Three reasons to Hack

Hacking at a Riding School: Why It’s More Than Just a Ride

For many riders, the arena is a familiar place to build skills and confidence – whether perfecting dressage movements or working on jumping. But there’s nothing quite like getting out of the arena and into the countryside for a hack. At RRC hacking is a whole new set of benefits to both horse and rider. With small groups of 4-5 riders plus an experienced leader, each hack offers the perfect balance of learning, enjoyment, and social interaction. Here’s why hacking is such an invaluable part of your riding experience.

1) Hacking Teaches You More Than You Realise

For the rider, hacking is an excellent way to improve balance, coordination, posture, and core strength in a relaxed environment away from the structure of an arena. Riding in different settings and terrains boosts confidence, makes you a more versatile rider, and gives you the chance to connect with your horse in a different way. Plus, it’s a great way to de-stress and unwind, offering both horse and rider a refreshing change of scenery.

For the horse, hacking is a brilliant way to expose them to new sights, sounds, and surfaces, which is crucial for their development and well-being. Hill work, which is often included in hacks, helps to build up your horse’s hindquarters and strengthen their overall condition. Riding on various surfaces, such as gravel paths, grass, or dirt tracks, challenges your horse’s balance and coordination, and each surface provides its own physical benefits. Open spaces allow work in faster paces, like cantering**, in a safe and supported environment led by an experienced guide. These experiences help your horse become more adaptable, balanced, and responsive.

(Cantering isn't always suitable on hack - your guide will make the decision)

2) Hacking Teaches Calmness and Emotional Control

Every hack brings its own challenges, and being led by an experienced guide means there’s always someone there to help navigate those tricky moments – like when a pigeon suddenly takes flight or a plastic bag blows across the path. It’s not uncommon for horses to "spook" at unfamiliar objects, and how a rider responds to these situations is crucial.

Taking part in guided hacks helps riders learn to stay calm under pressure, maintaining emotional control and offering reassurance to their horse. With a leader at the helm, you’ll learn to read your horse’s body language, respond calmly to any spooking, and refocus their attention. This emotional intelligence and ability to deal with unexpected situations make you a more confident and capable rider in all aspects of riding – whether in lessons, competitions, or just for fun.

3) Hacking is a Fun, Social Experience

One of the best things about hacking is the chance to ride with others and have a good natter along the way. Unlike lessons, where concentration is needed to learn and develop skills, hacks allow you to enjoy riding in a more relaxed and social setting. It’s a great opportunity to swap tips, share stories, and simply enjoy being out on horseback together.

Hacks are often popular with parents and children too, as they allow riders of varying abilities to enjoy time together, which might not be possible in a structured lesson.

Our hack are for novice lesson riders and above. Bookable via our website and the ECPRO app.