Horse trials G to I

GATCOMBE (1 & 2), Glos

28-30 March & 19-21 September

The course: An inviting course, with alternatives provided at the more difficult obstacles. Built by Willis Bros, it runs over well drained, flat land and includes water. The Land Rover intermediate course is an up-to-height track which runs alongside the novice cross-country except for two extra loops. There are alternatives at some of the more difficult fences. A new water complex is being constructed this winter

The course: The courses in the spring offer a good selection of substantially-built fences aimed at first-time novice and pre-novice combinations. The tracks run over gently undulating permanent pasture and grassland and incorporate three copses, natural water obstacles and ditches. The area comprises mostly sandy soil with some black peat. The intermediate course, which is separate, will be straightforward, up to height and will have two natural water complexes. The courses at the summer event are very different with most of the track running over the river meadows to give naturally good going. The pre-novice and novice courses offer a good selection of well built fences with two water crossings and alternatives where necessary. Phases A and C at the two-day event are on grass tracks.

The course: Hambleton invests in new fences every year and 2003 bring a totally new intermediate course. This will incorporate an additional water complex and quarry. The start of the novice track has also been redesigned to run down through the start/finish field to the new water complex. The three cross-country courses have been built to take full advantage of the natural features of the estate’s wooded parkland. Fences are up to height, but are built with big timbre to make them inviting and educational and they reward bold riding. All take-offs and landings are prepared and the ground with be aerated if it is hard.

The course: The show jumping, dressage and cross-country take place in the deer park over old turf which should guarantee good going. The pre-novice course is relatively easy, while the novice provides a solid test for more experienced horses, althoughthere are alternatives. We are planning to revise the course so that the water jump for all classes, other than the pre-novice, will be the fourth last fence. We also plan to build at least four new obstacles

How to get there: Nine miles west of the A1 through Durham City, 4.5 miles east of the A68 at Towlaw, off the B6301. From the south leave the A1(M) at the junction signed A68 Bishop Auckland, follow the A68 to Towlaw and in Towlaw turn on to the B6301 towards Lanchester. The event will then be signposted. From the north, leave the A1(M) at the Chester le Street junction. Take the A167 to Nevilles Cross. Turn right onto the A690 and, after half a mile, turn right on to the B6309, signed Esh Winning. The event will then be signposted.