Equestrian Canada competition coach jump specialist Louise Crooks doesn’t think anyone should be coachless at a competition. In fact, the 30-year industry veteran, who operates Crooks Equestrian in Langley, BC, says if she ever returned to the show ring, she wouldn’t do it alone. “I would have somebody on the ground, absolutely.”

While some folks are comfortable regularly showing solo, extenuating circumstances (sickness, budgetary issues, scheduling conflicts) might land a rider at a show having to fend for themselves. Not to worry; a few practical tips can help a potentially intimidating situation become way more manageable.

  1. Preparation is key. Make a list and fastidiously organize and pack show gear, paperwork, and the trailer the evening before.
  2. Arrive at the barn early. If something goes awry, such as your horse deciding not to load, getting frazzled is less likely as you have time to deal with it.
  3. At the show, never tie your horse to a trailer unsupervised. If you need to part ways – i.e. to go to the show office or the bathroom – leave him in the trailer with some hay to keep him happy.
  4. When registering, tell the secretary you’re alone and give them your emergency contact information.
  5. Tape a large note to the inside of your windshield with emergency details so organizers can match rig to rider if you’re injured or otherwise incapacitated.
  6. Minors should never show without a coach, but if they must, a signing authority figure must be present.
  7. Time management equals less stress. Know how long your pre-class warmup needs to be and plan accordingly. “Somebody who doesn’t have a coach could be going aimlessly around, cantering, jumping fences and have no horse left to go in the ring,” says Crooks, “or the opposite, when they haven’t done enough.”
  8. It’s up to you to know the ring you’re competing in and how it’s running. Introduce yourself to in-gate personnel. Stay in touch throughout the day.
  9. Wrangle someone – anyone – for help. Even non-horsey friends or family members can run errands, keep you fed and hydrated and set jumps in the warm-up (but make sure they – and you – are fully aware of warm-up ring protocols and etiquette (see “Essential Etiquette in the Warmup Ring” in the March 2017 issue.)
  10. Without a coach, you won’t get immediate post-ride feedback. As Crooks says, riders are typically hard on themselves and may “come out of the ring feeling very frustrated.” Have someone video your rounds so you can evaluate your ride yourself. Plus, you’ll have something to take back to your coach to review later.
  11. Tag onto a coach if they’re amenable and you have extra cash. “I certainly wouldn’t turn anybody away,” says Crooks who, for her own reputation’s sake, would want to familiarize herself with rider and horse. “I’d want to give them a private lesson before even entertaining the thought of sending them into the ring cold turkey with me.”
  12. And, remember, if you do find yourself alone, horse shows are meant to be about fun and learning. Use the opportunity to build confidence in yourself as an independent equestrian.