Central Training Camp Adventure Mark 2

I have been to BD Central Training Camp in preparation for my debut riding for England at the British Dressage Amateur Home International being held at Rowallan on October 18th- 19th. I am going to be riding a horse called Sebastian who belongs to my friend Rachel Harris.

I settled Sebastian into his stable at Bury Farm and went along to the briefing where I was told the order of the the weekend- a chance to ride N36 in the morning , a vet check for the team horses followed by a lecture on travelling horses for long distance. In the afternoon I was to have a lesson with Gareth Hughes and a group workshop focussing on strategies for rider preparation with Kim Ratcliffe.

My test could have been better, I threw away silly marks as I was so taken with how well Sebastian was going I did not prepare for the movements- I made a bit of a mess of my 4 loop serpentine and had to squeeze the last two loops into less than half the areana- more concentration needed. I was relieved that Sebastian passed the vet check and was deemed fit and healthy.

Next stop the travelling lecture where the focus was on preparation for the journey and careful monitoring of the horse - we were warned not to travel a horse that was feeling under the weather as sick horses became sicker. A thought I brought home with me was that an hour's travelling for a horse was like an hour for a person spent standing on the tube- I am not envious of Sebastian's journey to Scotland though I have promised that I will graze him in hand for an hour when he gets there to allow him to get his head down and help to clear his respiratory system.

My session with Gareth Hughes was useful and Gareth set a very simple exercise for me to help Sebastian to understand that I wanted him to work in balance in a relaxed manner and not rush around hollowing in the transitions. Gareth explained to the group that we were riding our novice level horses very tactfully but that we should ask for a little more- riding them as though they were elementray horses and sure enough Sebastian's self carriage and presence improved and I did feel a big difference.

Feeling inspired we headed to the workshop with list One Judge Kim Ratcliffe and I took home lots to think about in terms of preparing for competition day and making sure I had a warm up planned. Kim explained how the mind works and looked at ways riders can improve their performance and balance in their life- as with the dressage horse good balance between work, leisure and sport in a riders life is crucial for peak perfomance.

Saturday Night was a Gala Evening and Auction but first the campers had to convert the indoor school into a reception room by laying a carpet, raising a marquee and bringing in tables- a true test of team work and a days work done in less than two hours. We had a "chat show" with Paul Hayler, Garry Williams and Jennie Lorriston-Clarke before an Auction of promises conducted by top Auctioneer Richard Botterill of Brightwells who entertained the audience and turned the lots into an incredible £9,000 to help the team travel to Scotland. A further surprise was in store for me whenI was called onto the stage to be presented with a training Bursary from Winchfield Equestrian. I am so proud and can't wait to begin my training.

On Sunday morning I attended a pilates session before taking Sebastian to the outdoor school for a pole work session with Nick Turner FBHS. The sun was shining Sebastian was happy to be outside and worked his socks off as we rode through exercises designed to improve our horses suppleness, enagagement and paces. I enjoyed this session and was thrilled that Sebastian was so attentive and fit to burst with pride when Nick told me he thought we had really improved as partnership since the May camp. Exercises I will take home include centre line pole work with transitions at poles 3 and 6 and pole work on a 20m circle trot over the poles, transition to canter over last pol returning to trot before the poles. Sebastian thought this mega fun and had to be persuaded to come back to trot.

In the afternoon I had my final session with Nicola McGivern who complimented me on the change in Sebastian since May but reminded me that I didn't have to try and cover up our innconsistency in front of her- it was better that I tackled any issues of inattentiveness and hollowing. Nicola wanted to see where things could go wrong so she could help me work through the issues. Sebastian and I were both braver as I stopped trying too hard and I had some magic moments in canter and trot. I am going to remember that feeling for a long time.

Next month we head up to Rowallan with my team mates to compete in the BD Amateur Home International for England

Regional training

Preparation for the Home International continues! On Sunday I attended regional training with James Burtwell at Winchfield Equestrian with Sebastian. The long journey was worth it because not only did I really enjoy the training I also got a different feel from Sebastian and I am pleased to report that he is developing strength and suppleness. Sebastian was attentive, relaxed and worked his socks off! I was particularly pleased with his canter work and how he coped with my requests to work a little bit harder and to carry himself ! My shoulders were jolly grateful to be riding a horse that was happy to accept the contact and to work through.

Also this week I have designed and filmed a freestyle routine for Sebastian and had a think about designing a routine for Jack to debut at advanced medium. Today is about preparation and planning! I am really looking forward to attending Central Training camp this weekend and I am also looking forward to a busy month coaching and lecturing. I know the six week countdown to the Home International is going to be on fast forward.