Happy Campers at Lessans Riding Stables
The attendees, instructors and judges of this year’s adult camp at Lessans Riding Stables
A fantastic annual ‘Adult Camp’ was held last weekend at Lessans Riding Stables, Saintfield, with craic, cameraderie and, of course, a bit of hard work too. Comprising three days of instruction and competition, the camp attracted many new faces as well as yard regulars and some very welcome blasts from the past; allowing those who are slightly longer in the tooth to improve their riding without the young whippersnappers showing them up! Participants were blessed with super weather and top-class instruction from Margo Tiffany, Malachy Casement and proprietor Philippa Auret.
Friday evening kicked off with a choice of flatwork or showjumping lesson, followed by a lovely side saddle demonstration by Shirley Anderson and Alix Wilson. On Saturday, riders were split into groups according to ability and again could choose between two flatwork lessons with Margo, or a flatwork lesson with Margo and a jumping lesson with Malachy. As usual, Margo’s lessons were of the highest calibre and tailored very much to the needs of each individual horse and rider; while Malachy’s sessions were not only extremely productive but also a lot of fun too. On the schedule in between rides were a number of very interesting, concise and informative lecture demonstrations from Philippa, on topics including lungeing, long-reining and conformation. Philippa also proved a gracious host on Saturday evening, inviting the entire gaggle of campers into her home for a delicious dinner and drinks – needless to say, there was plenty of catching-up going on between old friends and great chat among new ones.
Sunday was Combined Training competition day, with riders completing a dressage test and a round of show jumps at either Novice or Intermediate level. In the dressage arena there was some lovely work on display with partnerships putting Margo’s instruction into practice; while in the jumping field, Malachy’s reassuring presence meant that everyone got round in one piece!
(L-R) – Novice winner Kirsten Kelly, dressage judge Angela Morrow, instructor Margo Tiffany, Intermediate winner Kate Latimer and showjumping judge/instructor Malachy Casement
Congratulation go to all ‘campers’ for taking part, while huge thanks are due to Philippa, Margo and Malachy, as well as dressage judge Angela Morrow, whose constructive comments and fair marks were encouraging to all. And not forgetting Ann and Tom in The Nosebag Cafe at Lessans, for providing hungry mouths with additional sustenance.
Next Saturday 6 September sees the Lessans Riding Stables summer show taking place from 12 noon, with three arenas in action for showing, show jumping and working hunter classes for both horses and ponies. For more information, contact Philippa on 028 9751 0141.
Combined Training Results:
Novice
1) Kirsten Kelly, Skye; 2) Pamela Wheeler, Midge
Intermediate
1) Kate Latimer, Foxy; 2) Jennifer Griffin, Bow; 3) Freya Rodgers, Teddy; 4) Lorraine Irwin, Olga; 5) Lyn Palmer, Seve; 6) Lynne Lines, Harvey
Category: News, Other, Pony Club, Results, Riding Club
