Dressage camps are a big hit

DRESSAGE Ireland developed its training provision this year as, in addition to regional clinics, three residential camps were held at Castle Irvine in April, Ballindenisk in July and, most recently, at CoilÓg last month.

These camps catered for riders of all ages, from seven-year-olds to those in their 60s, and of all abilities, from grassroots competitors to high performance athletes riding both able-bodied and para tests. The camps welcomed riders from the youth academy programme, as well as Elevate and Para Equestrian Ireland members.

Attendees had access to training and test riding each day, as well as soft skills, talks and stable management specifically aimed at Elevate pupils. The coaches who provided this training throughout the year were Mark Ruddock, Vida Tansey, Debora Pijpers, Clive Milkins, Joanne Jarden, Mark Robinson, Fiona Hayes, Yvonne Chisholm, Jean Halpenny, Sarah Rodgers and Anna Merveldt.

Pijpers, High Performance Manager for the Irish para equestrian team in Paris, said after the most recent camp at Coilog: “I would like to compliment all riders who attended this weekend. The atmosphere during the training days was great. Every single rider that I have seen in the arena was riding in a positive way, was open for feedback and was very keen and willing to improve.

“For me, as a coach, it is energising and inspirational to attend these camps: not only because able-bodied and para dressage combinations both take part, but also because it is great to hear the advice from other coaches and judges about the same combinations.” Dressage Ireland looks forward to progressing and developing the training programme into 2025 and beyond.