Whenever I go to a new event, something different or somewhere I haven’t been before, I’m nervous. I get a bit sweaty, my heart rate goes up, I worry about committing a faux pas, I worry that what I’m wearing is appropriate, will I know anyone, will they be nice. What if I’m late, what if I can’t find it, etc etc etc.
I know this is my natural reaction to a new situation so I have ways of dealing with it. I have the venue on google maps but also the directions written down on paper, I look at the venue on street view and try and find pictures beforehand so I recognise it. I give myself plenty of time to get there and if I feel a bit stressy I do some deep breathing and talk myself into a positive mindset.
I thought that I would try and reduce any ‘new situation’ anxiety for others by doing a little run through of what to do when you get to your endurance ride.
- Arrive at venue and follow the parking steward instructions.
- Give human and pony a drink and/or food
- I put on my riding boots/chaps/coat at this point as I don’t want to faff when my horse is unloaded
- Get my logbook out the car and head over towards the secretaries tent
- But first…….I go for a wee!!! Nothing worse than getting on and realising you needed the loo but now have 40km to wait!
- Go to the secretary (they’re usually in a gazebo/tent/trailer) and pick up your number and vet sheet
- Pop the emergency information given to you by the ride secretary on your saddle
- Unload the horse, groom and pick out feet, take them for a little leg stretch
- Head over to the farrier & vet (remeber your vet sheet and wear your number)
- Present to the farrier first and then to the vet (Stewards/Vet writers will be there to guide you to where you need to be)
- Once vetted, your vet sheet is kept by the vet writer and you can head back to the trailer to tack up
- Make sure you’ve eaten and drunk plenty before and so has your horse
- You have a maximum of 30minutes from your vet time to tack up and head over to the start line (Usually called the timekeeper, also in a car/tent/gazebo/trailer)
- When you’re ready head over to the start line and start your watch when the timekeeper says go!
In terms of what to wear: Endurance is pretty laid back so you can’t really commit any faux pas, you can wear any colour, gloves or no gloves, hair plaited or not, it’s really up to you as long as it’s within the rules, which are pretty simple.
The people are usually very friendly and the ride organisers and helpers have tabards on so you can always spot someone if you have any questions. If you’re late call the number in the ride info and just let them know, if they can they will accommodate a later time slot.
Most of all remember to enjoy, once you’re out and about on the trail, just follow the markers, state your number to the check points and have a good time!
Beth Endurance 