Confirmation of instructors for camp

[Jango]

So I just wanted to get some opinions, I'm booked on a 2 day camp at somerford with a few friends in less than two weeks. I've paid about a third (the deposit) and I'm due to pay the balance now. We've had a load of general information including menu, what to pack, time to arrive/leave. But they haven't confirmed the instructors. I've asked over email and messenger for them to confirm, but no response yet.. I'm a bit concerned I'm paying nearly 300quid and for that I want decent tuition.

Anyone who has done camps before is this normal not to know or should it be confirmed? I feel like she might be waiting until everyone has fully paid as she hasn't got great instructors or something? But if this is normal I guess I'll just have to hope for the best and pay!

 

[RachelFerd]

And that's why I've never booked onto these camps that are run at Somerford - i'm not sure why anyone books onto camps where the instruction isn't confirmed in advance?!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Ask again.

The quality of the instructors can make or break a camp. I wouldn't like to fetch up and take pot luck.

 

[DressageCob]

I find that surprising. When I've done camps at Somerford (Active Rider) they have the list of instructors available a year in advance, at the time of booking. I'd definitely push for the information. It's virtually pointless if it is not good tuition.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I booked a camp back in 2019, not Somerford, because the dressage trainer was someone I really liked. Got there to find it had been changed to a lady I had previously bought a horse off and we had had words about it!! Wont book a camp again!!

 

[milliepops]

I wouldn't be shelling out not knowing who was doing the teaching ?

 

[Ali27]

I went on my first camp at Somerford last July with camp plus and had no clue re instructor! I ended up with an amazing guy called David Lewellyn and requested him again in Oct. I now pop up to Somerford for clinics with him every few months ? I’ve just been on another camp last weekend and unfortunately he couldn’t be there but ended up with another good instructor although David is still my favourite ? I’m sure you will end up with a good instructor and have lots of fun?

 

[Sam_J]

I wouldn't be paying for anything until I knew who the instructor was. Over the years I have overheard various instructors at Somerford and not all have made a favourable impression!

 

[snowangel5]

I booked a camp back in 2019, not Somerford, because the dressage trainer was someone I really liked. Got there to find it had been changed to a lady I had previously bought a horse off and we had had words about it!! Wont book a camp again!!

That does not sound good fun

 

[Leandy]

How odd! If it is only two weeks away they must know what instructors they have booked. I don't think it is unreasonable to say you will not confirm and pay until you have those final details. This is important and relevant information!

 

[Ample Prosecco]

If you read your T&Cs you will probably find that they can change the instructor without notice anyway. Unless it is a 'Name' camp - like Ros Canter or someone - then most organisers will want the ability to replace an instructor last minute. Especially in the current climate where people can need to socially isolate at the drop of a hat.

Eland camps also never tell you who you have in advance. And the difference across the options is significant imho. I do prefer to know and always ask now before booking. Though I accept it might change.

 

[Jango]

Thanks everyone, really useful to see the responses. Still no response from the camp organiser... I tried to call her tonight and straight to voicemail. I don't mind if she could give me 4 names and then 1 changes or something, but I think it's a bit off no names at all. Part of it was just to go for the experience, staying over, watching lots of lessons etc. But I did want to have some decent lessons too. I was happy to book months ago when it's reasonable the instructors wouldn't be confirmed, especially in covid times. But it's less than 2 weeks away now!

 

[Xmasha]

The only camp ive been on where i can honestly say ive learnt something / progressed etc was a dressage one. With one instructor for the entire weekend. Theres usually a group of us who go to these camps and weve just come to the conclusion that you go for a horsey weekend of fun as opposed to actually learning anything. If you do its a bonus. To be fair to the instructors i think its a tough ask ( and there are some good ones who go ) as they have so many to teach , and they get an hour to teach a whole new group of people..
So personally i wouldnt worry who was teaching, just go and have a laugh.

 

[Jango]

Thanks everyone, managed to speak to her on the phone and she confirmed the names. Had a quick Google and all seems fine with the instructors ?. She was weird about it though, couldn't understand why I wanted to know before paying. And I don't know why she didn't confirm in the email. Very odd!