First time solo showjumping

Abi90

Abi90

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So we made it to Dressage last weekend but didn't end up going alone. This week I am attempting showjumping solo. Only the second time we've been anywhere completely alone and he can be a pain to load/unload on your own so bit nervous.

Please can I have some wise words and encouragement that it will all be fine and I definitely still need to go!
 
You will be fine! Listen to soothing music on the drive there, and do everything like you don't anticipate a problem. Your nerves will be picked up by your horse, so if you act like there's nothing to worry about, chances are he will pick up those vibes too :)
 
If he's a bit iffy with the loading/unloading then I often find it helps to have some sort of feed (just chaff kind of stuff) with me to keep their mind off being ridiculous whilst you open/close doors.
 
Wimbles said:
If he's a bit iffy with the loading/unloading then I often find it helps to have some sort of feed (just chaff kind of stuff) with me to keep their mind off being ridiculous whilst you open/close doors.
Click to expand...

I like this, I am going to use this idea.
 
I'd suggest telling the secretary you are on your own and leave an emergency contact name and number with them just in case anything where to happen (in sure it won't). You might also want to leave a note in your car/lorry window with emergency phone numbers too, again in case anything happens to you!
 
I entered through Equo which asks for your emergency contact details so I'm hoping they will already have that but that is worth doing! Thank you!
 
Recruited a helper :) is just over an hour before the first class sufficient time? Or should I give it longer?
 
An hour is plenty for showjumping. I warm up six-eight horses before my round.

I compete alone most of the time and my tips would be
- have all your grooming done before you leave, less faffing
- organise your stuff in order, I keep tack in the back seat and my stuff in the boot, in the order I need them
- get yourself dressed first so you don't have to go back to get ready once he's out of the box
- do bridle and boots in the box - I do front boots before unloading
- tack onto someone else's warmup and don't be afraid to ask for help - I was alone last weekend and called a stranger from the sideline to come in and do fences :)

Most importantly - enjoy!
 
Last edited:
Showjumping is cancelled :( disappointed now that I had got myself in the right mindset! Still we're going to a clinic on Wednesday!
 
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