First show - companion or not?

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FinkleyAlex

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Following on from my previous threads, my 6yo has been seen by the vet and is confirmed sound and ready to go to his first party! The last local showing show of the season is on this Sunday and I've found a horsebox and driver free to take us. My only problem is that there's no other horse to come with us (despite asking to beg or borrow a friend's horse).

Do I just crack on and take him on his own? He's a bit of a worrier but is fairly sensible - my yard is tiny and only one other person competes!
 
I think they are usually better going alone as long as they are happy to travel they don't get to the party and spend all their time clinging to their best friend, they may still be unsettled but are normally more focused on you so easier to work through any issues, start off with an independent horse in the long run it will be far better.
 
I would take him on his own. If he sees a field companion or another horse he knows he could spend his time whinnying down your ear which in the ring is most unpleasant!

Glad he's now sound and fit. :)
 
Definitely take him on his own it will become the normal then. My daughters new one has always travelled with others and is now a pain in her own she's improving each time but definitely think it's easier for them just to think it's normal from the start.
 
At one of the only shows I've been to, I ended up holding onto someone else's young rescue pony because it was the companion and had been left behind in the trailer, it jumped out the jockey door as its friend came back from the ring. Didn't do much damage to himself but maybe he would have been better left at home, I'm sure he'll be fine on his own! :D
 
Another who says to take him on his own. I find they are much more settled if they don't have a friend with them that they then have to leave to go into the ring.
 
Just go on your own, the last thing you want is for them to be screaming at each other across the ring side being 'too pally' and then you have a massive problem.

I never considered taking anyone with me with the six horses I've had, each one has gone on their own to a show within a couple of weeks of owning them, my motto is get on with it I'm afraid. Glad your horse is fixed, go and have a lovely time.
 
ditto to the above!
they will only get worked up when separated.

although this is how my friend got a mini-Shetland- they were picking up a warm blood many hours away and wanted it to have a companion, and the yard had a 3yo mini to get rid of ;p got it still 3 years later and it does sometimes get taken as a companion, but basically like taking a dog in the trailer with the horse!
 
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