I have never been on a hack before...?

Question

I've been riding for a few months, i can stop, walk, trot, canter, etc, but i've never jumped or been on a hack... and we are going to down to a friend's next week, and my friend (she's the same age as me) has her own pony and rides a lot more than i do. Anyway her mum rang mine up and said do i want to do a lesson, or go on a hack? And my mum said lesson, even though i didnt really want to. So i asked her to ring back and say can a do a hack instead, but my mum said no because hacks are for more experienced riders that can jump... basically do you need to be able to jump to do a hack?? thanks! and also any tips for hacking or what not to do? x

Answer 1

No, so long as you take it steady and have a reliable horse.

Horses do wake up on hacks more than in the school, so you need to be able to control a horse fairly well, but there's no reason why you need to jump at all. At the place I work at, we often take younger kids out on walk and trot hacks, and take a lead rein out incase they can't control them - they're completely safe and few of them can jump at all. The only issue they tend to have is stopping their horses from eating, it's surprising how much they'll try that one on.

Answer 2

No, you do not have to be able to jump to hack.



As long as you are safely attired ie, boots, jodphurs or tracksuit bottoms, hat, gloves and possibly a body protector and you can walk and trot safely you are okay to hack and it is a good thing both for you and the horse to explore the countryside and get to know each other better too.



Even totally inexperienced riders go pony-trekking which is what hacking essentially is.



The thing with hacks is to keep your eyes open for potential scarey things like plastic bags etc, where your horse is going - ie, not into water of unknown depth, but the horse will usually tell you if this is the case, they have a sixth sense, and not into wire or something. If you are not sure of the footing, find another route round.



Keep a good contact on the horse's mouth so he does not slop around, keep your wits about you and ride normally and be sensible and considerate of another rider and other users of the bridle pass - don't go galloping past walkers, dogs etc.



I think you will be fine on a steady hack.

Answer 3

No, hacks are just rides through the country, I've been on loads of hacks and I can't jump either. Some hacks are just at a walking pace and never get any more exciting than that, even people who have never ridden before can book these sorts of hacks at local riding stables (whilst on holiday or something) I've also been on longer, fast-paced hacks through the pouring rain and other bad weather conditions, but we never jump or anything. Is your mum confusing hacks with hunts? On hunts the whole ride is across country at a very fast pace and over jumps, hacks are not. I say go for it, I've learned much more about riding through hacks than I have in lessons, the horses love it, it's a completely different experience, and one you can do at your own pace.



It is true that horses are more likely to trip, spook, or play up on a hack, purely because it's a different environment with lots of new smells and things to eat, but if you have a firm hand then you can keep them under control.

Answer 4

No you don't, if you are experienced enough and go on a hack that has jumps and the riding instructor says it's ok for you to jump, then you can - but that's only if you are experienced enough.

But you can go on hacks even if your a beginner and are just learning to ride. You can walk, trot and canter on a hack, so no you don't have to be able to jump if you go on a hack; don't know where your mum got that from.

It might be right at the riding stable or whatever you go to, but at mine I learned to ride on hacks and then started doing flatwork and jumping a little while after that.



Hope I helped.

Answer 5

You can hack as long as you can walk trot and canter alone, without any (human) help and without being on the lunge.

You dont need to be able to jump if you are just going to ride on roads and bridle paths

If you are on a 100% horse you should be completely fine, if you feel unsecure ask someone just to walk with you, but not lead you, just so they are there to help if needed.

Therules are pretty much the same as when on a bike...e.g indicating when turning and thanking drivers.



Hope you have fun ;)

Answer 6

No, you don't need to be able to jump to go on a hack. A hack is just a ride for fun, so you can do whatever you want! If you can walk, trot, and canter safely then you'll be fine! Just go at your own pace, and have fun!

Answer 7

No, you do not need to be able to jump to go on a hack. But you do need to have a little bit more experience and it really depends on where you are hacking, and what type of horse you are riding. I dont blame your mom for being nervous but I think you would probably be okay on a well trained horse. :)

Answer 8

Any good riding Establishment should be able to cater for all abilities and when I go hacking it is on grass track with no jumps and some road work tell your mum no to worry you will be fine especially if you tell them you are a novice and haven't done any jumping at the moment.

Answer 9

No, you do not have tobe able to jump if you're going on a hack. A hack is basically a trail ride. You could jump on a hack, but that's only if YOU want to.

Answer 10

no. but on a hack there tends to be more spooky things for a horse to spook at. would think your mum has your safety at heart. and as you dont ride very often or know the pony very well, it is best to stay in the school and have a lesson. its a lot softer landing on sand than grass or worse still tarmac

Answer 11

A hack is i think like going on a trail ride! You can be on really tough hacks and you can be on easier hacks to! beginners to intermideiates can go on hacks anytime! have fun

Answer 12

a hack is pretty much a trail ride, in english terms. you just go out and ride and have fun, mess around. you don't have to jump if you don't want to. Just watch out for things that might spook your horse.

Answer 13

i have been riding 4 ,,10 months and you deffo dont need to be able 2 jump !! tipss: if ur pony/horse sees a bag let them look at it and praise them and dont let them go down ditchs i hope i have helped:)