Hello, all!

We have completed the first camp in Sweden, July 14-17, at the Kansli Ridskola in Sala. With the beautiful weather and large arenas, we were able to accomplish a great deal, both outside and inside. The camp consisted of 12 participants and several auditors. They were divided into two groups.

During the first day, A&M team members Cassidy Kurtz, Derrick Caddell, Teresa Meier and Brittanie Wells worked on phases 1 through 3 of their program. Phase 1, following the nose, uses the direct rein to work on flexion and giving to pressure. Phase 2 combines Phase 1 with the use of the indirect rein to gain control of the shoulders. Finally, Phase 3 incorporates both phases 1 and 2 to gain collection at the walk, trot and lope.

The following days, participants warmed up on the rail, concentrating on their horsemanship position and upward and downward transitions, as well as phases 1 through 3. After warm-up, they broke into groups and worked on class specifics, such as reining, horsemanship, western pleasure, hunter under saddle and showmanship.

We also had the pleasure of accompanying the participants to supper at the old silver mine in Sala on Wednesday night. After supper, we toured the underground mine and experienced what life under ground was like. Very cold, let me tell you!

From Sala, the A&M team will travel to Malmo, Sweden, for its camp, July 20-24. The Texas Tech University team will be arriving for its first camp, July 20-23, in Poland.

The Texas Tech team consists of Jennifer Richards, Zack Burson, Lindsey Frick and myself. The camp in Poland will be at the Roleski Ranch. Check out the ranch’s Web site. This will be the first-ever AQHA-sanctioned summer horsemanship camp in Poland.

Alicia Daugherty
AQHA international intern

Related Posts:

• Germany Camp 2009
• Denmark Camp 2009
• Poland Camp 2009
• Kreuth, Germany, Camp 2009
• Austria’s Horsemanship Camp 2009