Going solo

N

NewHeights_SJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 June 2007
Messages
1,589
Location
Northamptonshire
www.newheights-showjumping.co.uk
I am quite lucky in that i am able to compete mid week if i want... and on Tue i as thinking of doing some clear round at Weston Lawns for training. The problem i have is that if i go, i have to go alone. I dont have anyone i could take with me, and my usual groom (the OH haha) is working.

My mare loads fine, i can drive and i know where im going....but i am no so keen on the idea. It just had me wondering, does anyone else compete...travel....alone? How do you cope with the warm up if you dont have anyone to do the fences for you? Do you manage to cope, or would you never dream of going somewhere on your own?

I think i might go just to see if i can cope and it is only clear round so hopefully no pressure....
crazy.gif
confused.gif
frown.gif
 
Hi , I don't jump I do dressage but I always end up going solo (noddy no mates me).

As long as the horse loads fine and is settled on the box or tied to it (if the venue allow that ) then I never have any problems.

Ovbiously I try not to leave the horse unatended but loo breaks and checks ins often require that it happens.

I have to warm up with out boots etc that other people use but apart from that it's fine.

People are usually friendy and will give you hand if you get really stuck, even if it's just keeping half an eye on your horse whilst you run to the loo and back.

Good luck .
 
I've been out on my own with Axey before and I found it alright. I do dressage though, so there's not a problem with practise jumps etc. I warmed up without boots on!
There's normally lots of people about that are willing to help
smile.gif
and there might be someone there you know anyway that you can nab!

Good luck.
 
I pretty much always go alone, its absolutely fine.
The only slightly annoying thing is if SJ you need to time things so that you can leave horse at lorry to walk the course and also having no-one to do practise fences for you (however you do become a dab hand at jumping whatever is already built and then going straight in!)
 
smile nicely and make friends in the collecting ring. I find relatives of competitors are nicer than trainers! Little things like telling the person before you "Good Luck" often stand you in good stead if its a venue you regularly go to. At least its clear round, wouldnt be much fun if you were trrying to do a newcomers!
 
If I am at a jumping show on my own I try to spot someone who has a helper building the fence for them and tag on with what they are doing, normally explain I am on my own and most people are understanding and happy to help, you cannot be shy and just have to speak up.
 
I always go to competitions alone
blush.gif
frown.gif
- it really helps having a horse now that doesn't crash through the warm up fences every single time like my last one used to! As the others have said, if you are nice and friendly there is always someone to hold your horse, change the fence etc
laugh.gif
 
I lost my unpaid groom (Mum) when I went to uni and soon learned to cope, most people are friendly enough and I even showed on my own which was entertaining during the stripping off phase! But I'm lucky as Murph is dead chilled out at shows and stands still even when he's not tied up or being held. I used to shove stable rubbers in my pockets or dressage sheets depending on what I was doing and gave myself plenty of time.
 
I am generally considiered slightly loopy but I event on my own 99% of the time. Generally have 2-3 horses running, have no groom, husband works weekends. Know a few people who are usually there if I need help and always give the sec their mob no's and my husband's and my box description/reg when I pick up my number. Also find it helps to tell the XC steward/starter that I'm on my own for no other reason then it makes me feel better. Find it no problem at all barring coming home from work on a Fri night faced with exercising, plaiting and doing stud holes on 2 horses then cleaning tack and loading kit. Occasionally lost sense of humour by 11pm but it's all worth it the next day. Compared to that taking 2 horses BSJA is a breeze!!!!
 
Actually its quite interesting reading all the people who go it alone! Myself included! All completely non horsey in my family, so if they do come are as much use as chocy teapot, LOL.
 
I usually event by myself. Have the luxury of someone coming with me tomorrow. Fortunately the horses are very good.
i do miss the company, but then usually end up chewing the ear off the poor sod parked next to me!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top