SADBOROW, Somerset (was WESSEX)
28-29 June
The course: Following advice from Mike Tucker, two entirely new courses were constructed in 2002 using the parkland setting in front of the house, woodland and other natural features. The courses include ditches and water. Further enhancements will take place prior to this year’s event, including the introduction of additional alternatives. The courses will be up to height but will avoid long gradients, although a fit horse is an advantage. The courses run virtually all on grass, using old parkland turf where possible. If necessary the track will be aerovated
Classes: PN, OPN, N,ON
How to get there: Sadbarow Estate, Thorncombe, is situated between the A358 Chard-Axminster road and B3165 Crewkerne-Lyme Regis road. It is best approached off the B3165 and will be signed off this road at Birdsmoor Gate, approximately 6 miles from Crewkerne
Further information: Jill Engert, Broad Buckler, Lowton, Taunton, Somerset BA3 7SU (tel: 01823 421308); (mobile: 07836 511426); email: engerts.home@virgin.net
SALPERTON PARK, Glos
21-22 June
The course: Runs over undulating parkland and established grassland with some wooded sections. The course includes a variety of fences incorporating many natural features and is suitable for horses of all levels. There are alternatives. The obstacles have been designedand built to a high standard amd although there is no water feature in this year’s course, one is planned for 2004. Ground preparation will also be to a high standard and the course and arenas will be well rolled and aerated as necessary.
Classes: PN, N (one section for 5/6 year-old-horses if sufficient entries)
How to get there: Salperton Park is sited mid way between Cheltenham (& miles) and Stow-on-the-Wold/Northleach, just off the A40 or A436. The event will be well signposted off both roads
Further information: Chantelle Souness, The Estate Office, Salperton Park Estate, Salperton, Cheltenham, Gloscestershire GL54 4EE (tel: 01451 850388)
SANSAW PARK, Shropshire
31 May-1 June
The course: All courses will be run on turf in the established parkland setting with a loop to take in the gardens alongside the lake. The fences are straightforward and solidly-built and the courses is considered imposing and testing but fair
Classes: N, I, British Pony Championships, CIC**
How to get there: Conveniently situated 5 miles north of the Shrewsbury M54 link road. Follow the A49 north from Shrewsbury. One mile north of the village of Hadnall turn left. Signed Yorton, Bomere Heath and Hardwicke Stables Industrial Units. Take the first right after two-thirds of a mile and the park is a further mile on the left. From the north follow the A49 and two miles south of Preston Brockhurst turn right (300 yards after garage). Signed Yorton, Bomere Heath and Hardwicke Stables Industrial Units. Take the first right after two-thirds of a mile and the park is a further mile.
Further information: The Horse Trials Secretary, c/o Rose Cottage, Knightley, Woodseaves, Staffs ST20 OJW (tel: 01785 284632); fax: 01785 284019); website: www.sansaw.com
SAPEY (1 & 2), Worcs
1-2 April & 12-13 August
The course: The track hasan excellent variety of fences and runs mainly on permanent pasture, incorporating small areas of woodland and the terrain is undulating. The course, a good galloping track, is intended to be confidence-giving and there will be alternatives at allthe more difficult fences. Work will be carried out on the ground in the event of dry weather
Classes: 1-2 April & 12-13 August – Intro, PN, OPN, N, ON
How to get there: From the south, take the A44 to Bromyard. Take the B4203 for 5 miles and turn left to Wolferlow. From the north, take junction 5 off the M5 to Droitwich. Take the A38 on to the A4133 at Holt Heath and the A443 towards Tenbury. At Great Witley, get on the B4203 for approximately 6 miles, go through Upper Sapey for one mile then turn right
Further information: Musketeer Event Management, 2 Gate Cottage, Field House, Brancaster, Norflok PE31 8AG (tel: 01485 210819); website: www.musketeer.co.uk; Alan Thacker, Cockshutts Cottage, Upper Sapey, Worcs WR6 6XU (tel: 01886 853231)
SCOTSBURN, Ross-shire
1 June
The course: Relatively short and runs over undulating to hilly land. The intro and pre-novice tracks will suit first-timers, whilethe novices will have a challenging course with very well designed fences to negotiate. The water complex, comprising of a leap over a boat house for novices and other options for lower classes, rides perfectly, but is challenging for a first-time novice. The land here drains well
Classes: Intro, PN, N
How to get there: Scotsburn is situated off the A9 after Alness
Further information: Richard Durham, Scotsburn House, Kildary, Ross-shire, IV18 0PE (tel: 01862 842300); (fax: 01862 842330)
SHIPTON MOYNE, Glos
17 July
The course: The new courses, built by Willis Bros, run over undulating, permanent pasture. The tracks will include natural features and water. If the ground is hard it will be aerated
Classes: PN, N
How to get there: Shipton Moyne is situated approximately 2 miles from Tetbury and 4 miles from Malmesbury. From Malmesbury, take the B4040 and from Tetbury the A433. The event will be signposted in both directions
Further information: Philip & Jane Tuckwell, Clayfields, Shipton Moyne, Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8QA (tel: 01666 880227) email: jane@tuckwellclayfields.freeserve.co.uk
SHUTTLEWORTH (1 & 2), Beds
13-14 May & 7-8 October
The course: Runs over the old park belonging to Shuttleworth House. The course will use the natural undualtions of the terrain and will including a wooded section. Every effort will be made to ensure that the going is good
Classes: 13-14 May – PN, OPN, N, ON; 7-8 October – PN, N
How to get there: The event is sited two miles off the A1 at Biggleswade. Take the B668 and follow signs to the horse trials
Further information: Alec Lochore (tel: 01485 210070)
SKIPTON (1 & 2), North Yorks
21-22 June & 2-3 August
The course: Runs on permanent grassland. The substantial fences are built to encourage novice horses, but there are alternatives for the less bold. Obstacles include water, stone walls and banks. Partly new cross-country courses will be built this year for both novice and pre-novice competitors
Classes: 21-22 June – PN , JPN, N, JRN, IN; 2-3 August – PN, N
How to get there: 2.5 miles west of Skipton on the A59. Take the turning to Carleton/Lothersdale. Funkirk Farm is the second farm along the lane
Further information: Mike Bell, Spring Bungalow, Keighley Road, Laneshawbridge, Colne, Lancs BB8 7HG (tel: 01282 865567); (mobile: 07050 189496)
SMITHS LAWN, Berks
5-6 August
The course: Very good sandy going around the lake in Windsor Great Park. The courses are designed for the first-time pre-novice and novice horse and/or rider. Alternatives are provided at fences which would otherwise ask too difficult a question of a green horse. Most obstacles have all-weather take-offs and landings and the going is always considered good.
Classes: PN, N
How to get there: Entry to the Great Park only through Blacknest Gate off the Virginia Water to Ascot road (A329). From the A30 take the A329 (towards Ascot). Turn right after the Beefeater Olde Belvedere Arms and Blacknest Gate is straight ahead. From Ascot take the A329 (towards Virginia Water). Turn left at the “Oriental” restaurant and Blacknest Gate is straight ahead. From Ascot take the A329(towards Virginia Water). Turn left at the “oriental” restaurant and Blackness Gate is ahead. Follow signs to “Polo” and you arrive on Smiths Lawn
Further information: Tissie Reason, Woolaton Farmhouse, Biggin by Hartington, Buxton, Derbys SK17 0DR (tel: 01298 84986); (mobile: 07721 551713)
SOLIHULL, West Midlands
16 August
The course: The newly built and more free-flowing course will be taking the same direction as previously. The track will run partly through woodland with the rest over grassland. All technical fences will have alternatives. The terrain is mainly flat
Classes: PN, OPN, N, ON
How to get there: 2 miles from the M42 junction 4. Turnsouth onto the A3400, then left down Box Trees road. Solihull Riding Club is 1.5 miles on the left. It will be signposted
Further information: The secretary, Sue Hill, Solihull Riding Club, Four Ashes Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands (tel: 01564 770180)
SOMERFORD PARK, Cheshire
5 October
The course: The tracks will be brand new and will run over undulating permanent pasture, incorporating some woodland. The courses will be of near-maximum length and are intended to be galloping. They will cosist of well built, inviting obstacles, designed to suit all levels, and will utilise the natural features of the landscape. There will be water crossings
Classes: Intro, PN
How to get there: Somerford Park is on the A54 between Holmes Chapel and Congleton. It is approximately 10 mins from junction 18 of the M6. From the M6 take the A54 to Congleton. It will be signed
Further information: Chris Shaw, Rose Cottage, Brimstage Road, Brimstage Village, Wirral, CH63 6HE (tel: 0151 342 4496); (mobile: 07866 685035); email: shawjchris@hotmail.com
SOMERLEY PARK, Hants
2-3 April
The course:An inviting track which runs mainly over parkland and is built to encourage young horses. Some changes have been made to both courses, but will still be appropriate for the event’s early-season slot
Classes: N, ON, I, OI, CIC**
How to get there: Somerley Park is near Ringwood. From the A31 take the B3081 towards Verwood, then take the right-hand fork towards Alderholt. The entrance is 1.5 miles on the right. It will be signed after leaving the A31. No horseboxes can enter from the A338 and you are advised not to approach from Verwood
Further information: Adele Schardt, The Eleda Stables, Somerley, Ringwood, Hants BH24 3PL (tel: 01425 461774); (fax: 01425 461810); estate office (tel: 01425 473621); (fax: 01425 461781); e-mail: info@eleda.co.uk; website: www.eleda.co.uk
SOMERLEYTON, Suffolk
13-14 September
The course: Runs over old established parkland and makes good use of the natural terrain. The well drained old turf provides generally good going in all but the most extreme conditions. The aerovating machine will be used if necessary
Classes: PN, OPN, N, ON, IN, I, OI, AI
How to get there: Five miles north-west of Lowestoft on the B1074 and 20 miles south-east of Norwich. Take the A146 towards Lowestoft and Somerleyton. Will be signposted from Hales
Further information: Mrs P M Molineaux, 4 Upper Grange Road, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9NU (tel: 01502712783); (fax: 01502 713124); email: diana@molineaux-investment.co.uk; website: www.somerleyton.co.uk
SOUTH OF ENGLAND, West Sussex
5-6 April & 27-28 September
The course: Runs over the showground and adjoining farmland. The novice track is solid and inviting for young horses. Both novice and intermediate tracks are straightforward and suitable for a newly upgraded horse. There will be new fences built this year. The hollow fence on the intermediate course which caused trouble in 2002 will be completely changed this time
Classes: 5-6 April – PN, OPN, N, JRN, I, OI, AI; 27-28 September – PN, N, IN, I OI, AI
How to get there: Situated on the B2028, 4 miles north of Haywards Heath, easily accessible from the M25, via the M23
Further information: Jenny Nolan, Oatridges, Best Beech, Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 6JL (tel: 01892 783227); (mobile 07885 160030); website: www.bdwp.co.uk/jmason
SPRING HILL, Glos
25 August
The course: The cross-country is hilly and galloping but not particularly technical. It follows a similar route each year on old turf and through woodland. A number of the fences are renewed/changed each year. The going will be very carefully prepared
Classes: N, I, OI
How to get there: Spring Hill is south of the A44 between Broadway (4 miles) and Moreton in Marsh (5 miles) and will be signed on all approach roads. Spring Hill itself is not marked on AA maps
Further information: Nancy Blinkhorn, Potters Way, Springfield Lane, Broadway, Worcs WR12 7BT (tel: 01386 853686); (tel/fax: 01386 854843); e-mail: blinkhorn@compuserve.com
STANDISH, Lancs
27 August
The course: Runs over a mixture of pasture and cropped areas around a number of ponds. There will be a variety of fences to encourage and educate both experienced combinations and those new to the sport. It is not anticipated that there will be a water complex this year. The landings will be treated if necessary
Classes: Intro, PN
How to get there: Take junction 27 off the M6 and then the A5209 towards Parbold. Turn immediately right by the petrol station on to the B5250. Take the first right (bridge over the motorway) and after 150yds the event will be on your right
Further information: Rachel Kneale (tel: 01257 425536)
STILEMANS, Surrey
8-9 March
The course: Although the track remains largely the same, there will be several new fences this time and only two are shared by novice and pre-novice. The water has been further modified with the pre-novices able to walk in. The flowing course runs mainly over open ground with the exception of a little wooded valley halfway round. The fences are varied, built with solid timber and are designed to be inviting to horses and/or less experienced riders, bearing in mind that it will be the first outing of the season
Classes: PN, N, IN
How to get there: Take the B2130 Horsham road out of Godalming. Stilemans will be found on that road after about a mile and a half. It will be signposted
Further information: Veronica Spackman, Hydestile Paddock, Godalming, Surrey GU8 4DE (tel: 01483 424637).
STOCKLAND LOVELL (1 & 2), Somerset
18 May & 11-12 July
The course: Stockland Lovell offers one of the best schooling courses in the South West, catering for horses and riders of all abilities. The course is constructed over rolling Somerset countryside. It is varied and well-built and ensures that full use is made of natural features to offer a wide variety of solidly built and inviting fences. The new water complex is being developed further, with additional jumps to suit all abilities and the refurbishment and upgrading of existing obstacles is continuing. Careful attention will be paid to the going, both on the cross-country course and in the show jumping arena. It is Stockland Lovell’s policy to continually upgrade and alter the course
Classes: 18 May – Intro, PN, OPN; 11-12 July – PN, N, I, OI
How to get there: Leave the M5 at junction 23 or 24 to Bridgwater. From Bridgwater take the A39 to Cannington following signs for Hinkley Point. Turn right at the warm memorial in Cannington, taking the road to Hinkley Point Power Station for approximately 3.5 miles. Stockland Lovell is signposted to the left and the course is immediately on the right
Further information: Stockland Lovell, Coultings, Fiddington, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 1JJ (tel: 01278 652224); (fax: 01278 653801); e-mail: info@stocklandlovell.fsnet.co.uk; website: www.stocklandlovell.com
STONAR SCHOOL, Wilts
June 25-26
The course: Runs on permanent pasture with solid and inviting fences. The course is of medium severity with easier alternatives at the more difficult fences. The ground will be aerovated where necessary
Classes: Intro, PN, N
How to get there: Stonar School is approx 14 miles south of Junction 17 on the M4. The trials will be signposted and a map sent out with all acceptance forms
Further information: Jill Storey, Stonar School, Cottles Park, Atworth, Melksham, Wiltshire (tel: 01225 701765)
STORETON HALL, Cheshire
12-13 July
The course: Runs mainly over flat, permanent sheep-grazed pasture with some undulating areas. There is a wide variety of jumps, including two water complexes. Ifthe going is hard the courses will be rotovated. In 2001 all the tracks were altered and the intermediate course, which had caused problems in the past, was revamped quite extensively and rode well. Although it is still considered of medium difficulty, there are now plenty of alternatives
Classes: Intro, PN, N, I, OI
How to get there: Head north on the M53 to junction 4 and take the B5151 towards Birkenhead. Take the fourth turning left (mini roundabout) on to Lever’s Causeway. After 200 yards take the first left into Marsh Lane. Entrance to the trials is on the right
Further information: Peter Bowling, Storeton Hall Farm, Storeton, Wirral, Merseyside L63 6HT (tel: 0151 608 7953); Maureen Tansey, Birchwood, Oaklea Road, Irby, Wirral, Merseyside L61 3US (tel: 0151 648 4974); on site mobile: (07971 299883)
STRATFORD HILLS, Essex
16 August
The course: Set in rolling countryside, the newly built intro and pre-novice courses will run over established old pasture utilising the natural features of the landscape. The terrain is undulating and the sandy loam soil drains well so this event will be able to run in all weathers
Classes: Intro, PN
How to get there: Stratford Hills is situated just 20m west of the A12, between Ipswich and Colchester. From the south, turn left on the B1068 to Higham. From the north (and for lorries) turn off the A12 towards Dedham and take the first right turn to rejoin the A12 to ipswich. Then turn left onto the B1068 to Higham
Further information: Lady Aldous, Layham Lodge, Ipswich IP7 5RW, (tel: 01473 823143); the secretary Mrs E Mitchell, (tel: 01206 322072)
STRATHALLAN CASTLE, Perth
20 July
The course: The course rode very well in its first year. Some changes were made in 2002 to maintain the fresh look and continue the development of these encouraging tracks. Pre-novice and novice tracks are designed to suit first-timers as well as the more experienced as there are easier alternatives. The track utilised many of the features of the landscape, with three water crossings, including a causeway in front of the castle. The terrain is undulating, but not overly hilly, with the track running on parkland going and incorporating a couple of very short wooded sections
Classes: Intro, PN, N, IN
How to get there: The event is situated two miles north of Auchterarder, just off the A9, half way between Sterling and Perth. It will be signposted from the A823 junction on the A9. Strathallan Castle may be marked on some road maps
Further information: Anna Roberts, Strathallan Castle, Auchterarder, Perth PH3 1JZ (tel: 01764 662131); (fax: 01764 662132); e-mail: anna.roberts@talk21.com
SYDE PARK, Glos
14-15 June
The course: The new intermediate course rode well last year. It is up to height, but inviting and straightforward. The novice and pre-novice track tracks will be unchanged from 2002. Despite the inclement weather last year, the well drained land meant this event could run when others had to cancel
Classes: PN, N, NAF, IN, I, OI
How to get there: Syde Park is situated between Cheltenham and Cirencester off the A417. Leave the M5 at Junction 11a or the M4 at Junction 15. This event will be signposted from Birdlip. Please avoid the village of Syde
Further information: Caroline Prentice, Syde Manor, Syde, Cheltenham, Glos (tel: 01285 821202); Mrs Russell, Gilboa Farmhouse, Brockenborough, Malmesbury, Wilts (tel: 01666 823025)
TETTON HALL, Cheshire
26-27 July
The course: Three separate courses. All are on undulating grassland. To keep the courses interesting and enjoyable to ride they are partly altered each year and will be power-harrowed if necessary
Classes: PN, N, I, OI, AI
How to get there: M6 junction 18, then follow the A54. Join the A583 to Middlewich, take the Sandbach road and turn into Tetton Lane for the event
Further information: Mr and Mrs Dick Kinsey, Tetton Hall, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0HH (tel: 01270 526230)
THIRLESTANE CASTLE, Borders
15-17 August
The course: Parkland course making good use of galloping ground, woods, banks and streams. All courses will undergo change and renovation this year
Classes: I, OI, OIU21, A, CIC**, Scottish Novice Championships, Scottish Open Championships (CIC***)
How to get there: Thirlestane is adjacent to the town of Lauder on the A68 and the A697 north/south trunk roads
Further information: Colin Plumbe, Easter House, Roberton, Nr Harwick TD97LT (tel: 01578 722744); website: www.thirlestane.org
TITLINGTON (1 & 2) Northumberland
23 July & 24 September
The course: There will be an excellent variety of fences, including corners and a quarry, as well as an outstanding water jump. The course is considered educational, particularly for inexperienced horses. The track runs on old pasture and the terrain is gently undulating
Classes: Intro, PN
How to get there: From the south, approximately 16 miles north of Newcastle, fork left the A1 onto the A697 (Morpeth to Coldstream road). Go through Longhorsley and Longframlington and at the crossroads after approximately 10 miles turn left to Titlington and Bolton (left to Glanton). Go through Bolton village and turn left at a small crossroads and Titlington Training Centre is a further mile along that road on the right. From the north, go along the A697 through Powburn village to the second crossroads and turn left to Titlington and Bolton (right to Glanton), then follow the directions above
Further information:Vera Purvis, Titlington Training & Demonstration Centre, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 2EB (tel: 01665 578253).
TWESELDOWN (1, 2, 3 & 4), Hants
14-16 March, 23-24 April, 4-6 July & 18-19 October
The course: The racecourse will host a point-to-point in the spring and the cross-country tracks will be mainly confined to the sandy central area. Each course will include one of the water complexes. The site now boasts a wide variety of intermediate, novice and pre-novice standard and no two courses will be the same during the 2003 season
Classes: 14-16 March – PN, OPN, N, ON, IN, OI; 23-24 April – PN, OPN, OMPN, N, MN, ON, JRN;4-6 July – PN, OPN, N, ON, I, OI; 18-19 October – PN, OPN, N, ON
How to get there: Tweseldown is situated approximately 3 miles from Aldershot, Fleet and Farnham on an army road (Bourley Road)between the B3013 and A325. Leave the M3 at junction 5 and follow the A287 signed Farnham. Turn left on to the B3013 towards Fleet and follow the signs for Tweseldown racecourse. From the M3 junction 4 take the A331. At Farnborough, take the A3011 and then follow the A325 signed Farnham. At the Wellington roundabout (Aldershot) turn right following the racecourse signs
Further information: Jill Lamont (tel: 01483 767336); (fax: 01483 835733); email: jandplamont@ntlworld.com
TYTHROP PARK, Oxon
9-10 July
The course: The courses all run on grass over fairly flat farmland and incorporate a wide variety of fences, including water for all levels. The novice and intermediate water was revamped and a new bank complex for novice and pre-novice combinations introduced in 2002. The ground will be treated if necessary, including the show jumping area.
Classes: PN, N, I, OI
How to get there: Tythrop Park is at Kingsey, 1 mile out of Thame (Oxon) on the A4129 road to Princes Risborough
Further information: Karen Bartlett, Albury Grange, Albury, Oxon OX9 2LP (tel: 01844 339123); Liz Weber, Scotsgrove House, Thame, Oxon (tel: 01844 217644)
