Competing Alone

Competing alone
There is a whole army of competitive riders out there who have perfected the art of travelling and competing alone with their horse. They don’t have the luxury of a regular groom, or family and friends to support, assist or simply provide some moral back up.  
We’ve handpicked 7 top tips to make your life easier if you are a “solo” competitor, or if you’ve never ventured out on your own, hopefully this will make it seem less daunting.

No 1. 
Get yourself extreme organisational skills!
I know it sounds mundane… but get a plan and stick to it. Work backwards from the time you are due to compete and then set a timetable accordingly including key tasks. Leave additional time to take account of potential traffic congestion, especially for larger competitions where spectators will add to any traffic queues leading to the venue.
‘Waze’ is a great travel App that gives current traffic situations and reroutes quickly. This can prove really useful when you don’t have a helper in the car with you.

No 2. 
Know where everything is in the lorry or trailer.
Be prepared. 
Always pack the night before and ensure that you know where everything is. And if you dont want to pack your most valuable items such as saddle and bridle for security reasons, make sure they are easily to hand on the morning of the competition. Assemble all tack before you travel, many people will dismantle a bridle or remove all the accessories off their saddle for cleaning and then pack it. This really isn’t helpful when trying to get ready. 
So assemble it, try it on, pack it, be prepared! 

No 3. Make sure your transport is fit for purpose.

Its sensible for any competitor but ensure you have good breakdown cover, your vehicle is well maintained and you have a full tank of fuel.  And pay attention to the more minor maintenance such as doors that pin back on their own and a ramp that is suitable for a one person lift.

It’s wise to keep a handy tyre inflator in your vehicle. Ones that plug into your cigarette lighter are perfect, try to find one with an extra long cable that will reach all of your wheels.  It’s no good to you if it doesn’t reach or your cigarette lighter doesn’t work! 🙄

A couple of lengths of baling twine is often a handy addition too. 👍🏻

Even if you are too early, you can always grab a coffee, settle your horse and have time to prepare without stress.  Its not often you will arrive with no hickups whatso ever so make sure you account for a couple of minor delays. 

Park somewhere where you can hear the announcements.  The luxury of a groom or helper means they can keep an eye on the arena from a time point of view.  When you are competing alone you need to utilise all of the time and effort that the organiser has put in to make your day run more smoothly

No 5.  Make yourself known!

Let face it, nobody want to think about the doom and gloom scenarios that can happen when we take our horses out.  From a traffic accident with animals on board or a fall or accident while competing, sometimes with the best prep in the world certain situations are still completely beyond our control.  To cover this rare eventuality make sure your personal details are readily available on your person and inside your vehicle. A simple contact card listing your name, next of kin, specific medical needs and of course vet details for your horse is a simple yet effective way to communicate who you are if an accident were to occur.

No 6. Ensure easy boarding.

Make sure you have your own mounting block! Assume that no one will be around to give you a leg up, and you shouldn’t rely on the venue to provide one.  The more athletic amongst us can take a flyer from the ramp, but this isn’t advisable.  Be sensible, make provision, so you can climb aboard without drama.

No 7. An unsung essential.

An extra long lead rope, or even 2, one outside the vehicle and one in.  And make sure your essential travel items such as headcollar, tail guard and travel boots are left in a place where they are easily accessed using your extra long lead rope of course!