Well, riding lessons aren't continued over the winter (I still take privates though) at my barn, and there are camps. One of them is an IHSA-Prep camp, which is an hour of riding and an hour of information/lectures on IHSA and riding. The first day was today and it's great! The first two days are taught by the team captain and the other two are taught by my instructor. I've already learned so much! Thumper is REALLY REALLY REALLY fresh right now, so we've been getting lots of good tips. We worked on lots of half-halting today and counting strides towards the jumps to keep an even pace and to get a good approach. Thumper takes any opportunity he can to get out of doing what you want him to, so a good approach and takeoff is vital :). What he's been doing this winter is ripping the reins out of my hands and gaining control, so we worked on outsmarting him BEFORE he could get his head. I've already learned so much, and I think it's a great opportunity for me to really start learning about college riding, especially since I hope to get a job in the horse industry. Just thought I would share my experience!
