Solihull Horse Trials (1): what riders need to know [H&H VIP]
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 25 – Sunday 26 April 2015
Organiser: Steve Scott and Ginny Townsend
Contact: office@solihullridingclub.co.uk; ginny@solihullridingclub.co.uk
Location: West Midlands
Entries open: 20 March
Ballot date: 4 April at 12 noon
Entries close: 15 April
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Link to Solihull (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/solihull1
How to get there
Just off junction four of the M42 toward Hockley Heath.
What the organisers say
All disciplines are sited within a 2min walk of the lorry park. Permanent stable blocks with hook up on site. Brand new facilities for 2015, including a café.
The dressage arenas are on old turf on flat ground that is kept specifically for this purpose, with a roomy dressage warm-up. Barring extreme weather, the going is excellent.
The showjumping is on an extensive outdoor surface with one large indoor arena for warming up.
The cross-country is over mainly flat terrain with some undulations and wooded areas. There is a water complex and the track includes natural water crossings when the weather permits. Fences are a mix of permanent and portable, designed to be inviting and encouraging for all levels.
The going is on old established turf and the ground will have had the necessary attention dictated by the weather conditions — aera-vated, watered and sand put down on take-offs and landings where applicable. The ground is light and sandy and will stand up to heavy rain. It is good in both dry and wet conditions.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Dressage is on the flat with lots of space before you then go through the hedge to the arenas.” “Showjumping warm-up is on a surface in an indoor arena and then you go to a big spacious outdoor arena.” “The horses jump well on the surface.” “The only thing the event lacks is atmosphere.” “Jumping outdoors makes it hard for horses to concentrate, but I suppose it’s good practice!”
Cross-country — “The cross-country is relatively flat with a slight hill at the end.” “A good educational course with lots of alternatives and a good use of natural fences such as hedges.” “The course rides well and is a good first-timers’ track and for young horses.” “Not over-big at any level, but educational at all levels.” “Good technical questions for novice classes.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014 (some sections cancelled)
ON: 71%
N: 62%
BE100 Open: 73%
BE100: 70%
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
