Sporting camaraderie and sheer enthusiasm were synonymous with the region J junior academy summer camp at Bicton Arena, which saw more than 60 young showjumpers come together from across the South West.

"Last year, our inaugural camp exceeded every expectation but it was even bigger and better this time," said British Showjumping accredited coach and Devon Area representative Mandy Frost, who spearheaded the popular initiative.

"It's been incredibly good fun, educational and very social. We actually had juniors affiliate just to come along to the camp. I'd like to thank everyone who helped make it run so smoothly, with special thanks to Susie Ford and all the parents who joined in over the three days."

Mandy's impressive team of British Showjumping and UKCC coaches consisted of Cornwall's Claire Rushworth, Jonathan Bowman from Wiltshire, Pat Crann from Shropshire, Nicky Florence from Gloucestershire, Erica Oldham from Devon and Ros Morgan from Glamorgan.

In addition to daily instruction from the coaching team an extensive range of talks and demonstrations filled the busy programme.

These included presentations from British Showjumping's director of training Nicky Fuller, Marksway Horsehage and Champion Hats.

Team-building exercises with Kay Simpson also proved a huge hit with the young riders who took part in a tug-o-war over the Devil's Dyke and a game of tag around Bicton's main arena.

"The fun and games with Kay were fantastic," said 13-year-old Olivia Sanford Wood from North Devon. "Our instructor Ros Morgan was an excellent teacher. She was understanding and friendly but firm."

Olivia's fellow group members Georgina Tucker and Kirsten Vincent agreed. "It was a brilliant experience and we learnt so much," they said. "We would like to thank Mandy and Susie for all their hard work."

Thirteen-year-old Danielle Lane from Exeter was also inspired by her coach Pat Crann.

"Our trainer gave me some really good advice," she said. "She showed me how to push my pony on take-off. It's worked as he's already picking up better. The three days were awesome."

The youngest group came under the tutelage of Claire Rushworth who was clearly impressed with their progress and enthusiasm.

"My kids soaked everything in like a sponge," said Claire. "Their confidence grew with each session."

Six-year-old Tegan Rowlands from Bath partnered her pony Hot Chilli Pepper. "Claire gave us a really good time and I'm proud to have jumped the skinny fence," she said.

Eight-year-olds Lucy Swift and Tahnia Jones agreed. "The best part was the jumping especially over the little course."

In addition to training and demonstrations, the camp provided the platform for making new friends and socialising.

"The kids got on really well," said Susie Ford. "It was also a wonderful opportunity for the parents to socialise. I'll never forget my trip to the local fish and chip shop for the camp and the look of surprise on the owner's face when I put in an order amounting to £86!"

A mini-nations cup competition brought the three days to an exciting climax when 12 teams battled to uphold the honour of their chef d'equipes/ trainers.

"It was the perfect way to bring the camp to an end," said Mandy. "It brought together all the elements from team-building to putting their training into practice."

Four teams returned clean sheets and each nominated a rider to face the clock. Mollie Trethewey kept a cool head on Prospect's Diamond to clinch a win for Jonathan Bowman's group of Daisy Dunn (Banner I'm A Star), Jack Stockdale (Skybourne II), Edward Sampson (Wave Rebel) and Danielle Thackray (Gem).

"Jonathan helped us all to ride a lot more forward and this really paid off in the jump-off," said 15-year-old Mollie, who lives near Bodmin. Jack Stockdale, 15, was also impressed. "Jonathan was a good instructor and got me into a better rhythm," he said.

Fifteen-year-old Daisy Dunn from Truro has had her pony for only four months. She summed up the instruction as invaluable in cementing their partnership.

Danielle Thackray, aged 14, focused on improving her pony's impulsion to a fence, while 15-year-old Edward Sampson concentrated on overcoming his habit of getting too deep to a fence.

Jonathan was thrilled as he watched their progress come to fruition in the ring: "They've been a good team from start to finish," he said, "And it's good to see their hard work rewarded with a win."

The victorious riders were delighted to receive presentation rugs generously sponsored by Vic and Mary Scarr while customised 2010 camp jackets were awarded to Olivia Tucker, Bella Brown, Sadie Jones and Georgina Hutchins who secured the second placed honours for their trainer Erica Oldham.

Customised camp numnahs also went to Ros Morgan's third placed team of Beth Ford, Olivia Sanford Wood, Chloe Jarman, Lauren Blunsdon and Kirsten Vincent.

Caroline Sanford Wood judged the best turnout, selecting Beth Ford (Jambo Jack) and Alice Nunn (Willow) as recipients of the Horse Heaven Saddlery sponsored rugs.

"Both these combinations did a fantastic job in turning out to a high standard," said Caroline.

Mandy added: "All our riders went home with a commemorative Junior Academy Camp 2010 lead rope and rosette and we look forward to seeing them next year."

For further information on the junior academies, call Mandy on 07968 055667.