First home hack.

[brigadier]

So today Welly and I went out hacking. I walked him over to my back gate and got on at the other side. No one rides along this field so it was a bit hair raising as the wheat was quite high and the footing was uncertain, but having the benefit of having ridden this horse on very uneven ground I just left him to it- he was very uppity though- not happy at being solo and leaving field buddies on the other side of the hedge BUT he didnt do anything naughty- just called and tossed his head a bit, and at one point when I thought he dithered a trifle I just kicked him and he shook his head and went forward. There were pumpkin head shiny crop scarers in the next field and he watched them very carefully- but to be fair so did I as I wasnt sure if they would fire something or just glint nastily at us! He didnt like the bridge over the ditch but he was brave and he made like 18 hands going past some geese at the big house near the lane but we made the lane safely enough and had a good trot. We were nearly undone by some mad goats sneaking up behind a hedge, and I was buckle end at this point so we did end up facing the wrong way which was my fault, I also banged my finger again trying to gather up my reins so that was a good lesson for me to stop being rein slack whilst my hand isnt so good. On the march home he shot off when some suicide pidgeons waited until we were underneath to do a mass flight and once again I was out of control as my reins were too long so we cantered along the road for a stride or two. I was mightily pleased with him though as he stopped as soon as I got my wits together. We were out about two hours and he seemed glad to be back but to have enjoyed himself also.

Im not that fussed about hacking solo as I like to gossip when out but I do want him to do it when asked and he was a good boy. Not bad to say he hasn't done much for about a month so very pleased with him.

[racaille]

Ouch! Sorry about the finger ....

But wow! I would guess this is the first time in Welly's life he has hacked out on his own, given his old job and his youth. Fantastic! And yes, even though you don't really go in for solo hacking it is a great idea to make him understand that he has to do it if you ask. (Although solo hacking is great - no one else to consider, you can choose your paces as you like!

Anyway, good boy Welly!

[pboy]

He sounds like a little star! The spooks don't seem to be too major and if that's the first time he's hacked alone (plus after time off) I think you've got a great horse on your hands I hope that finger heals soon though, it sounds like a right pain

[zara]

What a good boy! He sounds like a lovely horse and you're going to have a lot of fun with him. Your finger sounds painful; not a lot you can do other than strap it to the next one for a week or two xx