Why hacking a horse will help you feel so much happier

Many a day has been made better for millions of riders around the globe by going for a ride in the great outdoors; that is the power of hacking a horse or trail riding — the freedom of being outside in the fresh air with just an equine for company. In fact, research undertaken by the University of Brighton and Plumpton College on behalf of the British Horse Society found that riding stimulates positive feelings, such as happiness and self-esteem, and it can help to address negative feelings associated with anxiety and depression. Personally, I find hacking a brilliant way to switch off from everyday life, relax and enjoy time with my horse. I particularly love exploring new places, finding tracks for a sneaky canter (and if there’s a fallen tree to jump, even better).

There are plenty of hacking perks for a horse too. They will feel happy after being away from the yard with plenty to see and do for a few hours. It helps with their fitness and keeping waistlines at a healthy size, as well as alleviating any stiffness or boredom they might be feeling. On top of all that, any confidence they develop out hacking will pay off in the jumping or dressage arena too.

Benefits of hacking a horse

Trail riding or hacking a horse means horse riding in the great outdoors. It might be along the roads and/or bridlepaths around your home; it could involve boxing up and travelling your horse to ride off-road somewhere else. Every time you ride out through the gates you’re doing a lot of good for both you and your horse, physically and mentally. Anything that doesn’t happen in an arena or on the yard, whether in-hand, being led, carriage driving or riding, is considered to be hacking a horse — and it all counts towards your #Hack1000Miles tally.

My first horse Marcus was a five-year-old Danish Warmblood who lacked confidence and was scared of everything. Consequently, he was a very spooky young horse. Regular trail riding was the making of him. Out hacking we’d go up and down banks, jump mini ditches in the verge and huge trenches in the woods, trot and canter across variable terrain, and leap fallen trees and paddle in streams. I hacked him miles, alone and in company, and he saw and experienced everything you can think of. Subsequently he went on to be a brave cross-country horse — all the way up to novice level, including Pony Club teams.

Here are other benefits of hacking a horse:

1. It engages your horse’s brain

Hacking a horse provides variety in their work, which is vital for keeping them interested in life and keeping them on your side. You could warm up for a schooling session by going for a short hack first, and/or cooling down afterwards by doing the same. Or why not leave the arena altogether and do your schooling out hacking — it’s a very rewarding thing to do.