Audrey at Horse Camp

Early this year, Audrey expressed interest in attending a riding camp in the summer. I started looking around and calling places, but then I asked her instructor Helen, who recommended I check with Curragh Equestrian Center. This place is legit! I was excited about the location (an easy thirty-minute drive), the depth and quality of instruction, and the fact that the owner is Irish. Naturally, it was the most expensive one I found, but Chris and I talked it over and decided that since we have spent a lot of money on Noah's hobby but virtually none on Audrey's, we could make it work.

Through the next several months leading up to camp, Audrey had some setbacks. She developed some anxiety about riding off the lead line--based on a fear that the horse would take off. She stopped enjoying trotting or even a fast-paced walk. Frankly, she was regressing and we were all pretty frustrated because nothing seemed to help. Then, to compound things, Frosty took off after the dog one day and Audrey fell. She wasn't hurt and was soooo brave to get back on him immediately, but that started to erode what remained of her confidence. 

Two weeks before camp, Audrey had the worst lesson ever. She was terrified, in tears, and refusing to try anything. The flies were all over her and Frosty, despite the repellent spray we used. The air was humid and still in the arena. Her instructor Helen was at her wit's end, and I was trying to help Audrey overcome this mental block while also apologizing to Helen and attempting to help her see that Audrey wasn't being defiant or a brat; she was truly panicked and no amount of berating or threatening was going to change that mentality. I was so frustrated and upset, and really concerned about sending her to this expensive riding camp with that frame of mind.

In the days before camp, Audrey waffled between nerves and excitement. Monday rolled around and I woke her up early and got her there by 7:45.

There were plenty of other girls her age, and she didn't seem too worried about the day ahead.

When I picked her up at 3:30, she was all smiles, stories, and confidence. She was filthy and stinky and COULD NOT WAIT to go back the next day!

Tuesday morning at camp:

Each day, the girls did riding lessons with a group and one-on-one. They also did a trail ride, played games, and bathed and groomed their ponies. Audrey's pony was named Mouse and she was in love.

Wednesday was a beautiful, cool morning!

The rest of the week flew by, as Audrey described riding bareback, learning to "jump," trotting and even cantering. She was super excited to show everything she learned to all of us on Saturday morning!

Saturday we had her there by 7:00 to get Mouse ready for the show. She had already braided his mane the day before, but she had to groom him and saddle him for the event!

Audrey's gotten a few shades darker this summer

 She knew her way around like a pro, getting Mouse ready to show.

 

Audrey used the hoof pick to clean his hooves out

 

Soon, the girls started lining up for the show!

 

They warmed up the ponies...

...and soon it was time to start. 

The first event was dressage, where the rider listens for verbal cues to halt, walk, trot, etc.

Since Audrey was still getting comfortable trotting, she had a helper Julia nearby.

She posted beautifully!

She also had to trot around in the "jump" position, without posting.

Noah was entertained by Fluffy the barn cat.

There was a break between events, so they cooled off in the shade.

Audrey got to visit with cousin Bella, who came to watch her show!

The next event was the jumping portion of the show. First, all the girls went through the course a few times to get used to it and warm up the ponies.

While doing the run-through, Mouse got a bit excited and started to canter as he approached the jumps! He got away from Julia and Audrey had to hang on!

At first, her form was beautiful for jumping!

She got a bit off-balance and lost a stirrup--yikes!

Luckily, she recovered beautifully and didn't fall off or succumb to nerves.

Bella watched from her perch on Papa's shoulders

When the judging began, riders went one at a time to demonstrate what they had been practicing.

This time, the owner's daughter Hannah stayed close.

Hooray! Her first show was a smashing success!

Down time with Sadie the dog

Camp Awards were given for the judged show and for individual recognition during the week of camp.

Audrey was grouped with one other girl as far as the judging, since they were both beginners. Audrey was awarded a first place ribbon for the dressage event!

And for jumping, she received second place!

She was also awarded the Confidence Award for the week, and received a nice Curragh t-shirt.

We were so fortunate that her teacher Helen could come cheer her on!