International Helmet Awareness Day

Callan and Pixie

Today marks the 5th annual Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness today.  At HC Equestrian, each of us agrees to wear appropriate safety apparel, including a helmet, every time we take a lesson, and we encourage each other to wear one every time we ride.

Having the right gear has been made even easier today because many helmet manufacturers are offering discounts on their products. To find out where to purchase a helmet, please visit riders4helmets.com/ihad/ for a list of retailers participating in this discount program.

Dressage Camp at The Monkey Tail Ranch

Getting ready to embark on an orchard trail ride at HC Equestrian's dressage camp at Monkey Tail Ranch
Getting ready to embark on an orchard trail ride.

This year’s HC Equestrian camp deviated from the usual eventing format to focus on dressage.  The Monkey Tail Ranch in Hollister graciously hosted our campers for 3 days of riding, including private lessons with Ellen Eckstein, obstacle course training, trail rides, and an introduction to equine bodywork.

Carla and Feety practice lateral cervical flexion.
Carla and Feety practice lateral cervical flexion.

Campers also were able to enjoy puppy socialization with Monkey Tail’s young service dog hopefuls. A continental breakfast was provided each morning, and teams of campers worked together in the kitchen to provide some scrumptious home-cooked meals.

We asked our campers to share some of their favorite parts of dressage camp:

Having three lessons in a row with Ellen; stuff was really staring to click. Hanging out with a really nice and nonjudgmental group of Horse People.”  –Kathie

Getting to see Elise, finally taking a lesson with the amazing Ellen, getting to ride Boo, and of course the puppies!”  — Annalisa

Everything! Horses, puppies, spending time with great people! Can’t wait to do it again!”  –Erica

 

Erica tacking up Blackberry
Erica tacking up Blackberry
Carla and Feety taking a lesson from Ellen Eckstein
Carla and Feety taking a lesson from Ellen Eckstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belle's tarp training goes easily
Belle’s tarp training goes easily

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ellen gives Shayanna some pointers
Ellen gives Shayanna some pointers