Horse show wildcamping

uknokianut

Guest
Hi all
A couple of weeks ago I went to watch my neice showjumping in Chepstow. I took the camper and stayed onsite with all facilities for free.
I also done the same last year in Basildon.

Basically at most horse events , the riders and their family etc stay in their horseboxes, motorhomes and tents onsite close to the stables and facilities.
There were clean toilets, showers, catering and a bar. All the things you could normally get on a campsite but all for nothing.

When driving to the show there will be a sign "Horseboxes" , park up where they are situated, obviously not too close as they will be unloading their horses etc.

So do some googling and see what shows are on around the country. I think if you are sensible you will never get noticed that you are not with a rider.

It also is fun to watch and you can put some money behind their bar too.
 
I regret to say that in more gambling-oriented horse events - such as all types of racing, from trotting carts, flappers, right though to thoroughbreds under rules - there is already a lot of charging and security.

For instance, last year at the Dingle Derby, a guy I know, who has a horse, was told he couldn't sleep in the box on site ( ie in the field)! Not wanting to risk anything happening to his horse, he had to find a place where he paid "protection money" to some lads to "keep an eye on things".

I'm afraid almost everywhere you go nowadays, somebody has his hand out for money. One gateman at Tregaron must have been in the olympic sprinting team for Wales, judging by the way he ran after our bus. The wheels had barely stopped turning before he was on the step to make sure nobody got out without paying.

Even at Appleby, the story can be much the same.

Nothing new, I suppose. Folk have been cashing in on get-togethers and visitors for donkeys' years. It often goes under the guise of " traffic management", "planning restrictions" or compulsory "bed and breakfast".:goodluck:

sean rua
 
I think it's a great idea - i mean, look at Badminton - they've even laid on an outside swimming pool.............:lol-053:
 
X rider

I think most of our bigger events up here you need to display a competitor sticker to park,I dont know if it's changed since I last competed ? but I doubt it not when it makes them money.
pat
 
Yes , I'm not talking about the bigger horse racing and commercial events , just local amateur horse and pony shows.
 
Sounds like you got lucky with one that had good facilities and didn't check you were a registered competitor before letting you in. Most horse shows we attended (with our horses) didn't check, but then these were one-day events with minimal facilities (muddy field with just a couple of porta-loos and one burger van during the day).

Steve.
 
Hi all,
I work at horse shows every week and can tell you that this isn't such a good idea. The show near Basildon that the OP mentioned is a one off and doesn't represent the norm.
Larger events are strictly money making ventures and you won't get in without a ticket. smaller events are organised by clubs that hire the field from the landowner and are usually done and dusted in a day, everyone is gone by about 5 'clock and you won't be staying overnight.
As for facilities, there will be porta loos and a burger van. If you just want to park up for the day as a spectator then please inform the organiser and you will be made very welcome. If you don't then you are 90 per cent certain to be noticed and will probably be challenged, everybody knows everybody at these events and there are the very occasional undesirables looking for things to pinch so believe me you will be noticed.
On a positive note there are many equestrian centres around the country that provide hook up for horse boxes. If you find yourself in need you could always ask and if it's an emergency you may even be able to overnight.
Best of luck.
PS. loving the site
 
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