Your
Pony must be fit enough to attend camp – he/she will be working for at least two
hours a day, and this needs to be taken into consideration with your work
leading up to the week. Read the notes and
contact any of our instructors if you need advice.
Please read this information carefully - Horse/Pony - Fitness for Camp 2024
Horses and Ponies
must be fit enough to attend camp as they will be working for at least 2 hours
a day and this needs to be taken into consideration with work leading up to the
week. These notes are for your guidance:
If not
within the timetable, the lorry/horse area area is strictly out of bounds. Not only is this an H&S requirement but
means that the horses/ ponies are given adequate rest time, their welfare being
paramount.
PONIES MUST BE VACCINATED AGAINST EQUINE INFLUENZA
We will require all horses
attending camps to be fully vaccinated and this must be done MORE than 7 days
before attending camp. The Master of Horse will be checking passports when your
horse/pony arrives at camp BEFORE YOU UNLOAD. You are reminded that it is illegal to travel your
horse or pony unless you have its passport with you. Tetanus cover is strongly
recommended for all horses/ ponies
Any pony recently suffering from or showing
symptoms of an infectious or contagious disease or coming from a yard where an
infectious or contagious disease has been diagnosed will not be permitted to
enter camp unless accompanied by a veterinary certificate stating that it is
not a risk to others.
Unfit and fat ponies are much more likely to go
lame. Ideally horses/ ponies need to be undertaking regular long hacks,
including hill work if possible, in addition to schooling and jumping for at
least a month before camp. Build up work gradually and regularly – forty
minutes riding every day is better than a three-hour hack at the weekend
followed by four days off!
Ponies that wear shoes should ideally be shod a
week before camp. Barefoot horses/
ponies should have had their feet trimmed. Please note that you will not be
allowed to ride a pony with overgrown feet or loose shoes. As ever, if you are
in any doubt, please contact the DC or one of our instructors before camp –
help and advice are always available.
On safety grounds you need to check your tack
thoroughly for soundness and fit before camp.
Allow plenty of time to get it repaired if necessary. The instructors
will check stitching and safety at camp, and you will not be allowed to ride if
it is not safe. Pay particular attention to stirrup leathers, reins and girth
straps. There will a tack and PPE check on the Saturday prior to joining camp.
