GATCOMBE (1 & 2), Glos
28-30 March & 19-21 September
The course: An inviting course, with alternatives provided at the more difficult obstacles. Built by Willis Bros, it runs over well drained, flat land and includes water. The Land Rover intermediate course is an up-to-height track which runs alongside the novice cross-country except for two extra loops. There are alternatives at some of the more difficult fences. A new water complex is being constructed this winter
Classes: 28-30 March – PN, N, IN, I, OI, AI; 19-21 September – N, I, OI, CIC**
How to get there: Signed from Tetbury and the Cirencester/Stroud road. Gatcombe Park is situated on the Avening-Minchinhampton road
Further information: Pattie Foden, Horse Trials Office, Woodlands Lodge, Holcombe Glen, Minchinhampton, Stroud, Glos GL6 9AJ (tel: 01453 836288).
GATCOMBE PARK, Glos
2-3 August
The course: Will run over undulating terrain with many alternative fences. All courses will be designed to minimise the effects of the hills.
Classes: Novice & Intermediate Championships & British Open (Advanced Championships), A
How to get there: M4 junction 15 or M5 junction 13. Head for Stroud and follow AA signs
Further information:The Horse Trials Office, Bramham Park, Wetherby, West Yorks LS23 6ND (tel: 01937 541811); (fax: 01937 846006); website: www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk
GLENEAGLES, Perth
31 August
The course: Relatively flat and runs over established turf. The tracks at each level are being completely re-routed and some new and interesting obstacles will be introduced.
Classes: PN, N, JRN, OI
How to get there: Off the A9 between Perth and Stirling. Follow signs for the Gleneagles Hotel and take the A823 for Crieff
Further information: Jane Cepok,The Gleneagles Equestrian Centre, Auchterarder, Perth PH3 1NZ (tel: 01764 663507); (fax: 01764 664460); e-mail: eq.event@gleneagles.com
GORING HEATH (1 & 2), Oxon
12-13 April & 6-7 September
The course: All fences are built with solid timber with options at the more difficult obstacles. This year there will be several new fences and the new classes will provide both novice and pre-novice courses of medium difficulty which will also be educational. Both tracks require fit horses. The organisers do their best to provide good going
Classes: 12-13 April – N, JRN, PN, OPN; 6-7 September – PN, OPN, N, IN, INU21
How to get there: 7 miles north of M4 junction 12, turn towards Theale and Pangbourne. From the north approach via Oxford and the A4074. Goring Heath is situated half a mile off the road between Woodcote and Whitchurch on Thames. OS ref: 175/648792. NB: Goring Heath is not Goring on Thames
Further information: Denise Burns, Walnut Tree Farm, Hook End, Checkendon, Reading, Berks RG8 0UL (tel: 01491 681275); contact number during the horse trials (tel: 07885 106394)
GRAVELEY, Herts
10 August
The course: Designed to suit newcomers to the sport and includes alternatives where taxing questions are asked. The undulating parkland is permanent grass which offers good going over a variety of terrain
Classes: PN
How to get there: Leave the A1(M) at Stevenage North (J8) and take the B197 to Graveley. Turn east into Church Lane by a garage following the signs up the winding country lane
Further information: Nick & Hilary Connelly, 8 Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 3NY
GREAT MISSENDEN, Bucks
15-16 July
The course: The two courses, which are virtually separate, run over old pasture with good cover and through corners of woodland and are built to give horses encouragement. The land is not grazed and so will not be poached. Every effort will be made to provide good going, with take-offs and landings sanded if necessary
Classes: PN, OPN, N, ON, IN
How to get there: Hawthorn Farm is on the B485 Great Missenden-Chesham road, 2 miles from Great Missenden and half a mile from Chesham. The event will be signposted on the B485
Further information:Edward or Susanne Collins, Hawthorn Farm, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 0RL (tel: 01494 783805); (fax: 01494 775159); entries taken on the Internet: www.bdwp.co.uk/aallen
GREAT WITCHINGHAM (1 & 2), Norfolk
28-30 March & 12-13 July
The course: The courses in the spring offer a good selection of substantially-built fences aimed at first-time novice and pre-novice combinations. The tracks run over gently undulating permanent pasture and grassland and incorporate three copses, natural water obstacles and ditches. The area comprises mostly sandy soil with some black peat. The intermediate course, which is separate, will be straightforward, up to height and will have two natural water complexes. The courses at the summer event are very different with most of the track running over the river meadows to give naturally good going. The pre-novice and novice courses offer a good selection of well built fences with two water crossings and alternatives where necessary. Phases A and C at the two-day event are on grass tracks.
Classes: 28-30 March – Intro, PN, OPN, N, JRN, IN, INU21, I, OI, AI; 12-13 July – Intro, PN, N, I, OI (N, ON, JN2D)
How to get there: Blackwater Farm is situated 10 miles west of Norwich on the A1067 to Fakenham at the Reepham turning, by the Norfolk wildlife park. Great Witchingham is usually called Lenwade on road maps.
Further information:Mr & Mrs D Sayer, Church Farm House, Sparham, Norwich, Norfolk NR9 5PR (tel: 01362 688227); Lori-Anne Galliers (tel: 01603 873087)
GRIMSHAW HALL, Warks
19-20 July
The course: The course runs over undulating ground, which means that horses need to be reasonably fit. The track is maintained for the horse trials all year round and is all on grass. All combinations have alternatives. The ground will be aerated and watered if the going is hard
Classes: Intro, PN, OPNHow to get there: Grimshaw Hall is situated on the A4189 Henley-in-Arden/Redditch road, about 1 mile from Henley-in-Arden. Access to event is off this road. There will be a different access for cars
Further information: Wendy Evans, Botley Hill, Tanworth Lane, Henley-in-Arden, Solihull, West Midlands B95 5QY (tel: 01564 792637); Jocelyn Riley, Grimshaw Hall, Ullenhall, Henley-in-Arden, Warks; tradestand enquiries to Colin Roberts (tel: 01564 778906)
GRIMSTON PARK, North Yorks
June 1-2
The course: A solid and inviting course, built to encourage horses. The track runs over a mixture of fields and undulating parkland and includes some hilly ground. Some alterations will be made to the course for 2002. The take-offs and landings have been re-seeded previously
Classes: PN, N, ON, JRN, IN, Pony Club
How to get there: Kirkby Wharfe is 2 miles south of Tadcaster off the A162. The entrance is off the B1223 and will be signed off the A162
Further information:Susan Caley, 2 Hillcroft Farm Cottage, Kirkby Lane, Sicklinghall, Wetherby, Yorks LS22 4BP (07808 689269); Deborah Easterby, Kirkby Grange, Kirkby Wharfe, Tadcaster, North Yorks
HAMBLEDEN, Oxon
25-27 April
The course: Hambleton invests in new fences every year and 2003 bring a totally new intermediate course. This will incorporate an additional water complex and quarry. The start of the novice track has also been redesigned to run down through the start/finish field to the new water complex. The three cross-country courses have been built to take full advantage of the natural features of the estate’s wooded parkland. Fences are up to height, but are built with big timbre to make them inviting and educational and they reward bold riding. All take-offs and landings are prepared and the ground with be aerated if it is hard.
Classes: PN, N, JRN, I
How to get there: Access to the event is opposite Henley Management College on the A4155 between Henley and Marlow. Take junction 4 (High Wycombe) off the M40 and follow signs to Marlow. Take junction 8/9 (Maidenhead) off the M4 and follow the bypass to Marlow. The A4155 to Henley is signposted from Marlow. (DO NOT TAKE THE TURNING TO HAMBLEDEN OR TURN INTO DAIRY LANE)
Further information: Lisa Jones, The Estate Office, Hambleden, Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 6RJ (tel: 01491 579447); (fax: 01491 577520) e-mail: berrybrook@btinternet.com; website: www.hambledenestate.com
HARTPURY COLLEGE CCI, Glos
7-10 August
The course: Both courses run across the college estate and will be well constructed from solid timber. The CCI** will include two water complexes. If the going is hard the course will be rotovated.
Classes: CCI*/**
How to get there: Hartpury is just off the A417 Ledbury-Gloucester road, in easy reach of both the M5 and M50
Further information: Amanda Bond, Hartpury College, Hartpury House, Gloucester, Glos GL19 3BE (tel: 01452 702105); (fax: 01452 700629)
HATHERLEIGH, Devon
7 September
The course: The courses will be inviting but also up to height, and will incorporate water and ditches. There will be alternatives at the more difficult fences, making it appropriate for green but suitably prepared horses and riders. All due care will be taken to ensure the going is as good as possible
Classes: Intro, PN, OPN
How to get there: Leave the A30 at Sourton Cross. Take the A386 towards Okehampton. At the small roundabout turn right towards Okehampton. After half a mile, turn left to Hatherleigh on the A386. At the roundabout as you come into Hatherleigh turn left towards Holsworthy and Highampton on the A3072. Warren Farm is on the left after around 2.5 miles
Further information: Pippa Wiegersma, Warren Farm, Highampton, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5LL, (tel: 01837 810209); (fax: 01837 811084); email: jake.wiegersma@easynet.co.uk
HENBURY HALL, Cheshire
24-25 August
The course: Both novice and intermediate courses make full use of the parkland, and are well up to maximum distance on very good going, even in the direst of summers. The organisers aim to produce bold and inviting fences, using the natural features of the park, including two water complexes. The courses is designed with autumn three-day events.
Classes: N, JRN, I, OI, AI, Young Rider Final Trial
How to get there: M6 junction 18 to Holmes Chapel. Follow the A535 to Chelford, then the A537 to Macclesfield. At the junctionwith the A34 see “Horse Box route”. All routes will be signposted
Further information: Julian Sebire, Mill Bank Farm, Somerford Booths, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 2JS (tel/fax: 01260 224205); e-mail: sebirejb@supanet.com; website: www.henburyht.supanet.com
HEXHAM, North’d
1-2 June
The course: Run mainly over old turf and separately graded for pre-novice, novice and intermediate. Further improvements will be made to the course thisyear, and a new intro track will be built
Classes: Intro, PN, N, JRN, I, OI
How to get there: Two miles south of Hexham on the Hexham/Slaley road. Signed from the A68 and A69, avoiding Linnels Bridge which is unsuitable for horse boxes
Further information: Mrs Pybus, Dipton House, Corbridge, Northumberland NE45 5RY (tel: 01434 682645); e-mail: sportsline.pybus@clara.net; website: www.hexham-horse-trials.org.uk
HIGHCLERE CASTLE, Berks
24-25 August
The course: Runs through the park with natural features incorporated. The fences, several of which have an Egyptian theme, are big but fair and include two water complexes. The course is maximum distance anda steep hill tests the stamina of horses. The going is invariably good on old turf over undulating parkland. The pre-novice course is horse-friendly and encouraging
Classes: PN, I, AI
How to get there: Six miles south of Newbury off the A34. Follow the brown tourist signs to Highclere Castle
Further information: Janet Benney (tel: 01256 850272); Faye Ogilvie (tel: 01235 751288)
HOLDENBY, Northants
12 October
The course: Run over old turf and ridge and furrow ground, with plenty of interesting obstacles and alternatives, but no nasty hazards. Even in very wet weather the going is generally good.
Classes: PN, OPN, N
How to get there: Seven miles north of Northampton and will be signed from Spratton on the A5199 and East Haddon just off the A428. Only 10 minutes from the M1
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
HOPETOUN HOUSE, Edinburgh
28-29 June
The course: The show jumping, dressage and cross-country take place in the deer park over old turf which should guarantee good going. The pre-novice course is relatively easy, while the novice provides a solid test for more experienced horses, althoughthere are alternatives. We are planning to revise the course so that the water jump for all classes, other than the pre-novice, will be the fourth last fence. We also plan to build at least four new obstacles
Classes: Intro (tbc), PN, OPN, N, IN
How to get there: Follow signs to Hopetoun House which overlooks the Firth of Forth, about 3 miles west of South Queensferry on the A904
Further information: Peter Dale, Fogo House, Duns, Berwicks TD11 3RA (tel: 01890 840517) day; (tel: 01890 840234) all other times
HOUGHALL (1 & 2), Co Durham
14-15 June & 5 October
The course: Both novice and pre-novice courses, which are beautifully presented and which share a few fences, are inviting and suitable for first-timers. The terrain is undulating and the course runs through a small amount of woodland
Classes: 14-15 June – PN, N, ON; 5 October – PN, N
How to get there: Leave the A1 atjunction 61 and take the A177 to Durham City. The entrance to the college is signed after 3 miles
Further information: Sheena Robson, East Durham & Houghall College, Houghall, Co Durham DH1 3SG (tel: 0191 386 1351); (fax: 0191 386 0419)
HOUSTON, Renfrew
9 August
The course: Intended for first-timers with alternatives to help young horses progress. Runs on old turf with a couple of hills and, for this reason, will not be overlylong. The OI course rides well but the track through the wood will be shortened and improved for this time as it was previously deep in places
Classes: PN, N, ON, OI
How to get there: From the M8 take the Irvine turn just past Glasgow Airport and bear left on to the A737. Take the second exit, Johnstone/Bridge of Weir and turn right back across the A737 for Bridge of Weir. At the next roundabout go straight ahead on the B789 for Houston. Follow this road through Crossleeand at the next roundabout follow signs
Further information: Muriel Colquhoun, Grange Cottage, Langbank, Renfrew PA14 6YB (tel: 01475 540687); (fax: 01475 540348)
INVERARAY, Argyll
24 May
The course: This provides one of the best training courses in Scotland. Great care has been taken to ensure that new fences are built to an exceptionally high standard and constant attention to the track has resulted in good going in all weathers. A further two fences will be built for 2003
Classes: OPN, N
How to get there: 1 mile east of Inveraray on the A83, 48 miles from Glasgow
Further information: Jane Isaac, Baravullin Beag, Ledaig, by Oban, Argyllshire, PA37 1QS (tel: 01631 720655)
IPING, West Sussex
19-20 July
The course: Runs over light, sandy soil, on grass or through woodland. The novice and pre-novice tracks are quite hilly. Theintermediate track will be relatively unchanged as it has previously been radically altered. If the ground is hard, steps will be taken to make the going acceptable
Classes: PN, N, I, OI
How to get there: Half a mile north of the A272 Midhurst to Petersfield road, approximately 3 miles from Midhurst and 9 miles from Petersfield.
Further information: Veronica Spackman, Hydestile Paddock, Nr Godalming, Surrey GU8 4DE (tel: 01483 424637)
ISLEHAM, Cambs
March 2-3
Sponsor: Isleham Fresh Produce Ltd
The course: The land drains well and provides excellent going. The novice course is aimed at first-timers and there are alternatives. The novice and pre-novice courses are completely separate. Significant changes will be made to both novice and pre-novice tracks, and a new intermediate course is being built
Classes: PN, OPN, N, IN, I OI
How to get there: Whitehall Farm is 1.5 miles from the Soham bypass on the A142 Newmarket/Ely road. Signs will direct you from the A14, A142 and surrounding approach roads. NB: There will be a new entrance, off the Prickwillow road. Please do not come through the village of Isleham
Further information: Christopher Wells, Bush Cottage, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 3QE (tel: 01359 231573); (mobile: 07884 230439); website: www.bdwp.co.uk/jmason
IVESLEY (1 & 2), Co Durham
19-20 April & 9-10 August
The course: There are separate courses for all levels. All tracks are good galloping courses, run over undulating pasture and are suitable for inexperienced horses
Classes: 19-20 April – Intro, PN, OPN, N, JRN, I, OI; 9-10 August – Intro, PN, OPN, N, ON, I, OI
How to get there: Nine miles west of the A1 through Durham City, 4.5 miles east of the A68 at Towlaw, off the B6301. From the south leave the A1(M) at the junction signed A68 Bishop Auckland, follow the A68 to Towlaw and in Towlaw turn on to the B6301 towards Lanchester. The event will then be signposted. From the north, leave the A1(M) at the Chester le Street junction. Take the A167 to Nevilles Cross. Turn right onto the A690 and, after half a mile, turn right on to the B6309, signed Esh Winning. The event will then be signposted.
Further information: Pauline Booth, Ivesley Equestrian Centre, Waterhouses, Co Durham DH7 9HB (tel: 0191 373 4324); website: www.ridingholidays-ivesley.co.uk
