How can I get my horse to enjoy hacking out more?

Hi! I understand it is frustrating, but his behaviour is not strange at all. Horses are herd animals, so leaving the yard and the herd willingly goes against their nature. The herd is their great source of security.

Start by working on your relationship with him in general. Spend time with him, take him for walks, perhaps a little way from the yard, and let him graze in the lead rope (in spring and summer). Do work in hand, trick training, lungeing and long reining, and sit out in the paddock with him. Building the relationship strengthens his trust in you.

When it comes to the hacks themselves, it is wise to ride out in company whenever you can. That is an important step in getting a horse to enjoy hacking generally. Swapping positions, so you take turns riding in front, in the middle and at the back with the other horses, often keeps a horse alert and energetic.

It also helps to find loops to ride, rather than heading out one way and then turning to ride the same route home. The turn for home is often the moment things start to speed up, so avoid it where you can. 😄

Best of luck! ☀️🐴