So what’s it like to drive at Exloo ?

It’s the first FEI event of the European season, so it’s usually quite busy and buzzy. The obstacles are always tight and technical. The new format marathon this year posed some extra things to think about, remember and learn and it was good to experience it early on in the new season.

Things that you need to know or consider for early season events:

– Expect all weathers within the space of a day…every day.

– Yes, you will definitely need those extra heaters and hot water bottles.

– Stockpile handwarmers to put in your boots.

– Heated and thermal clothing will be your best friends.

– No, you haven’t got too many coats in your truck… put more in.

– Accept that you will be more stressed than normal leading up to the event because it’s the first one and it’s customary to have no clue what’s actually in your lorry.

– Remember – foreign events are great levellers.

– Embrace the emotional roller coaster that you will find yourself on.

– Take de-icer to defrost your bike in the mornings.

– Don’t worry about not being ready to compete in March …just get on with it!

– Take comfort in the fact that the other British competitors will support you.

– Yes, you will start off eating your hummus and cucumber sticks, but you WILL progress onto those 48 packets of mini cheddars and 18 packets of Mars bars that you know you have in your junk food cupboard. It’s not shameful to eat half the contents of your junk food cupboard at the event… because the amount of junk you’re going to eat on the way home in the truck will be FAR worse…yes, you will be disgusted with yourself…Get over it. Move on.

– Remember that you are living your dreams. Be humble and grateful.

– When the sun does shine, remember that summer is just around the corner …the rain will be warmer.