THE most recent of the Pathways Training camps run by Eventing Ireland’s amateur committee took place over the weekend of Friday, October 26th to Sunday, October 28th at Ross House in Co Meath.

The weekend was organised by Northern Region representative Evie Smith who first engaged leading equine veterinary surgeon Hugh Suffern of the Tullyraine Clinic outside Banbridge to talk to those attending the ‘Halloween Camp’ regarding fitness of the event horse.

Suffern covered such topics as wind problems/issues, lactic acid build-up, interval training, cooling down post cross-country, body weight of the horse, good management of the event horse such as routines and keeping a diary/log of work completed on an annual basis so you can see how you are progressing with fitness etc.

“Following the lecture, campers settled down for a lovely four-course meal and catch-up,” reported Smith. “Saturday morning commenced with feeding of the horses at 8am followed, 30 minutes later, by riders enjoying a full Irish breakfast.

“Lessons began at 10am for the 12 riders present who were split into three groups for the weekend. Each group had a flat lesson with Ellinor Murdy (Level 2 HSI) and a show jumping lesson with Robert Murdy (Level 3 HSI). Hot soup and sandwiches kept riders fuelled for the day.

“Improvements were seen immediately with horses and riders gaining confidence throughout the day while tips dispersed during the lessons will be of benefit in the 2019 season. Saturday evening ended with another fantastic four-course dinner and good craic for all!

“Sunday began with us first feeding the horses and then sitting down to another full Irish breakfast.

“Cross-country lessons kicked off at 10am and luckily Robert has a lovely all-weather cross-country area as, all around, the fields were frozen following a hard, overnight frost.

“Improvements were seen cross-country with lines being added into the water complex and riders and horses becoming more confident in areas such as jumping on and off the banks. Lessons concluded that evening and all riders headed home with ambitious plans for next season and great comradery of support from the other riders within the groups.

“One for all is the theme and the amateur family is continuing to grow apace! Many thanks to Ross House Equestrian and Hugh Suffern – we are ever learning!” concluded Smith.

Earlier in the year, Smith and fellow Northern Region representative Emma Wallace organised a pathways training day at the Moy Equestrian Centre, Dungannon.

On a warm, sunny day, 16 amateurs, competing from 80cms to 1.10m, were put through their paces in groups of four by Joanne Jarden. Hard ground wasn’t an issue as the all-weather playpen was used for cross-country coaching while show jumping took place in the large sand arena. Serious work was accompanied by lots of fun, banter and cake!