SUMMER CAMP 2011

It seems an age ago now since Summer Camp was here.  It was a different experience this time for me, helping to organise it.  Kathy and I had a few challenges along the way, but I think from every ones reaction it was another success, with added surprises along the way.  Sue Jelks (Level 1 Dressage Judge and Grand Prix rider) came and did a fantastic talk and demonstration on Dressage to Music on the Friday night answering questions and showing us all how it can be done at all levels. The evening ended with a BBQ.  Top Spec came on the Saturday with scales to weigh our horses and give feed advice if required. A few surprises on the horses weights wasn’t there Judy! Faith Done also came to show how to plait up your horse for best turned out class, unfortunately I missed this but was told she was very good. On the Sunday afternoon she came back to judge a ridden horse mini competition, it was run and judged as she would an event.  Faiths son came and rode each horse individually and Faith went through taking off the tack, trotting up etc (giving hints along the way) coming to a final decision Kate Hurst as the winner.  Lucy’s horse gave an entertaining display of not wanting to play anymore and wanting to go home.

Dressage lessons were given by Sarah Probin, we all had at least one lesson. Sarah gave help and advice, and I felt when watching that everyone made an improvement.  Clwyd  was unsure about dressage and was not looking forward to it, but came back after the lesson with a big smile on his face and said that was really good and that he had enjoyed it.
Cross Country lessons were given by Chris Pugh, again everyone came back with a bit of a buzz.  Unfortunately we did have a few fallers, hope the bruises have now gone Claire.  Hope you are feeling better and back in the saddle again soon Judy. Show Jumping was taught by a new instructor to Maelor, Liz Lyonette, she is a BHS intermediate instructor.  She has competed in all disciplines although mainly show jumping to Foxhunter and BE to intermediate level including a couple of 3 days at 1* star level.  She was very good in challenging us and making us ask a few more questions of our horses, I know in my lesson with Karen and Judy she was making us jump in a reasonably small circle to show how to jump on angles and control.  This was difficult but I think we all managed it in the end. I would like to give a big thank you to Trevor Baker for another great menu and fantastic food, Roger Keatley for helping with the BBQ on the Friday night.  Steve Walmsley for taking photographs all weekend, and to everyone who came and hopefully enjoyed yourself.  Planning has already started for next year, hope you see you there.

Taresa Keatley