I don't really know anybody either and tend to find at Wes events that everybody seems to know everybody else, which is great if you are part of the gang. I might go to Moreton Morrell now I know there will be other spectators new to Wes who will be going alone. Maybe us newbies can hook up so if you fancy it, PM me if you plan to go.

I would also suggest,if you can, going as a spectator to jackie krshka's clinics near oxford in march. see the article by christie leach. i watched her with the youths last month and would thoroughly recommend watching. its only £15 a day to watch.
rosie

Well that told me Scotty - if you would like to infiltrate the clique come and look for a small grumpy grey horse with a sweaty, limping owner. The hip flask (or if it is warm, the beer) will be open! Or if you prefer, the OH will make you a coffee in the Spearmint Rhino (don't worry, that's our lorry )

will you be there every day hunterrookie?

maybe we should try and go on the same day scotty? then we can try and muster in on the clique together?! let me know what day you are thinking of going and i'll com the same day.

i know what you mean, it seems every one knows everyone else and its a bit daunting.

Hey, I'm riding at the clinic and I don't know anyone either, so guys don't worry about it!! (Actually, that's not entirely true, I do know a certain hunterrookie and a so-called 'grumpy grey horse', hurrhmmm NOT the most accurate description, afore-mentioned grey horse is lovely!! ) - but the best thing about Western is that you CAN turn up to a show/clinic or whatever on your own and you won't feel alienated; I've been doing just that for nearly a year now, virtually everyone is happy to chat and give you tips, help and indeed hospitality, so come along, join in the learning and have some fun too. And as a spectator you'll probably have an even more sociable time that us riders, I certainly found that at recent clinics I spectated at, great fun.

I'll be there riding in the clinic and would be glad to talk to anyone! I am on the WES Council (new myself and just doing the newsletter starting with the Spring issue) but am getting to know more and more people. I will be riding a sorrel mare with a flaxen mane and tail or Bobbi as she is better known. More people know my horse than know me!!! That gets people to come and talk to me, even if I am not the best rider, I do have fun.