Hello 2024!!!

I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to technology, I get easily frustrated and seem to apply my usual stubborn streak of refusing to follow rules, even if they’re meant to help me! And as a result, the new website to support our Camp Space has been an utter failure! Can anyone help? It needs to look better, show up on Google, have better descriptions, and maybe even better products. I have enrolled on a digital marketing course for 9 weeks with Digital Penisular Network, a free online but live course, every Tuesday. There are still spaces if anyone wants to join me. But please know I’m trying! (some say very, but that’s a different story)

But, I have concluded that there is so much to do to bring this project to life, that there is absolutely no way I can do it on my own and therefore the theme of this year is growth and development, not just of this Camp Space, but also personal growth. Asking for help is one of those things I find very hard to do but something I have had to learn to do over and over again this year. And boy have you guys come through! I am so very grateful and feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such amazing people.

I feel we need to make some reels and possibly a YouTube channel, I definitely need an Instagram page too. We also need to create a campaign that Pirate FM, Radio Cornwall, The Western Morning News, etc would all be interested in because, at some point early this year, we are going to run a Crowd Funding Campaign. Other than creating an amazing camp space for everyone to use, what would be the benefits of you helping out?

Truthfully, I don’t know, because I’d like it to be of mutual benefit, and until you’re on board, I don’t know what you need. I have great planning and organisational skills, I know a lot of horsey people and a lot of stuff about horses. Without a doubt you would learn how to build a new venture from scratch at no cost other than your time, something I’ve done countless times and you’d be involved in fundraising events (aka great nights out!) and media campaigns that would give you contacts for the future too.

Some of the fundraising events we’re having will be held at the Meadery in Penzance which is owned by the lovely Emily Smith, fellow horse owner and camp supporter! Although nothing is set in stone, we’ve got quiz nights, race nights, talks, Bingo and Beetle Drives planned and I’m hoping to do a 60’s Themed night and an 80’s night too, so you will gain experience in event organisation too which is a highly paid skill and can lead to all kinds of trips and adventures.

At the heart of it though your passion will most likely be that you want the camps to continue, that you want a space that The Riding Clubs, The Pony Clubs, and Equestrian Camps can share. Pony club camp is the highlight of many a horsey child’s summer and creates memories that shape their life. Our camps have brought so many like-minded people together, created lifelong friendships, and proved that the horse world does not have to be a toxic environment. We are all on the same journey, we’re just at different stages of it.

I’m also planning on having two open days this year entitled A Celebration of Horsemanship where we have demos and displays from top dressage rider, Jane Lavington, there will be introductions to different training methods, a shetland derby for fun, various talks by different companies who will have stalls there so that you can get great hands-on advice. We haven’t decided on a venue yet, but I’m working on that.

Does anyone have any other ideas? What would you guys like to see? How can we be of service to you all on this quest, what will help you to support us?

This year my goals are bigger and scarier than they’ve ever been before. I have set the bar high! It’s not unusual for me to run several businesses at once, but I’ve never had to start up so many in such a short space of time and run a campaign for a new venue for Camps! I confess the thought of living in my van when it’s been raining the way it has is less appealing but I am also excited about that.

Honestly though, without your support guys, this year could fall flat on its face.

​The tiniest contribution whether it be time, money, contacts, video editing, Instagram posting, or even being interviewed for the YouTube channel, will all make a difference. And I guess if no one wants to help out then the need for the Camp Space is null and void anyway, which is exactly why I wanted to raise the money this way…I’ll explain more about that in the next blog post.
If you can help, please Whatsapp me on 07761574793, and don’t forget to give me your name as it won’t show up!
For now, I wish you a Happy New Year, I hope that all of your dreams, wishes, and goals come true. Can’t wait to get together with you all in some capacity soon!