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 27 – Sunday 28 June 2015
Organiser: Nicholas Dugdale
Contact: 07867 505552 / 01798 872132 (evenings only); dugdale@clerksroom.com
Location: West Sussex
Entries open: 22 May
Ballot date: 5 June
Entries close: 17 June
Link to Rackham entries: www.britisheventing.com/rackham
How to get there
Take the A283 through Storrington towards Pulborough. Do not approach through Rackham from the B2139.
What the organisers say
The dressage is on completely flat ground. The going is good and there is an extensive area for warming up. The showjumping is held in a sizeable arena.
The cross-country courses, which are designed by Adrian Ditcham, run over undulating, free-draining pasture on sandy soil. The going is excellent but, as previously, all competition areas, including the warm-ups, will be aera-vated if necessary. The north and south ends of the track run into oak woodland, where considerable work has been undertaken on the footing. There is a good variety of fences, including water and steps, with a number of solid, natural, permanent fences, together with quality portables.
The courses provide a fair test at their levels and are intended to be inviting for first-time riders and horses.
The cross-country course is open for schooling from 29 June to mid-October (contact the organiser).
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “The dressage warm-up area was flat with plenty of room.” “The ground in the arena was noticeably wetter than in the warm-up, but it was flat.” “The showjumping warm-up was of a good size.” “The ground for this, and the showjumping arena, was on a slight slope and the course-builder took advantage of this, with the usual ‘tricks’ that caught out many riders.” “It was a well-built course that was a fair test at this level.”
Cross-country — “The start is a short distance from the lorry park and set in an adjoining field, with well roped-off horse walkways and a good sized warm-up area.” “The Rackham course has a variety of fences, and several stretches to get the horse into a good rhythm.” “There had been sufficient rain and the going had plenty of ‘give’ in it without being soft.” “The good grass cover undoubtedly helped to make the ground excellent.” “A first-time horse who is fully schooled over a variety of ditches, steps, and other questions would have no problems on this course, and it would certainly advance their education.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
BE100 Pony: 73%
BE100 Open: 68%
BE100: 75%
5YO: 47%
BE90 Open: 77%
BE90: 81%
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