problems hacking

Question
I have owned my horse Humphrey, a 17 2 thoroughbred x irish draught, for about 4 years now.  When we got him he was only seven and could not hack well.  He used to rear around in circles and not like passing hedges.  With mine and my sisters help we got him hacking out well.  

When I went to university I loaned him out to a good friend, she is an experienced rider and instructor. While his schooling has come on in leaps and bounds his hacking has regressed. Apparently he is rearing again and when a whip is used he bucks. It has gotten so bad that she cant get him to leave the yard. He doesn't even like to follow other horses, a trick that worked when we first got him. He hasn't had a bad experience hacking so I think he is testing her. Unfortunately she has limited time and ends up schooling him as she doesn't have hours to spend trying to persuade him to leave the yard.

I haven't actually hacked him out for a while but am looking forward to doing so when I get back. However I am worried that he will do the same with me. I was wondering what is he best way to get him out of this habit. I use a snaffle with a flash, when we used a gag he got more headstrong!

I was thinking that if I led him out a few times before riding out that maybe it would help. I would like to hear if you have any other suggestions.

Thanks

Emma


Answer
Hi Emma,

 I think that your idea about leading him out is a good one.  I would also try to do some simple work with him outside of the ring/yard.  Maybe lead him out and groom him the first day or two, give him some treats or let him graze a bit (make going out a fun experience).  Then slowly build up to doing the same thing when he is under tack and then slowly get him used to going just a step or two out of the yard and then letting him go back as a reward and slowly build up moving out a little bit more each day.

 Please let me know if this helps.  Best of luck and please feel free to write if you need any more suggestions = )

*Nicole @ Dark Horse Farm