Confident Hacking: How to Build Calm, Relaxed Trail Rides for You and Your Horse

Hacking and trail riding should be one of the most enjoyable parts of riding. Time in nature, a change of scenery, and a chance to build trust with your horse. But for many riders, especially those with young or inexperienced horses, hacking can feel unpredictable, tense, or stressful.

In our latest training program, ‘Confident Hacking: Real-World Training‘, Sean Coleman takes two young, green horses out on their very first hacks and shows how confidence is built step by step in real-world situations. Everything is filmed live, so you see exactly how the horses respond and how Sean adjusts in the moment. Below is a preview of the training program, explained by Sean himself.

This article shares five of the key principles from the program and gives you practical guidance you can apply on your own trail rides.

1. Confidence starts with curiosity, not pressure

Horses are naturally cautious in new environments. When they hesitate, it’s often because they are unsure, not disobedient. One of the key ideas in Confident Hacking is helping the horse become curious about new situations rather than forcing them through.

Small adjustments, light aids, and giving the horse time to think can help shift their focus away from fear and toward exploration. When curiosity takes over, confidence follows naturally.

2. Stay neutral when your horse tries

On the trail, timing matters. When a horse makes an effort to step forward, look, or investigate an obstacle, the rider’s job is to stay neutral and allow that decision to happen.

Releasing pressure at the right moment helps the horse understand that they’ve made a good choice. Over time, this creates a horse that is more willing to try in unfamiliar situations.

4. Rhythm creates relaxation

Whether riding through open spaces, water, or narrow paths, rhythm plays a huge role in keeping both horse and rider relaxed.

In the program, you’ll see how maintaining a steady rhythm helps horses stay calm even when the environment changes. Adjusting energy levels without increasing emotional tension is a key skill for confident hacking.

5. Use repetition to build trust

Confidence on the trail is not built in one ride. Repeating the same route, revisiting obstacles, and allowing the horse to experience success again and again helps reinforce calm responses.

This is especially important for young horses, who benefit greatly from consistent, positive experiences in new environments.

What’s included in the Confident Hacking training program

This program includes a full trail ride progression, filmed over two days, covering:

• First hacks with young, inexperienced horses
• Crossing water, from shallow streams to deeper water
• Riding over small and large bridges
• Staying relaxed in open spaces
• Navigating narrow gaps and natural obstacles
• Reviewing progress and building confidence over time

Each video focuses on a specific challenge commonly faced while hacking, making it easy to apply the lessons to your own rides.

Putting Confident Hacking into practice

Hacking doesn’t have to be stressful or unpredictable. With the right approach, it can become a calm, confidence-building experience for both you and your horse.

The Confident Hacking program on Ridely is designed to help you enjoy riding out in nature, knowing you have the tools to support your horse through whatever you encounter along the way.