Andrew Hoy and Cheeky Calimbo on their way to a win in the CIC3* at Luhmuhlen 2014
Camden Bicentennial Park, the home of Eventing Equestriad, will provide the perfect venue for four days of training with seven-time Olympian Andrew Hoy later this month.
The Olympic gold medallist isn’t often in Australia having been based in the UK for many years now so when he’s here you need to grab the opportunity to train with him while you can. The clinic will take place from 20th to 23rd November with two sessions each day of two hours each and riders being placed in groups of 4-6 according to their capability. During the morning session Andrew will focus on show jumping and in the afternoon riders will get a chance to work on their cross country skills using the great course at Bicentennial Park thanks to the support of Shane Rose and the Camden committee.
But it isn’t just the chance to ride around the Equestriad fences that makes the opportunity so attractive. The clinic organiser Mark Williams has long been a fan of Andrew’s methods of riding and coaching, going back 20 years to Andrew’s first training DVD! When the opportunity came available for Andrew to coach at Camden, Mark jumped at the chance to bring these coaching skills to riders who may not have had the chance to train with Andrew before
“Andrew’s success over such a long period appears to be from his simple and consistent approach” says Mark “I’ve been lucky enough to see him apply and adapt this approach to many very different riders and horses, always creating a positive result”
“The clinics I have attended have been great in confirming the principles I hold firm and try to practice daily. But it’s inspiring when you are provided with answers to questions that have eluded me for years! I absolutely believe that Andrew holds nothing back and repeatedly tries to demonstrate his 'ingredients-for-success' for us to take-home”
November is a busy month in Australia with the Australian International 3 Day Event and Equitana taking place but it is also a perfect time to brush up on the skills that can only be honed by being in the saddle with an expert on the ground to help you. You can even learn a lot by watching the other riders in your group or in other sessions and spectators are welcome but will be asked for a small donation to be divided between local riding organisations.
There are no ‘magical solutions’ in developing any riding skills and sometimes riders are disappointed that there is no ‘quick fix’.
“I think that to gain maximum value for the clinic (and therefore benefit to our horses) we need to observe Andrew’s approach to as many of the horses as possible he works with during a clinic and then take it home to practice and consider” says Mark, who is encouraging participants in the clinic to observe as many sessions as they can
“Sometimes it seems the 'magic' we are looking for is actually right in front of us but overlooked due to its simplicity and consistency. I’d encourage any riders who can to join us at Camden for Andrew’s clinic and learn from someone who has proved time and time again (and has the medals to prove it!) that his methods work”
Australian 4* rider Natalie Blundell is another who sings Andrew’s praises, having been a long time pupil and having spent several months training with him in the UK recently
"Andrew not only is a brilliant rider, he is a brilliant coach” says Nat who will be attending the Camden clinic “He works a lot on the basic principles of riding which allows the horse and rider to develop the correct way of going. This has helped not only me but many others and, during the clinics I have held with him in previous years, I have seen many riders improve their skills, general position and understanding of connection with the horse. His instructions are direct, clear and to the point. It’s a must for any up and coming rider, but also if you just want to improve your skills and learn from the master!"
When: 20, 21, 22 & 23 November 2014
Where: Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park, Camden, NSW
Cost: $295 per day for two sessions (group sizes 4-6)
Format: Jump training morning / Cross country training afternoon
Sessions: Approximately two hours
Further details and entries on Nominate – small number of places still available
