August Specialty Camps
What to Expect
Jumping Fundamentals (August 6 – 9)
In our 4-day intensive program, students will learn the fundamentals of how the horse jumps and our role in assisting his efforts. Turns and lines are foundational proficiencies that are required to negotiate a well-ridden course. Participants will practice these skills as well as all they’ve learned on the flat. Throughout the week, the goal will be to deepen their partnership with their horse by applying a framework for training and proper horsemanship over fences. Students will use these tools while riding courses involving ground rails or jumps.
Students will learn:
- Basic elements of setting the horse up for success over fences
- How to keep themselves and the horse well-balanced over fences
- Riding courses successfully with their horse
- Counting and “seeing” strides
- Building courses and basic course design
- Building their own self-awareness on the horse
- Braiding Practice
- Fine tuning over fences
Showing Preparation Camp (August 12 – August 16)
In this 5-day intensive program, students will get to dive into what is required of them and their horse to have successful experiences at horse shows. They will learn that it’s not about the ribbons, or what others are thinking about them, but rather building a stronger partnership with their horse. We take a horse-centered approach to learning about what to expect on the show day, and how to be prepared. At the end of the week, students will put their new skills into practice and take their horse off property to ride!
Students will learn:
- Coping skills for calming their own nerves
- What to bring when going off property
- What is expected of them to prepare for a show day
- Shipping equipment and their uses
- Braiding clinic
- Trailering with Jim Young
- Experience riding your horse away from home
Dressage Camp (August 19 – 23)
In our 5-day intensive program, students will go through the “training pyramid” to deepen their understanding of the principles and values of classical horsemanship. Dressage training will improve the riders’ skills in all aspects of their riding – resulting in a happier, more harmonious relationship with their horse. Students will get their own horse for the week and will work on improving their connection through clarity, understanding, and proper training. At the end of the week, Harrogate will be hosting a dressage show where students can put their skills to the test.
Students will learn:
- How to successfully navigate the dressage ring
- How to correctly ride different elements of a dressage test
- The steps of the “training pyramid” and how to apply them to their own riding
- How to improve dressage scores through correctly ridden exercises
- Learning and understanding the history and value of classical dressage
- Learning a more correct, balanced, and effective position
- Understanding what the judge will be looking for when they ride their test