Driving to a show for the first time...

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thegreenergrass

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So I really want to take my gelding out before this summer season ends. I'm only going to do a bit of in hand as I haven't been out in ages, I don't think he has been to a show before and I've never been to one on my own as an 'adult' (use that term loosely ;)). I've been to shows before but when I was a teenager with my very chilled out share pony and obviously the adults drove the horse box and were there if thing went wrong. Now I'd be driving the horse box myself.

I was feeling fairly confident until some people scared me about the driving - saying you have to be experienced I could ruin him in horse boxes forever if I don't drive right, saying that I shouldn't go to a show because if he gets out and has a bad experience may totally distrust me never load again is it worth it etc. Soooo now I am sceptical of the whole thing! Obviously I would drive ridiculously carefully, slow down for turns reeeeally gradually, pull away smoothly and slowly etc.

I'm rambling a bit now but has anyone had this before? How did everyone get on going to a show by themselves (my non horsey boyfriend would come too) for the first time? How did their horse cope? I suppose I would like some advice which is basically not just telling me to not do it. Should I just let my boyfriend drive lol? The thought of it now makes me feel sick as I'm so worried about having an accident with him on board which I hadn't really worried about before I spoke to this person!!

And then obviously when I get to the show I have no idea how he will be - whether he will be a nightmare - he is a sensitive pony and can be nervous of new people and things! He's so much more confident recently but just worried that the show will be a lot for him to handle.

Ahhhh I don't know. any thoughts?
 
have you taken your towing test? If so you should know how to drive a trailer just fine. Take it steady on the journey and take a lunge rope so you can lunge him before you ride if necessary.
 
stormox said:
have you taken your towing test? If so you should know how to drive a trailer just fine. Take it steady on the journey and take a lunge rope so you can lunge him before you ride if necessary.
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Hey! No, I think you can drive a 3.5 tonne horse box on a normal driving licence though? I've never driven one before!!
 
thegreenergrass said:
Hey! No, I think you can drive a 3.5 tonne horse box on a normal driving licence though? I've never driven one before!!
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You can but I do agree with the people saying it is not as simple as loading the pony and driving off, does he load and travel well? if you have no idea then that needs addressing before his first show so you can be relaxed that at least that box is ticked, if he is experienced at traveling do remember that he may still be reluctant to leave all his new friends and the excitement of a show.

As for the actual driving if you are confident it is not that different from driving a big car but you do need to be aware of the width, using the wing mirrors regularly to check behind, remember to brake and accelerate slowly to allow the horse to balance as well as turning less tightly that you may do in a car, a practise is a really good idea, I would suggest something like a clinic, where you will have help and there will be less going on, as your first outing and if all goes well then go to a show, his first experience does need to be as positive and calm as possible, it can take ages to undo a bad experience whereas a good one is something to build on for the future.
 
Why don't you hire a 3.5 box with driver? Then your horse will have an experienced driver & you will have another person there - should you need them. It won't be cheap but well worth it fir your first time,
 
If you have never driven one before then I would take it out without a horse for the first time.
I have taken a 2/3 full bucket of water in the back, and if you don't spill any then you are driving OK.

OH had to pass the bucket of water test before he was allowed to drive the box. It actually causes less arguments than simply asking him to slow down! He is pretty expert now, in fact drives horses better than me.
 
i drove mine about 4 times before i took my horse. i used it to go and get shavings and feed so it had some extra weight in it..things to remember, slow down gradually, take corners slowly and dont accelerate till horsebox is straight. keep to the nearside lane when on a roundabout then cars cannot sneak up on the passenger side( hope thats clear) its easier than you think once you get used to the extra size, good luck and try not to worry....
 
You're giving yourself a lot of things to worry about at once!

Do some practice driving without the horse, then do some loading practice and short journeys with the horse, then personally I'd try something very low key, like riding club dressage, for a first outing. No point in frightening either of you, and if you take it slowly you can enjoying without too much worry!
 
Take the lorry out several times empty. Then go with your horse. Everyone has to have a 'first time' driving their horse. Go carefully around corners, make sure you have someone with you and if the worst happens and he is a little difficult to load to come home make sure you have a lunge line and a bridle so that you can control him. Good luck and have a great day.
 
If you have never been to the show venue before, do a dummy run before hand. Nothing worse than having to do a U turn or getting lost in a loaded up lorry.
 
I would definitely practice travelling beforehand. I stupidly assumed my youngster would be fine as he loaded perfectly, luckily I decided to nip round the block with him before a show the next day just to check and it was the scariest experience of my life!
 
I agree, definitely practice driving it first, and the bucket of water test is also to be recommended. Also I'd practice loading/unloading at home first, just to get to know how the pony loads and how the lorry works re ramp/partitions/clips etc work. And my first outing would probably not be to a show - as others have said, you are giving yourself too much to think about all at once.
 
Thank you so much for the advice everyone. I think I'll definitely hire the horsebox for some loading practice and driving practice without pony. You're right I'm trying to do too much at once without even realising. Breaking it down into 3 chunks to practice has made me feel a lot better - practice driving without pony - practice loading - short drives with pony - then low level clinic or something :D The water test sounds great, I will definitely use that. I have a feeling this horsebox hiring will be expensive lol. Thanks everyone you have been very helpful.
 
Would add to give yourself loads more time than you think you need on the day so you're not stressed by being late (I know from experience!). Also go with the thought you don't have to compete when you get there if you don't want to - if horse is playing up, you are feeling nervous, etc. (It takes the pressure off). Use it as an training experience.
 
The best advice I was given about driving with a horse on board a small lorry was to drive as if you have a cup of hot coffee in your lap!! So, similar to the bucket of water test and great advice.
 
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