AF first timer. Any pearls of wisdom?

[little_critter]

I’m off to my first AF on Sunday. I’ve never been before so is there anything I need to know?
Already sorted: no whip or caller. Will need my number on for the arena walk....which is just that, stick to walk only.
Also if anyone is familiar with Moreton EC is there anything I need to know, are things easy to find? Do they usually have catering? Is it a long trek from lorry park to warm up?

 

[j1ffy]

There will be a steward doing tack checks - at AFs it's usually while warming up. They'll check your bit, noseband and spurs (if worn) and are usually very friendly and helpful!

It sounds like you're pretty sorted. The only other thing is to remember to enjoy it! Oh and pick up your plaque

 

[humblepie]

Is that Moreton EC in Dorset? I have only been there once so limited knowledge. From memory went from a field with the lorry parking in it (probably hard standing as well) through a little track across to the arenas. Nice surfaces in the arenas, judges' boxes, had some flower pots and bits and piece around to create bit of an atmosphere but nothing horrid. Enjoy and have fun.

Arena walks seem to vary a bit - I don't generally do them as too many horses in an area worries horse but he is not worried at all about different arenas. One we did for an AF, people did their own thing as to which rein they were on and cutting across the arenas etc, the other one everyone stayed on the same rein and changed rein when told. If there is something you think your horse may not like, the change of rein or needing to circle because you are catching up the horse in front can be tactically deployed!