Get the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics
Date: Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 June 2015
Organiser: Natalie Samuel
Contact: 07711 656480; natalie@farleyfarms.co.uk
Location: Berkshire
Entries open: 15 May
Ballot date: 29 May at 12 noon
Entries close: 10 June
Link to Farley Hall entries: www.britisheventing.com/farley-hall
How to get there
Swallowfield Park (RG7 1TG) is 10min from junction 11 of the M4. Access is changing from 2014 and signs will be clearer so please follow them if your lorry is over 10t. Otherwise postcode will get you near enough.
What the organisers say
The inaugural running of the event in 2014 was really successful and we learned loads about our site and course. The 2015 layout will mean lorry park, showjumping and dressage will move to the highest part of the park, which doesn’t flood.
All phases are on centuries-old turf with large warm-ups. The showjumping, designed by Mike Benfield, will be colourful and up-to-height.
The cross-country start will be moved to enable a bigger warm-up. Andrew Hunter’s courses are imposing, but kinder groundlines are planned on the open ditch and trakehner, and a softer BE100 water.
Although the going is level, Andrew utilises all undulations and there are many combination fences, especially in the novice. Fences will be well dressed, with unusual and fabulous flowers by our garden centre sponsor Henry Street. We want first-timers to complete but bold cross-country horses to win the day.
As the organisers event themselves, the going is paramount and will be prepared meticulously by the team at Farley Estate. Course pictures will go online before the day.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Good flat dressage, unfortunately it was pretty wet, but the organiser did a good job of utilising the main arenas for the best ground.” “Muddy in warm-up, but fences regularly moved and a well-run event — even with an air ambulance stop, there was not too much delay.”
Cross-country — “Very flat, lovely galloping track.” “Up to height but lovely and flowing BE100 level.” “Not good for nappy horses as they turn towards and away from car park and warm-up.” “Water complex is tricky due to location and jump into it. Not a first time BE100.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
IN: 89%
ON: 53%
N: 66%
BE100 Pony: 74%
BE100 Open: 53%
BE100: 46%
Download part one of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part one
Buy Eventing magazine’s April issue for our full horse trials guide detailing every event from July to October 2015 or purchase a digital copy of the guide here.