Anna Louise and Winnie enjoy some in-hand hacking
Anna Louise enjoys some in-hand hacking with youngster Winnie, back in action after a three-month winter break
WINNIE’S THREEMONTH baby break has flown by. Since the end of November she’s been loving life with her two miniature accomplices, galloping through the trees, chilling in the fields and chomping through lots of hay. On 1 February, we experience the first sign of sunnier days to come — a much needed breather from the flooding we’ve had on our smallholding. I spend hours grooming the little herd who resemble mud-slathered hippos rather than horses. When I start to see my 14.3hh (nudging 15hh now) youngster emerge from under the dirt and brambles, I tack her up gently and take her out for a stroll in-hand. She hasn’t been touched for three months and yet she doesn’t jump or spin at trucks, cars, trains or new horses in a nearby field. We wade through muddy puddles, past builders with their deep laughter booming through the fencing, walk under echoey tunnels and around busy roundabouts. Winnie is interested and listening, but doesn’t seem fazed. My now five-year-old loves being back out exploring. If you ever have doubts about throwing out your youngsters for the winter, do it. Winnie loved the freedom and time with the herd, and she now feels happy to come back into action after being backed last year. We enjoy our first in-hand trots along some private roads. It’s funny how such a minor thing to most can feel like a huge achievement to us on our baby journey. Initially she’s confused and jumps when the reins flap against her neck. However, after a couple of asks, she trots by my side down the length of the road, with trucks queuing behind us and gates rattling ahead.
Dear diary
I have invested in a horse planner and I’m writing an account of all our progress — each hack, every training session — and it’s really helping me towards my goal of being back on board by the spring. Even though our hacks are currently in-hand, I crave riding — that magical time spent outdoors, with my horse, away from the stresses of life. But what Winnie and I have been doing proves that you don’t have to ride your horse to have fun adventures together. Near us there are some incredible paths leading to National Trust properties and ancient forests, as well as woodland bridlepaths. The only problem is that they lie hidden behind busy main roads that would be terrifying for most horses, let alone a recently-backed youngster.
The other day, I watched (through fingers, with my hands over my eyes) a group of teenagers canter across the main road. It reminded me of when I used to take my loan horses to the nearby woods. Drivers would rev their engines right behind us and I’d struggle to prevent my horse from bolting. At the time, it was just part of the hacking experience, but I look back on it and wince. It’s heartbreaking that we have such beautiful locations on our doorstep and yet they’re almost off limits. Fast roads, irritable drivers and horses are such a dangerous combination. So much more needs to be done to educate both drivers and riders.
But I’m determined that our exploring won’t be curtailed. One day this summer I plan to get Winnie there — safely and calmly — but until then we’ll work steadily in-hand in traffic until we’re both confident enough to face the sharks of the road.
“Winnie is interested and listening, but doesn’t seem fazed”