KEYSOE (1 & 2), Beds
17-18 May & 27-28 September
The course: The courses all include water and steps and include a good range of solid, well-built obstacles. The novice track is considered firm but fair, while the intro and pre-novice courses suit young horses and less experienced combinations. All tracks and arenas will be sanded and aerovated if necessary
Classes: Intro, PN, OPN, N, ON, IN
How to get there: From thesouth: A1, AA428 to Bedford, then B660. From M1: junction 13, A421 to Bedford, then B660. Keysoe is sited between Bedford and Kimbolton on the B660. The equestrian centre is signposted and is located along Church Road. A map is available by post, fax or online
Further information: Mr & Mrs Bates, The College Equestrian Centre, Church Road, Keysoe, Beds MK44 2JP (Tel: 01234 708400); e-mail: simon@thecollegeec.com; website: www.thecollegeec.com
KILMINGTON, Wilts
5-6 July
The course: There is a completely new site layout which incorporates a further 100 acres of undulating grassland not previously used by the event. The novice course will be up to height and includes ditches, natural road crossings and some fences unique to this event. The course remains big and galloping, although slightly shorter than before as the start/finish has been re-sited to fit in with the new intermediate course, which has been built to blendnaturally with the rolling country over which it runs and includes a lake and a quarry. The fences are well presented, up to height and substantially built. Everything will be done to make the going good in adverse weather conditions with many fences having all-weather take-offs and landings. Once again, there will be a course-walk with a top international rider on the Friday
Classes: N, JRN, ON, I, AI, CIC**
How to get there: Kilmington is situated off the B3092 between Mere and Maiden Bradley, 4 miles north of the A303
Further information: Carolyn Lissack, Grange Farm, Maiden Bradley, Warminster, Wilts BA12 7HX (tel: 01985 844296); (fax: 01985 844065); email: kht@rlqc.com
KIRRIEMUIR, Angus
8 June
The course: There will be three separate tracks for intro, pre-novice and novice competitiors. The courses are uncomplicated and will suit first-timers although there are combination fences with alternatives. The terrain is undulating so a reasonably fit horse is required. The track runs over permanent pasture and as it is on loam over gravel soils, drainage is excellent and this event will be able to run in all weathers. There is a particularly impressive water complex, which will have a different, and inviting entrance for each level
Classes: Intro , PN, N
How to get there: On approach from the main a929, take the a926 to Kirriemuir. Turn on to the 955, heading for The Glens. The event will be signposted from Kirriemuir
Further information: James Helvyer, Auchlishie Farm, Kirriemuir, Angus DD8 4LS (tel: 01575 574458)
KNAPTOFT, Leics
29-30 July
The course: The courses, both on permanent pasture, run over beautiful, undulating prime Fernie hunting country and make use of natural fence lines. They are up to height, straightforward and galloping, encouraging the bold novice or recently-upgraded intermediate. A few fences will be rebuilt for 2003. Both courses, the dressage arenas and the main show jumping ring will be aerovated and sand put down on take-offs and landings if necessary
Classes: N, ON, IN, JRN, I, OI, AI combined training (FEI 4* dressage and advanced show jumping for all grades of horses)
How to get there: On the A5199, 3 miles north of Husbands Bosworth, 10 miles south of Leicester, 8 miles east of the M1 junction 20 and 5 miles north of the A14
Further information: Julie Connell, The Maltings, 10 The Green, Clipston, Market Harborough, Leics LE16 9RS (tel: 01858 525336); (fax: 01858 525140); (mobile: 07850 500474); e-mail: jconnell@jconnell.demon.co.uk; website: www.bdwp.co.uk/jconnell
LAMBLEY HOUSE, Notts
19-20 July
The course: There are two dedicated tracks for pre-novice and novice competitors which are maintained all year round. The courses run across undulating permanent grassland, making full use of the natural features of the estate and boast a wide variety of obstacles, including a water complex and several improvements for 2003. Both tracks are up to height and have been specifically designed to beencouraging
Classes: PN, OPN, N, ON
How to get there: Lambley House is situated just off the B684 to the north east of Nottingham. The event will be signposted off the A614 Nottingham-Doncaster road and the A6097
Further information: William & Sarah Potter, Lambley House, Woodborough, Notts NG14 6EG (tel: 0115 965 4988); (fax: 0115 965 3723); Stuart Buntine, Cottage 5, Shelford Manor, Shelford, Notts NG12 1ER (tel: 01949 20042); (mobile: 07751 806143)
LARKHILL, Wilts
12-13 April
The course: Runs over springy old turf in mildly undulating country over substantial well built obstacles. The course drains well and is not adversely affected by heavy spring rain
Classes: Intro, PN, MOPN, OPN, N
How to get there: Larkhill is situated 3.5 miles north-west of Amesbury and is signed from the A303 and A345 to Larkhill Camp. Follow the red signs from the A303 and A345 to Larkhill Camp and then signs to Knighton Down
Further information: Major Simon Hall/Capt WPCJ Roberts, The King’s Troop, Ordnance Hill, St Johns Wood, London NW8 6PT (tel: 0207 414 4600); (fax: 0207 414 4636); co-organiser/secretary: Holly Farr, 1Victoria Place, Church Street, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Andover, Hants SP11 0AU (tel/fax: 01264 736042); email: hollyfarr@btinternet.com; website: www.bdwp.co.uk/lar
LINCOLNSHIRE, Lincs
22-23 March
The course: A good variety of well-built, straightforward fences, designed to give confidence early in the season. Run over flat, well drained light land, giving ideal going even under very wet conditions. Both courses are near maximum distance with a maximum number of fences
Classes: N, ON, PT, I, OI, OIU21
How to get there: The Lincolnshire showground is situated 3.5 miles north of Lincoln along the main A15 Lincoln-Brigg trunk road, half an hour from the A1. Follow signs on approach to the site to gain correct access
Further information: Anne Whitton, Byways, 10 Stockhouse Lane, Surfleet, Spalding, Lincs PE11 4AP(tel: 07789 512048 or 01775 680078). No calls after 8.45pm
LITTLE DOWNHAM (1 & 2), Cambs
26-27 July & 18-19 October
The course: Three separate courses which are up to height, solid and inviting, with easier blacklined alternatives at the more challenging fences. There are two water complexes, ditches and banks and the course will be altered for each event. All courses received positive comments from riders last year and are considered to be educational for horses at all levels
Classes: 26-27 July – Intro, PN, OPN,N, JRN, IN; 18-19 October – Intro PN, OPN, N, ON, IN
How to get there: 5 miles from Ely. From all directions, join the A10 and follow to the roundabout where the A1101 is signed to Wisbech. Join the A1101 and immediately turn left on to Black Bank road. At the T junction at the end, turn right and you will find the event on the left
Further information: Tina Ure, Ely Eventing Centre, Little Downham, Ely, Cambs CB6 2UD (tel: 01353 698952)
LLANYMYNECH, Powys
7 June
The course: Runs on relatively flat land with no steep hills and mainly old turf with a little woodland. There will be water features and use will be made of the natural contours of the land for other complexes. There will be several new fences for 2003 and all obstacles will be well built from solid timber
Classes: PN, OPN, JRN, N
How to get there: Six miles south of Oswestry on the A483 between Welshpool and Oswestry. Shrewsbury is about 15 miles to the east. Llanymynech is easy to reach from the M54, Chester and the M6
Further information: Jean Gow, Wern Sebon, Llanrhaeadr, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 0BU (tel: 01691 780426/mobile: 07771 745918); the secretary, Mrs Clowes (tel: 01691 682 625)
LONGLEAT, Wilts
30 May-1 June
The course: Runs on turf over deceptively undulating parkland so horses need to be fit. All three courses will be updated and the water complex developed in 2001 will be jumped for the first time. All combinations have good alternatives. The pre-novice track will include ditches and water. The intermediate track will have a number of new fences
Classes: PN, N, NAF, I, OI, AI
How to get there: The main entrance is off the A362 Warminster-Frome road
Further information: John Colson, Ridgeway Farm, Awliscombe, Honiton, Devon EX14 3PY (tel: 01404 841331); (mobile: 07860 621807); Theresa Dufosee, Nyland Farm, Nyland, Gillingham, Dorset (tel: 01963 370422)
LULWORTH, Dorset
25-27 July
The course: The park setting provides an excellent location while its old turf offers good going in all weathers. All courses will have some new fences for 2003. The tracks are up to height and the combinations are fairly technical, but all fences are well built from solid tember. There will be a different track for the CIC***. All areas will be treated in the event of dry weather
Classes: N, I, OIU21, A CIC*/**/***
How to get there: Five miles south of the A352 at Wool. Will be well signposted
Further information: Jenny Bown or Jane Jenkins, The Lulworth Estate, Lulworth Castle, Dorset BH20 5QS (tel: 01929 400352); (fax: 01929 400563); e-mail: jenny@lulworth.com or jane@lulworth.com; website: www.lulworth.com
MALPAS, Cheshire
31 August
The course: The course uses as many natural fence lines as possible, making this a confidence-giving, galloping track which is also educational. The track runs over mildly undulating terrain and is all on grass, largely over old pasture. There are two water crossings.
Classes: PN, OPN, N, ON
How to get there: 14 miles south of Chester, 6 miles north of Whitchurch, adjacent to the A41 at Hampton. The event will be well signed on the day
Further information: Tim & Dawn Ritson, Ebnal Grange, Nr Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8JE (tel: 01948 820524); (fax: 01948 820139)
MARCHINGTON, Staffs
21-22 June
The course: The new intro course has been designed with the same goals in mind as the pre-novice, so the fences will be weel built and the track inviting, but with enough questions to interest horse and rider
Classes: Intro, PN, OPN
How to get there: Forestside Farm is situated off the B5017 on the Draycott in the Clay-Uttoxeter road
Further information: Mr & Mrs RPN Roberts, 18 Mill End Lane, Alrewas, Burton on Trent, Staffs DE13 7BX (tel: 01283 790045).
MATTINGLEY, Hants
23-25 May
The course: The three courses are constructed using large timber. The intro class is intended to be educational and encouraging for horse and rider. The pre-novice track, which has encouraging alternatives, is suitable for all combinationsat this level, while the novice course has a number of new fences, including a considerably changed water jump. This is a bold track which has alternatives for the less experienced horse
Classes: Intro, PN, OPN, N, ON, IN Special Star section with CIC** dressage and intermediate show jumping
How to get there: Mattingley is on the B3349 between Hook and Heckfield. Leave the M3 at junction 5 and the M4 at junction 11. The trials will be signed from Hook and Heckfield
Further information: Richard Clapham, Moorcocks, Hook, Hants RG27 8LJ (tel/fax: 0118 9326 043)
MELTON MOWBRAY, Leics
13 August
The course: The terrain is open and hilly while the ground is clay with 8ins of top soil making old pasture. The pre-novice and novice courses will both have two new fences for 2003. There will be a good variety of obstacles, including banks, drops, steps, ditches, a corner and a water complex. The take-offs and landings will be sanded in most cases and a land maintenance plan will shortly be underway
Classes: PN, N
How to get there: Take junction 21a off the M1 onto the A46. Follow this road for 10 miles until you get to a roundabout. Turn left towards Newark on a dual carriageway. Do not take the first Melton sign, insteadturn off at the Six Hills sign on the left. 200 yards later turn left. Travel 3 miles to the A6006 Loughborough road, heading towards Melton Mowbray. At the next roundabout turn left for Ashfordby Hill, go straight over the following roundabout and the event is sited 1 mile on the left opposite a golf course. FromMelton Mowbray, follow the A6006 to Loughborough on the right as you leave the town
Further information: Capt Boyd & WO2 Weller, Defence Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray, Leicester LE13 0JU (tel: 01664 411675 or 01664 418676)
MILTON KEYNES (1, 2 & 3), Bucks
30 April-1 May; 20-22 June & 22-23 August
The course: A good viewing course over undulating permanent pasture. All of the courses are of medium severity, with the fences traditional and well built. The intro and pre-novice courses will be subtly different at each of the three events this season. The novice course is having a major overhaul with a number of new fences being built to give it a new look and riders new challenges. The intermediate course is also being overhauled, with the challenging hedge corners being retained. The purchase of an aerovater means that the ground conditions will be some of the best to be found at this time of the year. Much effort is going into ensuring that take-offs and landings are of good quality
Classes: 30 April-1 May – Intro, PN; 20-22 June – Intro, PN, N, NAF, I, OI; 22-23 August – Intro, PN, N
How to get there: Take Junction 14 off the M1 and head for Newport Pagnell, then Gayhurst and Lathbury. Turn left to Hanslope, then in the village turn right then left into Castlethorpe Road. From the A5 at Stony Stratford take the A508 to Northampton and then the second right to Cosgrove and Castlethrope. Go over the canal, fork left in Castlethrope and Milton Keynes EC is sited 1.5 miles on the left. It will be signed
Further information: Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre, Castlethorpe Road, Hanslope, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK19 7HQ (tel: 01908 511329); (fax: 01908 510167) e-mail: admin@miltonkeyneseventingcentre.com; website:www.mkec.co.uk
MONMOUTH, Monmouth
20 September
The course: Mainly flat with one small hill over permanent pasture. Plenty of good natural hedges in fence lines, plus a water jump and several ditches. The course is of medium severity and there are alternatives at the more difficult fences. A friendly event with an interesting and varied selection of fences
Classes: Intro (tbc), PN, OPN, N
How to get there: From the roundabout at the west end of the Raglan by-pass take the “Old Abergavenny Road” (not the A40 dual carriageway). Proceed for 4 miles and take the right turn signed Llanarth. The trials is about 3 miles from here and will be signed. From Hereford, take the A49 to Ross-on-Wye, then the A466 to Monmouth and the B4521 to Abergavenny. Turn left after Cross Ash for Llantilio Crossenny. Using the B4233 from Monmouth to Abergavenny is not recommended
Further information: Tom Vesey, Old House Farm, Dingestow, Monmouth NP5 4EB (tel: 01600 740419); (fax: 01600 740302); entries Rosemary Cann, Randle Hayes Farm, Aylesbeare, Exeter, Devon EX5 2JN (tel: 01395 232915); (fax: 01395 232330)
MORETON MORRELL (1 & 2), Warks
7-8 May & 27-28 September
The course: Run on grassland and over some areas of undulating parkland. It contains a variety of solid fences with alternatives and a water complex. An aerovator will be used if the ground is hard
Classes: 7-8 May – Intro, PN, N, IN; 27-28 September – Intro, PN, N
How to get there: Warwickshire College campus is situated half a mile from the Fosse Way, adjacent to Moreton Morrell village, south of the M40. Please do not go through the village
Further information: Sarah Bland, Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell, Warks CV35 9BL (tel: 01926 318291); e-mail: sbland@warkscol.ac.uk
MOUNT BALLAN, Monmouth
4 September
The course: Runs over undulating terrain, but is not hilly. Most of the track will be on grass farmland, with a small section on parkland close to the scenic Caldicot Castle. The course will include a natural water hazard. There will be some changes made in 2003
Classes: PN, N
How to get there: Drive over the old Severn Bridge to the Chepstow turning. Take the A48 towards Newport and the Wales & West Showground is about four miles along that road. Will be signposted with Wales & West signs from the A48
Further information: Diana Bown, Uplands, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP6 6BQ (tel: 01291 622419); (fax: 01291 626202); e-mail: dianabown@compuserve.com; entries secretary Rosemary Cann, Randlehayes Farm, Aylesbeare, Exeter, Devon EX5 2JN (tel: 01395 2329150); (fax: 01395 232330). No calls after 9pm
MUNSTEAD, Surrey
20 September
The course: Created by the designer of Stilemans,the track runs all on farmland. It will be a true intro/pre-novice course – there will be no water due to expense – which is intended to provide a straightforward, encouraging outing for young horses and inexperienced riders. The terrain is fairly flat and the track runs in and out of woodland
Classes: Intro, PN, OPN (tbc)
How to get there: Munstead is on the B2130 out of Godalming
Further information: Rupert Harvie, Heath Farm, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1UN (tel: 01483 418271)
