Get the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics
Date: Tuesday 21 – Wednesday 22 July 2015
Organisers: Beanie Sturgis and Jill Lamont
Contact: Beanie 07968 288223; beaniesturgis@gmail.com; Jill 01483 767336; 07801 191609; jandplamont@ntlworld.com. We also have a Facebook page.
Location: Wiltshire
Entries open: 16 June
Ballot date: 30 June at 12 noon
Entries close: 11 July
Link to Dauntsey (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/dauntsey1
How to get there
Between Great Somerford and Little Somerford about four miles east of Malmesbury. We are 15 minutes from junction 16 of the M4 and 10 minutes from junction 17. The event will be well signed from the B4042 and A429.
What the organisers say
The Knight Frank Dauntsey Park Horse Trials is a family-run event, with invaluable support from the unstoppable Jill and Peter Lamont. The event strives to provide an efficient, friendly and forward-thinking competition to the very highest standards possible.
We have a large flat lorry park with great access for large lorries, and also plenty of room for supporters’ vehicles. Alternatively there is free parking adjacent to the showjumping and cross-country.
The dressage is on the banks of the Avon on flat, permanent pasture in a large, quiet field.
The showjumping is centrally located among the tradestands, secretary’s tent and catering. The arena is large, with well-built courses by Adrian House. There are also two warm-up arenas if required.
The cross-country, designed by Beanie Sturgis and built by Willis Bros, has constantly received complimentary feedback from riders at grassroots level all the way through to Olympians. The courses are bold, galloping and reward positive riding — Dauntsey is rarely a dressage competition. The whole course can be irrigated and extensive drainage works have also been undertaken to help ensure the best going whatever the weather.
We are delighted to announce that our second fixture will again be offering a £1,000 winner-takes-all class.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Dressage is completely separate from the event and close to the lorry park with lots of space to warm up in and good arenas.” “The warm-up for the dressage is a good size, and there’s usually plenty of space at the end of the lorry park to warm up if you want somewhere quieter.” “The dressage arenas are on a flat surface with lots of warm-up area and it’s close to the lorry park.”
“The showjumping timings were difficult, lots of people stood around waiting and ended up having to warm up, then stand by the entrance gate to make sure you got to go, rather than warming up and going in.” “Lovely big arena with colourful fences.” “Good warm-up area for showjumping and well maintained ground (can get a little firm in the warm-up).” “The showjumping arena is relatively tight but the track is well built — it is up to height and not for a first-time combination but should not cause problems for a more experienced rider/horse combination.”
Cross-country — “A lovely bold riding course, with lots to see and lots to attack. A great course to do before you step up to the next level, with hedges, drops, banks, skinnies, corners and two river crossings. Definitely not a first-timer’s course!” “Definitely one of the best BE100 cross-country courses. There is a huge range of fences. The course is easier at the earlier event and then gets tougher for the October event.” “Good galloping tracks over lots of fields, with plenty of different questions.” “Probably not first-timers’ tracks, but quite educational and they have a bit of everything.” “Challenging but fun to ride.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
BE100: 78%
BE90: 79%
BE80(T): 70%
BE90: 62%
BE80(T): 74%
Download part two of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part two