The Thames Valley Riding Club’s much-anticipated weekend camp at Aston le Walls took place from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th June, bringing together riders of all levels for a memorable mix of riding, learning, laughter, and camaraderie.
Riders began arriving from late afternoon on Friday, some opting for a gentle leg stretch to unwind after their journeys, while others settled in and enjoyed meeting new friends. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, setting the tone for a fantastic weekend ahead.
Saturday saw the official start of lessons, with options including flatwork, pole exercises, show jumping, and cross country. The weather was characteristically British, fluctuating between moody grey skies, brief sunny spells, and a few biblical downpours. Despite the wet moments, spirits remained high, and most horses and riders braved the elements admirably. A couple of pairs had a particularly soggy experience, but thankfully, there were no major falls or injuries.
Sunday dawned bright and beautiful, providing perfect conditions for another full day of lessons. Among the highlights was a ‘rodeo’ style lesson which gave one rider plenty of opportunity to practice their falling technique and a good friend to provide moral support with a perfectly timed, shared dismount! Aside from a few minor slips, the day was full of smiling faces and happy horses.
Throughout the weekend, riders also benefited from professional sports massages, available at an additional cost. Many reported these as some of the best they had ever experienced, a little painful, but in the best possible way!
No riding camp would be complete without excellent food, and thanks to the wonderful efforts of Drew, George, and Daisy, the catering was nothing short of exceptional. From hearty breakfasts to delicious evening meals, the camp provided nourishment to match the energy of the participants.
Our sincere thanks go to our brilliant instructors Liza, Angela, and Ellie, whose expertise, encouragement, and good humour helped make the camp such a success.
Evenings were filled with laughter, drinks, and tired but happy riders heading to bed early to rest for the next day’s activities. The weekend was full of a wonderful range of emotions, smiles, laughter, a few tears, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
We are so grateful to all who attended and contributed to the spirit of our friendly and inclusive club. Plans are already underway for next year’s camp, and we warmly welcome any feedback or suggestions to make it even better.
We might also consider introducing a mandatory ‘recovery day’ after the camp, perhaps even a week!
Watch this space for news and booking details for next year’s camp. We can’t wait to see you there!
