Berriewood welcomed us back for Camp 2021.
All their excellent facilities were available to us, including a BE level cross country course, show jumping and dressage arenas, farm ride and all modern conveniences for horse and human.
The camping field, with nearby hard standing for horse boxes, was the focal point for socialising and the first team challenge was to erect a marquee, kindly lent by Amanda, which fortunately wasn’t needed much as the weather stayed mainly dry during daytime.

The weekend was packed with activities. We managed to lose a few people on the Woodland Quiz ride and raise some eyebrows at the sight of us sprawling on the grass in variously attempted Pilates poses!
(and that was before the first bottle was uncorked!) An excellent dressage demonstration from Emma Wooliscroft’s students rounded off Saturday when we were joined by more VVRC friends for a delicious dinner provided by the local Fox Inn.

The highlight of course were the riding lessons, led by four excellent instructors familiar with the club.

These went off with few mishaps – if we don’t count a horse who returned from the XC ahead of his rider and my mare’s hormonal “victory” bucking during lessons! Only the thought of May with her camera at the ready (and the neck strap courtesy of Sian) kept me in the saddle! Much was learned and confidence boosted.

In our post-COVID world Camp gave us a rare taste of fun and freedom with quality time spent with our horses and friends, both old and new. With the help of experienced instructors and the support of our fellow riders we all left Berriewood richer for our experience.

Paula Jefferson