Courses & Clinics
Vaulting Camp Day
The Vaulting Day Camp at Riders of the Storm Equestrian Academy is an exciting opportunity for individuals of all skill levels to immerse themselves in the sport of equestrian vaulting. This day camp provides a comprehensive introduction to vaulting and is suitable for beginners as well as more advanced vaulters looking to refine their skills.
Key Features of the Vaulting Day Camp:
- Full-Day Immersion: Participants will spend an entire day at the academy, engaging in a variety of vaulting activities.
- Practice on Barrels: The day begins with practice on vaulting barrels to perfect movements before transitioning to live horses.
- Horse Vaulting: Participants will have the opportunity to practice vaulting on some of the best-trained horses in the UK.
- Skill Development: The camp covers a range of vaulting moves, from basic positions like lying, kneeling, and standing, to more advanced routines.
- Routine Creation: Towards the end of the day, participants will work on linking movements to create routines, often performed to music.
- Confidence Building: The supportive environment helps build confidence and competence in vaulting techniques.
Benefits of the Camp:
- Expert Instruction: Guidance from experienced coaches, including Kirsty McWilliam, ensures high-quality training.
- Tailored to Skill Level: Activities are adapted to suit the individual needs and abilities of each participant.
- Comprehensive Training: A mix of technical training, physical conditioning, and performance skills.
- Fun and Engaging: The day is designed to be enjoyable, fostering a love for the sport of vaulting.
The Vaulting Day Camp is perfect for those looking to try something new or for current vaulters wanting to enhance their skills in a focused, day-long program.
Confidence Riding Clinic
The Riding Confidence Clinic offered by Riders of the Storm Equestrian Academy is a comprehensive two-day program designed to enhance riders’ confidence in a supportive group setting. This clinic is an extended version of the Confidence Riding Experience, allowing participants to delve deeper into overcoming their fears and improving their riding skills.
Key Features of the Riding Confidence Clinic:
- In-Depth Training: Over two days, participants can work more thoroughly on their confidence issues.
- Group Setting: The clinic is conducted in a group, providing a communal and supportive environment where riders can share experiences and encourage each other.
- Specially Trained Horses: Participants will work with the academy’s specially trained horses, ensuring a safe and controlled learning environment.
Areas of Focus:
- Positive Attitude Development: Techniques to foster a more positive outlook towards riding.
- Correct Groundwork: Training on proper groundwork to build a solid foundation and improve horse handling skills.
- Riding Position and Balance: Detailed work on improving the rider’s seat and balance, which is crucial for safe riding.
- Horse Knowledge: Education on proper training, feeding, and handling of behavioral issues both on and off the horse.
- Safe Falling Techniques: Instruction on how to fall off a horse properly to minimize the risk of injury.
- Skill Development: Various exercises and tasks to enhance riding skills, providing participants with a toolkit to continue building confidence after the clinic.
Benefits of the Clinic:
- Extended Time: The two-day format allows for more comprehensive training and practice.
- Community Support: Riders benefit from the shared experiences and mutual support of the group.
- Practical Exercises: Participants receive practical, hands-on training that they can continue to use in their riding practice.
This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to address their riding confidence in a more detailed and immersive setting, with the added benefit of group support and interaction.
Horse Training Clinics
Riders of the Storm Equestrian Academy offers a variety of horse training clinics designed to address different aspects of horse handling and training. These clinics are suitable for individuals looking to enhance their skills in lunging, young horse handling, and problem-solving with horses.
Key Features of Horse Training Clinics:
Lunging Training:
- Techniques: Learn proper lunging techniques to improve your horse’s fitness, balance, and obedience.
- Communication: Focus on establishing effective communication between horse and handler during lunging sessions.
- Safety: Emphasis on safety practices to ensure a secure environment for both horse and handler.
Young Horse Handling:
- Foundation Skills: Develop basic handling skills for young horses, including leading, grooming, and initial training.
- Desensitization: Techniques to desensitize young horses to various stimuli, preparing them for future training.
- Groundwork: Essential groundwork exercises that lay the foundation for ridden work.
Problem-Solving:
- Behavioral Issues: Address common behavioral problems such as biting, kicking, or refusal to be handled.
- Customized Solutions: Tailored strategies to resolve specific issues with individual horses.
- Handler Skills: Enhance the handler’s ability to read and respond to horse behavior effectively.
Clinic Benefits:
- Expert Instruction: Participants receive guidance from experienced trainers, including Kirsty McWilliam.
- Practical Experience: Hands-on training with horses to apply learned techniques in real-time.
- Individualized Attention: Clinics often provide opportunities for one-on-one coaching to address specific needs.
- Comprehensive Learning: Sessions include a mix of theory and practical application, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of horse training.
These clinics are designed to help riders and handlers at all levels improve their skills and confidence in handling and training horses.
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Meet Our Team & Horses
Kirsty McWilliam is a distinguished equestrian coach and founder of Riders of the Storm Equestrian Academy.