Dear Highland Pony Enthusiasts,

Against all odds Julie is running the camp again! The dates are: arrival lunch time Thursday 3rd of July, depart lunch time Sunday 6th.

The camp will be held in Tilford in the middle of beautiful hacking country. Sadly the usual venue is unavailable due to bereavement. John and Pearl are kindly opening up their Stonehills camp site to us as a huge favour.

There is plenty of space but facilities are limited, the main disadvantage being no hot water or shower. I am negotiating the use of the Bee-Keeping Societies water heater so a limited supply of hot water will be available. There is a flushing loo, otherwise plenty of bushes! (Latest news John is hopeful of getting working shower!)

A rough guide to the itinerary.

Thursday setting up camp, putting up corrals, beware the camp site is quite exposed if windy. Catching up with friends and news, a hack for those who wish to explore.

Fish and chips for supper.

Friday Steve with his popular “skill at arms” training. This is an excellent gentle way of increasing rider skills and balance, with the added benefit of getting the ponies to accept riding towards strange objects and working as a team. Last year despite several peoples trepidation, once the ponies had learnt from each other and realised what was wanted, we all had a great fun time. The ponies enthusiasm for the games being transferred to their rider.

Lunchtime talk by Natural Animal Feeds Head nutritionist.

BBQ by Allan for supper.

Saturday Le Trec training. If never done before it must be attempted. Great for increasing both ponies and riders skills. Its amazing how much can be learnt in a short time by watching others and having a go.

Evening short walk through the scary woods to the pub for supper.

Sunday Musical ride with Jane. Lets see if we can go out on a flourish without any collisions!

Lunches will be delivered each day Friday to Sunday by Emma.

Breakfast we would ask you to provide your own this year. You will also need to provide your own eating utensils- plate, mug, glass, knife, fork, spoon and a chair. I have been able to borrow some tables.

Hay The grazing is very poor mostly heather and gorse. If required it will have to be pre ordered charged at rate of ordering. Please let us know!

Evening talks there will hopefully more evening talks such as clicker training but these have yet to be confirmed.

Cost £125 and a home made cake or biscuits to pay for the trainers, camp site and food.

£10 a night for extra nights Monday-Wednesday.

£5 a day for visitors without a pony. You will have to pre book if you require lunch.

There is sadly a limit on numbers, as only one trainer a day has been booked to keep costs low and so to gain the most benefit groups can not be too large.

If you would like to guarantee a place a £50 non refundable deposit should be made as soon as possible.

Please could we have volunteers to help. If everyone does a bit it makes light work, bear in mind the helpers are doing it as a favour.

We will be looking to get the following roster completed as people arrive

AM set up / clear / Lunch set up + clear / Pm set up / clear
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Supper set up / clear / Check toilets / am / pm
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Location

Stonehills Cottage

Tilford Road, Tilford

Farnham, Surrey

GU10 2DE

Directions – see map (shows owners house next door to camp-site)

·  Go to Tilford, 3 miles from Farnham.

·  From “The Green” in Tilford, with the Barley Mow pub to your rear, proceed to the apex of the cricket green into the Tilford Road towards Hindhead.

·  Go past a church to your right

·  Take first track on right after church, this will be signposted Highland Ponies

·  Follow track and take left fork

·  First gate on left.

Booking form

Name

Address

Telephone number

Ponies details

Insurance details (must have 3rd party liability)

Deposit £50 to be sent to Julie Robertson, 4 Bagshot Park, Bagshot Lea, Farnham. GU9 9JL.

This is a non profit making event organised by volunteers no claim can be entertained for anything that may happen to participants, their property, servants or horses in connection with, or arising out this event. It shall be deemed a condition of entry that each entrant shall agree to indemnify the promoters against any legal action arising from such an accident.

Signature.

Date.