We’ve put together a list of cross-country course hire venues across England, Scotland and Wales, so that you can find the perfect to take your horse cross-country schooling, whether it’s just for fun or to prepare for the season.
Most cross-country schooling venues, if not open all year, tend to open between February and April as riders start training for the eventing season ahead. Depending on the ground conditions and the time of year, you might prefer to school on grass or on an all-weather surface and we have plenty of examples of both options listed below.
Some courses are available for hire all year round, with the exception of during events and the preparation period, and in extreme weather. We’ve included seasonal opening times where these are available.
One important cross-country schooling tip is to choose a venue to suit your needs – for example, if your horse needs practice in water, opt for a venue with a water complex and splash area – so where the information is available, we’ve listed the fence heights and features of each course to help you find the best option.
If you run a cross-country course or schooling venue for hire that is not listed, please email georgia.guerin@futurenet.com to be added.
Cross-country hire by location
- East
- East Midlands
- North East
- North West
- Scotland
- South East
- South West
- Wales
- West Midlands
- Yorkshire and the Humber
East of England
Includes cross-country course hire in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Berwick Farm XC
Stanford Rivers, Ongar, Essex CM5 9PY
berwickfarmxc.com
01708 688232
- Open Apr–Oct
- 3.5 miles of tracks
- Two water features
- Three sunken roads
- Two woodland areas
- More than 100 fences
Blackwater Farm Equestrian Centre
Great Witchingham, Norfolk NR9 5PH
blackwaterfarm.co.uk
01362 688227
- Open all year
- Fences 60cm–1.15m
- Natural copses
- Clear natural water complexes
- Wide variety of fence types
- New fences every season
Ely Eventing Centre
Little Downham, Ely, Cambs CB6 2TY
elyeventing.co.uk
01353 698839
- Open all year
- Fences 60cm–1.15m
- Two water complexes
- Ditches and coffin combinations
- Sunken road complex and step/bank area
Keysoe International
Keysoe, Beds MK44 2JP
keysoe.com
01234 708400
- Arena XC only
- Jumps from 70cm
- Water, ditches, inclines
- Built by Eric Winter
Kimpton Cross-Country Course
Kimpton, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 8HB
kimptonxcountry.co.uk
- Open all year
- More than 45 fences
- Fences 50cm–1m+
- Annual membership available
Poplar Park
Hollesley, Suffolk IP12 3NA
poplarpark.co.uk
01394 411023
- Open all year
- Fences 60cm–1.20m
- Six full courses
- BE standard
- No time limit
- Updated yearly
Stratford Hills Equestrian Centre
Stratford St Mary, Colchester, Essex CO7 6PA
stratfordhillsequestriancentre.co.uk
01206 322494
- Opens February
- Fences 35cm–1.10m
- 50 permanent and temporary jumps
- Water jump and splash
- Ditches and steps
- Jumps in woodland
East Midlands
Includes cross-country course hire in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, South Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.
Arkenfield Stables
Gunthorpe, Notts NG14 7ER
arkenfieldstables.co.uk
- Fences 50–80cm
Aston-le-Walls
Washbrook Farm, Aston-le-Walls, Daventry, Northants NN11 6RT
astonlewalls.net
- Grass schooling Feb–Nov
- All-weather available
Aylesford Equine
Shoby, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE14 3PF
aylesfordequine.com
01664 812834
- More than 100 fences
- Fences 30cm–1.15m
- Mini course (25–60cm)
- Additional all-weather arena
- No time limit on grass
- Water complexes, coffins, sunken roads, drops, banks and skinnies
Barrowcliffe XC
Queniborough, Leicester LE7 3RX
barrowcliffexc.co.uk
- Opens early spring
- 220 fences
- 40cm–1.20m
Eland Lodge
Ashbourne, Derbys DE6 5HD
elandlodge.com
- Open Apr–Sept
- Fences 50cm–1.10m
- BE standard
- All-weather take-off and landings
- No time limit
Field Farm
Mumby, Lincs LN13 9SL
field-farm.net
- Open all year
- Fences 50cm, 70cm and 90cm
- Variety of fences
Field Farm Cross Country
Wymeswold, Leics LE12 6ST
fieldfarmcrosscountry.co.uk
- Open all year
- Fences 70cm–1.10m
- BE-standard fences
- 600m all-weather track with fences
- Water, ditches, skinnies, banks and hedges
Golden Valley Equestrian Centre
Alfreton, Derbys DE55 4ES
goldenvalleyequestriancentre.co.uk
07377 853677
- Seasonal opening (weather dependent)
- Part woodland, part silica fibre surface
- Range of fences
Vale View Equestrian Centre
Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE14 3LX
valeviewequestrian.co.uk
- All-weather arena open all year
- Fences 60cm–1.10m
- BE-standard fences
- Natural undulations, water complex with steps of varying heights, several ditches and steps
North East
Includes cross-country course hire in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham and North Yorkshire.
Breckenbrough Helen Bell Equestrian
Thirsk, N Yorks YO7 4EL
helenbellequestrian.co.uk
07708708967
- Closed in winter, but access to winter training area
- Fences 45cm–1.20m
- Three water complexes
- Two bank complexes and ditch combinations
Foxberry Chasers
Caldwell, Richmond, N Yorks DL11 7QL
foxberry.co.uk
- More than 100 fences
- Fences 45cm–1.05m
- Full range of fences, plus track with all-weather take-offs
- Water complex, steps, corner, arrowhead and coffin
- Course regularly updated
Gloucester Lodge Farm
Blyth, Northumbs NE24 3PH
gloucesterlodgefarm.co.uk
01670 353633
- Three courses – 60cm, 75cm, 90cm
Little Whittington
Corbridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE19 2LA
littlewhittingtonxc.co.uk
- Open Apr–Sept
- Fences 50cm–1.20m
- Large water complex with ramp in
- Steps, corners, skinnies, walls, ditches, logs, brush fences, combinations and tiger traps
Thornton Lodge
Easingwold, N Yorks YO61 3QA
thorntonlodgefarm.co.uk
- Open March–Oct
- More than 70 fences
- Fences 45cm–1.05m
- Water complex, two stream crossings and miles of grass
Todburn Equestrian Centre
Longhorsley, Morpeth, Northumb NE65 8QZ
todburnequestriancentre.co.uk
- Opens April
- Fences 40cm–1.15m
North West
Includes cross-country course hire in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside.
Charity Farm
Wrightington, Lancs WN6 9PP
charityfarm.co.uk
- 19 fences
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre
Organsdale Farm, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0SR
kelsallhill.co.uk
- Opens early spring
- Fences 50cm–1.10m
- Water complex complete with quarry, ski jump, trakehner, ditches, coffins and steps
Nord Vue
Armathwaite, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 9TN
nordvue.com
- Open Apr–Sept
- Fences 40–90cm
Somerford Park
Holmes Chapel Road, Congleton CW12 4SW
somerfordpark.co.uk
- Grass course open all year
- All-weather Dec–March
- More than 100 fences
- Fences 75cm–1.20m
- Designed by Andrew Heffernan
- Combinations, drops, arrowheads, ditches, banks, chase fences and large water complex
Scotland
Greenfields of Avondale
Strathaven, South Lanarkshire ML10 6QF
greenfieldsofavondale.co.uk
07775 782296
- Open all year
- Fences 60cm–1m
Ian Stark Equestrian Centre
Greenhill Farm, Selkirk TD7 4NP
ianstarkequestriancentre.co.uk
01750 20202
- Fences 70cm–1m
- Built by Ian Stark
Lindores Equestrian
Newburgh, Cupar, Fife KY14 6HU
lindoresxc.co.uk
07736 044058
- Open March–Oct
- More than 180 fences
- Fences 30cm–1.10m
- Ditches, spreads, corners, skinnies, uprights, log piles, whisky barrels, ski jumps, combinations, pheasant feeders, trakheners, beehives, brush, cottages, keyhole and 20x20m water complex with run ins, run outs, steps, an upturned boat and a jump into water
Loch Lomond Pony Trekking
Tullichewan Farm, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire G83 8QY
lomond-ponytreks.co.uk
07745 277320
- Open all year
- Fences 15cm–1m
- Steps, logs, ski jumps, corners, skinnies, tyres, barrels and ditches
Totley Wells
Winchburgh, West Lothian EH52 6QJ
totleywells.com
- Open all year
- 31 fences
- Fences 40cm–1m
- Skinnies, banks, ditches, water splash, barrels, pigeon feeders, sharks teeth and tiger traps
Wilder Ways
Glen Kerran Farm, Southend, Argyll PA28 6PJ
wilderways.scot
- Open Apr–Sept
- 25 fences
- Fences 40cm–1m
South East
Includes cross-country course hire in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex.
Bonfleur Cross-Country Course
Maidstone, Kent ME17 4BD
bonfleurcrosscountrycourse.co.uk
07976138120
- Opens March
- Fences 45cm–1.05m
- More than 120 fences
- Water complex, ditches, banks, coffins, trakheners and combinations
Boomerang Stables
Chilton Foliat, Hungerford, Berks RG17 0TW
boomerangstables.co.uk
07711 499596
- Open all year
- Fences 30cm to BE Intermediate-plus
- Water, ditches, steps, skinnies and spooky questions
- Fences moved regularly
Chilham Park
Chilham Castle Estate, Canterbury, Kent CT4 8DB
chilhampark.co.uk
01227 730811
Chiltern Cross-Country
Woodcote, Oxfordshire RG8 0PH
chilternxc.co.uk
07767 370148
- Open Feb–Nov
- Fences 60cm–1m
- Extensive water complex
- Banks, steps and ditches
Coombelands Equestrian
Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1BQ
coombelandsequestrian.com
07990 054863
- Opens March
- Fences 70cm–1.10m
- Area with smaller arena-type fences for warm-up, lead-rein and small ponies
- More than 100 fences
Fair Oak
Rogate, Petersfield GU31 5HR
fair-oak.co.uk
- Open March–Oct
- Wide range of fences
Gasston Stables
Headley, Epsom, Surrey KT18 6DY
gasstonstables.co.uk
07746 815796
- Opens in spring
- 40cm–1.50m
- More than 150 fences
- Water complex, ditches, skinnies and steps
- Woodland area
Hickstead Showground
The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead BN6 9HS
hicksteadschooling.co.uk
- All-weather arenas open Oct–Apr
- Fences 60cm–1.10m and advanced
- Water complex with steps
- Step complex ranging from novice to advanced
- Permanent ditches and banks
Hurstwood Farm
High Hurstwood, East Sussex TN22 4AN
equestriantrainingcentre.co.uk
- Fences 40cm–1.15m
- Water complex
- Separate mini course
Littleton Manor Equestrian
Littleton Manor Farm, Reigate Heath RH2 8QZ
lmeq.com
07771 600033
- Open all year
- 150 fences beginner to intermediate
- Water complex, coffin, steps, sunken road, bank, skinnies and corners
Lockskinners Equestrian
Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7ND
lockskinners.com
- Open May–Oct
- Technical course of 150 fences (70cm–1.35m)
- Introductory course of 161 fences (40cm–1m)
- Mini course (up to 40cm)
Lodge Farm
Matfield, Tonbridge TN12 7ET
lodgefarmcrosscountry.co.uk
- Opens March
- More than 90 fences
- Fences 60cm–1.10m
- Ditches, corners, arrowheads, skinnies and steps
- Lots of combinations and two water complexes
Lyneham Heath Equestrian
Lyneham Heath, Nr Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 6QQ
lynehamheathequestrian.co.uk
- All-weather loop open all year
- Grass opens approx end of April
- Fences 70cm–intermediate
- Mini fences (up to 60cm) in separate field
- More than 200 fences
MK Equestrian Centre
Hanslope, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK19 7HQ
mpbeesleyandson.com
07810 120498
- More than 200 fences
- Fences 60cm–1.10m
- BE-standard course
- Two water complexes, range of steps, banks and ditches
- Two additional mini courses (15–60cm)
Munstead
Godalming, Surrey GU7 1UN
munsteadhorsetrials.com
- Open all year
- 70cm–1m
Nurstead Court
Meopham, Kent DA13 9AD
nursteadcourt.co.uk
07957 495146
- BE-standard course
Parwood Equestrian Centre
Normandy, Guildford, Surrey GU3 2JE
parwood.co.uk
- Open Apr–Oct (Tues–Sun)
- Fences 50cm–1.15m
Prime Ponies
Bridgehill Farm, Horsham, W Sussex RH12 4RN
prime-ponies.co.uk
07853 081669
- Opens May
- 35 fences
- Fences 20–80cm
Snowball Farm
Burnham, Bucks SL1 8EH
snowballfarm.co.uk
01628 666222
- Open for a limited time in spring
-
Fences 70cm–1m
-
Variety of fences, including water complex
Swalcliffe Park Equestrian
Swalcliffe, Banbury, Oxon OX15 5EX
swalcliffeparkequestrian.co.uk
01295 780206
- Open all year
- Fences up to 1.10m
- Mini fences (30–60cm) in separate field
- More than 150 fences
- Ditches, sunken roads and water complexes
Tweseldown Racecourse
Church Crookham, Fleet, Hants GU52 8DY
tweseldown.co.uk
- Open all year
- 40cm to BE Intermediate (Jan–May)
- 40cm–1m (May–Dec)
Wakes End
Milton Keynes, Bucks MK17 9FB
wakesendfarm.co.uk
- Fences 60cm–1m
Wheatlands Farm
Finchampstead, Berks RG40 4LZ
wheatlandsfarm.com
0118 9731918
- Open early spring to late Sept
- More than 140 fences
- Fences 30cm–1m
- Two waters, two banks, ditches and steps
South West
Includes cross-country course hire in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire.
Ace Cross-Country
Twyning, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 6DA
acecrosscountry.co.uk
- Main course and separate mini course
- Water complex
Bicton Arena
East Burdleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BL
bicton-arena.co.uk
01395 441162
- Course hire selected days only
- Arena XC hire (70cm–1m)
Castle Farm
Wickwar, Glos GL12 8NS
castlefarmliverycrosscountry.com
- Open Apr–Oct
- Fences 40–90cm
Deer Park Cross Country
Brockhampton, Glos GL54 5SR
deerparkcrosscountry.co.uk
07964 660702
- Open all year
- Fences 45cm–1.05m
- More than 100 fences
- No time limit
Everleigh Equestrian
Quickset Stables, Everleigh, Marlborough, Wilts SN8 3EU
everleigh-equestrian.co.uk
07990 571463
- More than 35 fences
- Suited to novice riders and young horses
Larkhill Eventing
Knighton Down, Larkhill, Wilts SP48QT
larkhilleventing.com
- Opens specific dates
- Fences 60cm–1.10m
- BE standards
Oxstalls Cross-Country
oxstallsxc.co.uk
- 50cm–1.20m
- BE standard fences
- Waters, steps, banks and drops
- Range of ditches
- Decorated fences
- Regularly updated
- Separate mini course
Pontispool
Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, Somerset TA4 1BH
pontispool.co.uk
01823 461196
- Grass schooling area open from Feb
- All-weather open Nov–Mar
- More than 200 fences
- Fences 70cm–1.15m (from 40cm at certain times of year)
- All-weather take offs and landings at permanent fences
- Three water complexes and two quarry complexes
Rectory Farm
Duntisbourne Abbots, Cirencester, Glos GL7 7JW
- Open selected dates
- Fences 70–90cm
- Steps, ditch, water, corners and skinnies
Rein & Shine Equestrian Centre
Buryhill Farm, Braydon, Wilts SN5 0AD
reinandshine.co.uk
01666 860068
- Opens in spring
- Fences 30cm–1m
- Variety of fences
Rosamund Green Farm
Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4JG
teamdumas.co.uk
07511078285
- Opens in spring
- Fences BE100–5*
- More than 350 fences
- Two water complexes
- All-weather take offs and landings
Stockland Lovell
Stockland Lovell Manor, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 1JJ
stocklandlovell.com
01278 652224
- Open 10 months of the year
- Fences 50cm–1m
- More than 100 fences
- Two water complexes
- All-weather take offs and landings
- No time limit
- New fences each year
Stour
Spetisbury, Blandford, Dorset DT11 9EE
stourxc.co.uk
- Open March–Oct
- 38 fences, including mini course
- Fences 30cm–1m
- Logs, banks, ditches, water complexes and brushes
Wales
Marian Bach Equestrian Centre
Babell, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 8PZ
marianbach.co.uk
- No time limit
Mostyn Farm Ride and Cross Country
Wern Home Farm, Whitford, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 9AR
mostynfarmride.co.uk
07765 402738
- Open all year
- 9km farm ride with more than 100 fences
- Built by BE course builder
- Ditches, trakehners, water, banks, drops, steps, skinnies and road crossing
West Midlands
Includes cross-country course hire in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and the metropolitan county of West Midlands.
Lincomb Equestrian
Lincomb, Nr Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs DY13 9RB
crosscountrycourse.co.uk
07986200777
- More than 100 jumps on grass
- Arena XC available
- Fences 45cm–1.05m
- Built by BE Gold level course builder
Radfords Equestrian
Lower House Farm, Llanymynech SY22 6LG
radfords-equestrian.co.uk
01691 831523
- Open Apr–Oct
- Fences 30cm–1m
- Water features, ditches, steps and banks
- Additional arena XC hire available
Yorkshire and the Humber
Includes cross-country course hire in East Riding of Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.
Epworth Equestrian
Epworth, Doncaster, Lincs DN9 1LQ
epworthequestrian.co.uk
01427 872293
- Fences 70cm–1m
- 2 mile course with 21 fences (70/80/90cm/1m)
- Additional single fences
Hopton Horse Centre
Mount Pleasant Farm, Mirfield, W Yorks WF14 8EH
hoptonhorsecentre.co.uk
- Open all year
- All weather
- Mini course
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