Competing and towing by yourself

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Laura2408

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To anyone who competes alone (either in a trailer or lorry!) how do you manage?

Do you ever worry about what might happen when you are travelling alone?

If you have a trailer how do you find hitching/ loading by yourself?

Do you find its stressful going places alone or can it still be enjoyable?!

Thanks!
 
To anyone who competes alone (either in a trailer or lorry!) how do you manage?
With a well behaved horse who loads and travels well and who will happily stand on the trailer eating his haynet without any drama. I taught him to load with me still stood on the ramp so I could put that back bar up etc. A previous horse was none of those things and while I still 'managed' it was a lot more stressful


Do you ever worry about what might happen when you are travelling alone?
Not really, 4x4 is good quality, well serviced as is the trailer. Breakdown cover is a good idea too


If you have a trailer how do you find hitching/ loading by yourself?
No issue, practise makes perfect.


Do you find its stressful going places alone or can it still be enjoyable?!
Not stressful and just as enjoyable as any other time. Less stressful for me as I always felt guilty dragging someone else to a show especially if there were delays etc.
 
Love just loading up and tootling off when I'm ready.
I make sure i double check and check again that i have at least tack and all riding stuff on the lorry, i have a laminated contact sheet that i stick on the drivers window on arrival and usually phone a friend or my husband on arrival and when leaving.
In the last year have gone off alone for hunting, rc (inc a good distance to 4 day camp ), various sj clinics, hunter trials and also up and down some motorways collecting or dropping off fuzzies.

Of course, its lovely when a friend randomly comes along for a day out :)
 
Do you ever worry about what might happen when you are travelling alone?
No it doesn't worry me. What could happen? A breakdown, flat tyre? Call the AA etc

If you have a trailer how do you find hitching/ loading by yourself?
No problem hitching, reversing or loading. If you have a problem with any of these you need to practice at home first but there'll always be someone at a show who'll give you a hand


Do you find its stressful going places alone or can it still be enjoyable?!
There's always an element of stress simply because its a competition. At least if you're doing it yourself you know its done right!

Is there something specific that you're worried about?
 
To anyone who competes alone (either in a trailer or lorry!) how do you manage?

Very well thank you.

Do you ever worry about what might happen when you are travelling alone?

No.

If you have a trailer how do you find hitching/ loading by yourself?

Practice the hitching and train the horse to load with just one person. DO NOT LEAVE THIS UNTIL THE MORNING OF THE SHOW. Just saying.

Do you find its stressful going places alone or can it still be enjoyable?!

No, I love it. I don't have to worry about anyone else (or their horse) and I have made heaps of new friends, just by turning up somewhere and saying "Hi" to the person in the truck/float parked next to me.

Thanks!
Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/foru...ng-and-towing-by-yourself#rmTPUpECQsUXXqvS.99


I have travelled/competed on my own for most of the last 20 years, and I have a seriously good time. The couple of times I have needed help, I have just pulled into the nearest farm yard and asked "can I please park here until help arrives" and I have met some more wonderful people.
 
2 years ago I had the same questions. I was really struggling with persuading people to come with me a o I Had to get on with it. My horse used to be a nightmare to load but once I got that sorted it was easy.
I started with riding club training at a local venue where I knew there would be friendly people around but now will go to most places or events alone. Horsey people are really friendly and being alone has helped push me to speak to more people and I have made friends with a lot of people in the same boat

Loading and unloading is easy and I have the partition out in the trailer so I tack up inside. If I need to walk courses I tend to leave him on the trailer and ask people hanging around to keep an eye on him (he never is an issue as long as there is plenty to eat)
I broke down once on the way hunting. I phoned Yo they came and we put trailer on there car and I stayed till aa came.
 
I moved abroad away from my support system and with a 1 year old boy I had to start trailering and competing alone if I wanted to do it.
I was a bit nervous at first but I manage fine actually! I have a nice, new trailer and a huge truck that is very safe to tow with. I practiced without my horse first (don't need to take a test here) and then I did a loading session at the yard (he had always travelled in a lorry). I have kept it local this year, within an hours travelling.

Do you ever worry about what might happen when you are travelling alone?

No, I take my phone with me and my husband knows where I am.

If you have a trailer how do you find hitching/ loading by yourself?

Fine! I use a broom handle to line up and I go through a check list as I hitch. My horse loads fine but he does get excited sometimes on the way out so I ask the yard manger to shut up the doors while I feed him treats in the trailer. Then I quickly get in the truck and go before he starts jumping around.
The trailers here are rear unload which took a little getting used to! At first I had to ask someone at the show to stand by the ramp to help guide him back in a straight line but now he knows what he's doing I dont need to do that anymore.

Do you find its stressful going places alone or can it still be enjoyable?!

On the contary I actually prefer it. I have no one else to worry about! I get to the show and open the jockey door and back doors, leave my horse inside and I go and get my number and find out what class is on ect.
I get ready in the trailer and when I'm all ready I get my horse ready in the trailer. I then back him out and get on from the ramp.
I do have to ask other peoples helpers if they would mind putting the upright back to a x pole ect in the warm up but people don't mind and I tend to jump what everyone else is jumping in the warm up anyway!
Walking the course is sometimes a no go but I learn the course from the map on the gate and watch a few before I go in.
Afterwards I untack while my horse is tied up to the trailer with a haynet, wash him down, load and go home (no jumping about on the way home!).

I probably would have struggled more when my horse was young as he sometimes needed a lunge at a show or I needed an extra pair of hands to tack him up but luckily he's more mature now and he is experienced with show days.
 
As others have said, you just get on with it and do it. In a lot of ways I prefer going on my own, no one there to distract you from concentrating on what you're doing next. I've found most people to be pretty friendly, so if you need someone to hold your horse while you jump on, just ask. A friend used to event on her own, and there was some "buddy" system that BE had in place, so you could pre-arrange "accident cover" with someone going to the same event, in case of the worst happening.
 
I also used to do it on my own. I didn't mind for local trips/ comps, but for longer ones or where I was at an ODE then I always likes to have someone with me.

Hitching/loading on my own not a problem, but he was reasonably well behaved. I would also leave him on his own, but I would leave him in the trailer , breast and rear bars up but ramps down and he had hay. I would always leave my contact details on a bit of paper and leave it on my dash board so I could be contacted if off walking a course etc.

On the same bit of paper on my dash I also used to leave the contact number of a friend at the yard or YO who I knew could be contacted if there was a problem, or come and pick up horse/tow him home if any issues.

Overall I used to find it enjoyable going places, but if given the choice I would always prefer to have someone with me. But life is life and sometimes you just have to get on with things on your days off!
 
I have insurance that covers my trailer and horse for breakdown or emergency I don't think I would be comfortable going anyone alone without it.
There's one online now that's £99 for the year which is well worth it for peace of mind x
 
I'm either alone or with dad. Honestly it doesn't cross my mind!

Go all over alone. You get good at asking random strangers for help if required! I've never been turned down yet!!!
 
I love doing it all on my own. Less stress, no worrying about anyone else etc.
Mine is a yearling and ive taught her to load and stand haplily when tied up while i put breech bar up and close ramp etc

Ive had 17 years of practice with hitching up and towing so find that the easiest bit actually. Practice practice paractice
 
how do you manage?

Easily :) - preparation is key.

Do you ever worry about what might happen when you are travelling alone?

No, flat tyre - change it, car breakdown - that's what breakdown services are for :)

If you have a trailer how do you find hitching/ loading by yourself?

Easy, can reverse and hitch up in one go, no shunting involved, can do this in daylight or in the dark. Practice makes perfect. Horse loads a gem and just stands there so no issues there!

Do you find its stressful going places alone or can it still be enjoyable?!

No, I like company, but have been to plenty of places on my own. Quite nice when it's just you and your horse. If things go wrong, you can't palm the blame on anyone else :) I've been BD before, people are friendly enough if you need help if you ask nicely, same with SJ, there's usually someone in the warm up who won't mind putting a fence up for you. I've even been BE eventing on my own. When I go to collect my start number, I tell the secretary that I'm travelling alone so they know.

Only time travelling alone can be a negative, is if you've had a crappy day and want someone to talk to to cheer you up and make light of the situation!
 
I never have any help. Often I have my 5yr old daughter and her pony as well.

You need to have a well prepared horse who loads, stands in the transport, stands tied up etc. The more you hitch up etc the better you get at that. Really its all about preparation and the most important thing is the horse must stand in the transport without kicking off. Once you've achieved that (and its not difficult) you are 90% there.

I have trailer breakdown cover.
 
Always worries me a bit, what if I fall off and break something and can't drive home. I really don't have anyone that could help me in that situatuon
 
As others, I have a saint of a horse!

Regarding if you fall etc - I leave my key in the trailer (Dont tell anyone!) - on the dashboard I have a sign with "In Emergency please call, with my number and number of OH and Parents"

That way covers if horse is stuck over bar (heaven forbid) or if I have taken a tumble.
Also if I am alone I tell the secretary with a slip of paper saying "Competitor 347, Bay horse Class 2, My Name, My Number, Emergency numbers and most importantly - Blue Landy Reg XXXXXX with Green Rice Trailer"

I find the slip of paper handy as they never have anywhere to write it down when hey are busy doing numbers in the morning...

Oh and I LOVE doing it on my own - Can do whatever I please!
 
Right: brace yourself for the stupid question here people. But how do you teach a horse to load itself? Mine Just stands there and looks confused.He's a gem anyway so it's not difficult to load him by myself but teaching him to self load would be great!
 
I compete two by myself..... practice makes perfect on the hitching/ reversing and i can now do both! Reversing took a bit longer to master, but I'm nothing if not determined.
Both ponies load easily, are happy to be left on trailer etc. I can get one off, tie him up to the trailer, unload the mare, tie her up, re-load him without any problems if she is competing first. (He is the heavier of the two so has to travel on the drivers side of the trailer).
I have a piece of paper in my pocket with my details on in case i fall off! I actually prefer to take them both together, as it saves diesel!!
And its often less stressful going by myself, rather than worrying about bored husband/kids!
 
rotters13 said:
Right: brace yourself for the stupid question here people. But how do you teach a horse to load itself? Mine Just stands there and looks confused.He's a gem anyway so it's not difficult to load him by myself but teaching him to self load would be great!
Click to expand...

Mine was a combination of practice- and food!
Start off loading normally, with bucket of food in the front for them - then gently stop walking all the way to the front with them, half way, then you graduate onto 'posting' them in from the ramp. (Hope that makes sense!) They soon learn what you want -and i find the mouthful of feed at the front helps them hop in quicker and stand there munching whilst I fiddle.
 
Competed for years on my own and echo all the advice above re preparedness, having contact details for emergency etc. Other people generally really helpful if you need a horse held or similar. Fortunately always had horses who loaded well when I got them so that was never a problem. You soon get to know people on the same circuit and in some ways being on your own is I think less stressful as there is no one with expectations. That said, am now totally spoilt with help - horse had entourage of 5 people at one competition this year!
 
I actually prefer going on my own! I tow and never had any orobs hitching or loading alone. However, my pony is pretty obliging and good away from home. I've had horses in the past that I wouldn't even put in a trailer, let alone go anywhere without an extra pair of hands!

I like being able to leave when I'm ready rather than waiting for someone else. I find "helpers" either get in the way, let you down at the last minute or make you late leaving.
 
I used to go alone most of the time with my older horse. There is always someone who will help if needed.
I have just started taking mh 4yo out and keep prefer to have help at the minute.

I actually like going alone as I can please myself what I do and there is no rush home, I can take my time.
 
I don't mind going out and about on my own.

For eventing I prefer a companion, it is a long day and I like someone to keep track of who is next, how long before I go (sometimes people push in if you do not have a collecting ring chaperone and once I did a warm up that lasted well over an hour, even though I never had more than "3 more to go"), and to have a bottle of water. Also in case I need driving home!

Dressage I am happy on my own, show jumping I prefer if I know someone there in case the warm up jump is silly big! They do not have to travel with me, but if they are at the same comp they can keep an eye while I am warming up.

I know I am OK on my own as I don't accept much help when competing even when I have a companion. I do my own horse stuff, hate it if my assistant actually wants to tack up or load or anything!

I do always have someone at home who knows where I am and has a mobile on them. This year I also put a notice in the window with my number and other contact numbers. Horse is great, loads himself, easy in all ways. It all makes for a very relaxed day.

I particularly enjoy boxing up to go hacking somewhere different. On those days I also have my phone app that monitors my movement and contacts my OH with a map if I stop moving. Other than that I take a picnic, take as long as I like, have relaxing time out with my horse.

For the actual travel I have hands free for my phone so often call friends and catch up when travelling.

I guess the horse can slip and fall, or you could have an accident, but TBH, I keep my horse at home and if I always needed a companion to be happy I would not have half as many happy days out.
 
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I used to compete solo, many events being 3/4/5 hours from home. I used to tell the secretary that I would be competing alone in case of an accident.

In terms of practicalities is all in the preparation, I teach mine to self load. I've never worried about competing alone, however I like my own company :)
 
How do you get your horses to stand quietly on the trailer?? I will be teaching my new lad to walk up the ramp on his own but at the moment he won't stand calmly on the trailer. He is ok if I stand with him. He has only been in a trailer twice so I would like to get this sorted, thanks
 
The actual mechanics of towing or driving should be no problem .Basicly if you have a problem ,then you shouldnt be doing it. But as regards to safety and accidents. When I finaly found the bullet with my name on, it wasnt the first aid who saved me ,(they nearly killed me) . It wasnt the show that dealt with my horse. It was the old pals network who stepped in . Not necessarily pals of mine ,but just the horsey Brotherhood. (or sisterhood)The guy who ran me to hospital after the medics tried to bust my spine ,got so much **** from the hospital that I was shouting that they had it all wrong and that he had saved me rather than endangered me. In an emergency any right thinking horseperson will step in to help. That is my experience. Even in NH racing when we have had a problem and a horse cannot travel home ,all I have ever had to do is ask a local; trainer.Dont be afraid of what might happen if you are alone because you are never alone in the horse world
 
I often go alone.

I have a trailer, so hitch up alone, travel and ride.

I don't ever think of what might happen!
I'm not a worrier.
I have my phone, I've got a breakdown membership,
If I had an accident they would contact my next of kin that is on my every form and medical card etc.
 
I always go on my own, I go Sj, eventing and hacking all the time. Yes, it can be easier/nicer to go competing with someone else, but as someone else said, you can leave when you wAnt, and have your own schedule.
I did the 80 at pulborough in oct on my own, I met some new friends there who helped me out (found out they were from on here), which made life a lot easier, and it was,great to make some new friends who I look forward to seeing next season eventing :)
 
I don't go entirely alone but often hitch up and travel alone and meet a helper at the show/hunt and the same coming home. This is fine and I am quite happy hitching the trailer myself, I pull the trailer into position so I don't need to worry about lining up.

I do like an extra pair of hands on the ground though, just for helping me on and making sure everything is shut up, put away and locked once I am on board and for helping me get the horse tied up with a net on return.

I worry a bit about accidents but as my likely companions can't tow legally I would still have to phone for rescue if I was unable to drive home.
 
I travel mine without a partition and just a full width breast and breach bar. It means I can tack up etc inside the trailer and do not need to leave the horse tied up to the trailer. Much easier for popping to the loo/to do entries etc without constantly loading/unloading.
 
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