Summer Days, Fun and Games at Mini and Junior Camp

The Mini and Junior Camp kicked off on 15^th August 2024, at the beautiful Walhampton School, where the New Forest Hunts Pony Club (NFHPC) members enjoyed a marvellous week filled with exciting activities under the summer sun. With a gentle breeze and plenty of shade, our young members embarked on a week of fun and games, as well as learning how to best care for their lovely ponies.

A Week Full of Activities:
The week was packed with a host of activities, including fun jumping sessions, refreshing swimming breaks, and a fabulous fancy dress parade themed around ‘p and c’. Members engaged in handy pony challenges and a variety of games designed to boost their skills and confidence. Instructors guided the young riders through essential aspects of pony care, resulting in badges for horse health and first aid being proudly earned.

Day-by-Day Highlights:
Day one set the tone with a memorable photo capturing our young members flat out on the yard concrete, happily exhausted after a day of activity in the beating sun. Despite the heat, spirits remained high. Thanks to the support of senior members and instructors, the day ended with a cooling swim that was much appreciated by all.

Day two continued with more badges earned and concluded with a delightful treat from Brock Ice Traditional Ice Cream Bikes, providing a sweet treat at the end of another fun day.

The final day of camp was an absolute blast with more jumping, mounted games, mini road rider badges, fancy dress, and an exciting inter-hunt relay.

George Stride was awarded winner of the camp cup, while Bella Kelly and Finlay Lismore proudly took home the Tiffany Salver.

Photos are available to view on Facebook: @NewForestHuntsPC

Special Thanks To:
Well done to everyone for making it such a great week especially our exceptional instructors, Tori Mason, Amanda Barton, Genny Randall, Eve Blachford, Ines Mitchell, Hazel El Hakim, Roland Bellido, and Sue Stevenson, along with our wonderful senior members who have given their time and efforts this week – You have all been superb.

Walhampton School’s stunning facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our camp, and we are very grateful to them for letting us host our camp here.

An extra day for the Juniors, they enjoyed a cooler day at another fantastic venue Foulford Farm, courtesy of Megan and her family, giving them an unforgettable cross-country experience.

Parents expressed their gratitude, with Zoë Green sharing, “Thank you to you all especially Eve for making it the ‘best 3 days ever’ for Phoebe.” Kelly Lambert echoed the sentiment, “Elsie is having the best week at her first camp. Thanks to everyone involved.” Sophie Woolf added, “Ella loved every second….already counting down the days until next year’s camp!!! Thank you so much.”

Walhampton School also celebrated the event, sharing, “What brilliant fun you all had. Thank you for visiting us, we loved having you all and seeing everyone in action!”

With such positive feedback and unforgettable memories made, the Mini and Junior Camp was a resounding success.