CRDA’s Adult Camp was a resounding success. Jeepers especially appreciated the Saturday lunch time massage lecture and demo. We needed a volunteer for Lisa to work on, so Jeeps graciously offered to rearrange her schedule. After arriving at Apple Knoll, to get in the mood for the massage I walked her to the temporary stalls, where we were greeted by a chorus of honking geese. This was immediately followed with the galloping by of two loose horses. Which were followed by green electric carts filled with people. So much for peace and quiet. Jeepers wanted to just go home! Lisa suggested we might find it a bit quieter at the main barn. Jeepers settled in nicely and finally enjoyed her massage. After Lisa’s lecture, everyone repaired to the indoor where Lisa worked a bit more on Jeeps’ specific trouble spots, while explaining what she was doing. By now Jeepers was suitably relaxed to begin to really participate by leaning on Lisa and expressing her appreciation with facial expressions. Check the web site for pictures from camp!

We have the Juniors/Young Riders Clinic coming up on June 26th with Kate Poulin at Tower Hill Farm in Mendon. This is CRDA’s first Junior’s only clinic. Help make it a success. Contact Pam at (508 ) 429-2096 or email murr56@erols.com.

We have Lynne Kimball Davis Clinic, August 1st at Apple Knoll. Carol Burkhart is the contact. She can be reached at (508) 359-9961 or carol.burkhart@comcast.net.

Summer Schooling Show July 25th. Don’t forget to get your entries in. There is still plenty of space as this show is not filling up as fast as the Spring Show did. Contact Pam Murray at (508) 429-2096 or murr56@erols.com

The clinics don’t have opening or closing dates. Sign up as early as you like. Bear in mind that we will accept entries until the clinic is filled and we will then create a waiting list. As far as cancellations, refunds will be given at any time as long as your space can be filled. And while we are discussing policies, remember CRDA requires proper headgear with harness buckled, at all shows, events, clinics. No exceptions.

As always we are looking for volunteers. So we thought up an interesting incentive….if you want to show and if you are willing to volunteer a minimum of 4 hours (a morning or an afternoon), we (CRDA) will make the cost of a day stall minimal. To make this work, you will also be assured of ride times that are relatively close! Ready to send in your entry for the Summer Show now? Another option to complete your necessary hours of volunteer work is to write an article on a clinic you attend. It does not have to be a CRDA event, any horse related event that you think would be of interest to the members would be welcome.

Okay, back to a Camp update. Over 25 people turned out on Friday night to watch Jennifer Baumert ride her magnificent horse, Weltgraf. I think the best way to sum up Adult Camp is to let a coupe of the campers speak:

Suzanne Leblanc, "It has been interesting to see the changes in my horse, day to day. Being able to focus on specific problems and issues twice a day, helps you move forward through the problems. I also like the lunch time lectures, they have been very interesting. The first day Jennifer had us working on transitions. Saturday my horse went so much better than the day before, Jennifer ended the lesson a little early as she had felt he had made so much progress. And then he got five sugar cubes from her! He was very pleased with that. The other thing I like is the location at Apple Knoll, because my horse loves to hack, we are actually eventers. After we ride we go out and do a hack around the property. Love the hills, that has been really nice."

Paula Enos, "Beth really really focuses on fine tuning rider position. And she is very meticulous and does not let you move on until she has corrected, as much as she can, an item she is working on. Jennifer works not only on your position, but follows it through on your position’s effect on your horse and your horse’s gaits. So one complements the other. They really work hand in hand."

You can catch my complete article in the July issue of the Pedlar, and the June issue of Ringside Chatter. We are already beginning to explore clinicians for next year’s camp. Stay tuned.

See you in the saddle,
Jamie

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