Does anyone else compete alone?

I often go on my own, I don't usually mind, means I get to do things my way, and I cam stay as long or as a little as I like! I went to Haras du Pin in France this summer by myself and actually quite enjoyed it, and met more people as a result! I think someone on here set up a kind of buddy system, (for people in the UK obv), not sure what happened to it, might be fb-based?
 
I generally compete alone unless I take someone with me but always find people to talk too, although shows do vary - you will find there are more people than you think go alone!!
 
Since I started competing about 2 years ago I've generally gone alone. Sometimes a friend will groom for me especially if I'm going XC although I have done ODE's and XC training on my own.

I prefer it if I'm honest - it can be a bit manic but it means you only have to worry about yourself and aren't waiting around for other people.

I've found most people at events are very friendly so if you do get stuck they'll help and likewise I've on occassion had to help others.
 
I am generally always cometing alone, sometimes with more than one horse. dressage, SJ, XC, ODEs I never really think about it too much.

Really makes you appreciate it when you do have a second pair of hands though :)
 
I usually go alone and tend to find quite a lot of other people are too. Harder in some ways, easier in others - depending on how fabulous, patient and helpful potential companions might be of course! :)
 
Thanks for the replies funny how you always think its just you!
I think maybe I made myself sound a bit pathetic in my OP :). I do everything on my own everyday and quite enjoy it and also don't have a problem going out and about on my own just sometimes think it would be nice to have a friendly face on the sidelines to share the experience with, good or bad.
 
Cupcakes and Horses said:
Thanks for the replies funny how you always think its just you!
I think maybe I made myself sound a bit pathetic in my OP :). I do everything on my own everyday and quite enjoy it and also don't have a problem going out and about on my own just sometimes think it would be nice to have a friendly face on the sidelines to share the experience with, good or bad.
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This absolutely! i am perfectly happy with my own company, but sometimes it would be nice to have someone to go with, its always the way home, i think it would be nice to have a natter in the box, and stuff like that. i find it really hard, as i have zero horsey friends, occcasionally some of my friends will volunteer but when ive drawn a 8.15am start time it suddenly doesnt seem so much fun!
 
I have to, otherwise I don't get out! Makes things a tad more stressful, especially with a youngster, but everyone I know is busy with their own horse or life in general. I think people would help me if they could...I have a lot of lovely horsey friends, but their own commitments come first, which is right for them.
 
Cupcakes and Horses said:
Thanks for the replies funny how you always think its just you!
I think maybe I made myself sound a bit pathetic in my OP :). I do everything on my own everyday and quite enjoy it and also don't have a problem going out and about on my own just sometimes think it would be nice to have a friendly face on the sidelines to share the experience with, good or bad.
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You sound just like me! Sometimes my mum or boyfriend will come with, but I quite often go out on my own. Its not so bad, I like being completely in control of the whole trip and not have to wait around for someone else :D lol
 
When I was younger and rode mostly my own horses I often went alone, sometimes, if I was feeling particularly mad, taking two. Since then I've only ridden other people's horses so never go alone. Pluses and minuses on both sides - it's great to have company, someone to lend a hand, set jumps, get food etc. But, as t_e said, it's also great to be captain of your own ship. Tbh, I liked going by myself but you really can't say that when someone else owns the horse! ;)
 
I'm almost always alone. I have my own routine & only me & horse to worry about. Every time someone has come with me, even if they are very horsey I feel distracted & unable to concentrate so I don't encourage company!
 
I won't event on my own as its so much to do in one day, I'd never cope! Also I fear if we have an accident/something then everything would be so much worse if I didn't have someone else with me.

I will SJ and dressage on my own though if I've only got one horse and am only going local.
 
I am sometimes alone but often my long suffering mum is dragged along! likes others have said I like being on my everything is done my way & in my time, the only part I hate doing on my own is the driving, I like someone to chat to it makes the time pass quicker!!
 
Cupcakes and Horses said:
Thanks for the replies funny how you always think its just you!
I think maybe I made myself sound a bit pathetic in my OP :). I do everything on my own everyday and quite enjoy it and also don't have a problem going out and about on my own just sometimes think it would be nice to have a friendly face on the sidelines to share the experience with, good or bad.
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Crumbs - exactly what I was thinking yesterday after another 24 hour excursion and a 3 1/2 hour drive home in the dark and fog. I always compete on my own but I have to say it's really getting to me now: although I know lots of people on the circuit now, it's incredibly isolating to be doing everything by and for yourself (horse chores aside, I love that) and not to get ringside support or feedback. Actually, I've got to the point where even though we're doing consistently quite well, competing seems rather futile and just too much hard work for the enjoyment of 'horse time'. I know there are plenty of you who are clearly made of much sterner stuff, for sure, and it makes me feel a bit defeatist, but to do a reasonable run do a deafening silence and no feedback on what worked, what didn't is a bit soul-destroying.
 
This year I have competed/ been places entierly on my own and the time I most want company is, as other have said, the trip home! Someone to talk over the highs and lows with.

I have mastered the art of eyeing up surrounding trailers establishing who looks friendly and 'making friends' on the spot. Mainly to get someone to mind my car keys while I go XC as I don't like riding with them in my pocket ;)

Hen - that is a shame. I can imagine how (sort of) depressing it must be to do a great round and have no one congratulate you afterwards or to share the joy. There is always HHO - but I guess that is a bit delayed. I hope you find a cheering squad (of at least 1) for next year.
 
I always compete alone, I know lots of people at shows now, so plenty of people to chat to. Even when I fell off and smashed my arm to pieces it all worked out fine.
 
Crumbs - exactly what I was thinking yesterday after another 24 hour excursion and a 3 1/2 hour drive home in the dark and fog. I always compete on my own but I have to say it's really getting to me now: although I know lots of people on the circuit now, it's incredibly isolating to be doing everything by and for yourself (horse chores aside, I love that) and not to get ringside support or feedback. Actually, I've got to the point where even though we're doing consistently quite well, competing seems rather futile and just too much hard work for the enjoyment of 'horse time'. I know there are plenty of you who are clearly made of much sterner stuff, for sure, and it makes me feel a bit defeatist, but to do a reasonable run do a deafening silence and no feedback on what worked, what didn't is a bit soul-destroying.
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Yes that's it I think, horsey part fine but nice to have company in the car and have some feedback. I've only just got started on the competing front having been waiting for the chance most of my life so not about to give up but feedback (from someone on my side anyway!) would be good especially as I'm on a babe.... will have to hope my mum gives up work soon!
 
i used to go everywhere on my own pretty much and can manage fine, even eventing as i have my own little system.
however, my first HT with baby horse 2 years ago made me really rethink things... i fell off (well i say 'fell'...got 'launched' might be a better description) twice before i even went XC and the first time was head first onto concrete. Stupidly i decided that competing was a great idea....not that i can remember any of it! :eek: also don't really remember driving home but do remember OH rushing me to hospital when i came in mumbling and making no sense :eek:

i'm fortunate that i have some great friends on my yard who are happy to come and help...i used to wait for people to offer but now i just ask- i just phrase it as "don't feel you have to but if you are free sunday i could do with a groom"...and i make sure that i pay well in terms of food and drinks! :p i'm very much enjoying having someone to bounce ideas off, video me, do my warm up fences for me, tack up for me if i'm in a rush etc etc I will always go and help people if i'm free as i really enjoy going to competitions when i'm not actually competing! i have done a couple of events this year on my own but i would much much rather take someone now :)
 
Amaretto said:
I have to, otherwise I don't get out! Makes things a tad more stressful, especially with a youngster, but everyone I know is busy with their own horse or life in general. I think people would help me if they could...I have a lot of lovely horsey friends, but their own commitments come first, which is right for them.
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i'll come :)
 
I used to always go alone as my friends mainly event or dressage & my other show jumping friends are at a much higher level than me. I kept bumping into these 2 lovely guys at shows & a couple of times they helped me with practice fences etc. I mustered up the courage to ask if we could meet at shows & if they would help me, it has worked out really well. They help me now with training as well & will ride for me if I need ridden help & I am enjoying the shows much more with someone to either celebrate or commiserate with.
 
BlairandAzria said:
This absolutely! i am perfectly happy with my own company, but sometimes it would be nice to have someone to go with, its always the way home, i think it would be nice to have a natter in the box, and stuff like that. i find it really hard, as i have zero horsey friends, occcasionally some of my friends will volunteer but when ive drawn a 8.15am start time it suddenly doesnt seem so much fun!
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yep exactly!

the show i went to y'day I had my parents, the lovely people who took me and my friend turned up!...

So was nice to have company (and have someone to help me as i was baffled with when to "enter at A") :D

I wouldnt mind going on my own with transport, but i like having people around me to share the ups and downs :)
 
I've just started the alone thing. My dad used to take me and groom for me (not that he knew about horses) and my younger sister, when she passed her lorry test, took over as driver/head groom. She's on the british snowboard team, however, and is disappearing for the season. Dad's agreed to take me, but I follow in the car and he leaves me at our local centre all day, coming back to pick me up when he can.

It was a bit daunting. My boy is good generally but has mischevious moments. Little things like, I finished my test and my rug and headcollar was in the lorry, he was going to his stable, I hadn't room to tie him and didn't want to leave him tacked cause he chews his reins. Not a major problem, but minor logistical things that wouldn't have been an issue with a groom suddenly make you stop and go 'oh'.

I didn't feel too lonely, just took a book and watched some dressage/read and relaxed. He was happy eating his haynet in his stable. To be honest it felt more relaxed than usual!

Perhaps I'll get more used to the logistics in time...
 
This has been so interesting to read. I do everying alone and cope but there are times when that extra pair of hands would help soooo much and just take the edge off the nerves. However next year (usual disasters befalling someone other unlucky person, instead of me for once) - I hope to go BE. This will mean a fair bit of travelling as none of them are near to me (one of the few downers to living in Cornwall!) and I do worry about doing these events on my own and then the long drive home.

My boy is good, but he is a bugger to do studs because he gets so excited, i can't tie him up to the side of the lorry for just that reason and he is a crap loader so can't put him back on the box to stand and wait. I've only done one ODE on him this year because I could hack to it (thats right - missed the whole summer becuase he woudn't load) and it was a nightmare. I tied him to a friends box so I could put studs in and he pulled back and pissed off round the show ground. My nerves were in shreds by the time I got him back!

If I had a friend that could just hold him while I did these jobs it would be fab - not to mention all the other myriad bonuses there are to just having that extra pair of hands, or body to talk to.....
 
Amaretto said:
Aw, bless you, I know you would! Guess I should just ask and hope you are not out with V. :-) Bring your show gear in case he gets a bit airborne, you're better at falling than me lol!!! Only joking, I would much appreciate your help, thank you. x
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just let me know as i usually have things planned in advance so know when i'm free and when i'm not. especially in the summer when i prob only compete once every 3-4 weeks :)
(and no i shall just video YOU being airborne thanks very much...am getting far too old for this being splatted malarky...not that V seems to appreciate this :rolleyes:)
 
I often go out and do stuff myself, over the last few years I've met lots of folk just through going out and about (and through here!) so at bigger events (eg BE) there are usually plenty of familiar faces around for me to pester. ;)

I've become much more involved and active in my local RC recently also and so know lots of local folk through that which is nice, lots of folk to chat to at our own RC stuff but also at other things in the area.

I'm sure you will soon build up a wee network of friendly faces from your outings. :)
 
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