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Day Camp, including Training with David Gatherer, Debbie Rodwell, Kara Bolik and Ruth McGarry

16th & 17th August 2025 at Castlefields, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SQ

Options now available to book with one or two trainers.

Check online bookings for prices (price will increase from 16th July).

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO ONLINE BOOKING

Something new for 2025 – two days of training (two sessions each day) from great instructors plus the TopSpec weighbridge on the Saturday. 

The weekend is not residential and there are no stables – hence “Day Camp”.  However, we have lots planned and hope that you will wish to join us for this first ever Stranraer & District Riding Club Day Camp.

INCLUDED:

• One hour group session (maximum of three in group) with Debbie Rodwell (Saturday)
• Half hour one on one Pole Clinic with Kara Bolik (Saturday)
• One hour group session (maximum of three in group) with David Gatherer (Sunday)
• One hour group session (maximum of three in group) with Ruth McGarry (Sunday)
• TopSpec weighbridge on site on the Saturday
• Use of show jumps in arena during training sessions
• Use of Working Hunter Jumps in field during training sessions
• Use of warm up area
• Jumping Heights from x poles to 110 cm
• Flat work only training if you don’t wish to jump
• Tea/coffee and snacks will be available for a donation

There will be one lesson in the morning and one in the afternoon on each day.

During the lunch break there will be a talk from TopSpec on Saturday.  On Sunday Heather McMeikan of Horse and Soul Equine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy will give a demonstration.

Participants will be able to bring along rugs, tack, etc to sell – price up items in advance and committee members will look after while you are training.

Spectators welcome – come along and join us for an hour or two, or all day.

Riders will have the opportunity to learn from expert coaches and have fun with like-minded people.

It doesn’t matter if you are a happy hacker, just starting out, have a young horse or compete affiliated – our trainers will tailor the camp to suit your needs.  Riders will be split into groups according to their experience and jumping height.

PHOTOGRAPHS:  Official photographs and video will be taken at this event and may be published on websites, social media or in other publications.  If you do not want your image(s) to be used, please inform the event secretary in advance of the event.

At check-out you will be asked to give your consent for your photographs and video footage to be used by the club in printed, online or electronic publications, which may be shared publicly.  Examples of these materials include, but are not limited to: posters, leaflets, brochures, adverts, emails, e-newsletters, blogs, web pages, social media posts, presentations, speeches, research or policy reports and press releases or other materials.

• All riders are responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves and others.
• All riders must have previous experience of riding the horse they are bringing.
• Always ride, with courtesy, care and consideration to fellow participants.
• Dogs are allowed, however must be kept under control on a lead at all times.
• Dog poop to be picked up and put in the bin.
• Rubbish to be placed in bins or taken home.
• Horse droppings to be lifted and taken home.

Riders

• Hats to the current BRC standard must be worn.
• Body protectors, if worn, should comply with current BRC standard.
• Suitable riding footwear must be worn – no trainers or wellies.
• Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian whilst on site.

Please bring your own food and feed for your horse.  Mains water available on site.

Horses / Ponies

• All equines must be five years old and over and sufficiently fit to undertake the activity being undertaken.  Four year old equines may be accepted – please contact Jane to discuss.
• Hooves and shoes, if worn, must be in good condition.
• Stallions not permitted, unless agreed in advance.
• Tack must be in safe condition and fit correctly – you should check before attending
• You are responsible for any damage caused by your horse to any facilities whilst on site and will be liable for the cost of replacing / repairing.

Cost of Camp:                

Booked by 15th June:  Members = £95 / Non Members = £130

Booked after 15th June:  Members = £105 / Non Members = £140

The cost for S&DRC members is being subsidised by the Club and Wigtownshire Sports Council.

Prices below are for bookings made by 15th June.  Final payment will increase by £10 for bookings made after 15th June.

• A £20 non-refundable deposit to book a place must be paid by 15th June 2025.
• A payment of £40 (£55 non-members) to be paid by 30th June.
• A final payment £35 (£55 non-members) to be paid by 31st July.

Alternatively, the full amount can be paid when booking.  Places are limited so don’t delay.

Anyone not paying the correct amount by the due date will lose their place and will not receive any refund, unless their place can be taken up.  The amount of any refund depends on the amount already paid and excludes the non-refundable deposit in all circumstances.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you need to cancel due to a medical or veterinary reason a certificate will be required and 80% of the amount paid may be refunded, subject to whether the space can be filled.

Full refund (minus non-refundable deposit) if space filled. 

If unable to fill space – no refund.

Enquiries – contact Jane on 07717 758 638 or e-mail:  castlefields.sdrc@gmail.com

INSTRUCTORS FOR THE WEEKEND

Debbie Rodwell    (Saturday)

Debbie is a BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach with over 30 years’ experience in the horse industry.  Debbie’s main interest is eventing having competed up to CCI 1* (now 2*) in the past and now competes at Grassroots level, having qualified for Badminton a couple of years ago.  Debbie has also competed at BD, BS, working hunter, showing and has even had a go at polo and driving.

Debbie has a lot to offer to grassroots riders wanting to lay down the correct foundations in order be able to progress.  She is interested in rider and horse biomechanics and continues to learn as much as possible in this area, hoping to help riders produce happy and sound horses and ponies for any discipline.

Kara Bolik  (Saturday)

Kara is a BHS Stage 3 Coach and is available to help all combinations, both adults and children, to achieve their best and enjoy the process.  Kara prides herself on being encouraging and especially in helping clients build confidence.   Kara has competed in all disciplines – BD, BE, BS & BRC.

Kara will be running her famous one on one 30 minute polework sessions.

David Gatherer  (Sunday)

David is a very experienced and popular BE accredited coach and competitor, competing in all disciplines including Eventing up to 4* level.  David coaches all over Scotland and was Scotland’s coach of the year in 2015.  David has produced many young horses, introducing them to eventing and moving them up the levels.

David has ridden at 4 star-level and competed in major competitions such as Chatsworth, Blair Castle and Bramham International.  Equally talented in the discipline of dressage, he has ridden at Prix St Georges level and produced winning performances at national championships.

David is passionate about providing a framework of education for riders and coaches by implementing BE’s training strategies in conjunction with their regional training committee.

Ruth McGarry   (Sunday)

Ruth is a BHS Stage 3 Coach and offers instruction for all ages on your own horse or pony.  Ruth teaches individual clients, pony club and riding club from beginners to advanced.  She specialises in young and problem horses as well as working the rider through confidence issues to achieve the best horse and rider combination.