Beginner VS not so beginner horse camp? Please help!?

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*woody~horse*

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Ok, so in about 1 month, there is this horse camp. You go there for 5 hours a day and get a lesson daily plus trail rides and stuff. I am a very beginner rider that knows a little english and western. The only time I have trotted while riding was doing western, but on english I almost seem to bounce out of the saddle. I have never cantered or anything. So this camp person said that it was for beginners, but some of the girls that are going I have seen walking, trotting, cantering, and doing small jumps. Im just not sure if I should go, because Im not sure if everyone going is as experienced as that and i wouldnt know anyone. Im just not sure if I would feel welcome with them cantering and jumping circles around my walk. Do you think this place would help me learn more, or are they to advanced for me to be with? Would I enjoy this place or do you think It would make me feel bad about my (not experienced) ability? Please no rude comments, I just recently started.
 
I think you will be fine there. The camp is advertised for beginners, and they know that "beginner" includes people who have barely ridden or have very little experience. You may not be as "advanced" as the other "beginners," but you're all there to learn--and since it is a beginner camp, no one can say you don't belong.

If you feel that you wouldn't be getting your money's worth because you might be the only one at your level, call ahead and ask the barn staff/trainer about the level of experience they would consider beginner. Explain where you are and ask them if they think you'd be able to learn a lot from the camp, or if they feel like a private lesson might be more beneficial to you. They'll be happy to help.

My twin sister works and rides for a nice h/j barn that also offers summer camps. This week (also a beginner camp), she has ten kids starting at age 5. Most of them have to be led around the arena. At other camps, "beginners" are those who are doing W/T/C and jumping small fences--it's all about comparison.

My suggestion would be to call ahead if you're concerned. If you have doubts about the camp, think you might be intimidated or learn less because of the others, you might consider scheduling a private lesson either before the camp or in place of the camp (using the camp money to pay for several lessons on your own) where you can receive one-on-one attention at the level YOU need without worrying about anyone else. But most of all, just relax, have fun, and learn everything you can ;).
 
im afraid of the english saddle too, lol so my sis and i have work saddles that are western that we use to ride so we don't ruin our show saddles, but i like them so i don't have to use the english one! (i have a western horse, but my sis shows huntseat and has an english horse and im starting to show her horse). Maybe u could ask the instructors if u could do that and it would make u seem a little more comfy up on that nice horse u have : )
 
Well I had the same problem as you. I was questioning if I would feel like a mis-fit because I didn't know as much as others. I went anyway and had a wonderful time. The point is, you are a beginner. The camp is a BEGINNER CAMP. So you should go to learn more and maybe by the end of it you will be cantering and trotting and even doing small jumps. I personally do western and I understand how it feels riding an english saddle for the first time. Just keep on practicing, go to that camp, and learn learn learn!!!
 
Defiantly go! They will work with your strengths and weaknesses. They will help you learn the fundamentals of riding that you will use the rest of you're life, granted you ride that long. :) Take the opportunity.
 
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