Summer Camp (spot the instructor Dorothy Crowell!)
Area 8 comprises Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania – a large and horsey swathe of the United States, so I was surprised to discover that not many of its members were taking advantage of the Young Riders Camp held last week at Masterson Station Park. Even more so, when co-ordinator Liz Estes explained to me exactly what was on offer, (and I was wondering how young I could pass myself off for!)
“At the camp they’ve had a flat lesson, they’ve had a conditioning hack, they’re doing a stadium lesson today, and a cross country pace lesson with Robin. Tomorrow Wayne Quarles (dressage judge) is coming to watch them ride their dressage test, they’ll get input and then ride their test again, and then in the afternoon they’ll have a stadium test, and then on their last day they’ll do a cross country schoool.”
The ten campers boarded their horses at the venue all week, and shared two paddocks for the duration. They were responsible for figuring out times and sharing, and also turning up for all lessons on time, tacked up, warmed up and in correct gear, which Liz told me they all did splendidly.
Young Riders can range in age from 12 -22 ( I might be pushing it!) but Liz tells me the camp is open to all levels,
“There’s been this huge misconception that you don’t join Young Riders until you’re at least doing Training or Prelim, because the Championships are one star and two star level, but these are novice kids ready to move to training and we had a morning group at solid beginner novice, and they’re getting their basics, learning about the programme, and then maybe in four years time they’ll be riding at that level. W’e’re really trying to get the younger riders”
Robin watching Katie doing her cross country pace lesson
Robin Walker, who usually rides at least a dozen or so horses at each event, must have appreciated the change of pace. I really liked his teaching style, much like his riding – quiet, efficient and sympathetic, he draws on years of experience yet keeps it all simple and easy to understand, and easy to process. I talked to him afterwards about teaching younger riders today, and also asked him about his lovely mare Florenz, who won the CCI* at the Florida Horse Park in April.
I also caught up with Katie back at the barn.
Off camera, the girls told me that they’re all really enjoying camp. Once they’ve finished their chores for the day, I asked them what they do, and the answer was unanimous, – “sit around and talk about boys!” There was one boy at camp, Woods Baughman, on his lovely horse Trucker who everyone was also talking about longingly!
Understandably bashful, the only boy at camp, Woods Baughman on the lovely Trucker!
The kids and I came away inspired, and I can also let slip that Lily, Harry and Leo the very greedy Labrador thoroughly endorse the food – all meals and snacks are included in the price of camp. For more information click here, and I suggest you sign up early for next year! Thanks for reading as always, Happy Camping, and Go Eventing!
This artcle is also posted on SmanthaLClark.com
