Wilson sisters reach out to new riders

The programme is an adventure, says Kelly Wilson. PHOTO/FILE

THEY MIGHT have become household names through their television show, Keeping Up with the Kaimanawas, which followed their journey to train wild Kaimanawa horses in just 150 days for the National Wild Horse Challenge but the Wilson sisters like nothing better than engaging face to face with those involved in equestrian sport.

And that's why Vicky, Kelly and Amanda Wilson have commenced their first nationwide tour which will see them run CopRice Showtym camps at five different locations, including Masterton.

The first of them got under way in Taupo yesterday and concluded today, then at the Solway Showgrounds in Masterton from March 19 to 22, McLean's Island in Christchurch from March 30 to April 2, Marlborough Equestrian Park in Blenheim from April 4 to 6 and Woodhill Sands in Auckland from April 9 to 11.

Speaking to the Wairarapa Times-Age yesterday, Kelly Wilson said similar camps held at their home base in Northland had proved very popular but the sisters were always aware of the travel costs which could prohibit riders, particularly in the lower North Island and the South Island, from attending them.

"By taking the camps on the road we thought we could provide a better opportunity for more people to take part, and the response has been terrific," Kelly Wilson said.

In Masterton, for instance, some 75 riders have already signed up, with that number swelled further by the 30 to 40 non-riders who will take up a watching brief.

Kelly Wilson labelled the camp programme as an "adventure" and it's easy to understand why. From an instructional viewpoint it will cover a wide field, including horse welfare, handling and horsemanship. The skills needed for bushwhacking, trail rides and equestrian triathlons will be on the agenda too.