Hacking horrors

[jean2]

I've been an IH member for 5 years and used these discussion groups loads of times, but never noticed this confidence one. I'm 50 and have a 5yr old Irish cob. After an accident 2 yrs ago on another horse I've suffered from nerves. Sam, my little cob is wonderful though can be unpredictable at times especially when faced with tractors or lorries. He used to spin round then nap in the middle of the road. I'm trying to pre-empt that behaviour by riding him forward, but it's hard and I get flustered when his behaviour has stopped all traffic. The roads I ride are country roads and I can't avoid them. If lorries come from behind Sam jogs sideways. I always seem to manage these situations, but later when I'm home I go over and over the incidents. They constanly play on my mind. I can only hope his behaviour and cofidence improves along with mine.
I never used to be plagued with nerves it appears to be an age thing. I keep thinking I should get off when I see a tractor etc. and lead him past, but I never seem to have the time before the vehicle is upon us. I don't even know if this is the right thing to do. Anyway, just thought I'd share this, I could go on, but I'll spare you that.

[bhpride]

I don't know what advice to give lol but I know exactly where you're coming from! I had quite a bad experience as will when I was bolted with on the roads and since then I've been nervous of roadwork.

Maybe it might be worth riding a confidence giver instead for a few weeks because the last thing you want is for your confidence to disapear completely/or worst get nervous and have an accident! I'm sure a few weeks on a confidence giver would do the world of good

[bhpride]

Another note, could you perhaps lead him on the roads (in a bridle) for while to help his confidence whilst you work on your confidence on a bombproof horse? I noticed he's only 5 so this would good for him it would give you a break and help him get more used to traffic. He's at quite a vulnerable age training wise, which is why I'm stressing that your confidence should come first by riding a confidence giver for a while.

[kya]

I would agree, he's 5 and really just a baby. I think it sounds like you are both doing fantastic for a young duo! I certainly have no problem in jumping down if I don't have a field or gate to duck into. Jogging sidways could take you into the path of a vehicle. Could you stop, find a gap and face him towards the vehicle asking them to advance slowly with a slow wave, arm extended from the shoulder? You will get the odd ba-d who will give you a hard time for asking for consideration, but I think the end results and your safety are more important. I do that and much of the time the vehicle will stop and even turn off their engine for me, until I get situated. Glittering smile to follow of course! Flying lorries and tractors is a lot to ask of a five year old gaining confidence. Again, I think you are doing great. My 15.2 Connie is five too and can be flapped, but he's getting so much better with time.

[ktk]

How is he in company, any worse/better? Its a bit of a vicious cirlce really, he gets worried because of the scary tractors, you then get worried, because your worried hes more worried.. and on it goes.

However, you always come from from a hack in one piece its only when you start over analysing it all that you run into trouble. Do you have a friendly farmer and a confident friend that would be able to help you out? My boy was a nightmare with tractors so I asked the local farmer (the one who was always held up by him!) to help me out, he let me go down to his farm and it was simply a case of having the tractor go past so many times that Bailey switched off. THe first time I took him in hand, after near death I decided I was much safer ontop!

If you feel yourself getting nervous, start singing as it will help your breathing. Dont be scared to ask the tractor/lorry to stop so you can find a safe place to pull in. Try and find a way of making yourself see that whats happened has happened, it might have been pretty *&!# but you came out of the other side ok, you can learn from it, but leave it in the past. I should take my own advice really as I am so bad for over analysing everythig, always think of the good things that happened on the hack instead of just concentrating on the bad.

[wozzer]

Great suggestions from KtK, let us know how you get on. Would it help if you got a calm horse & rider to accompany you? xx

[Persianhorse]

Dear Jean2:

Dose your horse reacts the same way when the Lorries and Tractors coming from front or he acts that way when the tractors and lorries come from behind or both ?

First of all let me tel you something don't blame it on your self (The age thing).

Do you or other friends of you have Tractors or Lorries?
Is it possible for you to take you horse to a place near by which they have tractors and Lorries?

With Regards and best wishes.

[jean2]

Thanks for all the advice. He's fine hacking with other horses, and he's getting better with big vehicles. I think I'll try getting off and leading him past scary tractors etc. He's not so bad if they come up behind although he does jog. I've bought some rescue remedy to see if that helps. I think while I'm dealing with it I'm quite calm, but much later at home I go through the "what ifs". I think for his age he's very good. Thanks again for all the advice, I think I'll probably use bits of all of it.

[dreamchaser]

Well I think you are doing really well and should give yourself more credit. I have the same problem. At the time I deal with it the best I can considering I have forgetten everything about how to ride.....Then when I get home I think about it and think and think more about it.

I find if I concentrate on less tension through my body and laughing at the scary monster it diffuses some of the situation. I used to grip and jump out of my seat the minute my cob danced around and got strong. Now I just push him on and find an opening for him to stand in to let the traffic/tractor go passed safer.