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 17 – Sunday 18 April 2015
Organiser: John Coupland
Assistant organiser: Veronica Coupland
Contact: 01283 575856; veronica@elandlodge.com, john@elandlodge.com; www.elandlodge.com
Location: Derbyshire
Entries open: 13 March
Ballot date: 27 March at 12 noon
Entries close: 8 April
Link to Eland Lodge (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/elandlodge1
How to get there
From the A50 take the A515 towards Lichfield. Go through Draycott-in-the-Clay. At the top of the hill turn right and then immediately left into Newborough Road. Eland Lodge
is on the left after 100 metres.
What the organisers say
There have been several changes over the winter to produce an even better cross-country track, but the basic formula of a combination of portable jumps connecting large fixed complexes has been followed for this season. While the track has been developed,
the broad flow remains unchanged. Black flag options will be offered on some of the more challenging fences.
Dressage will be on flat arenas on grass. The warm-up area has had significant work to give a larger and improved surface for competitors.
The showjumping is on the 80x50m all-weather Andrews Bowen Prowax surface.
The site is delightful, with one of the finest natural aspects available. The cross-country course runs through a natural amphitheatre with almost all jumps visible from the viewing area, so it is a superb spectator venue.
Many thanks to our sponsors: Dubarry, Ariat, Anky, UVEX and NAF.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “The warm-up area and arenas for the dressage are nice and level and a reasonable size.” “The only drawback with a couple of the arenas is that they are close to where the horses and riders walk through to the showjumping warm-up so it can be a distraction for some horses.” “The showjumping warm-up and arena are on a lovely surface and I found the course to be well built and a good test for the level.”
Cross-country — “It is evident that a lot of work goes into the ground and course preparation and it really pays off as the ground was very good.” “I found the course testing but fair for both BE90 and BE100.” “It would be suitable for confident and fairly experienced first-timers, but it is a relatively long and undulating course so a good level of fitness is required.” “The jumps are very well dressed and I found the course bold but inviting and it rode well.” “The warm-up area for the cross-country is on a slope, but has good take-offs and landings at the fences.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014 (some sections cancelled)
N: 63%
BE100U18: 82%
BE100 Open: 93%
BE100: 89%
BE90: 80%
Download part one of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part one
Buy Eventing magazine’s March issue for our full horse trials guide detailing every event from March to June 2015 or purchase a digital copy of the guide here. The second half of the guide will be in our April issue (on sale 20 March) and online to buy digitally after publication