SUMMER RIDING CAMP 2009

Summer camp this year was held once more at Plumpton College in Sussex from 30th July to 2nd August.

This year’s camp started for the organisers with a very windy and wet night! The first casualty was Amanda’s tent. We were sitting discussing camp preparations when we realised the pools of water starting to form, Amanda and Alison then had to do a quick rethink and re camped to their horse box. Luckily this only happened on our first night and nobody else’s tent suffered this fate!

The weather cheered up during the next few days and this really added to the enjoyment of camp. Campers discovered the lovely South Downs which surround Plumpton and after settling their horses and themselves in on Thursday, many people took advantage of the weather and surroundings for a first ride, and look around. The cross country jumps were popular throughout camp and several campers were brave enough to have their first taste of cross country jumping with much success.

Debbie Garland winner of Krypton Factor at riding camp 2009

We also had an experiment during this camp; the first ever “Krypton Factor” for horse and rider, and many thanks to those who participated. Everyone who joined in had to complete theory and ridden tests. There anatomy and riding questions and also an obstacle course which was against the clock. The marks were all added together and the ultimate winner was Debbie Garland.

I have to also report that one of the funniest things about camp was Terry and Kate’s travelling cocktail cabinet! They turned their trailer into their own bar and were to be found there very shortly after dinner every evening; they even had the energy to go clubbing in Brighton on Friday evening, we obviously hadn’t worked them hard enough during the day.

There were optional events laid on during the evenings among these a quiz, and a clicker training evening for humans....it was interesting to find out that most people were not very good at being trained!

On Saturday evening there was a western riding lecture/ demo. We all watched while Janet put her Quarter horse mare “Penny” through her paces and demonstrated why they so enjoy this branch of horsemanship.

A few campers were also lucky enough to have a taster after the talk finished. Many thanks to Pauline Brimson and also to Janet and Penny.

Hannah and Annie winners of the condition and turnout at riding camp 2009

The last day (Sunday) was an optional fun day which started with condition and turnout and a freestyle dressage test for all those who wanted to participate. The standard for both the turnout and dressage was very high and everyone had obviously put a lot of thought and effort into their tests. The condition and turnout was won by Annie and Hannah and the dressage was ultimately won by Tessa and Jazz.

That just leaves me to thank all who attended; everyone was truly exceptional and really entered into the spirit of the camp. At one point the only horses who were in the yard were the helpers horses.....everyone else was out either having lessons, jumping or hacking, that is the sign of a great camp.

Camp 2010

If you are interested in attending camp in 2010 please email Amanda Hamley at amanda.hamley@btinternet.com.