AUTUMN SENIOR CAMP
We have just finished two fabulous camps! Senior camp with 60 riders was great fun. We all gathered at Keysoe last Friday for two days of training, test riding and workshops. Everyone was soon merrily tucking into their wine and nibbles and team games to get to know each other. Saturday saw everyone up and raring to go – with training all morning in five arenas. Ably taken by Paul Hayler, Matt Cox, Mark Ruddock, Julie Hugo and Dan Sherriff. Alongside this, Fairfax girths were also offering trials and there was also consultations with NeueSchule, and a chance to try new bits too. They also gave two talks during the day on bitting. As if that was not enough, there was also a chance to find out what Veterinary Thermal Imaging can do for your horse – with demonstrations from Hayley Springett.
Test riding followed in the afternoon, with riders sitting in with Pam Bushell to have a try at judging themselves. Pam reported some very keen riders giving 5's, then when asked to think, " did the horse do the correct movement, in the right place, with rhythm and on the bit?" revising their scores to 8's! In the evening we had an "Ask the Experts" panel, consisting of Paul, Mark, Hayley Liddiard and Pam. We had lots of really good questions, and much discussion on subjects such as what to do when a horse gets his tongue over the bit, how to deal with movements not performed, how to move up the levels, how to improve sitting trot, and getting more info on the UKCC. Sunday saw high winds and exercise! Freddie came to give us a fab rider workout, showing us movements that would strengthen the right muscles, and give more core stability. He also promised to make a You Tube clip of these exercises - featuring his star pupil Mr Ruddock - so that we in the East can become the fittest region in the UK!!! Test riding in the afternoon was rather depleted, as with storm warnings coming in, many people headed off early to ensure that they got home safely. For those that did stay, it was good to see an improvement on the day before, and the following were the winners: Prelim: 1st Jo Day, 2nd Lara Akka and Moira Scott and 4th Katie Pittaway. Novice: 1st Linda Anderson, 2nd Lindsay Wright, 3rd Carolyn Davis and Jo Goff. Elem: 1st Karen Newman, 2nd Ashley Harrison, 3rd Karen Patient. Med: 1st Lotte Olsen, 2nd Angela Bishop, 3rd Lizzie Stovell. Well done to everyone who came along with their horses, and thanks for making it yet another great weekend - roll on Spring 2014 and we'll do it all over again!!!