Hacking out alone: is it safe after an incident?

Hi!

🐴 No, I do not think you should ride on your own. It sounds as though you need to work on basic schooling and basic handling. Once the signals, words and behaviours for basic schooling and handling are in place, situations like the one you describe usually sort themselves out too. It takes time, and it may seem dull and a little difficult, but it is so worth it in the long run. Get help from a trainer, it makes a real difference 👏🏼🤗🐴

Many of our horses are full of themselves now that the light is returning and they are feeling the spring. Do not tempt fate, just do the things you feel safe with. Then build up the difficulty gradually.

Ride in the arena first, or do some other kind of work, then you can walk or ride out in walk afterwards to wind down. Take the same route every time, in all weathers and at all times of day. In the end your horse will most likely settle.

Good luck! 🦄