PARA Equestrian Ireland, supported by Dressage Ireland, recently hosted a three-day test riding dressage clinic in Castle Irvine.

Riders, both para and able bodied, came from all over Ireland to attend the camp, where each rider had two training sessions with Clive Millkens, international para and able bodied coach who had recently returned from the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, and two test riding sessions with five-star FEI para dressage and British Dressage list 2 judge Sarah Rogers.

Riders decided their own dressage tests and Sarah gave live feedback on the test riding. For some riders this was their first exposure to dressage test riding and the experience has given many of them confidence to go out and compete.

For other more experienced riders, the training followed by test riding enabled them to pinpoint their mistakes and how to ride movements to maximise their marks.

The camp also had two evening presentations. On Friday, Esther Skelly Smith of Shanaghan Veterinary services demonstrated how to assess lameness and care for the older horse, and she explained how riders can influence the soundness of a horse. She demonstrated bottom tucks carrot stretches and exercises to help strengthen a horse and improve soundness.

International para groom Jo Alderton discussed the minefield of horse inspections at international shows and the need to build mutual respect on the ground between horse and rider/groom.

On Saturday evening in the walled garden, Pegasus gave a demonstration and talk on dressage to music freestyle. Jill Hobson kindly demonstrated two floor plans with different music.

The horses were stabled in the courtyard and riders availed of the wonderful hacks in the Castle Irvine estate. Para Equestrian Ireland gratefully acknowledged donations given by Esme Mitchell Trust and Beltrim Charitable Trust. For more information on Para Equestrian Ireland, visit their Facebook page.