Horse trials N to R

NORTHAMPTON, Northants

24-25 May

The course: Intended to be straight forward for both levels. Despite space constraints, maximum use is made of the ground available and the course flows well – there are no sharp turns. There is a good variety of fences, although no water jump. The track runs mostly on well established grass over fairly level terrain. The loamy soil drains well. Areas of the track will be aerovated if the going gets hard

How to get there: From the east, turn off the A303 at Illminster, taking the A358 to Taunton. Follow the signs into the centre of town until you pick up signs for the racecourse at the Creech Castle traffic lights. Got on to the B3170 to Corfe and the racecourse is sited on the left hand side of this road shortly after you have driven over the motorway. From the M5, exit at junction 25 andfollow the route above. From the west, take the A358 to Taunton and follow signs for the racecourse and Corfe as detailed above.

The course: No expense is spared on the cross-country, which includes some of the former three-day fences. The entire track provides a good preparation for a two-star CCI. Slight alterations are being made to the intermediate track for 2003, while CIC competitors will run over a longer course with several extra fences. Although a large part of the track runs through woodland, it encourages bold riding. The going is good whatever the weather, and this event has always run when many others have had to be cancelled

The course: Built making the best possible use of natural field boundaries, woodland and watercourses and constructed with solid timber, this course has ridden well, being free-flowing and inviting. The parkland and permanent pasture provide good going. The track will be aerovated if necessary. There are a variety of solidly built fences, including a water and quarry complex. A new dew pond is under construction and a number of improvements are also being made. Each course is up to height and at the combination fences there are easier alternatives

How to get there: Poplar Park EC is situated at Hollesley, 7 miles east of Woodbridge on the Heritage Coast. From the A12 take the A1152 to RAF Woodbridge and Hollesley, then the B1083 to RAF Woodbridge and Hollesley. Signs will be erected from the A12 Woodbridge bypass. Despite being almost on the east coast, there are excellent dual carriageways from the M25 and from the A1 to within 7 miles of the event

The course: Both courses run on good old permanent pasture. This year the start is being moved to the lower meadows, which will bring the hilly sections to the early part of the course. This will allow the building of new fences near the manor house and like all the others, these will be straightforward, inviting and educational. The long galloping section on the flat will now lead to the finish. The distances will still be near the maximum and this will maintain the emphasis on fitness for both horse and rider. If there is a sustained period of summer weather, the show jumping practice area, the arena and all parts of the cross-country course will be aerovated to ensure the best going

How to get there: Exit the A1 at the Catterick Richmond turning for the A6136. At the T-junction turn left and then take the first right, following the brown signs to Richmond Equestrian Centre. At the next T-junction turn left towards Tunstall. On entering the village take the first turn up a single-track road. Follow this track for approximately 1 mile and then turn left up the centre’s driveway