BOOSTING CONFIDENCE
HACKINGCLINIC
Fine-tuning skills to become a more effective leader is the first step to happy and confident hacking, finds Mel Beale
PART TWO
MEET THE EXPERT
Emma Sharman is a qualified veterinary physiotherapist based in Suffolk. She is also an Intelligent Horsemanship Trainer and hosts clinics for groundwork training, improving confidence and developing young horses’ foundational skills. To find out more, visit ejsvetphysio.co.uk
MEET THE RIDER &HORSE
Laura signed up for the hacking confidence clinic after moving yards and finding that she was nervous about trying new routes. She rehabbed her horse, Allie, for five months after he was diagnosed with kissing spines, and has been anxious about feeling left behind.
MEET THE RIDER &HORSE
Sarah decided to attend the clinic with Gem, her new warmblood mare. Since losing her previous horse, Sarah has struggled with nerves and she now wants to build a stronger bond with Gem so that she no longer puts off hacks.
MISSED A PREVIOUS PART?
Buy Your Horse back issues at shop. kelsey.co.uk/issue/YHR
A GOOD RIDING horse is one who is respectful and responsive to the aids. This is particularly true when out hacking, as there are plenty of spooky things that could cause him to flee and no arena walls to keep his rider safe.
“You should be able to go, stop, turn left and turn right,” says Emma Sharman as she opens the arena desensitisation session of the BHS Suffolk Hacking Confidence Clinic, hosted at Boyton Hall Equestrian Centre. “It sounds really basic, but you would be surprised at how many horses don’t listen or respond, especially when stopping. Your horse should always stop when you stop.”
If your horse doesn’t listen to your aids, then it’s no surprise if you lack confidence or feel out of control, which are feelings that will only worsen when out hacking.”
Improving leadership skills through groundwork is the first step to improving a horse’s respect for his rider’s aids, alongside building a better partnership.
“Your horse should look to you as his leader. You should be in the leadership role of your team,” says Emma. “When your horse knows that you’re in charge he can relax and listen to you.”
Getting a horse to listen isn’t about being more dominant, however.
“You don’t have to be bossy or take control; you don’t want to be a dictator,” says Emma. “If you feel like you’re getting into this territory, take a step back, breathe and listen to your horse. What can you do to work together more effectively?”
