The community got together to put six junior equestrians on the track to success.Bermuda Equestrian Federation members Marcus Darrell, Justus Anderson, Kristen Bean, Jesse Soares, Casey Truran and Christian Truran journeyed to Paddington Farm in Hume, Virginia to build on their horse riding knowledge and skills.The trip wouldn’t have been possible without funds raised from sponsors Belco, Red Laser, Kappa Alpha, Ren Re, ACT, Kiwanis Club of Hamilton Bermuda and various anonymous donors.The young people were exposed to fun and challenging activities as part of the programme, which ran from July 2 to 15.Bettina Truran, a BEF member and parent, said: “The days were long and very hot and the juniors rode many different mounts for endless hours a day.“These juniors were exposed to disciplines not available in Bermuda, such as cross-country, but they also successfully competed in equitation, hunters and jumpers as well.“Competing on horses and ponies not known to these juniors should have been a disadvantage when competing against riders on known mounts, however it wasn’t.“At each of the horse shows the juniors did very well and came home with several championships and reserve championships.”Over the two-week course, the riders built relationships with their peers and camp counsellors, as well as the special horses and ponies.Outside of riding and stable management, they were able to go tubing down the Shenandoah River, go-carting and fishing. They also visited the Morven Park Equine Medical Center and hit balls in a batting cage.Justus Anderson, age 15, said: “Wow! What words can I use to describe Paddington Farm Equestrian Camp experience? I guess in one word, awesome!”Twelve-year-old Kristen Bean said the experience taught her how to handle different horses. She said: “At the barn we rode many different horses [and] everyone had their own personality.“It was challenging to figure out each horse, how it moved, how it responded with the different riders. It was interesting how some of the horses did better with one rider.“At Paddington Farm I learned a lot of new skills to improve my riding position and my knowledge of horses.”Casey Truran, age 11, described it as a “fantastic camp”. He said: “Cross-country was my favourite because in Bermuda we don’t have enough space to let horses run and jump in the fields. I love just going out and riding.”The camp, airfare and expenses ran to roughly $3,000 per child. The junior riders’ families organised a trash-a-thon and received private and corporate sponsorship through the use of punch cards.The young people were grateful for all the donations that poured in and decided to give back to the community by volunteering at the Belco Rubber Duck event held earlier this summer. They plan to continue to volunteer with other charities throughout the year, the spokesman said.Mrs Truran said: “Giving back to the community is something that the children and their families are committed to doing to show their thanks and gratitude to all those who have provided support.“Two of the juniors chose to contribute their share of funds raised back to the remaining group to further provide assistance to the other families. A big thank you goes out to all those involved in giving these children an experience of a lifetime.”