Being a Guinea Pig for the Pony Club Instructors Conference at Arena UK,

Wednesday 23rd April

I suppose I should begin by introducing and excusing myself. I'm Lilys Dad, I'm the man with the camera you sometimes see at rallies and events, I'm usually blagging my way onto places on the X-country course that "the public" aren't allowed to go, or just darting about snapping pictures of random people and ponies. I'm actually a completely rubbish photographer, but I take hundreds of pictures and with a little help from some clever software I get one or two good shots, hail the god of digital cameras.

So, to learn I was to accompany Lily and five other Burghley members to a conference of instructors, hosted by Eric Smiley, I was a little daunted. You see my knowledge of the equine world is limited to watching Lily over the past few years and flicking through the pages of "Nag and Mut" (sorry Horse and Hound). The articles of the afore mentioned are where I learned of Mr. Smiley, having read his bit on biting, so at least I knew who he was! 

After much shampooing the night before, our beloved Tonto looked pretty damn smart, so we proudly trudged off to Arena UK, stopping by to pick up Alice Turner and Murphy on the way. Lily and Alice were to be part of a group of six that would receive a lesson from Eric Smiley, whilst he instructed the instructors (around 500 of them!) on what he was doing. So we didn't really know what to expect, which was probably just as well! I'd love to tell you all what happened in the lesson, but as an equine numpty I really don't know what went on. There was a lot of standing up in stirrups, holding the reins with the opposite hands and a lot of smiling from the girls. Maybe one of the Burghley Instructors that were present could tell us more (no names ladies), as I am totally clueless. All I know is that the girls enjoyed it and were a credit to themselves and The Burghley. Eric was a true gent, great with the children and the adults alike. I don't know how the four Burghley girls got on in the afternoon, but when I left they were still smiling and Eric was still talking.

As usual I hid behind my camera and produced a few snaps, the results are below, if you see any of yourself, drop me an email and I can send you a full resolution image.

Well done again to all the girls for their turnout and attitude, a credit to the branch.