Competing without your own transport

[{97702}]

This year I am hoping to compete in some unaff ODEs - and maybe some BE - plus all associated training/clinics etc. But I don't have my own transport!

I have been using a friends lorry, but this may be off the road for a while depending on it's MOT next week. I have researched the places where I can hire a lorry from, but this is prohibitively expensive to do on a regular basis.

Has anyone any brilliant ideas on how they have overcome this situation? Not sure what I am hoping for to be honest

 

[ihatework]

Ah, the usual conundrum!
Competing horses doesn't come cheap so it really is a case of if you want to do it then either hire, buy your own or base yourself on a competition venue.

As you have a generous friend, why not offer a contribution to getting the lorry fixed?

 

[milliepops]

As above. I had no transport for 24 years of horse ownership! We did precious little but begged and borrowed , and when I had to, I hired one.

 

[{97702}]

Funny you should say that IHW but it had just crossed my mind too I can but ask

 

[{97702}]

As above. I had no transport for 24 years of horse ownership! We did precious little but begged and borrowed , and when I had to, I hired one.

I think you need to take up Eventing again MP

 

[Michen]

Where are you Levrier?

 

[{97702}]

Gloucestershire (north of Gloucester)

 

[milliepops]

I think you need to take up Eventing again MP

Slightly lacking in horsepower at the moment :lol: 14 hands of stumpy sec d ain't gonna cut it!
The BE forum used to have posts looking for buddies to share lifts, did that die out? Don't know if it ever extended to unaff stuff.

 

[JustMe22]

I have the same issue. For years didn't have a car or towing licence either. Have finally got a towing licence and a vehicle which can tow, but don't have my own trailer (lorries are reserved only for huuuuuge yards trucking 12 horses here!). Other than the usual trying to hire, get lifts with a friend or hacking to venues it's difficult.

I do have a friend who had a box split three ways with friends at the yard. When someone moved yards, another livery would take over their share or one of the owners could buy them out, unless they were close by and wanted to retain their share. It worked for years and now one of the original 3-way owners has bought out everybody over time, and owns her own box.

I would suggest you put feelers out on local FB groups and see if there's anyone in the same boat as you who wants to compete in the same discipline. That way, you can split the costs of hiring transport which should make it a bit more affordable.