Can I have a quick opinion please?

[Michen]

Yep if I’d posted “is it ok to travel 7 hours in total to an event with an overnight stay” no one would have thought twice, which is sort of the jist as the travel will be split between two days.

Just that he would have been elsewhere in the 5 days before, but given he’s currently not lifted his head eating despite the pouring rain I’d say his stress is rather low!

 

[Michen]

As far as the ground goes, it's been a couple of years since I went to Broadway but so far as I remember it's quite springy old turf so less likely to bake hard than some other places, and it's good good grass coverage too. So hopefully you'll be okay on that front.

I always thought Broadway was one of the more forgiving cross country courses too and not overly hilly so I think you'll be fine.

I know Broadway well, I’d say it’s pretty damn hilly which is why I like it for Bog! I have been there when it’s been super hard before but given the current rain level it should be fine. Probably more like to withdraw because it’s too wet now ?

 

[mavandkaz]

I know Broadway well, I’d say it’s pretty damn hilly which is why I like it for Bog! I have been there when it’s been super hard before but given the current rain level it should be fine. Probably more like to withdraw because it’s too wet now ?

Can you send the rain this way - still not a drop here!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Can you send the rain this way - still not a drop here!

It's absolutely lashing it down up here!

Michen, it would have been even more of a horrid drive than usual on the motorways with all surface water spray, I hope that the cross-country route wasn't too tedious.

I hope that it soon dries up for you, and for us come to that . We wanted some rain...

 

[nikkimariet]

It’s a no for me. A bit too much travelling and working in that mix.

 

[Michen]

It's absolutely lashing it down up here!

Michen, it would have been even more of a horrid drive than usual on the motorways with all surface water spray, I hope that the cross-country route wasn't too tedious.

I hope that it soon dries up for you, and for us come to that . We wanted some rain...

I actually went on the motorway in the end last
Minute. I thought I’d see how the m6 Pre toll was and was amazed how the lay bys were so frequent. Sadly that doesn’t continue north of Birmingham does it!. I was late dropping the dog off and the wind around Oxford was bad, I worried I’d get caught up in it if I added another hour. Had to weigh up potentially towing in wind vs smart motorway and figured a modern low mileage car with new tyres on both vehicles had to be better.

Felt really uncomfortable though.

It wasn’t pleasant at all but the horses we’re fine, and weirdly it got less windy up north!

 

[Goldenstar]

I am not sure how my horses survived eventing reading some of these replies .

 

[windand rain]

I am not sure how my horses survived eventing reading some of these replies .

Totally agree we didn't have transport when I was young and thought nothing of riding 20 miles to a one day event compete then ride home again. Next day we would be out riding to or on the beach again a 6 mile hack each way the hours riding the dunes and galloping on the beach. Horses work so little now its not surprising they have become so acceptably overweight

 

[Michen]

I am not sure how my horses survived eventing reading some of these replies .

haha I honestly feel a bit shocked/bad and have had to really think about whether I’m doing the right thing. I do think my initial post was arguably a bit punchy for any horse that your a bit soft about (which I am). But back on Friday with no work and turnout then going on sat- I didn’t think that was remotely contentious. I think some replies are based on initial post which I get though.

Ah well!

 

[Michen]

Can you send the rain this way - still not a drop here!

It is on its way!!

You would laugh as I dashed out to buy Bear a full neck rug, not realising there was 2 stables not 1 (friends horse in other ones). Obvs Bear would have to be turfed out not Bog. Field is right “in” the stables but Boggle went absolutely mental at Bear being out.

So now Bog is out with Bear, with no neck (forgot to bring them), and Bear in a brand new rug ??

 

[mavandkaz]

It is on its way!!

You would laugh as I dashed out to buy Bear a full neck rug, not realising there was 2 stables not 1 (friends horse in other ones). Obvs Bear would have to be turfed out not Bog. Field is right “in” the stables but Boggle went absolutely mental at Bear being out.

So now Bog is out with Bear, with no neck (forgot to bring them), and Bear in a brand new rug ??

You mean Bear gets nice shiny new gear? That doesn't sound right at all ? Oh and the rain has definitely reached us.

Ps, belle is going to be disappointed that your not going to be there to top up her straw bank - she's going to be very hungry by the time you get back ?

 

[Upthecreek]

I am not sure how my horses survived eventing reading some of these replies .

Me neither! This is why we have so many unfit, overweight horses these days that are so much more susceptible to injuries. I think the world of my horses but I don’t wrap them in cotton wool. I admit I’m probably a bit old school in that respect, but it has done me well up to now.

 

[Michen]

You mean Bear gets nice shiny new gear? That doesn't sound right at all ? Oh and the rain has definitely reached us.

Ps, belle is going to be disappointed that your not going to be there to top up her straw bank - she's going to be very hungry by the time you get back ?

Yes! Bear out in Shiney new rug and Bog with no neck. How ironic.

Top up Friday for Belle!

 

[RachelFerd]

You're fine - do it. It is an 80 - it isn't the Grand national. I'd prefer the option where you stop over on the way home as doesn't make sense to add in more travelling mileage than you need to.

 

[Michen]

Oh nooo I’m not sure if I’m being a wet wipe but I actually think I’ll withdraw from Broadway.

The weather looks absolutely awful (heavy rain and gusty wind) and his section is second after the BE90 so arenas already used etc unless they move fences around, not sure what the ground is like there but in Cheshire at the moment it’s soooo flooded and wet. I only had one stud hole put in the outside of the hind hooves in shoeing and Boggle absolutely hates dressage in a tacky or muddy arena. I know he’d still jump well for me but I am already nervous and adding the fact he will go into Xc fences with his head out of the wind I’m just feeling like this is all stacking up to not being a good idea.

I completely get that you have to event whatever ground but I really want as near to perfect as possible even if that wastes entry fees or reduces runs hugely... and how I’m worried the ground will be too far the other way ??

Am I being pathetic and finding excuses or is it reasonable not to want to go back to competing after a two year break under these circumstances? Eventing in the pouring rain is rarely fun IME...

Tell me if I need to Buck up...I’d loose about £120 in entries but I want us to go and have a nice time and don’t want to risk him

 

[Red-1]

Always trust your gut.

You were already in two minds anyway.

 

[Michen]

Always trust your gut.

You were already in two minds anyway.

So not in two minds from the travelling etc perspective at all now after going to somerford today and heading back early tomorrow- am happy with all that.

Just a very wet soggy event and all that comes with it.

I feel like I’d definitely go if it was our second event but just wanted our first to be “nice”

 

[milliepops]

can you decide on the day? just in case the weather improves or doesn't arrive as expected?

otherwise I'm with Red, trust your gut, there's nothing worse than second guessing your horse's reaction to the ground because it makes you ride backward anyway (or does with me)

 

[mavandkaz]

Hopefully someone closer to Broadway can comment On the ground. Down here it's still really firm, with the biggest issue being wet on top and hard underneath - there are still cracks in the bare earth.
Although I am a fair weather rider and am planning on a day on the sofa on Saturday ?

 

[milliepops]

Hopefully someone closer to Broadway can comment in the ground. Down here it's still really firm, with the biggest issue being wet on too and hard underneath - there are still cracks in the bare earth.

yeah we've had lots of rain and hail but my fields are still rock hard and cracked

 

[Michen]

Ok well that’s even worse then lol! That is the exact ground you genuinely need full studs for IMO.

I think I’ll withdraw, I don’t think going with any doubt is worth the trek.

And I got a new hat today and the child’s one fits better than the adult version so I saved myself the £120 anyway rational thinking!

 

[HelenBack]

I think if you don't fancy it then don't go. Apart from your safety concerns, if it is as wet as the forecast it will be completely horrible and unenjoyable for you. There are no rules that say you have to keep going whatever the ground or the weather. It's meant to be a hobby so why put yourself through it? There'll be other events on dryer days and with better ground.

 

[Michen]

can you decide on the day? just in case the weather improves or doesn't arrive as expected?

otherwise I'm with Red, trust your gut, there's nothing worse than second guessing your horse's reaction to the ground because it makes you ride backward anyway (or does with me)

I can decide in morning but weather looks to progress throughout the day. I’d need to leave about 11. And my friend and her 15 month old are coming with, and I am sort of factoring that in too because although both are hardcore it’s a lot to ask of a littleun with rubbish weather.

 

[scats]

Sometimes when I’ve had a gut feeling, but not gone with it, I usually regret it.

 

[ihatework]

If it helps my 5yo is entered in the 100, and despite coming 8th last week all 3 5yos my rider was due to take are being withdrawn. Not risking any confidence loss on what might be questionable ground.

 

[Roxylola]

Nowhere near Broadway, but we are on clay here and I'm amazed how well the ground has coped actually. Cheshire is flat and largely quite sandy so not surprised at the ground where you are. At the moment I'd ride on it but there's a lot of rain to come on Saturday and I'd be concerned about it being slippy on the day.
Personally I'd lose the entry fee before I'd risk the horse, we're early in the season there will be more opportunities to run later in the year.
If your accommodation this week is near kelsall I'd honestly consider it for September. Their ground was fantastic last year despite huge amounts of rain all month and they show jump on a surface

 

[HorsesRule2009]

I'm not far from Broadway and are ground in general is fairly decent at the moment, so that wouldn't concern me to much.
But do what you feel happiest with tomorrow.
What time are you supposed to be? Think I'm going tomorrow afternoon to help a friend in the 80

 

[Michen]

Thanks all I have withdrawn.

Boggle at somerford yesterday was unbelievable, he’s in such good form and I’d absolutely kick myself if I was unsure and we ran anyway and got injured or Re injured his ligament.

There will be another day and I’d rather be super picky and run once or twice a year on perfect ground ?

 

[YorkshireLady]

So I think if was a day off in between then a yes. Can you go home on the Thursday then out Saturday? Then id give 2 days off prob or one and a walk hack.

 

[MummyEms]

I haven't read all the replies sorry.
In my 35 years of owning and training horses I have found mine deserve and appreciate regular days without the saddle on and without rider weight at all, just as a matter of general routine even in my competing horses.
So many horses get sore / sour / rushing / behavioral problems and so knowing horses are such masters at hiding pain / tiredness / any problems they're feeling...I like to ensure they're super comfortable and feeling great...and for me that does mean days off after outings in general - and a lot of variety. Lunging / hacking / poles work / in hand things / travelling out and about.
I see it as such a privilege that they allow us to ride them and they safely carry us around doing as they're asked without question... its the least we can do for them ? xx