Could leapfrogging be the secret to hacking your horse solo?

Remember that every horse and rider is different, so there are lots of things you can try. If your horse gets quite fizzy when out on their own, lunge them before you set off. If your own confidence has been knocked by previous solo hacking incidents, go out with another rider, but ask them to hang back, or ‘leapfrog’ with your horse so that they get used to going on ahead and being further away from their companion. Having someone on foot will also help, or you could start by taking your horse out in hand. You’ll be able to communicate with them from the ground, helping them to be less afraid of scary objects.

Playing leapfrog

This is a great technique to improve your horse’s confidence while hacking solo.

How to ride it:

1. When riding out with a companion let your horse walk out in front and then calmly bring them to a halt while the other horse walks past.
2. Wait for them to get a few metres ahead and then ask the other rider to halt as you calmly walk past them.
3. Try the same in trot, but instead of halting, walk.
4. ‘Leapfrog’ with each other throughout your hack so that your horse gets used to the idea of going ahead, then going behind, and being some distance away from the other horse.
5. Gradually, you can increase the distances and change the pace.