Going out solo

[Lilly-Mayspookatbags]

So last summer I treated me and mare to a trailer! Woo hoo!

I’m coming to the realisation that it’s not as simple as hop in the trailer and go compete.

A lot of places have rules where horse must be supervised at all times!?

Things like checking in , proof of vacs , waking the course. How on earth do people cope with no help!?

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I leave mine on the trailer. I never leave him tied up unsupervised at the trailer.

 

[ycbm]

I would leave your phone number clearly on display and leave him in the trailer.

 

[MuddyMonster]

I would leave your phone number clearly on display and leave him in the trailer.

Ditto this.

 

[Lilly-Mayspookatbags]

Ah bugger. She stands on the trailer … but stomps her feet to the point the pickup and trailer shake. Which from the outside looks bad but inside it she’s fine

 

[Ali27]

I take my mare out on my own, just leave her in trailer while I book in etc. She initially was a pain in the trailer waiting but soon got used to it!

 

[Fieldlife]

Ah bugger. She stands on the trailer … but stomps her feet to the point the pickup and trailer shake. Which from the outside looks bad but inside it she’s fine

you need to teach her to be relaxed in the trailer then the worlds your oyster for having fun.

 

[SilverLinings]

I've never been to an event that says the horse must be supervised at all times, the rules usually just say that the horse mustn't be left tied up to the box unsupervised, so I leave mine on whilst I collect my number, course walk, etc. Mine are happy watching the world go by so I open up the top door above the front ramp when I've parked so they have things to look at.

If yours doesn't stand still then it might be a good idea to practice in advance of an event, e.g. box out for a hack a few times and don't immediately unload, and if she manages ok then leave it a bit longer each time. You could also try a distraction like a horse lick if you can hang it safely within her reach, and only tie it up when you've parked and need to leave her for a bit. Always unloading immediately on arrival will make her more likely to expect it and not like being kept waiting, so it's definitely something worth varying your unloading routine even once she starts to seem happy.

Good luck! It is great being able to go out on your own, I hope you enjoy the freedom!

 

[Red-1]

I pretty much always go out alone, never been anywhere that says someone has to stay with the horse whilst it is boxed up. I wouldn't leave one tied outside, too risky if they pull back and put themselves and everyone else at risk. Plus people tend to leave hay and droppings.

I do spend a long time making sure they are happy tied alone in the box though. I make sure they will tie alone in the stable first, before practicing boxing daily for a net of hay. Then I take them little drives, park back up and leave on. Then go to little social outings, but arrive an hour early (in a public venue) and stay with them to make sure they are settled. If they don't settle, they don't come off the box!

Most horses will settle once they know it isn't exciting.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

I compete all the time on my own. I haven’t done any eventing but plenty of other stuff. Apart from leaving on the box which I do initially when I arrive and sort out checking in etc. which works fine. Other options are to take your horse with you e.g. to the secretary tent or arena side and there’s usually someone around who is willing to hold them whilst you walk the course or do any paperwork. Helps if your horse is easy to handle. Or sometimes in the parking area people will watch your horse and you can watch theirs in exchange. I’ve always found other competitors and their helpers to be friendly and happy to help. I someone helping me zip up my new chaps recently as I was struggling.

 

[humblepie]

Normally on own - I haven’t had vacs checked for ages other than really big shows. Horse stays on lorry on own - it took him quite a while to settle to do that and I couldn’t originally go on own as he had to be unloaded the moment the lorry engine switched off! Back when I was show jumping I used to quite often offload then horse onto someone else to hold whilst I course walked. Would course walk at speed or just check related distances. Lots of shows now will let you print number off at home. I’m not sure if you have to check in. Probably depends on venue. It just takes more organising than if you have help but you get in your own routine. Good luck.