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 18 – Sunday 19 July 2015
Organisers: Jenny and Tim Nolan
Contact: 01892 783227; seesltd@aol.com
Location: Kent
Entries open: 15 June
Ballot date: 29 June at 12 noon
Entries close: 8 July
Link to Eridge entries: www.britisheventing.com/eridge
How to get there
Sited between Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough on the A26. Grid reference TQ565355.
What the organisers say
The dressage, showjumping and lorry park were relocated to the front of the house in 2013 and all traffic entered via the main drive which proved successful.
We have flat grass dressage arenas. The ground will be agri-vated in the event of hard conditions. John Farrell designs the showjumping in a flat arena which is surrounded by tradestands.
Scott Brickell’s cross-country tracks run over hilly terrain. The fences are inviting and there is a water jump. There are a few portables. There are alternatives so first-timers can get around, but horses must be fit for the cross-country as there are several hills. There will be some new fences for all classes.
The park is old turf, which makes the going good in a dry summer. All jumps will be sanded and the ground agri-vated if it is hard.
What the riders say
Dressage & show jumping — “Regarding the siting of the dressage, this year the organisers had done their best to find the flattest ground possible as it often feels like you are riding on the side of a mountain.” “It is also well away from the showjumping and cross-country areas.” “Although the ground was firm, all of the showjumping and cross-country warm-up areas were treated, as were the showjumping and cross-country courses.” “The showjumping course was well up to height and the ground was sloping.” “The showjumping proved to be fairly influential in the BE90 classes.” “The arena, in its central position, was surrounded by tradestands and can be quite busy and electric.”
Cross-country — “It is quite a walk for spectators to the cross-country course.” “The warm-up area offered plenty of space, with a good selection of jumps.” “The course runs around, and then through the valley so a fit horse is needed.” “The time is famously difficult to achieve at Eridge: 75% of my section had time-faults.” “The course is a fair mix of up-to-height fences that demand a bold horse, and more technical combinations.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
OI: 85%
I: 70%
NRF: 83%
IN: 78%
ONU18: 57%
N: 63%
BE100 U18: 71%
BE100 Open: 86%
BE100: 77%
5YO: 100%
BE90 Open: 50%
BE90: 73%
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