Talent Pathways 2017

…… And so it began….. in April Area 17 had their Assessment Day at Laurelview Equestrian Centre. Karen Dickson worked with the Dressage Divas, whilst Tony Donnelly took charge of the Show Jumpers and Eventers. It

was a great day and in between sessions I had time to catch up with Pony Club friends who I hadn’t seen over the winter. It was an intense day, I gave it all but really wasn’t sure how it went…… so when I heard I had got on to the Pathway Camp I was over the moon!So time marched on and before I knew it, it was time to make the journey across the pond!!! One hundred miles to Dublin leaving at silly-0-o’clock , and then a four hour ferry journey, followed by another two hundred miles, and we were met with this exciting sight…..Solihull is a lovely Equestrian Centre to the South of Birmingham. The staff were so

friendly, and a local club running a Dressage Competition even asked if we would like to take part!!!!Horses were settled into their stables whilst we had our dinner! Friday morning came quickly!! True to form the North Down girls

were out and lookin’ good taking the opportunity to hack around the Cross Country Course. As

As time went on, everyone started to arrive – it was exciting to meet new Pony Clubbers, and the Dressage Divas were all so friendly.My first session was the on foot balance session with Hilary Wakefield – I really didn’t know what to expect as this was my first experience of this sort of thing! Hilary is amazing – she immediately put my mind at rest and we chatted and laughed as I wobbled about on the “ball”!! Her message was very clear, and was something I was looking forward to trying – I had to concentrate on keeping my Pelvis straight and moving it very slightly in the direction I would be asking my horse to travel.

Shortly after this, I met with Pat Crann – for Goal Setting – it’s not “if”, it’s “When” – she was brilliant, and we set short-term, medium-term and longer-term goals – so keep your fingers crossed!!!!!Next stop was a talk by William Blane giving us a run down of the weekend’s events. He spoke infront of riders and Parents, and then we received T Shirts, and Jackets – William asked that we wear the clothing with pride. Also to wear it all out and about at Pony Club events so that more people would become aware of this scheme. He spoke of the importance of horse welfare, and hoped we would all make the most of all sessions planned. Following this talk we headed down to the Indoor School to take part in “ice-breakers”!!! Iosbel – you are my birthday bud!!!!Saturday morning came and I made sure Pippa was looking smart and clean, as we were representing Area 17!!! The jacket was on!!!!Our first ridden session was a group session with Instructor Harry Payne. There were three of us , the Indoor School was amazing. Our lesson was mainly concentrating on improving our trot with exercises to improve suppleness, and I did see a difference.After a brief rest it was time for us to warm up to ride a dressage test in front of Dressage judge Helen Griffith. Harry was there to help us all warm up, and our group really supported each other with good luck wishes and waiting to watch each other ride. This was followed up by a video feedback from Helen and Harry. It was a very informative session and good to actually speak to a judge instead of solely working from

you marks and comments. I think this will be of real benefit as I prepare for future competitions. Next up was the ridden balance session with Hilary…. She was so popular with everyone and I took the opportunity to watch

her work with riders from all disciplines. There was honestly a marked improvement for everyone – it was fasinating. If you ever get the chance of a session with Hilary – grab it!This was the end of our first day of riding. Both Pippa and I were tired - we had such good and varied lessons and in between our sessions I took

the opportunity to watch dressage lessons, show jumping lessons and cross country sessions – supporting Tola and meeting up and chatting with new friends…..(in the jackets!!)

Inbetween

Sunday morning rolled in quick enough – today was my individual lesson with Harry – I was really looking forward to this and to getting hints and help for a few things I had difficulty with. I watched quite a few lessons, listening and learning and then it was my turn. Having warmed up we did a little work on trot, then moved on to leg yielding, followed by simple changes, and with 1 minute to spare – pirouettes!!!! I had a fabulous lesson, and learned so much, finding Harry easy to understand….

On site was a saddle fitter who was available to all and came to take a

look at Pippa’s saddle – she was very informative and explained everything very well – it was really interesting.

My final session of the day was with Verity, a member of the Pony Club Training Team. We discussed the weekend, how I had found it and what I had got out of it. It rounded the weekend off, and yes, I was sad it was all over!Time to pack up and things then got silly!!!!!

Off we headed on our journey home…… only one hour up the road – and bang – yes – blow out directly under Pippa’s behind! True to form, Mother Trucker aka Sandi Thompson and her partner in crime (my Mum) were out and under the lorry checking it – we limped to an exit from the motorway and waited for the RAC – on arrival we were joined by the local constabulary!!!! Very friendly, and no, they didn’t think we were the “travellers” moving in!!!!

All sorted and we got on our way – with stables to stay at in Holyhead (found by a Pony Club contact!) we journeyed up the road. Hours later, the night had really drawn in and we decided it would be easier to catch to 2am ferry from Holyhead instead of staying over – 8 miles from the Port – oh yes you better believe it – another bang – and yes another blow out!!! Again, we availed of the local constabulary who escorted us to the Vehicle Checking Centre for our own safety – there we waiting for the RAC…..finally by 6am we were on our way to the Port . This journey was very smooth –except ….as we went to the cabin for a few hours’ sleep we found someone in our bed (and no - this is not a fairy tale!!!)

Safetly on to Irish soil we had the opportunity to give our horses a stretch from standing for so long – you guessed it – the jackets were still on show!!!

This weekend was the experience of a life time – we had laughs, friendship and horses – what else could you ask for?Newly made friends became firm friends via Facebook, it will be great to see them again at Championships. Shortly after my return home, I got the most amazing news – I was selected for the Talent Pathway Squad!!! This will provide me with a Bursary, training of all sorts via Pony Club at Stoneleigh, and will all start with a presentation at Blenheim Horse Trials. My advice to you – apply was the assessment day in 2018 – give it your all and maybe you will be lucky enough to get a place on the next Talent Pathway Camp!!

Good Luck!!

Jazmin Vollands