hacking out alone

Question
i have a very large strong gelding who is rising 7 he will not hack out alone at all and i am getting nervous trying to get him to go as all he wants to do if you try to make him is buck kick out rear spin round and run for home

Answer
Hello Nikki,

Success will depend on the reason he balks. You will  need to know if it is because he is barn sour or because he is frightened.  If the former I suggest that you locate a very safe place to hack him and trailer him there. He won't be able to see the barn and home and his barn mates and may go better.  


If it is fear, the only thing is to be patient with him. Perhaps you could try what I did.  I have a 4 year old mare and for a while I led her around a circle of roads and tracks of a distance of about 1/2 mile...me walking by her side.  I would lead her around and around and then when she was used to it, I rode her.  She was fine.

If this does not work then you will have to have someone with a very strong secure seat take him in hand.  When he bucks or rears, let go the right rein and pull his head around to the rider's left knee while using the left calf to make him spin until you are sure he has been reprimanded enough. Do this each time he is very disobedient.  This can be dangerous so be sure you use someone who is accustomed to dealing with rank horses.  If it is just rankness it must be squelched asap or he will be confirmed in this.

Hope it helps,
Dorothy