Get the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics
Date: Friday 3 – Saturday 4 April 2015
Organisers: Jan and David Cottam and Josie Brettell
Contact: 07812 586988; goringheathht@gmail.com
Location: Oxfordshire
Entries open: 27 February
Ballot date: 13 March at 12 noon
Entires close: 24 March
Link to Goring Heath (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/goringheath1
How to get there
Grid reference SU648783. Postcode RG8 7RT. Goring Heath is not on the Ordnance Survey map, and should not be confused with Goring on Thames. It is half a mile off the road between Woodcote and Whitchurch on Thames. From the north, approach via Oxford and A4074. From M4 leave at junction 12. Tall vehicles or HGVs must approach via Reading and the A4074 — there is an 11ft height limit and toll bridge when approaching from Theale and Pangbourne. The event will be well signposted.
What the organisers say
Our sponsor is Horses in Sport.
The dressage and showjumping are situated on well-prepared grass. The showjumping is designed by Mike Benfield.
Dave Thompson’s cross-country courses run over undulating terrain, with great attention paid to the going and presentation. There is a good water jump. New fences are invested in each year. The tracks are a decent test but fair for each level.
Previous courses can be seen at www.goringheathhorsetrials.co.uk
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Dressage warm-up is not flat, but has plenty of space to work in.” “The ground was very firm given the unusual spring weather, but the main arenas are on the flat.” “Showjumping is in a reasonably compact area for the ring itself with lots of colourful and interesting fences for young horses to look at.” “The showjumping ring is big, but on a slight slope with up to height tracks. Warm-up ring is a bit tight.”
Cross-country — “The tracks run up and down the valley, which is a good experience for young horses and riders to get used to staying in balance at the right speed.” “The ground was on the firm side this year, which is not typical for this event. Some interesting combinations and a good water with different questions for a young horse early on the course.” “Interesting course which you have to cross over a lane to get to.” “Good variety of up and down slopes.” “Quite a big drop into water early on and a big drop step early.” “Some distances were a little odd in some combinations.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
ONU18: 78%
ON: 82%
N: 87%
BE100 Pony Club: 88%
BE100 Open: 73%
BE100: 72%
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