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CLUB ACTIVITIES |
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Limpsfield Riding Club |
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LRC’s AUTUMN CAMP 10th & 11th September 2011 A report by Sam Brown
Camp bed packed, horse packed and most importantly the wine packed! Arrived at the glorious setting of High Meadows (must buy lottery ticket!) . Everyone was welcoming and Alex showed members their horses’ stables. The spotless yard was soon filled with tack and mucking out paraphernalia. LRC had arrived! Settled my horse, Rocky, into his stable then had a cup of tea in the warm chalet overlooking the indoor school.
My first lesson was with Alex Wyatt in the outdoor school. He had me working Rocky long and long to improve engagement and working over his back. All members throughout the day thoroughly enjoyed their lessons.
My second lesson of the day was with Michelle Cogger on the mechanical horse. I have never experienced the mechanical horse before and didn’t even realise you rode in your own saddle! My stirrups were soon lengthened by 2 holes, bottom tucked in and my left shoulder encouraged to be held further back. It is amazing to watch yourself in the mirrors, to see your posture and how effective your position is.
Third lesson of the day was Biomechanics with Russell Guir. He firstly filmed a 5 minute warm up session in all 3 gaits. We then watched what he had filmed in slow motion which made me almost look elegant! He then set on improving both myself and Rocky. To my astonishment my stirrups were taken away and I was soon cantering around the indoor school, I haven’t done this since my pony club days! I was slightly walking like John Wayne afterwards but riding without stirrups was my homework.
To cool Rocky off I had a lovely wander around tracks through woodland and fields - all of us made the most of the off road hacking with a picturesque view.
In the evening, once all the horses were put to bed, we had a fish and chip supper. We took in turns to say what we had learnt that day and all of our left shoulders seemed to be a recurring theme. Plenty of food and wine was drunk that evening and we then retired to our trailers and horseboxes (although I personally slept in the cosy chalet!).
Morning started with another lesson with Alex Wyatt and we were able to build upon what we had previously worked on the day before. It really improved my progression having two lessons in two days from the same instructor.
Next was a lesson from Leanne Wall who helped me with Novice 37. She assisted me with specific movements, such as rein back, that occurs during the test. Hopefully her judge’s perspective and insight will help me gain those extra few marks when competing. Some members rode a test and re-test, had a general lesson or like myself rode through certain movements and improved the horse generally for a dressage test.
Chairman’s note....This was LRC first ever (unless the more stalwart older members know otherwise) residential training camp - and what a weekend it was! In total over 20 members participated, either staying both days with their horses or taking advantage of the solo slots we had available on both Saturday and Sunday on a sort of ‘pick and mix’ basis.
The weekenders were such good company, helping one another and spending a lot of time eating and laughing. But special thanks must go to Sam Brown’s mum who spoiled us with endless cups of tea, magically used mine and Tania Aston’s somewhat haphazard supermarket food sweep to provide a banquet type spread for both Saturday and Sunday lunch, and collected the fish and chips for Saturday night supper..
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