Placement no. 2

After spending two weeks sleeping and then sailing with uni friends, as a well earned break, it is now time for 3 weeks of craziness.

Red House Riding Holidays 2014 - let the madness commence.

Helpers all together 

The kids all arrive on the Sunday lunch time, all with about 3 hours sleep, more sweets than clothes for the week and maybe even a new pony. Everyone has lots of catching up to do, or if you're a nervous newbie, you sit awkwardly hoping that someone who isn't the matron will talk to you.
Sunday is spent trotting around in a circle, whilst the instructors decide which group you're in and if you're on a Red House pony, whether you get on with it or not.

Monday is spent falling in love with the horse, and maybe the floor if your balance hasn't been tested much. Tuesday is much the same. Wednesday is then the relax day but also the big competition day, morning is spent learning the musical ride (dressage to music), hacking out and then after lunch is spent plaiting up and lots of fun to be had with water. Wednesday night, its the show jumping competition, a time to get your first rosette, or your first prize money (if you're fast enough to get first). Thursday is the scariest - cross country and remembering dressage test before the big day. Friday - the big competition day, early wake up to get messy and plait up, then tack and turn out show, then dressage, show jumping and cross country show. The afternoon is the best though - chase me charlie (where the jump goes up and up and if you knock it/ refuse you're out), the musical ride and gymkhana games... apple bobbing and then polo in the flour; its brilliant.

Every day has its own evening activity too, every day is full of fun and full of laughter and making new friends.

It is mandatory that you are loud, courageous and can cheer on your peers at all times though; but fear not, you're not that when you start, Red House will teach you how to be.

I have been spending my summers there for the last 14 years, riding from 7-17 and then invited back (no idea, and my best times riding have either been hunting or at Red House. It is the probably the most fun and crazy week, you will ever encounter.

If you're between 8-16 and love horses, go. All I can say is GOOOOOO!!

Wednesday action! 

And for me, the first week I was matron, second I was helping with the horses and third week I was matron again! Every week has different kids and each week has different highlights!!

These weeks keep me young and very well fed!

Yours enthusiastically,

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