With the 2024 season just around the corner, Junior and Pony riders benefitted from first-class training at the British Eventing training camp (14-15 February) at the National Training Centre, Hothorpe. They received flatwork and jumping sessions from Camilla Kruger, Tracie Robinson, Nicola Wilson and Christie Wright, alongside sport psychology sessions with Sally McGinn and vet support from Sam Offord.
The Talent Pathway is kindly supported by Sport England, The Howden Way and the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, and provides riders with pre-season training as well as training during the season ahead of key events along with on-event support at targeted events.
Justine Parker, British Eventing’s Head of Training, said of the two-day camp: “The camp provided the ideal opportunity for riders to hone their skills and ensure they are appropriately prepared for the season ahead. It also created the perfect environment for riders to have a fantastic time, whilst learning new skills, extending their knowledge in addition to creating great friendships.”
Coach Nicola Wilson commented: “The whole camp worked really well – the atmosphere was great and the facilities were amazing. I gave dressage lessons and we worked on seeing where they were in their training and then worked through some steps to help them improve. These camps are also great for the riders to bond with their peers and create long-standing friendships. The fact that they have access to so much over two days at the same venue is brilliant. From great coaching to useful support sessions with the vet and psychologist, as well as other riders to watch and learn from, the whole thing is a great opportunity.”
Rider Niamh Reid’s mother Claire, commented on her daughter’s experience: “She loved it and it was incredibly useful for Niamh. She took two ponies with her and divided the sessions equally between them. To have a lesson with Nicola Wilson was such a wow moment for her as Nicola is someone Niamh really respects and looks up to. She was so calm especially with Niamh’s coloured pony who is a mare and can be hot. It was such a good session and the pony went so well. She jumped with Christie Wright and Camilla Kruger on her new French pony and loved that too. It was great to have the coaches there who will be at competitions with them this season. She had great fun with the other kids, too. I can’t explain how great it was and how much fun we both had.”
To find out more about the Talent Pathway, please click here
