Camp
This year (2008), we are starting a new avenue of riding camp. We are going to hold 3 intense sessions of camp to teach the very specific disciplines of the equestrian sport. This being an Olympic year we want to focus in on the three equine sports in the games. The camps will be five days long with each day starting at 9 and ending at 3, but some days will need extra barn time to complete projects and homework. The kids will be deeply involved in the inner workings of actual training and pursuing the discipline of choice. We will be having guest speakers at all of the camps, including but not limited to veternarians, alternative therapy specialists, nutritionists, trainers, and coaches. The kids will be on horses in lesson format twice daily, except in the show camp where they will spend one or two lessons "in-hand."
Children participating in the camps should bring a day's worth of food and drink. We will have some food and drink available for sale, but we recommend bringing enough to sustain a hot active day. They should also bring a notebook, pens or pencils, a complete change of clothes and an extra set of riding attire in case of need, a comfortable pair of shoes, sunscreen and bug repellent. We will be working outside much of the time on horse back or on the ground, and the kids to need to be comfortable. Also, check What to Wear for more information.
Kids will either be given a school horse or bring one of their own. Be sure that the horse you are bringing is fit and ready to work two times a day, as we will be riding! If you need a school horse there is an extra fee of $80 to cover that expense. The horse will be yours exclusively during the camp hours. Just let us know ahead of time if you have that need so that we can evaluate which horse and be sure that they are ready for this endeavor.
Regular camp fees are $500 per week with a $200 deposit upon sign up required. Your child does not have to ride on a regular basis to come to this camp or own a horse, but again fitness is important, so try to get some extra saddle time in before coming! We will be transporting horses out to train on occasion, so let us know if you would be available to help with that. It is not a necessity but it will be fun to see the kids training!
The camps do not include entry to shows. There will be a FCRA show to follow the show camp and there will be an event at Vershire Riding School after the event camp. You will need to sign up for those shows separately.
If your child is coming from a distance and needs to have a host family, please note that on your application, so that we can make arrangements with at least 2 weeks notice. There is no extra fee for that, but be sure that your child has everything they need for a week, so that the host family is not responsible for washing clothes.
If you have any more questions, please email Heidi, no question is a dumb question! We are excited to start talking about this with people!!!!
Dressage Camp
June 23 through June 27
This is a one week long summer camp based thoroughly on Dressage and the components of Dressage. We will be having lunge lessons and lectures daily. Heidi Hauri-Gill, "L" Judge and Camp Director, will speak about improving scores in the dressage arena without even changing your horses way of going. Lectures will also be given by renowned veterinarians and nutritionists. You'll also learn how to make your show turn out perfect. We will be having host families for those who are coming from out of town, and we will have horses available for use, or you may bring your own. For more information, call Heidi at (603)632-1011, or email hgfcra@aol.com.
Show Camp
July 7 - July 11
For this week, we are going to have a camp based solely on horse shows! The kids will be studying equitation, jumping, pleasure, trail and in hand showing. They will be riding twice a day in different formats and learning through lab time as well. By the end of the week, the kids will be well versed on how to handle themselves at a horse show, and what to expect during each class, as well as what to do before and after a show. They will know how to enter a show and they will know basic rules and regulations. Lectures will be given by our local veterinarians about medication that is and is not allowed at horse shows, as well as how to determine treatment for certain show related injuries. Also, they will learn about conformation and what is good for a show horse, and what may take away from the show horse. The importance of volunteering and taking the time to be a part of the behind the scenes activities will be stressed as well. Sportsmanship and team work will be emphasized. This camp will go from 9-3 and the kids will have practical requirements after camp 2 or 3 days as well.
Event Camp
July 28 - August 1
This is a one week long camp based on Eventing and components of Eventing. We will be traveling to local cross country courses to practice with some of our local masters. We will be talking about conditioning and maintaining the event horse's health with renowned veterinarians, covering not only basic health, but support, through techniques such as chiropractics and acupuncture, and the use of supplements versus the over use of supplements. We will also be working on jumping grids and lunging to improve the seat of the event riders. Host families will be available for those who are coming out of town. There will also be horses available for use. We will extend our week for those who would like to go to Vershire Riding School's Event on Saturday following the camp. For more information, call Heidi at (603)632-1011, or email hgfcra@aol.com.
