Staying at shows

silvershadow81

silvershadow81

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Just wondered what tips/ advice you have for when you are staying away at shows?

I am starting to put a list of things I am going to need to take, and organise things so that we do not have to carry too much to and from the stables.

I have thought i could use an exhibition box (on wheels) to lock to the outside of the stable with all of her feed in it. as this will save having to keep walking miles to and from the car each day?

I dont really know what to do about mucking out tools though, have seen fold up barrows- would they be any good/ has anyone used?- space is quite limited!

Any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks

xxxxx
 
When I muck out at shows I use a bucket and a pair of marigolds. Sometimes I use the rubber trug buckets, and sometimes I used the plastic rigid buckets - it depends how long we are away for, and how far away the muckheap is! Depending on shows, depends how much you can keep outside the stables - some wont let you store things outside, whislt others have massive tack lockers and almost half the lorry outside! I tend to make up feeds in advance, putting them into plastic carrier bags - these are stored in a larger bag in the lorry, but just makes it easier when walking to the stable to feed, rather than having to haul half a dozen feed sacks to the show then faff about making up feeds. Remember to take your own water buckets, and a headtorch is a must for checking around last thing at night (are the stables inside/do they have electric?).
 
Ohh thanks you!

Marigolds will work, and will take up hardly any space getting up there- good plan.

I think i will make up the feeds- and take some sugar beet seperatly if i feel she needs that little bit extra. I may not bother with my inventive expo stand box then. i do not know what the regs will be about putting things outside the stable?

Stables will be outside though, so hopefully a bit of space than usual? suppose we dont really know till we arrive.

Electricity- again- not something i had considered (Torch- is now on the list!)

xx
 
Am always cautious about leaving anything outside stables at shows though will sometimes leave some odd bits during the day such as the headcollar squirrelled away inside the stable behind the water bucket. I "lost" a full size hay soaking tub at one place which I had left full of water outside the stable - fortunately it was the end of the day but it disappeared whilst I was loading up.

If you don't carry one anyway take a hammer in case any nails/screws needing a bit of DIY in the stable, take some bailer twine for tying up haynet etc, rubbish bags always useful to have. Check what bedding is provided and if you need to take any or if it is on sale where you are going.

Enjoy yourself.
 
be careful about leaving anything outside your stable unattended you will be surprised what grows wings! make sure all your valuables are locked in your lorry, and that everything is named!!
 
Be very careful about leaving anything outside your stable, if it isn't screwed down it will get nicked or they'll go & get a screwdriver & come back & nick it later.

We make up feeds before going & keep in plastic bags, it's an easy time saving option. We always take a barrow with us at it will double up as a saddle & tack carrier to the stables from the lorry. Have spare keys cut to living so everyone staying in the lorry can get in when thery want.
 
I wouldn't bother mucking around with making haynets to take, just take a few bales of hay/ haylege and make them there. i like having saddle/bridle/boot etc bags, because they keep everything clean and once you know everything is in them, you see the bag & know everything is in there, plus they are really easy to carry. Even if it is not set to rain (this time of year anyway!) just take a lightweight turnout rug, if the stables are those wooden ones outside you dont want a soggy pony, but you know you can chuck it over their stable rugs. If you are travelling far, some horses can be funny about the water that they drink, ie the water at home is softer or harder. i know we would all take some for travelling anyway, but just make sure you have enough to give them a bit when they reach their destination if you are not sure whether they will drink. (my horse never had a problem with the different water & i dont know any that have, but it was advised to me). if they haven't stayed away before, try to take the buckets and nets they have in their box at home, this settles them a bit better becuase they have something familiar.

I should add - one evening, make a sensible list of things that you need to take, leave it then look at it a few days later to see if you have missed anything off or have included anything uneccessary. then when you travel you can simply cross things off & you know you are all prepared!!
 
You asked about the fold up barrows, they APPEAR to be a great idea but I found them a complete waste of money and space. They were impossible to use on anything but the smoothest of concrete, difficult to use for any unde abour 5ft 8in and unable to carry much weight.
 
Thanks all!

The bedding and hay is provided, so we will not have to mess around with taking that (thankfully!)

Im going to bag up the feeds and maybe pop it in a ball so that it keeps her amused for longer- but then she WILL have a lovely brown nose?? (so ill think a bit more on that one!!)

I have a full neck rain sheet all cleaned and at the ready as I believe it is a 15-20 min walk from stables to arena.

Hammer- genius! would never have considered it- but so true. Will pop it in with scissors and string.

I cant get too carried away as space will be an issue- and there are shops there, so if i forget anything it wont be the end of the world- i need to write this list and calm down!!

p.s. thanks about the fold up barrow thing... always good to hear what they are like in practice. I think marigolds and a tub will do! xx
 
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