mare was super well behaved with our two and my Lincoln was a genius in the spooky traffic (as usual, bless him). Lincoln is so funny, he will stop dead for a crisp packet floating in the breeze, but doesn't bat an eyelid at the noisiest, scariest juggernauts ;D

Anyway, I got nervous Because we were someone else, and somewhere new, I got a little bit worried from time to time (plus I'm mega scared of coming off after my eye operation on Tuesday).

Lincoln did nothing at all wrong. What's wrong with me

It is the control freak in me I am sure. At times, I let the new lady lead on her mare (fair's fair) and I don't like it when I can't be at the front. My regular buddy's mare refuses to go first, so I am used to being at the front at all times.

Anyway, the good thing is she felt we were much more sensible riders and I chatted to her about how you shouldn't always canter in the same place, and that if you do your horse will just go when you don't want it too. She agreed and said she could never stop, as her other buddies just leg it as soon as they get onto some turf. On a nice green stretch, two of us trotted on and left one behind on purpose. The two in front got a little way ahead and then halted, and then the person who had waited could canter, after having asked the horse to do so. All horses behaved perfectly ;D And we were in control as they did as we asked ;D

She's coming with us again tomorrow, and we are going somewhere new again. Just feeling a bit worried though, but don't know really why

Sorry, that was quite a long story. Don't know what I'm talking about really LOL!!!!

[kya]

The unknown or such a change from the familiar is bound to be un-nerving, but she sounds like a very sensible sort, and I'd say this is a great education for all horses and rider involved. Discovering new bridle ways, I'm soooooo jealous... we have NO bridle paths in Ireland and have to cling to the forestry for our hacks. I think that trotting on thing is ideal. You're worried but still going which is the crucial thing. Rescue Remedy?

[wozzer]

Think you're right, the unknown. Plus being a bit worried about hurting my eye, given the recent op.

Still going though ;D

[angblue]

Well done sounds like an ideal ride! I too am so jealous of the bridal paths have none here either & have to go on road to get anywhere!
Your riding friends sound v sensible & good idea not to canter in the same place all the time!
I think you are prob just worried about your eye which is totally understandable & echo kanga your'e still going anyway which is excellant ;D

[Casper]

Sounds like you had a lovely ride there Wozzer. And great to have nice, thoughtful, fun hacking friends to ride out with too. I think you all did amazingly, but especially you and Lincoln. Well done xx

[kya]

God Wozzer... I would be sitting at home whinging about my operation not out riding. You have character!