Photo by Captivation Media

Q: How do I go for my first hack outside of the arena safely with my new off-track Thoroughbred?

A: While this answer may vary a bit horse by horse and property by property, getting them outside of the arena is one of my favorite things to do. Whether you are aiming for a leisurely walk, or hope to do more, cross country work is a great way to break up the perceived monotony of the ring and introduce new strength training you’ll find beneficial to any discipline.

First and foremost, how much do you know about your horse’s history? We are incredibly lucky here in the MidAtlantic to be in a horse rich environment where it is not uncommon for Thoroughbreds to get started on private farms or have training breaks and layups with the potential to be legged up outside of a traditional track or arena. There are also training centers and farms where cross country options can be a regular part of some trainers’ routines, and a lot of aftercare facilities and private resellers are now adding similar experiences to their adoptable/sales horses’ resumes. Regardless, it never hurts to ask, and knowing that your new OTTB has had prior experience outside of the arena may make your first adventure a little easier on everyone. However, if the answer is no, or simply unknown, that’s okay too. Having a blank slate can be just as successful, and sometimes even more rewarding.

Nevertheless, by this point, you should have a pretty good idea of your horse’s general demeanor and have mastered at least some basic skills in the arena. Think steering, brakes, and simply having a connection with one another, so trust what you know. Are they spooky around the barn? If they do spook, what is their response? Are they bothered if the arena setup changes, or do they take new things in stride? These answers will be good clues as to how they may react in a new environment with new experiences, so adjust accordingly. For example, if they are spooky, and their spook unseats you or disrupts your balance, maybe try a neck strap so that you are not interfering with their mouth, but still feel secure. If you find them to be noise sensitive, maybe try ear plugs. When it comes to tack, I am a huge believer in keeping it simple until you can’t. While you may certainly end up at a point where you prefer a different bit to jump a cross-country course than you do to jump a course in the arena, for these purposes, find what works for a comfortable ride, and stick with what they’re used to.

Another caveat to this experience will be the options available to you. An additional benefit to living in the middle of horse country is that our barn has endless opportunities to ride out, including neighboring crop fields with well-mowed paths around their perimeters that make them my ideal initial route of choice. From here, the horses can see the barn for almost the entirety of the ride, helping them trust that they know where they are, even if they are unsure of what’s being asked of them. I also have the option to extend the ride with an extra loop if they are enjoying themselves or cut it short if they seem stressed. If you don’t have a similar route at your disposal, perhaps you can safely walk around the perimeter of a pasture, or even choose a pasture to walk/hack through? While not every facility will allow their riders to be too picky, the main goal is to simply try not to over face your new OTTB with too many new obstacles at once. In my opinion, it is always better to start small with achievable goals and quit while you’re ahead. You’ll be amazed how quickly you can build from there. I’ve had client horses that were so nervous cross country, they simply walked around the perimeter of the nearest paddock as a cool down every day until they realized it was a relaxing reward. Now, they go out and about for hacks alone. If hacking in an open field is your goal, maybe start by simply walking out in the open until you feel comfortable adding the trot, and then the canter. No starting point is too small.

Keeping that in mind, things I try to avoid on my very first outing include streams, steep hills, and extremely uneven terrain. If you are planning to walk down a stretch of road, perhaps steer clear of trash or recycling days. Also do your best to not pick an unseasonably cold and blustery day where there may be more to look at, and don’t venture into the woods during the peak of hunting season. Likewise, if you are planning to trailer to your first cross country experience, I would recommend it not also be your first off property experience. Remember, you want to keep this new adventure as simple, successful and stress-free as possible.

Now that your homework is done, and your plan is in place, another huge help in getting out of the ring is the buddy system. If you have a more experienced and easygoing horse at your disposal, ask someone to bring them along. If you have a more experienced friend or trainer, ask them to come along. There is never any shame in asking for help, and not only will having company help keep your horse happy, but you’d be amazed at how having someone (your horse included) to talk to will help you stay even keeled as well. Which brings me to my last, but absolutely not least suggestion. Always stay relaxed! This experience is meant to be enjoyable for everyone, which undoubtedly starts with you.

So, make your plan, grab your friend, take a deep breath, and get yourself out of that arena.
Happy hacking!

Together with her husband, David, Caitlan Brooks owns and operates River’s Ridge, LLC, a small boarding, training, and sales barn that specializes in helping OTTBs find their second careers. Caitlan is a regular supporter of both the Take2 League and Retired Racehorse Project, most recently winning the 2024 Field Hunter Division and placing second in the 2024 Show Hunter Division.