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Bovington Horse Trials (1): what riders need to know [H&H VIP]


  • Date: Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 April 2015

    Organiser: Stephanie Buchanan
    Contact: 01929 403580
    Location: Dorset

    Entries open: 14 March
    Ballot date: 30 March at 12 noon
    Entries close: 8 April

    Link to Bovington (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/bovington1

    How to get there

    Bovington is located 10 miles east of Dorchester off the A35 at Bere Regis and approximately 15 miles west of Wimborne off the A31 (in both cases follow signs for the tank museum).

    What the organisers say

    The dressage is on manicured lawns, with Paul Thomas’ showjumping tracks on a surface in a 60x40m arena.

    The cross-country is run over flat terrain. Adrian Ditcham’s fences are a mix of portables
    and permanents, with good take-offs and landings.

    Last year we invested in a bigger and more professional water complex, which will be used in all classes.

    The courses suit all levels of riding. The BE90 and BE100 tracks are suitable for inexperienced combinations as there are alternatives.

    What the riders say

    Dressage & showjumping — “Moderate warm-up, but lovely flat arenas on the rugby and football pitches.” “Quite a noisy, busy place as it sits next to a main road and opposite the cross-country.” “The showjumping course was a fair test for each level and the arena is on a surface.” “There are two warm-ups, first on grass and then on to a surface. However, there was a long delay and it got behind time quite badly.”

    Cross-country — “All the courses seemed fair and inviting, although the novice was on the tougher side.” “The going was good as it is on sandy ground.”

    Percentage of cross-country clears 2014 (some sections cancelled)

    N: 90%
    BE100: 91%
    BE90: 91%
    BE80(T): 87%

    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