Training away from home alone?

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SOS

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When I wanted to be competitive I said I didn't want to rely on anyone else... so I did what any sensible equestrian would do and bought my own truck, did my B+E, got my own trailer and bought my own horse. I understood that this may mean competing alone which I am happy with, however I am now struggling with a new issue... training away from home alone.

Many venues understandably do not allow people to ride alone (talking SJ and XC hire) but as my local ones are so popular the periods of hire are often only available during the week (either due to competitions held at the weekend or if they do have hire available it fills up very quick). I have some lovely friends which offer to help at weekends but work during the week. Due to these issues, I am struggling to get out schooling as I can only go alone during the week but this is not allowed.

Some venues have instructors but they are often mighty expensive compared to hire alone, doubling or tripling the price and even then they seem hard to get a slot with.

Has anyone been in similar situations and has a bright idea?:o

Hire a groom to come with?
Win the lottery and build training facilities at home?
 
Have you talked to the venue owners? I regularly train alone -sj & XC - and usually during the week. I have not had a problem - except on Somerford's all weather XC where you need a helper to poo pick and there is no way round this!!??!!
 
VRIN said:
Have you talked to the venue owners? I regularly train alone -sj & XC - and usually during the week. I have not had a problem - except on Somerford's all weather XC where you need a helper to poo pick and there is no way round this!!??!!
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No I haven’t actually, I will try that next time. I figured the rule was for insurance purposes (not poo pickers!!) Thankyou.
 
saddleoversofa said:
Do you inform them before/do they have it specifically stated on the rules that you must be accompanied?

It’s great to know people are getting out alone.
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I've never specifically drawn anyone's attention to it but I ring up and book for 1, turn up alone, sign in alone, pay alone! If there was an issue they would certainly query it.
 
Ambers Echo said:
I've never specifically drawn anyone's attention to it but I ring up and book for 1, turn up alone, sign in alone, pay alone! If there was an issue they would certainly query it.
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Fair enough, I think I would be too worried about a wasted journey to not atleast ask before. Certainly going to try seeing if I can hire alone though, as above I thought it may be an insurance/health and safety clause.

Good luck in your event tomorrow by the way! :)
 
I train alone and have never had a problem with it. In fact, I was out XC training on Wednesday and the venue said they'd keep an eye out and could I report back when i'd finished, so they knew I was safe.
 
Somerford let you go out alone. I came off when alone and lost sight of Amber. Phoned the office and they found her on CCTV, sent someone out to get her, someone else out to get me and then reunited us! It was very efficient.
 
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