#Hack1000Miles in partnership with Wintec SaddlesHacking a horse, or trail riding, makes up a portion of many equestrians time spent in the saddle. Its a great way to spend time with your horse and boasts so many benefits that it deserves to be celebrated we created the #Hack1000Miles challenge for a reason!But if hacking is how you spend most of your time, how do you feel about being labelled as a happy hacker?We atYour Horse believe every rider should be able to claim the term if they wish. If youre on the fence, here are a few signs that you might be one1 You have an extensive high vis wardrobeYou need to stay safe and visible whilst hacking out, whether you do roadwork or prefer bridleways. From tabards and hat bands to neck straps and fluorescent quarter sheets, both you and your horse will have plenty of safety equipment in a variety of colours to suit every ride. Bonus points if you ride with flashing lights.2 Your horse takes you to the yard gate, not the arena, when you mount upThey say you get to know your horse like the back of your hand but your horse knows you too. And if youre a happy hacker, they likely know youd much rather leave the yard for a hack than go into the school.3 Its your favourite way to unwindWhats the first thing you think about doing after a stressful day? If long bridleways or grass tracks sound like the perfect way to canter away from your troubles, you might be a happy hacker.4 Youre constantly checking what time the sun will setGlued to your weather app waiting for the days to get long enough that you can finally squeeze in a quick half an hour ride around the block? Youve got hacking on the brain.5 You have multiple map apps on your phonePhone full to the brim with apps that can plan your route or track your ride? You dont want to miss a mile or get lost, so better safe than sorry.6 You let your horse pick the routeWhen youve got plenty of time ahead and your trusty steed knows all the ways home, do you let them pick what route youll ride? Not every rider has this kind of partnership with their horse, and its one that takes many hours in the saddle to build.What do the #Hack1000Miles challengers think?Happy hacker. The term is Marmite amongst riders: they either love it or hate it. I asked the riders in our Hack 1,000 Miles Facebook group for their thoughts on the term happy hacker and whether they use it, and here are their thoughtsThose who consider themselves happy hackersPlenty of riders use the term, as the results above suggest.I absolutely am, says Hannah Leslie. I do other stuff too, but hacking is what I enjoy the most. I dont have the brain power for schooling, and my horse hates it unless jumps are involved!Yep, I mainly ride out solo, says Marie Jane Harper. A good hacking horse is a skill in itself. There are lots of obstacles along the way, and there are many mental benefits. You can school on a hack too; its such a good training platform.Im a very happy hacker and a self-confessed fair weather rider! admits Abbi Thorpe. I dont mind minus temperatures and snow, but if its raining I dont even step outside the door.I am a happy hacker, but I do lots of other things as well jump, flat work and pleasure rides, says Lynda Buckingham.Those who dont use the termBut the phrase has garnered some flack over the years, particularly as other equestrians can use it in a derivative way, because they dont compete.I refuse to use the term happy hacker, says Hannah Gardner. I prefer off road equestrian or horseback rambler.I think happy hacker is a dreadful term, says Janice Bridger. Hacking is the ultimate test of trust; I think an alternate term is needed.This content is brought to you in partnership withWintec Saddles, durable, comfortable, easy-care, weather-proof saddles for everyone.Lead image: Charlie Gooders PhotographyRelated content#Hack1000Miles riders share motivational tips to get you in the saddleFour things that make hacking easier and more funEquestrians to follow on social media if you love hackingThe post Six signs youre a happy hacker appeared first on Your Horse.