Back in December 2009 I decided what I needed as motivation to get all my masters coursework in on time was a booked treat. Just then an email popped into my inbox asking if anyone wanted to go to horse camp..... Several months later I hadn’t finished my coursework (oops) but I was packing for my horse and I to go away for the weekend.

On Friday a convoy of horseboxes and trailers headed to Pontispool near Taunton. I had been so worried about the drive I hadn’t had time to be worried about the rest of the weekend. My horse doesn’t like being in the lorry when its stationary so on arrival it was straight out to find his name on the stables list, get it ready and pop him in. He is quite a worrier and doesn’t like noise if he can’t see where it is coming from, so a box overlooking the entrance where he could see all the comings and goings was perfect. Sally and Maxine had already arrived and settled their horses in. Jill and Nicola were not far behind, and once Helen & Roy had delivered their horses we set off for a lovely hack around the estate, seeing some very big jumps I hoped I wouldn’t be jumping! After a lovely evening meal I was off to bed early.

 

My horse is kept a few miles from home so getting up and being able to walk to him in a minute was lovely. After a very nice cooked breakfast the WDRC group tacked up and went to meet our instructor for our first lesson. Christine put us through our passes on the flat first. It was very hot as we took it in turns to run through the exercises. I was very nervous and did not do my riding justice in this session but it was interesting. After more food we headed out on to the cross country course, a bit of a fear of mine and something my horse has never done. 2 hours later we were popping over lots of logs, up and down banks perfectly happy, my horse showing his approval with elaborate displays of bucking!

We had an interesting talk on Saturday evening from a Falconer and his beautiful birds, followed by another lovely evening meal, good chat and some wine.

 

Sunday morning was taken up by a very entertaining accumulator jumping competition, in which I was very pleased to come 7^th, followed by a jumping lesson before heading back out on to the cross country course. I was happy with my horses performance and wanted to leave things on a good note, so Nicola and I headed out for a hack while the rest of the group tackled more jumps.

 

Pontispool is a lovely venue to have a break with your horse and try something different with your horse or get yourself out of that riding rut. The facilities for the horses are fantastic, and facilities for humans basic but perfectly adequate. The owners and instructors are welcoming and friendly, and create a really fun atmosphere, the food is especially good!

 

I had a fantastic weekend, thank you to the WDRC group for looking after me and being good company, Maxine for organising the trip, and my little horse for definitely exceeding my expectations. We haven’t conquered the ditch but we’ll leave that for next time. Anyone want to go in October?!   Sian.   

                see Photo of Sian at camp       See a group photo of the Camp here taken by Jay Photos.