Horse trials A to B

ALDON (1 & 2), Somerset

21-23 March & 17-19 October

The course: Runs on grass parkland on Yeovil sand. The going is excellent in all weathers and only snow is likely to cause cancellation. The pre-novice and novice courses are not too demanding for the trials’ early-season slot and are intended for first-timers. The intermediate is up to size. The tracks in the autumn are different from those at the spring trials and are likely to run in an alternative direction. It is hoped to build a new water complex for 2003.

The course: Runs over old turf on ground which is good whatever the weather. The terrain is undulating and the tracks run in front of the hall and through the lake. All courses are solid, well built and inviting and are constructed from big timber. The Staircase is unique to Aske, as are some of the fences on the intermediate track. The Millennium Bounce has been removed and is now a single wall. The first section through the trees has also been taken out, due to inherent wet conditions. All fences that caused problems in the past have been modified and jump well. Competitors should view the course asa fair upgrade to intermediate level.

The course: It is our ambition to continually upgrade and improve the course to keep it rider-friendly but challenging, making the most of the wonderful variety of natural ditches, burns and banks. All courses are run over undulating parkland, with the odd Scottish hill and a fast galloping stretch beside the River Deveron. The intro course, new in 2001, is considered the ideal education for young horses

The course: Relatively flat and all on old turf, much of which has been drained so that the going is good. The course has followed a similar track each year, though in 2003 it will again start and finish in the main arena. Several new obstacles are always introduced, although famous features like the Quarry and Lake are used annually. The event is at the top of the FEI grading system (four-star) and the course is generally regarded as the most demanding in the world, although there are easier, if time-consuming, alternatives. The steeplechase has weather-resistant take-offs and landings

The course: Bicton Park can survive almost all weather conditions. Mike Etherington-Smith has designed several new fences for all three courses, which will be up to height and encouraging. All courses have been designed to flow, and while the terrain is unavoidably hilly, all tracks are built bearing this and the trials’ early season slot in mind. The pre-novice and novice courses have a good variety of fences and are built to encourage. There is no fence on entry into the pre-novice water. The intermediate track uses some of the advanced fences, which is unavoidable due to cost, but the track is a confidence-builder. The advanced is a minimum distance pre-Badminton warm-up and a confidence-builder for intermediate horses about to upgrade and young advanced horses at the start of the season.

How to get there: Bicton is situated 7 miles south of exit 30 on the M5 motorway. After leaving the M5, take the A3052 towards Sidmouth. After about 5 miles, at the Halfway Inn, turn right towards Bicton/Yettington. From the east A303/A30, take the B3180 about 5.5 miles west of Honiton, following signs for Budleigh Salterton, crossing the A3052 at the Halfway Inn. (Vehicle access to Bicton Arena cannot be gained through Bicton Park)

The course: The track now runs completely over permanent grass in undulating country. The magnesium limestone soil drains well without becoming too hard in dry weather. The roads and tracks run mostly through woodland. It is planned for 2003 that the cross-country will follow a similar line to last year, going twice through the water, and being much the same distance. However, there will be around seven significant changes to fences. A fit horse will be required

The course: A novice course has been constructed for 2003. Last year, the pre-novice track was lengthened and made more flowing. A lot of attention is given to the going, especially through the lower section. The courses has been specifically designed and built to the highest standard to encourage competitors and the tracks comprise a mixture of grass and woodland. Thereis a variety of inviting fences, including water.

The course: The pre-novice course is aimed at first-timers. Novices will run over the old course, which takes advantage of the natural features. It is considered to be of top-end difficulty and it has two new fences added every year. The advanced course is up to height and built with big timber. It provides an excellent run for those aiming for a three-day as it requires a fit horse. Some of the advanced course is being kept as a semi-permanent track and will be topped and aerated throughout the year, together with the show jumping arena