Horse trials U to W
UPTON HOUSE, Oxon
9-10 September
The course: A new course is planned for 2003 which runs over typical undulating land at the north end of the Cotswolds. The red sandstone soil aerovates well if necessary. A fit horse is required. The fences will be straightforward and up to size.
Classes: PN, VPN, OPN, N, IN
How to get there: From the south, take junction 11 off the M40 (Banbury exit), or from the north junction 12 (Gaydon exit), then the A422 Banbury/Stratford-upon-Avon road. The event is approx 6 miles north of Banbury. The entrance will be off the Alkerton turn, immediately beside the OCC refuse tip (well signed)
Further information: Jenny Hayward,Willoughby House, Willoughby, Rugby, Warks CV23 8BU (tel: 01788 890254); (fax: 01788 891427); email: HaywardWil@aol.com
URCHINWOOD MANOR, North Somerset
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20 August
The course: Run on flat terrain and suitable for first-timers. In 1999 the course was improved extensively with the addition of several new fences
Classes: PN, N
How to get there: From M5 junction 21 take the A370 towards Bristol. Go through Congresbury on the main road and turn right to Wrington and Redhill. Urchinwood Manor is half a mile on the right. The White Hart Inn is 100 yards further on
Further information: Peter & Sally Hall, Urchinwood Manor, Congresbury, Bristol, North Somerset BS19 5AP (tel: 01934 833248)
WESTON PARK (1), Shropshire
5-6 April
The course: Varied and runs over 1,000 acres of rolling wooded parkland. The ground is free-draining and therefore the going is always good. The fences are solid and imposing but have many alternative routes. Each class runs over a different course. Money has been spent on improving facilities, especially the course
Classes: PT, N, I, OIU21, AI, A, AU25
How to get there: Weston under Lizard on the A5, 7 miles west of M6 junction 12 and 3 miles north of M54 junction 3
Further information: Janet Plant, Rose Cottage, Broom Bank, Knightley, Woodseaves, Staffs ST20 0JW (tel: 01785 284632); website: westonht.freeserve.co.uk
WESTON PARK CCI, Shropshire
8-12 October
The course: The ground is free-draining and so the going is always good. The fences are solid and imposing, but there are many alternative routes on the track which runs across the magnificant Capability Brown parkland
Classes: CCI**, CCI*, under-21 & JRN Championships
How to get there: Weston under Lizard on the A5, 7 miles west of M6 junction 12 and 3 miles north of M54 junction 3
Further information: Janet Plant, Rose Cottage, Broom Bank, Knightley, Woodseaves, Staffs ST20 0JW (tel: 01785 284632); e-mail: jjjplant@westonht.freeserve.co.uk; website: westonht.freeserve.co.uk
WEST WILTS (1, 2 & 3), Wilts
18 June, 10 August & 31 August
The course: Lies over permanent grass which has a slight incline. Natural obstacles, solid but inviting, have been used where possible. Where fences are considered difficult, alternatives have been provided and so the tracks suit less experienced horses. Work will be carried out to the track if ground conditions require it by the use of stonedust or a turf conditioner whichbreaks the ground surface without destroying the turf
Classes: 18 June – PN, N; 10 August – Intro, PN; 31 August – PN, N
How to get there: West Wilts horse trials is at the West Wilts Equestrian Centre, which lies 2 miles from Melksham on the B3107 towards Bradford on Avon. It is 20-25 minutes from either junction 17 or 18 of the M4 (south side)
Further information: Peter Collins, West Wilts Equestrian Centre, Melksham Road, Holt, Nr Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 6QT (tel: 01225 783220); (fax: 01225 783110)
WILTON, Wilts
7-8 June
The course: For 2003 there will be further minor changes to both courses. Both tracks are flowing and are built of substantial timber and use the natural undulations of the parkland terrain. There are alternatives where necessary on both courses and they have been described as “fair tests” for both first-time and experienced novice and intermediate horses. The sites of the corners on both courses will be changed. The ground in all phases will be worked on during the year to provide as near perfect going as possible
Classes: N, JRN, I, OI
How to get there: From the west, at the Wilton junction of the A30 and A36 continue on the A30 to Salisbury. At the first set of traffic lights turn right on to the A3094. The event entrance is half a mile on the right. From the east, take the A30 from Salisbury. After 2 miles, turn left at the traffic lights on to the A3094 and continue as above
Further information: Anthony Ffooks, Church Farm, Lamyatt, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6NP (tel/fax: 01749 812994); (mobile during trials: 07779 588274); e-mail: ant@lamyatt.demon.co.uk
WINDSOR RACECOURSE, Berks
22-23 March
The course: The cross-country will run over mainly flat terrain and in this first year there will be no water fence. There will be a variety of fences to suit first-time combinations in both grades (intro and pre-novice) and the level will be suitable bearing in mind this event’s early calendar date. Part of the course will run over the old National Hunt track and the ground staff from the racecourse will be helping to prepare the going
Classes: Intro, PN
How to get there: Leave the M4 at junction 6 and head towards Windsor, then follow the signs for Windsor Racecourse
Further information: Nick Burd (tel: 01934 832459), or the secretary (tel: 01608 811070)
WINKBURN PARK, Notts
30-31 August
The course: An undulating, galloping track running over grass parkland and through woodland. Both tracks are built to cater for the first-timer as well as challenging the more experienced combinations
Classes: PN, N, IN
How to get there: Six miles east of the A614, on the A617 Mansfield-Newark road, 7 miles off the A1 at the Newark exit. The event site is to the south of the village. Please do not approach through the village
Further information:Margaret Willett, Wellow Park Stables, Rufford Lane, Wellow, Newark, Notts NG22 0EQ (tel: 01623 861040); Wendy Elliott, Charnwood House,Farnsfield, Notts NG22 8EA (tel: 01623 882506).
WITHCOTE HALL, Leics
August 24-25
The course: Runs over permanent pasture. The ground is slightly undulating but there are no steep hills. Thefences are varied, straightforward, inviting and well built, with alternatives at the more difficult obstacles. The track will be similar to previous years and there is an entirely separate course for pre-novices
Classes: PN, N (N, ON, JN 2-day)
How to get there: On the main Oakham to Tilton-on-the-Hill road, about 5 miles from Tilton and 2 miles from Braunston
Further information: Sue Cavenagh, Withcote Hall, Oakham, Leics LE158DP (tel: 01664 454209); LouiseBevin, Shorne Hill, Nr Brooke, Oakham, Rutland (tel: 01572 771102); entries secretary Jackie Mason (tel: 01462 790529)
WITHINGTON MANOR, Glos
19-20 April
The course: All three courses run overundulating, well-drained permanent pasture which will be aerovated if required. The courses are up to height and of medium difficulty. They make good use of the terrain, inluding woodland, ditches, steps and a water complex. As a result both horses and riders hould be bold
Classes: PT, N, ON, I, OI, A
How to get there: Withington is located between the A40 (Cheltenham-Oxford) and the A435 (Cheltenham-Cirencester) with easy access from the M5 via the A417 (exit 11A). Please approach via the A436 (Andoversford-Gloucester road), avoiding the southern part of Withington as the road is narrow and the corners are exceptionally sharp. Turn off the A436 just outside Andoversford towards Withington and proceed to the village
Further information: Mr and Mrs B Brenninkmeijer-McKenzie, Manor Farm, Withington, Glos GL54 4BG (tel/fax: 01242 890451); e-mail: bruno@withington-manor.com; website; withington-manor.com
WITTON CASTLE (1 & 2), Co Durham
29-30 March & 27-28 September
The course: Well-built, straightforward fences, all on permanent pasture. There are alternatives on the novice course at the water, coffin and other more difficult obstacles. The advanced course has been redesigned but remains a first-timer’s track with plenty of alternatives. The course always provides perfect going and is not affected by rain.
Classes: 29-30 March – PN, N, I, OIU21, A; 27-28 September – PN, N, I, OI, A
How to get there: Witton Castle is situated off the A68, 5 miles from Tow Law and 3 miles from Bishop Auckland, 3 miles north of West Auckland
Further information: Ernie Fenwick, Park View, Forcett, Richmond, North Yorks DL11 7SQ (tel: 01325 718259); (fax: 01325 718532); Richard Shield, 15 Granville Court, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 ITQ; the secretary Mrs M Shield (tel: 01325 350140).
