Could leapfrogging be the secret to hacking your horse solo?

Your horse is all tacked up and ready to go out, but then your phone rings. Your riding buddy has had to cancel. Your mind is filled with a sense of dread as you psyche yourself up for yet another fraught, anxious, solo hack filled with napping and spooking. Soon you decide it would be best to ditch the whole notion and stay home and school instead.

Lots of horses act completely differently when riding out with their equine buddies compared to going solo – they’ll be a perfect angel in company, but turn into a snorting dragon when they’re alone.

At Your Horse we believe that hacking is one of the great joys of owning a horse, and that you should be able to look forward to riding out. So, if this isn’t what you’re experiencing at the moment, try our top tips for a happy solo hacking experience.

Step by step

When trying anything new, the important thing is to take it slowly. If your horse is nervous when they’re on their own, is young or a bit green, or if they simply want to be back in their field, it’s essential to make hacking a fun experience.

Start small – just ride up the driveway, turn around and come back. Little by little, extend the distance – and before you know it, you’ll be out for hours!

If your horse stops or spooks at something, let them have a minute, then ask them to walk on. Be soothing and gentle, encouraging them forwards. Think relaxed and try to avoid tensing up – your horse will feel this and stress even more.

You may find that your horse picks certain spots where they’ll nap. Here the most important thing to do is not give in and turn for home. Instead, encourage them forwards – you’re in charge and they don’t get to dictate how long you stay out for.