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Camp Reports

Hartpury Camp

What a fantastic week! OBH senior camp was the best week of my summer; brilliant riding, food, bedrooms and an unbeatable timetable full of great things to do. Run by the best three woman possible, Ros, Joy and Jenny, who certainly kept us all together! They even managed to inspire me to keep my yard clean, which is shocking especially if you've seen my bedroom! Everyone who came had an amazing time and made lots of new friends. The instructors were outstanding and really supported each rider individually and pushed them to their best ability. Every OBH member can say that they improved their riding in some form or way; I will definitly be going back next year!

Emma Cheshire

 

 

Hartpury 2007 was in the balance right up to the 11th hour.  The weather had caused chaos all over the county and few people thought we would be going to camp.  The weather improved, the floods receded and 47 very happy members arrived at Hartpury on the Sunday afternoon.

For many this was their first time at Hartpury and there were one or two anxious faces at the “trot up”. Ponies were soon settled into the stables and left to their evening hay.  We were housed in Catbury Halls, the rooms, arranged on 3 floors, so lots of running up stairs to find friends.  Joy provided excellent snacks and toasties, and order prevailed with groups of friends talking well into the night.

Monday saw the arrival of our instructors; we had the place to ourselves as the Clifton who shared with us did not arrive till late morning. The New Indoor Arena was fantastic and with 11 arenas we had plenty of space.  Sadly due to ground conditions we could not use the XC course.

Everyone’s riding improved as the week progressed, and the tack cleaning got better and better!!  Lots of new friendships were forged and a fantastic time was had by all.  The evenings were well filled, a brilliant Dressage Demo, Bowling, Disco and Fancy Dress Fun evening.

At the end of the week we held a Combined Training Competition where members could show their parents how they had improved.  The sun shone and camp finished on a real high.  Thank you members, you were all fabulous.  See you next year!

A very big thank you, to JOY, JENNY and VANESSA without  whom I could not possibly run camp.

Ros

 

Malt House Camp

NEW HOUSE CAMP 2007

New House Camp was organized and ready to go when news of a Foot and Mouth case was reported.  Tim Blanchard took advice and consequently felt he was unable to have us all at New House.

MALTHOUSE CAMP 2007

Forty plus apprehensive children arrived at Malthouse on Tuesday 7th August, not knowing what to expect, bearing in mind camp had been organized at 24 hours notice.  We the organizers a little shell-shocked but excited and enthusiastic were ready for anything.

A huge thank you to Fran and Chloe Jackson-Webb who arrived, mop and bucket in hand and got stuck straight in.  an emergency phone call to Paul Caudwell meant that the bank on the cross country course was cleared and ready for use, his tent building experience also came in very useful, thank you PAUL.  Many thanks to all the parents who helped with juice runs, lunches, cake baking, lunch time entertainment and anything else we needed.

Seven very enthusiastic instructors set off with their rides in various directions, to use the extensive facilities at Malthouse.  The indoor school was especially good as it gave the children the chance to ride bareback, which they all enjoyed.  By the end of Tuesday it was evident that the children had settled into their new surroundings and the giggling and smiling faces said it all.  It was now time to erect tents ready for the first ever junior camp, camp.  Thank goodness the rain had stopped and relief that we, Sarah and Claire were camping in the lorry, what a hardship – hot running water, cooker and comfy beds etc!!!

Our 2 nights ‘Happy Camping’ were a great success not only for the children but for the very big children in the lorry.  A huge thank you to Bob and Joy Wilson and Sarah Amey for our swimming and BBQ evening, and to Matti and La Fontana for feeding us on Thursday.  More practice next year for the Karaoke.

A very successful week ending in a Combined Training Display for the parents and friends.  It is very satisfying to see the children’s improvement over such a short time, all children plaited and turned out their ponies for this display themselves, and Gill Church presented a cup for the Best Turned Out pony and rider.  Congratulations Ella Griffiths.

The children gathered in the indoor school for prize giving and the opportunity to thank Moira, Maureen, Instructors and Helpers.

There was confusion and uncertainty surrounding Junior Camp this year, due to FMD, and we would like to thank all the children and their parents for their patience and understanding during this time.  See you all next year.

Sarah and Claire