The HyperBike is a very innovative vehicle. It has a low centre of gravity, and a wide axle. It is very stable, and as mentioned, is light – 13.5kg – and very strong. Having made my adjustments, got my harness altered, and done everything I could think of, I decided to put on my Bridget Joneses, and get over myself. What could to wrong?! The Husband led us down the drive as Rebel was uncharacteristically spooky, and when I nodded to The Husband to remove the lead rein, all hell broke loose!
Rebel bolted! Not just a half-hearted canter up the road! Oh no! A real bucking, kicking mindless flight for over 1/2mile! Thank all the gods that although I couldn’t pull him up, I could steer: I kept him straight; the one car we met was being driven by a friend who realised something was badly wrong, and gave Joe a lift up the road to where Rebel had run himself out.
In the interests of domestic harmony and pony and cart retention, I agreed to walk home alongside Rebel, with Joe leading.
And so began my research as to … why???
I looked of course at the cart. The seat – which is supposed to be much closer than a traditional cart – was actually too close; it was touching Rebel’s tail. And the shafts were so tight they were scratching the saddle. I discussed this with other HyperBike owners and the manufacturer, and looked again and again at the set-ups in USA – remember, this was the first HyperBike in Ireland and the UK; I have no local experienced HyperBiker. And then it dawned on me. For Rebel’s height (36”/9hh), his Thelwell build is very different to the fine, dainty physique of the American bred miniature horse or even their Shetland pony.
Rule 17: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again
© Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, 2021
Treating your horse with care, connection, curiosity, and compassion
