PEACE OF mind r feel ner vous about hacki e v e u o ng? Do y Don’t worr y, Team PO NY’s got your back
H
acking’s a great opportunity to laugh with friends, have fun with your pony and make memories while riding through the beautiful countryside. But, if you’ve never had the chance to venture outside the arena before, or you’ve just started sharing a new pony, hacking can be a daunting experience. You might prefer to ride within the walls of an arena and feel nervy at the thought of being out in the open, but staying in the school could mean you miss out on loads of epic adventures! So get ready to switch off from Make sure you have all the the stresses of life and explore the big, wide safety gear needed before world with your fave pony. going on your hack. You should wear an up-to-standard hat and body protector, as well as one item of high-vis on you and one on your pony.
TOP TIP
Easy does it Take things at your own pace and don’t feel pressured to go hacking with pals who spend hours exploring or only love to go fast. Start off slowly so you can enjoy your time in the saddle and build up your confidence. Why not begin by heading out for a short ride around the block or fields after your schooling session? It’s the perfect way to cool down your pony and get used to hacking.
Quiet time
If your yard’s based in a busy area and you’re likely to come across lots of traffic or dog walkers, avoid riding at peak times. It’s best to head out hacking when it’s quieter so you can focus on having a fun time with your pony.
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Guiding light
Why not book a hack with your instructor? Think of it as a normal lesson – they’ll still be able to give you guidance and help you deal with any problems you might have – but they’ll be riding instead of on the ground. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions, too!
Buddy up There’s no better feeling than hacking with your best pals and, once you’ve experienced an epic ride with friends, it’s sure to become your new fave activity. Ride with confident friends who’ll acknowledge how you’re feeling and won’t pressure you to step too far out of your comfort zone. Try chatting or singing along the way to take your mind off your worries and use your friends to test where you feel most confident in the group. Start off in the middle so you don’t get left behind, then have a go riding in front if you and your pony feel up to it – it’ll do wonders for your confidence if you can lead the way!
TOP TIP
You could ask someone to hack your pony and join them on foot. It’ll give you a good insight into how he behaves out hacking and you’ll get to know some good routes, too.
Walkies!
Ask a parent or friend to come along with you on foot. Having an extra pair of hands to open gates or thank drivers who are passing politely is super-helpful and allows you to keep hold of both reins if you’re nervous about letting go.
Frame of mind
If you start to lose your confidence or feel the nerves kick in while you’re on a hack, come up with some ways to help you cope and stay relaxed. Here are five things to try… 1. Focus on your breathing Did you know that taking slow, deep breaths increases the amount of oxygen in your brain and signals it to relax? 2. Count out loud Try listening to your pony’s footsteps and count along to the beat of his gait.
3. Tell a story Have a chat to
4.
5.
your instructor or friend about something that’s happened recently or an upcoming event. Give your pony extra attention Run your fingers through his mane or give him a nice scratch on his wither – it’ll reassure him as well as settle your nerves. Play a game A good old game of ‘I spy’ or a round of ‘guess the song’ is sure to take your mind off things.
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A fresh
trim Get your pony looking his best in no time
T
here’s nothing better than a beautiful, freshly trimmed pony. But tidying up his unruly hair doesn’t mean making him bald! You can neaten feather and luscious locks without lopping them all off. Whether you love your pony’s look – hair and all – or want to give him a makeover, check out our trimming guide.
rd bestaa few busshahveyat lea Big st ponie
Mo ir jaw, even stray hairs under the uffy. Tidying r-fl pe if they aren’t su fastening up this fuzz will make and quickly his noseband easier a set of n smarten him up. Ru – taking jaw his trimmers down on the m the mp bu care not to can use a u yo ly, ve ati ern Alt . bone ors to trim iss sc comb and a pair of bone. jaw his h wit the hair in line
TOP TIP
Take care of your trimmers by getting the blades sharpened and oiling them regularly, as well as making sure they’re fully charged before use.
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PONY magazine
’Ear ’ear
You might find your p ony grows of hair in h lots is ears, wh ich can loo messy and k collect dirt or grease. you’d like to If tidy them up, hold th ear in your e hand with the outsid edges touc e hing. Care fully cut th hair that st e icks out w ith scissors, c utting up to a pair of wards the – make su sky re you ask a parent, y instructor our or yard ma nager for h if you need elp it.
TOP TIP
Regular trims will make your sessions quicker and easier, plus your pony’ll look smarter for longer.
Lemmgedit ny legs will make your po
Tri tidied-up look extra sleek, but as smart. If t jus k loo n ca feather all the feather, you want to remove or a comb ers use a pair of trimm ht back rig it t cu to and scissors ver, if we Ho k. loc fet his against r, a pair the fea you’d like to tidy his the are mb co of scissors and a ir and ha his e ap sh to perfect way u re yo wash keep it neat. Make su rst so the fi and comb it through e you trim for be y hair lies correctl it back.
Trimmed legs will make your pony look extra sleek PONY magazine
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