Staying away

Staying away at a competition can be nerve wrecking if you are new to the role, but it can also be a really fun and exciting part of being a competition groom.

Preparation is the key to making everything run smoothly and we often focus on what we need for the horses – but don’t forget yourself.

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR TOP TIPS.

CHECKLISTS - Create two packing lists; one for you and one for the horses. This will help ensure that you don’t forget anything.

WEATHER - Check the forecast of your showground destination, but pack for every eventuality anyway. Waterproofs, spare clothing and lots of layers are the best option.

CLOTHES - When packing, roll your clothes instead of folding them as this takes up less room in your bag. It is better to take too much than find you have nothing clean to wear on the last day of the show, and don’t forget to include something nice to wear if there is a party to go to. Take a plastic carrier bag with you for your dirty washing so that it doesn’t make your clean washing smell.

FOOTWEAR - Pack appropriate footwear. Don’t be afraid to ask other people who have been before – some venues are all hard standing and no mud, others might be so wet you’ll need snorkelling equipment to get to the stables.

ESSENTIAL CARE - Remember to add sun cream, sun glasses and a hat in the summer. Taking a mini first aid kit with plasters and over the counter pain killers is also a good idea just in case you need them.

RIDING? - Before you leave check if you are going to be expected to ride or lunge the horses, and remember to take appropriate footwear, your hat, gloves etc.

SHOWERS - Show showers can be grim places, take flip flops with you to wear in the shower. If you are lucky enough to have a shower in your horsebox then be prepared to keep your showers really short as the water won’t last for ever, especially if several of you are sharing. Dry shampoo is a great to save hair washing.

SLEEPING - Ask where you are sleeping and if you need to take bedding. Taking a comfy pillow and a duvet can make the difference when you crawl into bed at the end of a long day.

FOOD - Find out what the food options are; do you have to take food, or is your employer paying for/providing it? Being fuelled is essential for keeping your energy levels up so pack quick easy to grab snacks such as breakfast bars, porridge pots, bananas etc. Pack plenty of big water bottles for drinking water; a refillable bottle for you to use during the day, and a travel mug or two, so you can stay hydrated throughout the show.

DON'T FORGET 

It’s important to take cash or your bank card with you in case you need it, but remember to keep your belongings safe and your lorry living locked. There are not many people who can live without their mobile phone – so don’t forget your phone charger and depending if you have hook-up, you might need a power bank as well.

TOP TIP

Take a notebook and pen to write down start times, classes, ring numbers, warm up times and anything else important. You can put this in your pocket, or set timers on your phone, to help to focus you and ensure you are ready on time. Some grooms recommend a magnetic write on/wipe off board to stick to the side of the lorry, which is great for writing times on, or for leaving notes if you are working alongside another groom.

ALWAYS ASK

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – it is better to ask than get it wrong. There will be lots of friendly experienced grooms at the shows who have all been in the same position before and will be only too glad to help.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Make sure that you have personal accident insurance. You never know when accidents happen and the excitement of being at a competition can sometimes increase the risk of injury. 

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