Cross Training Questions

should i go?

i found an amazing riding/eventing camp that is close to me. You bring your horse, feed, supps, hay, and tack and spend 5 days training for dressage, jumping, and cross country. It is close enough to me to easily trailer there, and they *seem* to have a program that will fit me. this is their website: http://www.kingsburyhill.com/Camp/juniorevent.htm the only problem is that my horse is 16, and although hes in good shape i'm not sure he will be able to take riding 2-3 hours a day. Also: i am much much farther advanced in dressage then jumping or cross country.. finally.. my horse can jump MAX 2'6.. though we havent tried taller since he came (he is stronger/better now) my question is do you think it would be worth the $1250? my trainer also has an eventing camp that is about $300 but it would just happen at the barn. EDIT: i can get my horse conditioned up to riding that much, i'm just not sure if it would be good for his age. he is 16 but acts/looks/feels 4.

Public Comments

1. Maybe try the second camp...If it is more intense than your horse's regular workload,but less intense than the first camp,do that this summer.If he does well,through the year continue conditioning,etc. and next year try the other camp!Have fun,good luck! It definitely sounds worth it,but you want to be sure your horse is prepared for it.
2. I would just try your trainer's camp this year, it doesn't sound like you are ready to do the other camp. Also, if you aren't positive that you should do it, it's not worth $1,250! What would happen if you realize the first day that your horse can't do it, and he collapses or something, you're not gonna get a refund, and your horse could get injured if pushed too hard. If you aren't sure if you're ready, take the safe route, it will save you money and may save your horse some injury. Have fun!
3. I would first find out what the highest jump would be. If it is higher than you or your horse have jumped, I would pass it by for now. Doing a cross country course with a horse that doesn't have much experience could endanger him and you. Get more jumping time before you try this.
4. Honey, sixteen is pretty much prime in horse years. He could live to be twice that! I would jump at the chance, if the money isn't a problem....I think taking your own horse would be the most fun and you'd have memories with him that will last a lifetime. Just work with him a lot on the jumping. Good luck!
5. Taking your horse to another camp is probably good for both you and your horse. It will give you a bit of a different view and you will probably pick up some things that you would not if you went to your trainer's camp. Sixteen years old is in no way to old. He should be fine, so long as you have him in proper shape. A quick look at the website says they take all competition levels, so you can step up to working with training level, or stay at Novice. If jumping is your issue, you may want to not go higher than novice. A camp like this, is probably tailored to the individual more than the group and they will likely ask each member what they need work on at the beginning of the week. The opportunity to video tape the lessons and watch them later will also help your riding. If you can afford it, I would suggest it. It is good to get your horse into different environments and always good to attend events (camps, clinics, etc) where you can learn from another trainer. You can pick up different tips, and you can always toss out things the trainer says that do not agree with your philosophy.