ALDON (1 & 2), Somerset
21-23 March & 17-19 October
The course: Runs on grass parkland on Yeovil sand. The going is excellent in all weathers and only snow is likely to cause cancellation. The pre-novice and novice courses are not too demanding for the trials’ early-season slot and are intended for first-timers. The intermediate is up to size. The tracks in the autumn are different from those at the spring trials and are likely to run in an alternative direction. It is hoped to build a new water complex for 2003.
Classes: 21-23 March – PN, N, I, OI, OIU21, AI
17-19 October 20-22 – PN, N2D, JN2D
How to get there: On the A37 Dorchester road out of Yeovil
Further information: Sue Batten, Church Farm, Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne, Dorset (tel: 01935 872482); Mrs Kenney-Herbert (tel: 07713 097520)
ALLERTON PARK, North Yorks
13-14 September
Thecourse: Runs over undulating parkland, along the lakeside and through a beautiful wooded area. The water complex for all of the classes has been altered and the start and finish have een re-sited.
Classes: PN, OPN, N, I, OI, CIC**
How to get there: Allerton Park lies parallel to the A1, north of Wetherby
Further information: Di Aspinall, Swan Cottage, Carlton Husthwaite, Thirsk, North Yorks YO7 2BW (tel/fax: 01845 501451/fax: 01845 501631/website: allerton-park-estate.com).
ASKE HALL (1 & 2), North Yorks
28-29 June & 20-21 September
The course: Runs over old turf on ground which is good whatever the weather. The terrain is undulating and the tracks run in front of the hall and through the lake. All courses are solid, well built and inviting and are constructed from big timber. The Staircase is unique to Aske, as are some of the fences on the intermediate track. The Millennium Bounce has been removed and is now a single wall. The first section through the trees has also been taken out, due to inherent wet conditions. All fences that caused problems in the past have been modified and jump well. Competitors should view the course asa fair upgrade to intermediate level.
Classes: 28-29 June – PN, N, NAF, I OI; 20-21 September – PN, N, I, OI
How to get there: The estate is two miles from the A1 at Scotch Corner on the B6274. On the Scotch Corner-Richmond road (A6108) turn right at the first roundabout towards Gilling West (B6274). Wagons can enter from the A66-B6274 Gilling West-Richmond road. As we have a new access, however, wagons must leave towards Richmond. The trials will be signposted
Further information: Chris Graham, Lane Ends, Manfield, Darlington DL2 2RJ (tel: 01325 374263); Margaret Steel, Bradley Farm, Sandy Lane, Wolviston, Cleveland TS22 5NB (tel: 01740 644287/fax: 01740 631112); David Robinson, Dilston House, Aldborough St John, Richmond, North Yorks (tel: 01325 374182).
ASTON LE WALLS (1, 2 & 3), Northants
9-11 May, 19-20 July & 6-9 August
The course: The courses are constantly being varied, but are always run over old turf and are designed and built to be encouraging and educational. Immense time and money are spent on the ground to ensure the best possible going
Classes: 9-11 May – PN, OPN, N, ON, I, OI; 19-20 July – N, A; 6-9 August – Intro, PN, OPN, N, IN, I, OI
How to get there: Aston le Walls is situated on the A361 between Daventry and Banbury. It is about eight miles from the M40 and 10 miles from the M1
Further information: The secretary, Fiona Haynes(tel: 07941 076360; e-mail: haynes@tuckeybarn.freeserve.co.uk)
ASWANLEY, Aberdeens
6 September
The course: It is our ambition to continually upgrade and improve the course to keep it rider-friendly but challenging, making the most of the wonderful variety of natural ditches, burns and banks. All courses are run over undulating parkland, with the odd Scottish hill and a fast galloping stretch beside the River Deveron. The intro course, new in 2001, is considered the ideal education for young horses
Classes: Intro, PN, N
How to get there: 40 miles from Aberdeen. Take the A96 Aberdeen-Inverness road. Turn left after Huntly, taking the A920 towards Dufftown. After 5 miles, turn left, signposted Haugh of Glass and Aswanley is 400m on the left. Will be signed from the A96
Further information:Pamela Ingleby, Aswanley, Glass, Huntley, Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB54 4XJ (tel: 01466 700262; fax: 01466 700222; e-mail: pam@aswanley.com; website: www.aswanley.com)
AUCHINLECK, Ayr
26-27 July
Sponsor: Super Solvitax
The course: Run over undulating farmland, the courses are built with solid timber. The more difficult fences have options. A number of new fences were built in 2002 and more will be added in 2003 to keep the tracks up to their usual high standard.
Classes: PN, N, JRN, I, A
How to get there: From the A70 Ayr/Cumnock road, Auchinleck lies on the B7036 off the A76
Further information: Aly Boswell, Auchinleck Estate, Auchinleck, Ayrshire KA18 2LR (tel/fax: 01290 551517); the secretary Mrs A Pawson, Waterhaughs, Darvel, Ayrshire KA17 0EJ(tel/fax: 01560 322609); e-mail: auchinleck@eventing.net; website: auchinleckhorsetrials.org.uk
BADMINTON, Glos
1-4 May
The course: Relatively flat and all on old turf, much of which has been drained so that the going is good. The course has followed a similar track each year, though in 2003 it will again start and finish in the main arena. Several new obstacles are always introduced, although famous features like the Quarry and Lake are used annually. The event is at the top of the FEI grading system (four-star) and the course is generally regarded as the most demanding in the world, although there are easier, if time-consuming, alternatives. The steeplechase has weather-resistant take-offs and landings
Classes: CCI****
How to get there: Four miles from junction 18 of the M4, 15 miles from Bristol, Bath and Stroud; 10 miles from Tetbury. AA signs within 10-mile radius
Further information:The secretary, Jane Tuckwell (tel: 01454 218272) All details for visitors are on the website: www.badminton-horse.co.uk
BELTON, Lincs
12-13 April
The course: The novice course has alternatives to suit inexperienced horses. The intermediate is of average severity. The advanced is a straightforward, galloping course of maximum dimensions which is suitable for first-timers.
Classes: N, I, OIU21, AI, A, AU25
How to get there: Belton Park is on the A607 Grantham to Lincoln road, 3 miles from Grantham and 4 miles from the A1
Further information: Anne Whitton, Byways, 10 Stockhouse Lane, Surfleet, Spalding, Lincs PE11 4AP (tel: 07889 512048/01775 680078). No calls after 8.45pm.
BERKSHIRE COLLEGE, Berks
23-24 September
The course: Runs over undulating permanent pasture which provides good spectator viewing. The fences are designed to be fair but challenging.
Classes: Intro, N
How to get there: Berkshire College of Agriculture is just off the A404, which links the M4 to the M40
Further information: Amanda King, Berkshire College, Hall Place, Burchetts Green, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 6QR (tel: 01628 824444/827420/fax: 01628 824695)
BERRINGTON HALL, Hereford
2-3 August
The course: It is varied and interesting and runs over old pasture, so the going is invariably good with a reasonable covering of grass. It includes a water complex and a steep hill, so fit horses are an asset. It is generally appreciated by both pre-novice and novice horses
Classes: Intro, PN, JRN, N
How to get there: Three miles north of Leominster on the A49, 7 miles south of Ludlow on the west side of the A49. Will be signposted
Further information: Anne James, The Hop Kiln, Tedstone Wafre, Bromyard, Hereford HR7 4PP (tel: 01885 488803); Sheila Berry, Apple Cross, Stoke Bliss, Tenbury Wells, Worcs WR15 8RZ (tel: 01885 410229)
BICTON, Devon
14-16 March
The course: Bicton Park can survive almost all weather conditions. Mike Etherington-Smith has designed several new fences for all three courses, which will be up to height and encouraging. All courses have been designed to flow, and while the terrain is unavoidably hilly, all tracks are built bearing this and the trials’ early season slot in mind. The pre-novice and novice courses have a good variety of fences and are built to encourage. There is no fence on entry into the pre-novice water. The intermediate track uses some of the advanced fences, which is unavoidable due to cost, but the track is a confidence-builder. The advanced is a minimum distance pre-Badminton warm-up and a confidence-builder for intermediate horses about to upgrade and young advanced horses at the start of the season.
Classes: PN, N, I, OI, OIU21, A
How to get there: Bicton is situated 7 miles south of exit 30 on the M5 motorway. After leaving the M5, take the A3052 towards Sidmouth. After about 5 miles, at the Halfway Inn, turn right towards Bicton/Yettington. From the east A303/A30, take the B3180 about 5.5 miles west of Honiton, following signs for Budleigh Salterton, crossing the A3052 at the Halfway Inn. (Vehicle access to Bicton Arena cannot be gained through Bicton Park)
Further information: Arthur Stevens (tel: 01404 871296); e-mail: arthur@bicton.com; Mrs Spencer, Moor Lane House, Talaton, Exeter, Devon EX5 2RG (tel: 01404 822778); e-mail: sue@bicton.com; website: www.bicton.com
BISHOP BURTON (1 & 2), East Yorks
23-25 May & 11-12 October
The course: Runs over undulating grassland and some woodland and is designed to cater for all grades. All courses have had some alterations made for this year. The advanced track is ideal for horses and riders competing at their first advanced event
Classes: 23-25 May & 11-12 October – PN, N, I, A
How to get there: Bishop Burton is situated on the A1079 between Market Weighton and Hull, 2 miles west of Beverley, approximately 8 miles from the M62
Further information:Susie Sherpa-Baer, Bishop Burton College, Beverley, East Yorkshire HU17 8QG (tel: 01964 553087). For withdrawals and starting times only (tel: 01964 553087/01964 553062)
BLAIR CASTLE, Perth
21-24 August
The course: The CCI*** track has been newly built for the inaugural three-star class and boasts feature fences, including two water complexes. The CCI* provides an appropriate introduction to three-day eventing and makes use the undulating terrain
Classes: CCI*, CCI***
How to get there: A mile off the A9 – the main north Perth-Inverness road- 30 miles north of Perth. All motorway and dual carriageway from the south
Further information:The secretary, Cathy Jackson, Horse Trials Office, Blair Atholl, Perthshire PH18 5TH (tel: 01796 481543); (fax: 01796 481455); e-mail: info@blairhorsetrials.co.uk; web site: www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk
BLENHEIM, Oxon
11-14 September
The course: The flowing encouraging track will feature several new fences and a possible change of route. There will be on-going improvement of the footing on all phases.
Classes: CCI***
How to get there: On the A44, about six miles north of Oxford. It will be clearly signposted
Further information:The Secretary, Horse Trials Office, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxford OX20 1PS (tel: 01993 813335); (fax: 01993 813337); e-mail: bht@btconnect.com; website: www.petplanequine.co.uk
BOLD HEATH, Cheshire
10 August
The course: Runs over flat, permanent grassland. Some new novice fences will be built with additional pre-novice fences to be used as alternatives
Classes: PN, N
How to get there: Take junction 7 off the M62 and then the A57 towards Warrington. The equestrian centre is about 2 miles along this road
Further information: Janet Baker, Bold Heath Equestrian Centre, Heath House Farm, Bold Heath, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 3XT (tel: 0151 424 5151)
BOROUGH COURT Hants
11-12 October
The course: A galloping, straightforward course built of solid timber. It runs along the picturesque Whitewater River valley and woods surrounding the house. There is a good variety of fences, including a water jump, which all ride well. Alternatives are provided
Classes: Intro, N, ON, IN
How to get there: M3 junction 5 and take the A30 at Hook. The trials is signposted from Hook. M4 junction 11 and take the Basingstoke/Hook road and follow signs from Hook
Further information: Sally Bullen, Borough Court, Hartley Wintney, Hampshire RG27 8JA (tel: 01252 842592)
BOVINGTON, Dorset
30 April
The course: Runs over generally flat permanent pasture. The fences are well built and will include some portable obstacles with alternatives. There will also be a water complex. The take-offs and landings will be prepared. The track will be designed to suit first-time intro and pre-novice combinations.
Classes: Intro, PN.
How to get there: Bovington is situated 10 miles east of Dorchester off the A35 at Bere Regis and approximately 15 miles west of Wimborne off the A31. In both cases follow signs for the Tank Museum.
Further information: Stephanie Buchanan, RAC Saddle Club, Allenby Barracks, Bovington, Wareham, Dorest BH20 6JA (tel: 01929 403580).
BRADWALL, Cheshire
April 27-28
The course: Wellbuilt courses which run over established grass and parkland.
Classes: PN, OPN, N, IN,
How to get there: Bradwell is sited 2 miles north-west of junction 17 on the M6 at Sandbach.
Further information: Anne Barlow, Bradwall Manor, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 9RF (tel: 01270 762036); (fax: 01270 753830).
BRAMHAM, West Yorks
5-8 June
The course: The track now runs completely over permanent grass in undulating country. The magnesium limestone soil drains well without becoming too hard in dry weather. The roads and tracks run mostly through woodland. It is planned for 2003 that the cross-country will follow a similar line to last year, going twice through the water, and being much the same distance. However, there will be around seven significant changes to fences. A fit horse will be required
Classes: CCI***, Under-25 Championships
How to get there: Bramham Park is 5 miles south of Wetherby on the A1, 10 miles from York and 15 miles from Leeds
Further information:Gail Dale, The Horse Trials Office, Bramham Park, Wetherby, West Yorks LS23 6ND (tel: 01937 846005); (fax: 01937 846006); email: info@bramham-horse.co.uk; website: www.bramham-horse.co.uk
BRECHIN CASTLE, Angus
11 May
The course: A novice course has been constructed for 2003. Last year, the pre-novice track was lengthened and made more flowing. A lot of attention is given to the going, especially through the lower section. The courses has been specifically designed and built to the highest standard to encourage competitors and the tracks comprise a mixture of grass and woodland. Thereis a variety of inviting fences, including water.
Classes: Intro, PN, N, IN
How to get there: The event is situated midway between Dundee and Aberdeen around 500m from the dual carriageway. Take the Southern Brechin exit off the dual carriageway, follow signs to Brechin Castle Centre and the ground is on the right opposite the centre
Further information:Secretary, Tim Bennett, East Lodge, Maulesden, Brechin, Angus, Scotland DD9 6RL (tel/fax: 01356 623262); (mobile: 07710 067379); email: bc.equestrian@virgin.net; website: www.bcequestrian.com; entries secretary: Lyn Chalmers, Fairview, Dyke, Forres, Moray IV36 2TE, (tel: 01309 641437).
BRICKY, Dorset
28 September
The course: The separate cross-country courses are up to size. Varied challenges offered, including corners, ditches, banks, drops, water and hedges for each class, while the fences are made to a high standard. The terrain is undulating, and as both courses are in the region of 2.5km, a fit horse is recommended
Classes: Intro, PN
How to get there: Bricky horse trials is just north of the A35 between Dorchester and Bridport. Access for all vehicles is by way of the A35. There will be clear signposting at the time and precise directions will be sent out with entry confirmation letters.
Further information: Michael or Sally Munden, Bricky Farm, Toller Porcorum, Dorset DT2 0DW (tel: 01300 320868); email: michael.munden@brickyfarm.com
BRIGHTLING PARK, East Sussex
12-13 July
The course: Over naturally undulating parkland. The fences are solidly constructed with alternatives. Viewing is good. The advanced course will be up to height. Special efforts are made to provide good going
Classes: Intro, N, I, OI, OIU21, A
How to get there: Brightling Park is 4 miles off the A21 London/Hastings road at Robertsbridge.
Further information:Gardie Grissell, Brightling Park, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5HH (tel: 01424 838241); (fax: 01424 838378)
BROCKENHURST PARK, Hants
16-17 August
The course: The pre-novice course is aimed at first-timers. Novices will run over the old course, which takes advantage of the natural features. It is considered to be of top-end difficulty and it has two new fences added every year. The advanced course is up to height and built with big timber. It provides an excellent run for those aiming for a three-day as it requires a fit horse. Some of the advanced course is being kept as a semi-permanent track and will be topped and aerated throughout the year, together with the show jumping arena
Classes: PN, N, IN, INU21, A
How to get there: Situated half a mile off the A337 Brockenhurst-Lymington road. Will be signposted from the A337
Further information:Trisha Rickards,Brockenhurst Park, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7QP (tel: 01590 6222440; (fax: 01590 622522); website: www.brockpark.com
BROUGHAM, Cumbria
6 April
The course: A big but simple track with problems for the rider but not the horse. The course was realigned a couple of years ago when a significant number of new fences were added. Upgrading is continuing this year and the pre-novice track is significantly different from the novice course
Classes: PN, N
How to get there: About half a mile south of Penrith on the east side of the A6. M6 junction 40. Competitors are asked not to use the side road from the A66 because of the low bridge at Brougham Hall, but to enter fromthe A6. No gate money for members of the BHS
Further information: Ken Sharp, Pele House, Brougham, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 2DD (tel: 01768 863378).
BUCKMINSTER PARK, Lincs
5-6 July
The course: Regular competitors will find several new challenges on the cross-country. First-timers will find the courses suitable, as all the technical fence have alternatives. The water jump is ideal for inexperienced horses as it hads a kind alternative
Classes: PN, N, IN, JRN
How to get there: Buckminster Park is situated 8 miles south of Grantham and will be signposted from the A1 and Buckminster village
Further information:Kate Letchford, Newsham House, Newsham, Thirsk, N Yorks YO7 4DF (tel: 01845 587225); (fax: 01845 587121); (mobile: 07989 659490)
BURGHLEY, Lincs
4-7 September
The course: A four-star track
Classes: CCI****
How to get there: Off the A1, 90 miles north of London
Further information: Burghley Horse Trials Office, Stamford, Lincs (tel: 01780 752131); e-mail: info@burghley-horse.co.uk; website: www.burghley-horse.co.uk
BURGIE CCI, Moray
12-15 June
The course: Hugh Lochore’s courses are inviting, brilliantly presented and they ride well. The steeplechase is mostly flat on good ground and the roads and tracks are almost completely ongrass. Following the success of the new dramatic water jump in 2002, Hugh is planning a new loop this year, taking out the distant Brodieshill fences and incorporating a new inner circuit through the Glen
Classes: N, N2D, CCI*, CCI**
How to get there: On the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road, situated 3 miles east of Forres and 8 miles west of Elgin
Further information: Horse Trials Office, Burgie House, Forres, Moray (tel: 01343 850128); (fax: 01343 850424); e-mail: secretary@burgie.org; website: www.burgie.org
(“WEE”) BURGIE (2), Moray
20 September
The course: An excellent viewing course which runs over undulating ground and provides ideal first-time outings at intro/pre-novice level while also offering an interesting, up-to-height novice
Classes: Intro, PN, N
How to get there: On the A96 Aberdeen-Inverness road, 3 miles east of Forres and 8 miles west of Elgin
Further information:Eddie Stuart, Wester Kintrae, By Duffus, Moray IV30 8XJ (tel: 01343 548151); (fax: 01343 569372); e-mail: eddie@weeburgie.org; e-mail for the trials: trials@weeburgie.org; website: www.weeburgie.org
BURNHAM BEECHES, Bucks
27-28 August
The course: On well-drained, undulating terrain and including a water complex designed to encourage the young horse. At least two new fences will be built for 2003, although major changes are planned if a main sponsor is found in time
Classes: PN, OPN, N, ON
How to get there: From M4 junction 7 and follow RAC signs. From M40 junction 2 head towards Slough and follow RAC signs
Further information:Sheila Western-Kaye, Snowball Farm, Dorney Wood Road, Burnham, Bucks (tel: 01628 663729)
BURNHAM MARKET (1 & 2), Norfolk
16-18 April & 19-21 September
The course: A lovely bold and flowing course built for the first event was extended to accommodate intermediate classes in 2000, with an interesting selection of new obstacles, including a second water. A reasonably fit horse is required, as the undulating course starts uphill and this part of Norfolk is far from flat!
Classes: 16-18 April – Intro, PN, OPN, N, ON, JRN, I, OI, CIC**; 19-21 September – Intro, PN, OPN, N, ON, A
How to get there: Burnham Market is 20 miles north-east of King’s Lynn and 10 miles north-west of Fakenham, while Sussex Farm is 1.75 miles west of Burnham Market. From King’s Lynn follow the A149 to Heacham, then the B1454 to Docking. The event will be signed from the B1153 Docking-Brancaster road. Only cars should approach via Burnham Market. A map will be sent to all competitors
Further information: Alec Lochore, 2 Gate Cottage, Field House, Brancaster, Norfolk PE31 8AG (tel: 01485 210819); (fax: 01485 210671); (mobile: 07710 518835) For start times and up to date information on the event: www.burghley.co.uk/jmason
