Aspire Equestrian

Horsemanship Camps

Our Aspire Equestrian Joe Midgley Horsemanship Camps are geared towards equestrians who are interested in:

Developing a partnership with their horses through learning to read them better.
Developing a partnership with their horses through groundwork and improved timing and feel.
Solving problems arising from a horse’s fear, confusion or poor earlier training.
Building a solid foundation for any horse of any age, onto which more specialist skills are built.

What does an Horsemanship Camp involve?

Joe and Krissie already run very successful and popular camps, individually. However, inspired by great feedback from our initial joint clinics and camps, we have decided to continue offering a total immersion camp for some intense learning in luxury accommodation. Learn in comfort and in a stunning setting!

Dr Krissie Ivings will give talks on rider confidence and peak performance while Joe will focus on what horses need from us, and how to help them find safety and confidence in you.

You'll take part in:

Ground and ridden sessions with your horse focusing on foundational work, trust and confidence.
Private lesson with Joe focusing on any issue of your choice: behavioural, foundational or peak performance. From separation anxiety or loading to canter transitions and pirouettes.
Presentations, workshops and demos.

Your camp experience also includes these benefits:

Hacking opportunities in hacking heaven!
Paddock turn out
Luxury cottage accommodation in twin rooms
Hot tub access
Fully catered – breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus plenty of cakes and snacks
Welcome drinks

Prices

Places on an Aspire Equestrian Joe Midgley Horsemanship Camp are available at £445 each. Spectators are welcome to attend these camps, which offer a rich learning experience to anyone attending.

Upcoming Camps

Head over to our Camp Dates page to find out when and where our upcoming camps are being held. You can also secure your place on an Aspire Equestrian Camp using our Online Booking System.

View Upcoming Camps

The Delivery Team

Dr Krissie Ivings

Krissie is the director of Aspire Therapy Services Ltd. and Aspire Equestrian. She is a Consultant Chartered Clinical Psychologist and amateur eventer. She was a nervous rider following some serious falls, and has overcome her own fears to be able to event confidently. She is passionate about helping people re-discover the love!

“I recognised that skills that I was teaching others in therapy were hugely helping my riding and other sports. Positive reframing, supportive self-talk, attentional focus, resilience and visualisations are skills and strategies that readily transferred across to horse riding and general wellbeing. They work!”

Joe Midgley

For the last 10 years, Joe Midgley has been travelling the UK and internationally working with horses and riders of all levels. Joe teaches people how to communicate with horses, how to read their emotions and intent, to overcome problems or improve performance. Horses are incredibly gifted in telling us what they want, but it is up to us to learn to listen.

Joe has worked and competed all over the world, studying with some of the best horsemen and women of our generation and has been recognized as one of the UK's leading horsemen, specifically in the fields of educating young horses, helping the troubled horse and as an authority on the traditions of the classical Vaquero and Buckaroo.

Joe however helps riders from all disciplines believing that a solid foundation benefits ALL horses, whatever their specialist skills.

Camp location

This Camp is held at Peak Homestead, Alstonefield.

The Homestead is nestled in the heart of the Peak District, offering wonderful self guided hacking. Grab a map and go exploring! Various circular routes straight from the Homestead can be recommended.

Find out more

What our campers say

“Krissie is absolutely amazing. After riding for years in my teens, I totally lost my confidence. I was terrified and never thought t I would sit on a horse again, let alone be cantering and jumping. In my first session I was petrified sat on my daughter’s horse on a lead rein. 3 sessions later I was jumping a metre. Absolutely unbelievable and totally down to Krissie’s sessions”

Charlotte

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What our campers say

Amazing camp, lovely facilities and caring instructors to build your confidence and have you exceeding your expectations!!!! I literally can’t believe how much I progress at these camps!

LJ Tanglewood

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What our campers say

All the team are so lovely and helpful. Positive vibes all weekend, great trainers too and gorgeous food! What more do you need?

I would recommend to anyone, regardless of ability and experience, you will improve so much without even realizing.

I cant wait to go again this summer.

Jane Butler

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What our campers say

I started writing this for a friend who asked me about the camp in a private message and thought that sounds like a review so here it is. Krissie who runs it was on our yard for ages and is a clinical psychologist - she has not had the easiest of rides in following her dream of being able to event but has stuck with the highs and lows that horses bring and so gets it. The 3 coaches are my go to coaches that I have oodles of faith in and love the fact that they are truly interested in helping to improve all abilities not just elite athletes which I and many are not x

Sally Madden

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What our campers say

Brilliant camp, so we'll organised by a lovely friendly team with really fabulous instructors who really work hard to get the best out of you and your horse. Would 100% recommend and will definitely be back. Thank you all for the last 3 days it was great.

Olivia Johnson

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What our campers say

I cannot recommend Krissie enough. After a couple of nasty falls, my last one at the mounting block it completely shattered my confidence and I was at a point that I'd decided in my own head I could never get on my much loved horse again! Luckily Krissie is at our stables and offered to help. She worked a miracle because after 1 session I was back on ! She is still working with me and today I even ventured out of the arena. She’s fantastic at what she does and I'll always be grateful xxxx

Sophie Webster

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What our campers say

Just returned from our first ever camp - I can’t recommend it enough! If you’re unsure trust me it’s worth every penny and more.

It’s so well organised from start to finish. Nothing is too much trouble, they listen to you, the coaches were amazing and just get the best out of you and your horse.

I will definitely be booking again for next year.

Thanks for everything.

Leanne Derbyshire

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How much does camp cost?

Places on an Aspire Equestrian Joe Midgley Horsemanship Camp are available at £445 each. A £100 deposit is required to secure your booking.
Do I have to bring my own horse?

Yes, this camp is for riders and handlers with their own horses.
Do I have to ride?

No, riding is not necessary. All sessions can be from the ground and the camp is therefore suitable for unbacked youngsters or those currently not in work.
Can I have a stable?

The horses are penned on grass in individual paddocks, but you can request a stable instead if you wish, for a small additional fee.
Is the hacking guided?

The cottage has access to hacking direct from the front door and many people hack out on the first day before the taught element of the camp begins. However these are fully optional self-guided hacks. The cottage owners can give suggestions of popular rides, but it is recommended that you have your own maps as you need to make your own decisions about what kind of hack is suitable for your horse. Be aware some of the hacks include very steep terrain.
Will I be sharing a room?

The accommodation is in twin rooms in a holiday cottage. You will be allocated one bed in a shared room. However you can always sleep in lorries if you prefer, and still have access to the cottage facilities: showers, living spaces, kitchen, patio area, hot tub.
Will spectators be there?

In common with most camps and clinics of this type, there is a huge interest in this kind of work, and spectators are invited. We limit spectators to 20, so you won’t be riding in front of hundreds. Spectators add to the learning of the camp for everyone as Joe explains what is happening, they ask interesting questions etc.
How do I attend as a spectator?

Spectators interested in the demonstrations and observing the horsemanship work are welcome, and can book via out contact form for one or both days. All spectators will need to bring a packed lunch and a camping chair, your drinks and snacks will be provided. Spectator fees are: £25 a day or £40 for both days.