Me, a Hacker?

A statement in an online article I read recently really got my hackles up! No, it didn’t make the hairs on the back of my head raise as suggested by the descriptive phrase, but I was annoyed enough to make notes for this blog.

A Hackled Hacker

The article discusses different types of riders. “Equestrian” was used only for serious riders engaged and competing in specific activities like jumping, dressage, etc. What about recreational riders, someone like me who enjoys experiencing nature on horseback? I prefer it over hiking all those miles. The article states that recreational riders in the UK were often called “Happy Hackers” due to their preference for trail riding instead of working in an arena.

Hmmm, the use of the term “hacker” took me aback. To me, a hacker (not the computer kind) is someone unskilled or even inept at a particular activity. Anyone riding a thousand-pound prey animal out of the safe, controlled environment of an arena had better not be inept!

Horses outside of an arena are exposed to all sorts of possibly frightening things, both natural (mountains, coyotes, etc.) and unnatural manufactured stimuli (cars, ATVs, trucks, plastic bags, tarps, banging doors, etc.) Being prey animals, horses prefer to flee first and ask questions later. Being on the back of a large animal as it is running in fear for its life is not a safe place to be for a person. Too often, the laws of physics become involved. You know, being flung off and then dragged to the ground by gravity.

Riding successfully ideally involves a partnership and mutual trust between the horse and rider. The horse must trust their human enough that if something does scare them, they won’t let instinct take over but wait for the human to say it’s okay, no need to run. And hopefully, protect the rider in dangerous situations.

The ideal trail horse has ‘been there, done that’ and is non-reactive, calm, and caring for the rider. They are hard to find. You hope you’ll understand what makes your horse react so you’re prepared to calm him or ‘shut down’ the spook. You also want the horse to recognize you as the leader so they’ll care for you. If a horse doesn’t respect you, they’ll run right through or over you… it’s your job to get out of their way! Not all horses can be ridden on the trail. They need the safety and consistency of an arena.

I was surprised at first when I heard that horseback riding or even just being around horses is more dangerous than riding motorcycles, skiing, football, and rugby.

Remember, when you come across a horse and rider, they have the right of way. It’s safer that way for everyone. Remember, trail riders are not hacks!

Poncho, my awesome trail horse, in Sitegreaves National Forest.

Some Fun Facts!

My first thought was whether the words hacker and hackles have the same origin, but apparently not. Hackles is from ‘raise one’s hackles” like dogs and cats do when they’re annoyed. Hacker is derived from the 17th-century word for “lusty laborer” who energetically harvested the fields with vigorous swings of his hoe.

Fun Word Fact: Hippophile – someone who loves horses

Speaking of fun facts, take a look at my fun and educational workbooks!