Handy eventing tips - Share!

H

H-J

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Share your handy eventing tips here............

Like the magnectic stud bowl and dummy studs etc etc
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Always give yourself plenty of time.
I always carry in a clear filing case horses passport/vacc, print out of times and map/route on how to get to the event. That way you dont have to rush around looking for it, and theres no chance of leaving the important stuff behind.
Dont forget to note down the event mobile number in case you are held up or break down.
 
Eventing was so long ago, I hardly remember any!!

If you have a helper get them to keep a small bottle of water on them and carry a copy of the dr test for last minute panics!!

Establish the SJ system before you go to warm up- if theyre taking people as theyre ready you may be able to go early, if theyre taking numbers the same applies but if theyre going in time slot order, dont warm up too early as you may end up having to wait around.
 
always clean out stud holes and studs night before, and spray the holes and the studs with "WD40" and then put cotton wool in the holes and wrap the studs in kitchen roll - then it is really easy to put studs in the following morning
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get a big crate that can hold your hat/s, body protector, plaiting kit, stud box etc etc. then you can check that everything is in it the night before and shove it in the car/lorry and you know everything is in the same place
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I have a comprehensive list of all the stuff I need to take. I print it off the PC before each event and tick it all off as I load the lorry. It saves arriving and finding you have forgotten something.
 
Remember to remove numbers from number bib as soon as you finish, particularly if it is a wet day. If you dont you will find the ink sticking to the clear plastic and spoiling the look. Guess how I learn't this one!
 
I use my numbers as the paper to go round his legs for the ice tight. They are the perfect size. Also could someone invent ice tight that doesn't smell like mint as my horse is convinced I'm putting polos on his legs
 
count the no. on the fences as you walk the xc course, to make sure you don't miss any out! (no, i haven't done that, but i can't think of any tips, but wanted to join in)

intro = orange (sometimes white)
PN = pink
novice = yellow
int. = green
adv. = blue
 
Keep a full set of your horses shoes in the lorry. Much faster for the on site farrier to fit a part worn shoe than to start from scratch. I just got a set that were about half worn, farrier made sure they were flat and retapped stud holes.
 
Always keep spares of things like stirrups leathers / reins / girth / saddlecloth etc. etc. and take a rug for every weather type! Also always remember the electrolytes - I always make up some sugar beet (with loads of water) with electrolytes already added which I can give him after the XC or if its a hot day I let him sip it throughout the day.

Take baby wipes! They are useful for so many things - cleaning boots / stirrups / horses nose etc. and also lovely to put one on your face after the XC to cool down!

And like others have said, make sure you leave loads of time especially for travelling there - we allowed ages to get somewhere but road works held us up so as I was unloading I was due in the dressage arena......! Luckily they were very nice about and didnt hurry me but I still felt hurried and also guilty for messing people about! Not a good start!
 
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Another handy tip is to accidentally forget your start fee, that way the OH or mum coughs up for the pleasure of a day out with moi!
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Best tip yet!
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After dressage, I always go and check how the sj course is riding. I always look for the jumps horses are rolling and having difficulty with their strides. With doubles and triples, check how others are riding them, if they are taking longer strides through and hitting the jump you will know to shorten yourself up!
Its the same after sj,if you get time to see how the ground conditions and fences are effecting the horses in xc, especially as conditions can change overnight after you've walked the course the day before. If you have alot of time walk the course. Normally I havn't got time to walk the whole course, but I will go to the fences which are causing problems, or the ground may have changed dramatically.
The greatest advantage though are parents that can take and look after your horse after each phase, which leaves you more time to look at courses!
 
I keep the plastic rug bags you get with a new rug and load all my stuff in them - they are see through so you can find things quickly and handy to keep things like numnahs clean.
 
i alwasy use a check list- i print a list off all the things i need to do or remember and tick them off as i do them. i also print the whole journey directions on routeplannner so we cant get lost. lots of water, always have my mother take me bottle of water whilst warming up and dont forget mints or what ever treat for your horse after to reward them oh and dont forget your breastplate (one of my most fave pieces of equipment and always needed)
 
Oh and always take spare jodphurs and socks - if its pissing rain all day then its nice to have something dry! I leave an old pair of jods in my trailer all the time no matter where I go (if you fall off you dont want to walk about with massive stains now do you!).

I often take some feed with me as well so if its a really long day the horse can have a little munch which I find settles mine nicely for the journey home. And always take loads of hay.
 
Write you start times up, and what time you need to be there, tack up, warm up etc. Pin this to the inside of your trailer/lorry so you know where you've got to be at a certain time.

If it's boiling take 2 riding hats so you only have to put a sweaty one on once!

Also a clean towel and some deodorant - I hate being smelly!
 
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