Post by julie on Jul 24, 2006 22:07:21 GMT -1
Highland pony Camp 2006
Camp started with a talk about Natural horsemanship. Sue Gardner arrived for a three hour talk and lesson and left 7 hours and a dinner later. We learnt new ways of controlling the bargy highland from the ground which impressed even our most experienced riders. She felt that she had never met a group of riders so in tune with their horses and Sue has began with Pat Parelli since he began in the UK! This set the tone for the weekend.
Saturday began with a few headaches of the hangover type, and a hearty breakfast. Each rider had a lesson with a flatwork instructor and all felt that they had learnt something new. Jane Porter and David Cox were empathic and classical as always and their quiet yet persistent tuition was appreciated.
After lunch Jane taught pole work with ponies’ ridden or long reined over poles in a series of exercises to teach balance. Meanwhile eventer Adam Draycott taught show jumping to the rest of the group. Fair to say the riders were far more nervous than their horses, and were keen to trot over a pole on the ground. Luckily Adam proved politely deaf to even the loudest shrieks of ‘I am nervous’ and managed to coax all riders not only to trot poles but also over a course of jumps in style. This was the achievement of the weekend for many people who had not jumped for some years!
The BBQ in the evening was accompanied by a talk by our local Spinal therapist. After a brief assessment of very lop sided riders (and their strangely matching lop sided horses) we were taught various exercises to correct this with a lot of demonstrating and laughter. Everyone had a go and could not walk straight! The sky was illuminated by the lightbulbs going on over people’s heads as they at last learnt where all their aches came from! The contortions were followed by a chaotic evening of dog jumping and lurcher catching – just whose idea was that?
Sunday we were joined by Deirdre Robinson for a spot of dressage coaching. Everyone tried a classical riding test – similar to a BD dressage test – and the results were a huge surprise to the winners.
The weekend was enjoyed by everyone and succeeded in encouraging everyone, with talented instructors capable of quietly getting the best results. Roll on next year!
Results Dressage
1 Marilyn Page
2 Sheena Carr Baines
3 Helen Edwards ?
4 Catherine Andrews ?
Results – Achievement over the weekend
1 Marilyn Page – just achieved so much!
2 Nina Hoad - for her jumping ability!
3 Julie Martin – for getting her pony going so well!
4 Stephanie - for staying on!
Next year should be natives - watch this space!
