We invest countless hours perfecting our horse’s performance in the arena. We drill movements, refine transitions, and strive for that perfect partnership. But sometimes, the most valuable training comes from stepping outside the familiar confines of the school and venturing into the wider world.
Hacking out offers a wealth of benefits for both horse and rider, enriching physical and mental wellbeing in ways arena work simply can’t replicate. Hacks also provide invaluable desensitisation opportunities for the horse, demand a confident, reassuring rider, and—contrary to popular belief—are far from “easy” or reserved for those lacking skill or ambition.
Dispelling the “Easy Ride” Myth:
There’s a persistent misconception that hacking out is a leisurely, undemanding activity for riders who lack the skill or ambition for serious ridden work; we’ve all heard the term “happy hacker” being said with a derisory tone. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Hacking out arguably demands a higher level of horsemanship than arena work.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Unlike the controlled environment of an arena, trails present unpredictable challenges. Riders must be able to adapt to changing terrain, navigate obstacles, and make quick decisions. This requires a strong foundation of horsemanship and problem-solving skills.
- Independent Seat and Balance: Riding over uneven ground, up and down hills, and traversing obstacles demands a secure and independent seat. Riders must be able to maintain their own balance and control without relying on the reins or leaning on the horse.
- Situational Awareness: Hacking out requires a heightened sense of situational awareness. Riders must be able to anticipate potential hazards such as wildlife, other users, the way of going – hard, soft, slippery, etc – and changing weather conditions.
- Communication and Trust: Effective communication between horse and rider is crucial on the trail. Riders must be able to give clear and consistent cues at the right time, and the horse must trust their rider.
- Desensitisation Mastery: Helping a green or nervous horse navigate new objects and situations requires a skilled rider with excellent timing, effective communication, and some understanding of equine behaviour and psychology.
Mental Stimulation, Stress Reduction, and Desensitisation:
Imagine being confined to the same room day in and day out. Even the most luxurious room would eventually become monotonous. Arenas are no different for horses. Arena work, while essential, can become repetitive. Riding out provides a much-needed mental break, and enables a natural desensitisation process.
- Novelty, Exploration, and Desensitisation: Riding out exposes horses to diverse sights, sounds and smells, stimulating their senses. This variety helps prevent boredom and reduces the likelihood of them becoming school sour. More importantly, it provides natural desensitisation opportunities. Encountering rustling leaves, passing vehicles, or wildlife helps horses become accustomed to unexpected stimuli, although do ensure this work has been started in a controlled environment before heading into the great outdoors!
- Improved Focus: Dealing with changing terrain and encountering unexpected obstacles when out and about encourages horses to take their lead from their rider’s cues and build trust in the relationship. This translates to improved responsiveness in the arena.
- Building Confidence Through Exposure: For horses, every ride is a learning experience. By gradually exposing them to new stimuli, you build their confidence and help to reduce the chances of serious spooking, although you should always expect them to be attentive to their surroundings on a hack.
Physical Conditioning, Versatility, and Rider Confidence:
Hacking out offers a unique and challenging workout that complements arena training.
- Varied Terrain: Hills, uneven ground, and natural obstacles engage different muscle groups, improving strength, balance, and coordination. This type of conditioning is invaluable for any discipline.
- Cardiovascular Fitness: Long rides provide excellent cardiovascular exercise, building stamina and endurance. This is particularly beneficial for horses participating in endurance riding, eventing, or other demanding disciplines.
- Footing Variety: Riding on different surfaces, such as grass, sand and soil can help to strengthen tendons and improve surefootedness. Just beware of extremes of surface – very hard, very deep, very soft – to avoid injury.
- Natural Obstacles: Navigating natural obstacles like logs, ditches, and water crossings builds confidence and problem-solving skills, enhancing the horse’s overall versatility.
- Rider’s Role in Confidence: If a horse is new to hacking, or nervous, the rider must be a calm and confident leader. Horses are masters at reading our body language and emotional state. If you are tense or anxious, your horse will pick up on that. Projecting a calm, confident demeanour will help your horse feel secure.
Practical Considerations:
- Safety First:
- Always prioritise safety. Choose routes that are appropriate for your horse’s experience level and your riding ability – terrain, obstacles, duration.
- Always wear appropriate safety gear: full tack, helmet, gloves, high vis on you and your horse, ideally with some reflective elements too. Consider a body protector and a hat / body camera, as well as a folding hoof pick.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Charge your phone, take it with you and install What3Words in case anything does go wrong. It’s also a good idea to add safety ID tags to your horse’s bridle and saddle for the same reason. The BHS shop sells these, but they’re widely available online.
- Gradual Introduction: If your horse is green or new to hacking out with you, start with short, easy rides and gradually increase the distance and complexity of the rides.
- Group Rides: Riding with experienced riders and horses can provide valuable guidance and support.
- Environmental Awareness: Be mindful of the environment and respect The Countryside Code: be considerate, leave gates as you find them, and follow signs and marked access routes.
- Horse’s Fitness: Ensure your horse is physically fit enough for the rides you plan to take.
- Be a Confident Leader: Especially when starting out, your horse will look to you for guidance and reassurance.
In essence:
Hacking out is not a substitute for arena training, but a complement to it. It requires a different set of skills and challenges riders to become more adaptable, resourceful, and confident. It’s a valuable discipline that should be respected and appreciated for its unique benefits. So, challenge the misconception, embrace the adventure, and discover the true depth of horsemanship that hacking demands.