We bring you the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics
Date: Friday 20 – Sunday 22 March 2015
Organiser: Tessa Mackenzie-Green
Contact: 01308 862537; tessamg@btinternet.com
Location: Somerset
Entries open: 11 February
Ballot date: 27 February at 12 noon
Entries close: 3 March
Link to Aldon (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/aldoninternation1
How to get there
Grid reference ST553145. Aldon is on the A37 south of Yeovil at the 30mph limit, close to the A303.
What the organisers say
Both Aldon fixtures are now truly international. The spring event has a CIC* added, which will run on Saturday/Sunday.
The Aldon cross-country course, designed and built by Adrian Ditcham, runs over old undulating grass parkland on Yeovil sand. Only snow is likely to cause a problem. The fences are well built and inviting. The difficult combinations have alternatives. Courses are straightforward and suitable for all levels at this early season event.
The showjumping, designed by Allen Dunning, is in a large grass arena on the showground.
The one-day event dressage is in its normal area, with the advanced intermediate and CIC* on the rugby pitches.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “There’s a fairly long walk/hack to the dressage arenas, which are flat, but there is restricted warm-up. There are, however, alternative warm-up areas near the lorry park.” “The showjumping arenas are spacious and level with a great atmosphere, as there are tradestands around the edges.”
Cross-country — “You can run at this event in all weathers except snow, as the soil is well draining.” “The course offers superb viewing and the track is of medium severity.” “A very friendly event.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
AI: 89%
OIU21: 72%
OI: 86%
I: 74%
PT: 88%
ONU18: 78%
IN: 92%
ON: 96%
N: 88%
BE100 Open: 90%
BE100: 85%
Download part one of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part one
Buy Eventing magazine’s March issue for our full horse trials guide detailing every event from March to June 2015 or purchase a digital copy of the guide here. The second half of the guide will be in our April issue (on sale 20 March) and online to buy digitally after publication