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 30 — Sunday 31 May 2015
Organisers: Bill Kear, John Hill and Lucy Cunliffe
Contact: 01732 750568 / 07881 581124; lucycunliffe@btinternet.com; www.bordehillhorsetrials.com
Location: West Sussex
Entries open: 24 April
Ballot date: 8 May at 12 noon
Entries close: 20 May
Link to Borde Hill (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/bordehill1
How to get there
From junction 10a of the M23 take the B2036 to Cuckfield or from junction 11 take the A23 then A272 and B2036 to Cuckfield.
What the organisers say: Borde Hill’s fixtures are well-run and friendly events.
A one-way traffic system for lorries is accessed from an entrance off Hanlye Lane. The horsebox park is close to the secretaries and the showjumping, with the tradestands situated around the arena, including a choice of food outlets.
There are horse walks to all phases of the event.
The dressage area, on the flattest part of the park, is a distance for spectators. Part of the large warm-up area is close to the cross-country.
The showjumping, built by Brian Lear, is on a gentle slope.
The cross-country, which is designed by Simon Bere, is run over undulating wooded parkland. Courses are flowing, encouraging bold, forward riding, with prepared take-offs and landings, but there will be alternatives if necessary.
The Bill Kear water complex is in the middle of the course.
All phases will be agri-vated, including warm-ups, if neededt becomes necessary.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Dressage is situated at the top of the cross-country course, and so the cross-country runs by the warm-up.” “There is plenty of warm-up room, on a slightly sloping area but the arenas are fine.” “To get to the dressage entails riding up a steep slope through a wooded area, which last year became very deep and slippery.” “Leave plenty of time to get there from the lorry park.” “The showjumping arena is well located in the middle of tradestands and on a slope.” “The warm-up is not so good — quite hard to get to the practice fences, which are a bit randomly placed owing to the undulations.”
Cross-country — “Really good warm-up area, and lovely flowing course which rides well.” “Good, well-built fences which can be slightly spooky but are solid.” “Up to height but encouraging.” “Generally inviting fences, with the odd tougher fence.” “Same track every time so once you’ve seen it once, you know what to expect the next time.” “Nice old turf, so always good going.” “A confidence-building course.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
ONU18: 56%
ON: 57%
N: 53%
BE100U18: 68%
BE100 Open: 69%
BE100: 73%
BE90: 60%
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.