Hack with Confidence

Do you know that 90% of problems in the saddle are also lingering in the groundwork (and can often be fixed on the ground!)

Here we start to analyse your horse's learnt behaviour and introduce ways to influence the choices your horse makes.

We will teach you how to control your horse's body and influence his mind in preparation for riding. Step 1 is GROUND-based and in the ARENA.

We ask the question: Is my horse Calm, Responsive & Connected to me (over everything else)?

We look at yields, lightness on the halter and connection.

Yields -  Shows up lack of understanding OR brace in your horse. Does your horse understand all the "non-negotiable" yields and can they respond confidently even when they get worried. Non-negotiable yields are: Stop, Go, Turn left and right, Back up and Stand still. You must have these to a good level to hack safely. We teach them from the ground first.

Lightness in a halter - All tack (even a halter) can create the feeling of a trap for your horse - it is our job to help them realise they can think and find relaxation within it. Having your horse yielding softly & confidently to guidance from the halter / bridle / hands / legs is essential for riding safety. 

Connection - How to get and maintain your horse's attention, even (and especially!) when they get worried. 

Step 2 is RIDDEN in the ARENA.Taking the ground skills into the saddle to help you develop a calm, confident, willing partnership.Starting to understand what your horse needs and how to help them in any situation.

We also look at the rider's confidence, tendencies and balance as these will play a big part in your ability to be a good leader for your horse. 

Yields - Making sure you have all your non-negotiable yields just as good from the saddle (Go, Stop, Back up, Turn & Stand Still) \

Rhythm & relaxation - Help your horse to find these in all gaits

Park - The importance of a good 'Stand Still' request. This is such an overlooked topic and yet throughout the horse's life we constantly need it (e.g. to mount, In a trailer, To groom, To Saddle, At road junctions)

Now you are in a place to develop & practice the specific skills you will need to master in order to really enjoy your hacking confidently!

We will play with specific patterns in the saddle, designed to train your horse to feel confident and light to your aids whilst hacking. These patterns include:the Leapfrog; Having your horse relaxed with horses overtaking them.

Moving together as a herd.Allowing horses to find & maintain their natural synergy as the speed changes

Follow The Tail; Teaching your  horse that the horizon is not the intended destination. Brilliant for horses that like or need to be in front. 

Beep Beep; Learn how to protect your horse from other horses invading their space. Teach them to adjust their pace according to how the herd is moving, not to take over / take off

Spooking; How to deal with approaching & passing 'scary' objects 

Emergency Stop and Emergency Dismounts; Should the need arise, being able to stop and dismount quickly & safely is a game changer for a lot of people. This is something most of us did not learn in riding school, but it's an essential tool in your box.

Step 4 is RIDDEN on hacking tracks.

We use our own experienced & well-trained horses to help train your horses good hacking habits. At this step we will guide you through the first few hacks and help you practice the skills you have learned in steps 1-3 in a 'real-life' but controlled set up. We will start first in a small field and then progress to hacking in a group of 2 or 3 students together.

​Finally, once you have completed this course you are welcome to join us for a local hack OR on our holidays that we run in the Kings Forest, Holkham Beach and planned for 2024 a Vineyard Ride.

​