I recently returned from the most fantastic 3 day camp, held at Necarne Castle. It can only be described as the Dressage equivalent of Electric Picnic 😄.

We had top class “Head Liners “each day with Irish International Grand Prix Rider Dane Rawlins, multi winning Paralympic Coach and High Performance Coach to Canada Clive Milkins. Top International Grand Prix judges Sarah Rogers from the UK and Hannike Gerritson from the Netherlands. 

What a line up!

There were also super” Support Acts” inc the Dressage Ireland Elevate programme, Para Equestrian Judges training, Biomechanics, First Aid demonstrations and talks on shoeing and barefoot maintenance. 

The camp was so inclusive, there were children, young riders, RDA riders, Para Equestrian Ireland riders, Dressage and Eventing riders. The standard of training was top-notch. Dane Rawlins experience had him help many levels of rider. Clive Milkens challenged riders to think outside the box and learn to work with their horses. 

With not one but 2 top level International judges there to run through tests and help riders work through difficulties and improving performances. It was also great for Ireland to have the opportunity to train our own top judges, in how to judge Para Equestrian tests at different levels. Everyone that participated over the few days ,couldn’t praise it highly enough. Although everyone was working hard the atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable. It definitely took the stressage out of Dressage. 

Every age and level of rider left Necarne enthusiastic and confident……I would guess there was a jump in National Championships entries. This initiative couldn’t happen without the hard work of many people.  It was the idea of Lucinda Blakiston Houston and supported by Dressage Ireland,  Para Equestrian Ireland and Paralympics Northern Ireland. Thank you to everyone involved and all participants appreciate the hard work. 

Looking forward to next year’s event already. It’s guaranteed to be a sellout!