Going show-jumping on your own

ann-jen

ann-jen

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 December 2004
Messages
3,601
Location
co durham
Visit site
Ok so my next question follows on from my post about yesterdays show and how disorganised I felt. Basically my poor horse had to go first in the jump off having had no warm up because I didn't have any time between hearing the running order and going in.
I have absolutely no choice but to go to shows on my own except for the very rare occasion a friend might tag along and certainly none of them are interested in BSJA. I haven't found this to be a problem doing unaffiliated or affiliated dressage where you get a specific time for your test or tbh when show-jumping unaffiliated where the class sizes are ether so small I just sit and wait for the JO or so large that I can warm up all over again. Yesterday I felt I let my horse down by giving her no preparation to jump what to me is quite a big course.
I just wondered if anyone else out there goes jumping on their own and how they manage? Any tips how to be better organised and to make things run more smoothly would be most appreciated. Many thanks.
smile.gif
 
I sometimes go to things on my own. Tends to only be show jumping though because its too much hasstle for showing & dressage to not have a helper! It is a bit of a pain. Dont really have much in the way of tips - just arrive in plenty of time as being rushed is the WORST when on your own. And have everything laid out, so when I arrive I usually lie everything out in the trailer (boots / tack etc.) ready to go.
 
With Dan I almost always went on my own although now with Fleur Sarah comes along as she owns her.

When I was on my own I would try go late in the class so I could walk the course while horse still on lorry/in trailer and then if clear could keep him walking and just need a few times round the warmup and over a fence whilst they altered the course if I happened to be first to go in the JO.

If the class was very small or a second class I would normally ask someone who looked nice if they minded holding him whilst I walked the course. He thankfully was always like a donkey though and just stood falling asleep so even though he was 17h2 I generally didn't find it a problem finding someone. And after the first times there was normally someone who had held him before about making it easier still
wink.gif


I always found if you asked nicely the collecting ring steward etc they were happy to tell you as soon as order drawn where you are to go to ensure you have time to warm up. You just need to be polite, understand that you are asking more than is required and try and ask when they haven't got 5 people jumping down their backs.
wink.gif
 
l always show jump/event on my own but l have been doing it for many years,all my friends have horses of their own or are working so cannot spare the time.l think over time you get to become really organised,things like no one to do the practise fence for you l always ask whoever happens to be standing at the jump if they would put up or down for me!!Where abouts are you from l would be happy to help if we happened to be at the same show!
 
I always go jumping by myself, is a lot less stressful than having to cope with a very bored OH
tongue.gif
. I tend to jump the first round, stick her back on the lorry (if it is a big class) and when there are only a few left in the first round, stick her saddle back in the right place tighten her girth and wait to find out the JO order. I do like 2 phases though.... or even better single phase. If I am first to go in the JO, I then have enough time to canter round and pop a fence while they do the course.
 
Thanks guys thats really helpful. I've just got back from our unaffiliated show today and fortunately we managed to get round without parting company today! We had the last fence down in the JO but I was much luckier with the draw today. I was 3rd last to go in the class and 4th to go in the JO so all I had to do is potter round for a bit and then pop a couple before going in. We did hit that last fence on a bit of a dodgy stride and where normally Jen would just go on a long one she chipped a little extra one in which she wouldn't normally do but I don't think she wanted to risk me coming off again - she really doesn't like it if I fall off bless her. Anyway we came 6th so not a bad day really. The plan is lots of pole and gridwork this week before our intro show next weekend to try to restore both our confidances and help us with the strides.
 
I go to everything on my own. Same as everyone else said, be really organised. For eventing its' a bit easier in that you get start times so I write down what time I've got to tack up, warm up, walk courses etc and get there early if need be.

When we did BSJA I tended to just hang on to her by the ring as there often wasn't time to take her back to the lorry, and then get back for the jump off if we were first to go.

I had a cheapo jute rug which I sewed her name and mine into with a message saying 'please leave it alone I'm coming back for it'. Used to then sling over her in between classes, so she didn't get cold just standing there, then hang over the fence or leave on the floor while I went in for the jump off.

Once I forgot it, and Duckhurst rang me to say I'd left it over the gate! Picked it up at the next show.

No one wants an old jute rug these days, so not much chance of it being pinched!
 
So nice to hear there are lots going on their own. I have been going showjumping on my own for the last year since my friend changed horse and yards.

Like everyone said it is just necessary to be brave and ask for help. I get someone to hold my horse during the course walk.

Everything here is 1 or 2 phase - I have not done a jump off class all year. The worst thing being on your own is if you are at the bottom of the placings so you don't know if you will be in the mounted prize giving. You feel like an idiot waiting on horseback to find you are placed on foot or not at all and if you don't have the horse ready you don't have any help to get it done quickly so you trot in after everyone else is there and the prizegiving has started.
 
I'm sure you will be in the placings soon!

It's initially a lonely old world going on your own, but put on your most cheerful music for the way there and sing your heart out, then chat to everyone you meet, and soon enough you'll not be alone!

I'm sure some people think I'm nuts but most are friendly back!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top