Champion jockey, Davy Russell, kicked Araglin Pony Club Camp off to a winning start when he paid a visit on the first day. He told the group of eager young pony mad people about the highs and lows of life as a professional jockey, but said he loved nothing better than riding horses so no amount of injuries would ever make him regret the career he chose.

Davy emphasised the importance of taking good care of their ponies, saying a good horse makes a good rider. He also spoke of the importance of helmets and back protectors, making sure tack is in order at all times and listening to the good advice their instructors and parents give them. Believing you and your pony can do it is crucial, he said, when tackling the jumping of obstacles set by instructors who know what you’re capable of. He also urged them to get a good education and said success wasn’t something you could leave to chance, no matter what you did in life, you needed to work hard for it.

Referring to how they get homework at school, Davy made the point that whatever you do in life you have to do your homework. He explained that he would put time into finding out everything he can about horses, when he gets more than a three minute introduction to them before a race, that is! When possible, he would also walk the course. This research and preparation is crucial for anything you want to do really well. “If you put in a mediocre effort, you’ll get a mediocre result.”

Asked how he deals with the disappointment of not winning a race, he said he looks forward to his next race and anticipates success in that.

Davy explained his view that the key to success in horse riding is to visualise it, to see the course you will follow from beginning to end but to be prepared also to find a different way to your goal when a change of plan is needed. Sounds like that makes good guidance for life in general too!

A great week of training in dressage, show jumping, cross country and stable management was enjoyed by the 25 members who took part. None of this could happen without the huge commitment of parents and others from the local community. A visiting instructor was in awe of the facilities enjoyed by Araglin Pony Club. These are constantly being improved and extended through the hard work and generosity of local volunteers and an incredible level of community spirit. Sincere thanks also for the kind welcome extended by the Leddy, O’Donovan and O’Donoghue families to boarding ponies! Much appreciation too for the consideration of motorists who slowed down for the cavalcade of ponies hacking to and from the community field each day.

Well done too to those who passed D and D+ exams at the end of camp and good luck to members who are preparing for C, C+ and B tests. We send best wishes for a speedy recovery too to our DC, Margaret, who was very much missed during camp.

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