A bit fed up of some UK hacks...

Not a rant, just thought I'd point out!

Just a request really to see if anyone's been on any fast paced hacks that they can recommend.

What it comes down to is this... I am fully aware that a lesson in a school will mean that I will be able to get much more cantering or even jumping involved; however I prefer the hacks because I think it's just better all round for the horse (and rider) to get out of the school and enjoy the surroundings.


I've been riding now for 15 years, I've done a whole variety of different things including helping to train young tear-aways/cross country/show jumping.

I live in the Midlands now, in the UK and I'm a little bit frustrated at some of the hacks I've tried to go on in different schools.


Whether they describe it as a galloping hack/fast paced/advanced rider.... it all comes down to the same thing.... Over half of it is walking, then some trotting... then we finally get some action and it's only around 30 seconds worth of it! And worse, sometimes the one "gallop stretch" that we have is up a very steep hill - so it's more like a hard slow climb.






I mean seriously - is it just me in the whole of the West Midlands that actually wants a fast paced one? Surely I'm not the only one around searching for an action-paced cross country ride?



I'm tired of going to places where on the hack the horses know the route and what to do on it so well that it can be hard to get them to really pay attention and to seem interested.

I've been on so many where the horses have their ears back, they're plodding along un-interested and then we finally get moving but it doesn't last long.



So.... My question is, are there any riding stables around in the Midlands that offers a fast paced hack???

I really don't mind travelling so please suggest anywhere you may know.

Thanks!

When I first saw this thread I was a bit confused by what you meant by 'hack', we call them trail rides over here.
I enjoy a fast trail ride, although I have plenty of trails and stock routes to use.
Do you not have any space you can use at home? Or your boarding centre?
Sorry I can't offer any suggestions of places. It must be really annoying though!

Could you lease/hire a horse and go out on a less 'structured' hack?

I'm the same, I hate slow trails! I spend the majority of my time long trotting and cantering.

In my experience, which is the Northeast (County Durham), Edinburgh, and Glasgow, there is simply very little space to go for a long gallop. Maybe there is, but I have yet to find it. Usually you're stopped by roads, fences, rough tracks, etc. I have my own horse so I ride wherever is reasonable from whatever livery yard I am at, but unless I do laps around the same field, I don't get a gallop stretch that lasts more than thirty seconds or maybe a minute or so if I get lucky.

If I find one I will let you know. Inverness maybe? Haha. I'll have to move myself and the horse there in the spring so will find out.