PREPARING YOUR OTTB FOR A SAFE HACK - PART 1 - (Thoroughbred Horses) OTTB Series

Today we wanted to get Mowgley out of the round yard to start experiencing something different. We don't want him to associate the arena with hard work, instead providing him with a different environment and having a relaxing ride.
But in order to have a safe hack, especially for his first outing, there is so much preparation we have to do first to ensure safety for both the rider and the horse.
There is heaps to learn and share with you all about this that we have split this into a 2 part series. Preparation and things to consider, and then part 2 going out on the hack.
If you've ever wanted to take your horse out on a hack and haven't yet... this is a must watch to provide you with some ideas that we do before taking out our new horses on hacks.
We hope you enjoy this and learn heaps from this episode. Be sure to leave us a comment on your thoughts of this horse in the description below this video!!!
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PREPARING YOUR OTTB FOR A SAFE HACK - PART 1 - (Thoroughbred Horses) OTTB Series
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[@jennibowles7802]

Great advice! 😊

[@YourRidingSuccess]

You're welcome! xx

[@michellemathewson20]

Hi Alicia, thank you so much for this! I'm a newbie equestrian and would LOVE to see videos explaining what all the horse equipment is (boots vs polo wraps, etc. and how do you choose what to use?) and how you choose the right tack for the horse and how to ensure it fits well! Thank you!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Michelle, great suggestions! Have you seen our "fitting a snaffle bridle" video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZq0mWufrsx9mck 🤩

[@michellemathewson20]

I have! I'd love to see more like it ;)

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Stay tuned! We have had a few requests for bandage and boots videos xx

[@michellemathewson20]

@@YourRidingSuccess Woo hoo! Now go enjoy your vacation, Alicia LOL! :)

[@bethmiller8284]

Warwick Schiller talks about distractions that your horse has to deal with/think about in terms of rabbits. There are so many rabbits that any horse has to deal with on a given day in a given moment. You never know when your horse has one too many rabbits until your horse flips out and you are on the ground. Thinking ahead about and identifying the possible rabbits ahead of time is so important. Thank you for this video. I will share it with horsey friends.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Happy to help! xx

[@KJ-sl1jz]

thank you so much for taking your time to make these videos. they are really helpful !! both you and tash THANK YOU

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you! x

[@livelovelaughride1]

Such great information! I love your channel and hope to remember your tips while riding. Regards to safe hacking, how about handwalking your hacking route before you mount up? I have found that the enjoyable handwalks lead to enjoyable hacks as my horse is more confident in the surroundings.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Great suggestion! Whilst you do not have to do this people often enjoy taking their horse for a hand walk (and walking is good for the horses so the more walks the better!) so it cannot hurt at all! 🤩

[@nicolawebber1983]

How long do you think it will take for him to be a Grand Prix horse x

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Nicola, it takes time and a lot of practice to get to Grand Prix! The horses needs to take time and build strength and confidence in all the exercises before progressing to the next. If you look at the dressage tests there is normally approx 5-6 levels at a National level going from basics of walk, trot, canter and basic lines while connected through to an Advanced level of tempi changes, half pirouette before you start at FEI at PSG level. Then at FEI there is small tour, medium tour and then finally BIG TOUR ... Grand Prix. So you can see there is a lot of lessons for the horse to learn before GP 💕

[@jessicabee9299]

This is exactly why i love this series so much! Love how it is so well explained how to set up for success and help create a relaxed, happy horse

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Glad you love this! x

[@tamlynblamey138]

Wow, wow, wow what another awesome episode. I wish I had thought of that when I had my OTTB. Thank you so much Alicia for thinking and planning ahead and showing us. My OTTB would've spooked at the hay bales, the walker etc etc. I just love love love the way you explain everything

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Love it! Thank you! Happy to help! xx

[@laurenschenck5355]

You two are so special and unbelievable and blessing angels xoxo 💋

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Love it! Thank you!

[@spotteddreams7935]

This is an amazing video! I have lost my hacking confidence (which was wobbly anyway) after my pony spooked and tried to bolt the last couple hacks we had. I’ve been riding him in my grass arena for the past few weeks and went to an arena hire on Friday. But this video has given me some great ideas for planning our next steps to get back out hacking, as I don’t want to spend all our time in a school. It’s also so refreshing to hear a very competent and experienced rider talk about the safety measures they take, quite often in the leisure/armature rider world I think we feel to be confident you should just be hopping on and going for it! But all the prep and H&S checks are probably what adds to the feeling of confidence, knowing you’ve done all you can to ensure a positive experience for horse and rider.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you 🙏🏻So glad this has given you some ideas and help. It is important to have fun with the horses and enjoy it and if that means taking some additional safety measures then that is smart! Enjoy 💕

[@carrotstickchronicles1595]

What if he starts bucking, spooking, as well as rearing on the hack? What do you do? Do you get off? How do you gain control again?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Great question! Ideally you want to take it slowly with horses so you don’t put yourself in that position. Take time to slowly ensure the horse is riding around confidently and connected in a smaller space before attempting hacking to give you control over horse in open space. You can spend longer hand walking out or hacking out with others first if your horse is more nervous to start. x

[@kathiagens5711]

I need to take precautions. We don't typically worry about safety. No accidents so far, but never know.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thanks Kathi, great thinking and you are right, always better to be safe!! x

[@lemonladyYT]

I'm so pleased you confirmed at the end that he will already be used to exercising in the arena before he goes for a hack from there. Until then it sounded like he would have two major new experiences on the same day: arena + first hack.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

All good! xx

[@alicecohen4726]

Great video tips to safety much needed. Thankyou x

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maggsm3392]

Great safety info. I only ride quiet trail horses so don't really have to worry too much but always good to be reminded of these safety issues. Trail riding with a lot of people is a challenge in itself with cantering and galloping and quite a few inexperienced riders so I know what you mean about open paddocks (fields in the UK). The quietest horse can change in an instant in company and unfortunately I don't have a choice as the trail leaders decide when, where we canter/gallop lol I do have my favourite horses that I trust totally though! BTW, you look great in the pink and green...

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you so much!! x

[@tamlynblamey138]

Hi Alicia. Maybe a silly question but how is Mowgley's trot, is it very bouncy or is he rather comfy (I mean for a not so supple little man)

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi! When Mowgley is supple over his back and moving freely the trot is lovely but of course when he gets a little tight the trot is not as effortless to ride, as with all horses. He is doing so well and just gets better every time!

[@hollynoormets1398]

Good tips for beginners, but avoiding all potential "spooks" is just creating long term holes in the horse's training. Desensitisation is the key to good training, slowing introducing spooky situations to the horse (definitely would not recommend flooding, which is never a good idea!) is the best way to keep both the rider and horse safe.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thanks for sharing!

[@perennials118]

Hi Alicia, I have a question! I have an ottb who is learning to soften to the contact and reach up under him with his hind legs. During leg yielding on his "bad" rein (right rein) he throws his head up, evades the contact, and really slows down almost to the point of stopping. Once we hit the wall he speeds back up again. How can I help him to maintain a steady tempo and maintain contact during the leg yield?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi there! A good way to approach the horses training is to think that every exercise you add needs to improve the last and build on (so taking the basic way of going - a horse that is connected) and adding exercises while keeping the basic way of going. So if you horse loses the connection while doing an exercise, take it back a step so try less steps of leg yield and only keep yielding if the way of going is good. So you can leg yield until the horse loses the connection and when he does either ride straight or turn a circle to regain the connection. Just remember you have to take that basic way of going and only add the exercises as the horse can keep that. Good luck 🤩

[@kimberlyperillo9990]

This is a silly question. Is it cold where your stable is? I see you in sweaters and jackets and getting excited about fall. Riding will be much more pleasant!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

It is a combination of the cold weather and also Alicia feels the cold 😬

[@Jazzy-kk4sk]

I would like to hear your thoughts on hacking with another horse? I have always thought that hacking in a group (ideally with around 4 other people on very quiet horses) is a great way to build confidence since they have a few buddies to show them that things aren't so scary (and open fields aren't so exciting)

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi there, it can be useful hacking with other horses to build confidence if you know the other horses are absolutely sensible and their riders understand your goals with your horse etc. However what often happens is the horses upset each other or other riders make the situation difficult so it can be best (at least for the first few times) to hack alone (with someone leading). Hope this helps ✨

[@charlottebolland9407]

Super helpful video!! What is a good ratio of hacking to schooling? I have a young green horse and would love to know your thoughts on whether I should do more hacking or schooling.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Alicia did a great answer to this in her Q and A, here it is (look at about 15:45 mark) kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5WadWeKgtd1n7M

[@naunettemartin7450]

And I like your videos and keep your videos going and it help me to ride my horse and I'm doing so good with my horse and ride ing her

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you! xx

[@Lietjesmarket]

I love your videos but on the other hand sometimes you just have to do it and not think anout it to much. Especially when you go out side un expected things are going to happen and they better get used to it from day one. But settling up for success is a good idea.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Yes agreed! It is good to build confidence when the horse is learning something new but then the horse needs to also pay attention to the rider and not worry so much about unexpected things 🤩

[@caitlyndale8062]

I love this all horses need a bit of relaxing time will underside to give them a time of enjoyment and to let them let go.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

I totally agree! 💕

[@TheSoraandrea]

Trank you for the video! Do you lead the horse by hand one or more times before the whole track? So that they get used to the Route?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi there! We lead the horse until it is comfortable with being outdoors, not so much knowing the route. It can be useful to take the horses on a route they are familiar with until they have more experience outside but it is not essential ✨

[@adelem4402]

I love that I'm not the only one that wears odd socks to the yard 🤣👍👌

[@YourRidingSuccess]

😇😇😇

[@TheEquiClubYouTube]

Nice!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SterlingFriday]

I LOVE how you think ahead of what could happen. Brilliant !!! Safety first !!! On a hack I had an experienced horse whirl out from under me. No warning just one sec I was on the horse & the next sec I was on the ground … sitting in mud thank goodness for my poor bum. You are a GREAT Teacher !!!

[@pippakay7234]

Its such good info - think like a horse

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thanks! xx

[@heidikneller481]

Uncle Roger! you should get him on a horse!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Haha! Sounds super!

[@naunettemartin7450]

I want too thank you so much with my ride ing success and I'm doing so good with my horse and I have my confidence on ride ing my and i like your ride ing success and it help me so much on ride ing my horse Nannette

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Happy to help! xx

[@naunettemartin7450]

@@YourRidingSuccess you are welcome

[@danicadaly2591]

Always learn so much from your videos. Thank you!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Glad to hear it!

[@ctimm54]

Could you offer advice on how to handle a hot tense horse in a new environment (example shows). Trying to get focus, suppleness, obedience when trying to make it around the show ring and something is scary to them. I have a KWPN (harness lines) super talented 5 year old but when something sets him off and his back drops and his head goes up it’s a huge challenge getting him to push out to the bit without running off and he can get so tight through his body in extreme cases a 10m circle is barely possible. If I get too firm in my aids he can get explosive. I don’t mind getting after him at times, but there are moments tact needs to be used. I’m trying to expose him to life slowly so neither of us get over faced, but any tips I can apply to my toolbox are appreciated.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi there, some ideas for you! Riding sensitive horses requires you to be very calm yourself and the best thing for these horses is a routine and system. It is important while riding at home to establish a good routine where the horse is connected over back into your hand (Training Scale) so that when you start with new places you can go back to the routine the horse knows at home (Training Scale). If you watch our OTTB video coming out this week it will give you some ideas around this also ✨

[@ctimm54]

@@YourRidingSuccess thank you! I saw your video in the 7% increase and I think Travers may help. Also, your TB video reminded me to shorten my rein when he gets tight so I keep my hands in front and continue riding correctly to the bit when he gets high headed. Thanks for all of the amazing tips!! I’m also a newer mom (15 months) and traveling for lessons is not as possible as it used to be.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Yes any exercises that will keep the horse supple and connected into the bridle are good. Yes even when the horse put the head up remember to keep the line from the bit to your elbow which helps be in the correct position when the horse is supple enough to reach for the contact again.

[@juliecampbell8966]

Amazing 👏 I always felt self conscience about having a mate lead me because a beginner at taking horse outside. Appreciate you guys breaking it down because I really feel like I can risk assess our next adventure. Love ❤ your work guys!!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Happy to help!

[@user-mt6sz8jw5x]

Thank you Alicia, this is what we did with our OTT, But he is still on his toes. I wish you could come to Australia one day.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you! How is your OTTB while riding in the arena? If he is really relaxed in the arena and only nervous on the hack it might just take some more practice, just doing small bits at a time after you finish riding and over time he will become more trusting and take your guidance that everything is okay!

[@user-mt6sz8jw5x]

@@YourRidingSuccess no this is in the arena, he it worst outside the arena

[@YourRidingSuccess]

It does take patience, you can stay working in the arena until you find some relaxation and even just do small walks out after rides and build up to it x

[@allysmith2284]

So glad to see someone setting their horse up for success.. planning is SO important with horses, great video

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you! x

[@catherinegoode4445]

Good advise!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you! x

[@dibydabs2812]

As a Rider that owns a OTTB i can 100% agree with all these tips, im lucky i have a coach whos Really good and being "Smart" so nothing bad or Dan grouse happened!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Happy to help! xx

[@freemanfarms2011]

Excellent, baby baby steps, My horse and I went from shaking scared to walk outside of arena to 60+ trails as lead horse in a little over 2 years :) I can't agree more how important hacking and trails are for both health of horse and rider. I love my sandbox but just as equally I love trails! You can probably guess which one my horse enjoys more 🤣 looking forward to Wednesday, you have such a beautiful common sense approach that just isn't common anymore!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you so much!! xx

[@antw23uk]

Loved this and your yard is the stuff of dreams. Would love another tour vid :) (Or i can just move in, lol)

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hahaha love this! Okay we can add an updated tour to the video suggestions!! 💕

[@mickiebbz]

I love to go on a hack at the riding school I go to to put the things I've learned in my lessons to a test out and free. This video was very useful though to think about the safety measures first

[@YourRidingSuccess]

That's a great idea!

[@kippen64]

Your facilities are superb. Any chance of a video showing us what you have?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you 🙏🏻we are very lucky to be based here! We did a video showing the stables, you can see it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZKzlpabr5t0o8U ✨

[@dressage_fever6175]

I love your sock choice! I always have odd socks! Also love the planning!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you!! 😊

[@halleshorses3122]

I could listen to you explain things all day you word is so spot on!❤️❤️❤️

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you 🤩

[@wwaxwork]

I love how much preparedness and thought you put into things to set the horses up for success. You remind me of my mum, she always jokingly said she wasn't doing these things for our safety but the horses, that we'd heal and injuries were much harder to treat on horses and a scared horse is a stupid horse and will hurt itself in it's fright. So it's awesome to see someone else that thinks that way.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you so much! So lovely to hear about your mum! x

[@laurenschenck5355]

So incredible I LOVEE IT! Happy Friday🌈❤️🙏🏻✨💕

[@april5666]

or is that "hacky" Friday :)

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Sounds awesome! Thanks!

[@lisafraser7446]

Very good advice indeed ❤️

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you! x

[@Tulipsaki]

I love his happy face when you hold him. So nice he is going for hacks! Do you ever take George for walks or drives?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Yes! George does little (only because Margot's patience only lasts so long and we do not want to make riding a chore for her!) walks around the property. He is super well behaved!

[@mairwright2806]

Getting someone to lead is such a good idea. Thank you.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Good. Thank you!

[@humanity941]

hello your channel is fantastic . you are great what more can i say .

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you so much 😀

[@bethmiller8284]

Gosh, I love your barn!!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you! :)