It’s great to see our supported riders out and about competing, this time we hear from eventer Sophie Reason who spent a week of her summer show jumping at Arena UK in Leicestershire.
‘After lockdown finished I’ve been super busy with work and not updating everyone as much as I’d like! We have really gone from 0-60mph with the horses after lockdown and I hope everyone is well and enjoying being back out competing.
Back in July I headed to Arena UK for a week of show jumping (my first SJ stay away) after being persuaded by my friend, who took 3 horses herself and another 3 from her yard, so there was a decent crowd of us.
After packing the trucks, we left on Tuesday morning in a convoy (5 lorries) to Grantham. After getting a couple of lorries stuck in the mud when trying to park, we got settled in and once the horses were in their stables and camp was set up. So, what did we do first…? We cracked open the first of many bottles of fizz! Before too many glasses were consumed, we thought we should hack the horses – who were all super chilled and ready for a week of jumping.
I started off in the discovery and 105cm on the first day to get the horses used to everything and to warm them up. For the rest of the week, we stepped up to the newcomers, jumping in the big arena. Both Angelina & Buddy jumped some cracking rounds in their first newcomers, which were up to height and technical! Unfortunately, no placings for us as although we can gallop, we eventers are not quick enough on the turns! It was truly an eye opener to see how fast showjumpers go!
I had an awesome week with great friends and jumping some technical courses every day was very educational. I can’t say I’m completely converted (won’t be getting anymore bling yet) as I love eventing too much. But I will definitely be attending some more stay-aways as it’s a great way to consolidate training, step up the levels and get more rounds under our belts.’
After her first stay away experience Show jumping, we asked Sophie what her top 5 essentials to pack when staying away with horses…
- a bike – if you know the lorry park is miles away from the stables or even if you want to pop out to the local shop!
- extra water buckets for outside stables (water taps can be miles away)
- string – comes in handy for every repair or to make horse tie ups etc.
- a torch to hang up at late night checks – I like the high-power LED ones
- bridle hooks/saddle stand to use at stables, so tack is not dumped on the floor.
Don’t’ forget we have a great range of barrows, hooks, poo picks, cool boxes and just about all you need for a stay away show... plus all the expertise and advice you need to choose the best kit. Get in touch if we can help!
