Life at Camp – Day 0
Author: Equiteam Instructor Liz Daniels UKCC Level 2
Co-host Lou and I are no strangers to Lindores and have been hosting camps here since 2014. We love it at Lindores, which is why we keep coming back! Primarily our camps are confidence camps but this one is a little different as we are hosting on behalf of the lovely Wobbleberries.
The Wobbleberries have two end goals in mind, one is to complete a BE80 and the other is to raise money – inspired by Hannah Francis. So far Wobbleberries across the UK have raised a fabulous £150,000. For more information on the challenge click here.
Today is arrival day before the start of three intensive days work for
horses and riders! As camp hosts its important
to be there to welcome everyone and make sure both horses and riders are all settled in.
Lou and I arrived at Lindores at 4pm in glorious sunshine and it wasn’t long before Mr Black Snr and his lovely smile appeared to ask if we were OK X and needed anything. Anna, Richard and family are always so accommodating, which makes running camps a real pleasure. This is our 6th so far this year – and it’s only the beginning of May!
The first horses arrived, alongside their nervous riders and as always the stables are clean and tidy and ready for us to use. For many people simply coming to camp is a huge achievement and a big deal but we constantly remind everyone that is what we are here for. As people arrive Lou has got her homemade tomato and red pepper soup warming and once people are settled they come in to the bothy and have soup and baguettes.
The bothy is one of the most amazing things about Lindores,so rustic, yet so welcoming and you can’t help but feel at home here (I do keep joking that I am moving in soon!). Mr Black had kindly lit the wood burner so when it started getting chilly there is a nice warm place to congregate. It really is the hub of the camps.
Some of our campers have opted to stay in Lindores Lodge, which is stunning inside, the view is to die for and it has a hot tub. No more selling required! The remaining campers are staying in trailers or in tents (hard
core!), but again it’s great that Lindores cater for all.
For me tonight is really a time when I try and get to know a little but more
about our campers, hopefully give some reassurance to those that need it and
then go and plan my teaching groups, which start tomorrow. It’s another late
night, but Lou and I can’t wait until tomorrow and are keeping everything
crossed that this wonderful weather continues for camp (even though the
ground desperately needs rain!).
More to follow tomorrow,
Liz
EquiTEAM Instructor
Wobbleberries Challenge – Ride for Hannah 2017
