HAPPY HACKERS LIKE A LOOSE REIN

HAPPY HACKERS LIKE A LOOSE REIN

A relaxing ride out across the countryside is what we all want. Keeping your horse relaxed is the key ...

The purpose of hacking is pleasure, relaxation and enjoyment. To fulfill it's potential, the horse must be comfortable and relaxed. So the question is - how do we keep him comfortable and relaxed?

We take our cue from wild horses and the way they carry themselves when moving from place to place. As you can see, the neck is stretched long and low. The head is a little above the vertical.

This is how nature has designed the horse for traveling along. All the necessary muscles are used to the best advantage.

Wild ponies migrating

It is for good reason that the Western style and all long distance, endurance riders give their horses a long, loose rein. Their horses must, above all, be comfortable.

When the horse is comfortable, he is naturally relaxed. Additionally, when horses are comfortable, happy and relaxed, they watch out for themselves and in so doing, take care of us.

Which horse would you rather be?

Personally, I'd rather be the chestnut. She may look kind of sloppy, but she also looks completely comfortable, happy and relaxed. She is free to carry herself as she chooses, which is precisely as Nature intended. Her weight is distributed evenly and her neck and back muscles working correctly. This horse will not get back problems!

I would not like to be the bay mare. Her neck is artificially shortened and head tucked towards her chest. Try it and see for yourself. Tuck your head in towards your chest and see how long you would like to keep it there.

Horses do sometimes adopt this posture as a display when they are excited. But no horse would carry themselves like this voluntarily for any length of time. They only do it because they are trained to do it. Given the choice, all horses would stretch their necks and lower their heads. You only have to see a horse at the end of a show-jumping course or dressage test to see how true this is. You can feel the relief as their muscles stretch back to normal.

When the horse is comfortable, happy and relaxed, all his natural reflexes are in perfect working order. He is able to look where he is going, see where he is putting his feet and be alert to normal danger. He is also kind and responsive, answering to the lightest of aids. So you want to trot or have a canter. 'OK then' he says.

When riding over uncertain or rough terrain, the freedom to carry himself as he chooses is imperative. All horses are capable of finding the best path, but can only do so if allowed. The more the rider interferes, the more likely he is to trip or stumble.

End note

Schooling is one thing. If you are training your horse to compete, working into the bridle and in the correct outline is fine.

Hacking however, is completely different. It should be as easy, pleasant and relaxing for the horse as it is for the rider. If you want your horse to be a happy hacker, allow him to carry himself (and you!) as he chooses.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.