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 24 – Sunday 26 April 2015
Organiser: Lisa Hughes
Contact: 01491 571353; lh@ues-admin.com; www.symminternationalhorsetrials.co.uk
Location: Oxon
Entries open: 21 March
Ballot date: 6 April at 12 noon
Entries close: 14 April
Link to Hambleden entries: www.britisheventing.com/hambleden
How to get there
Grid reference SU785865. Hambleden’s access is opposite Henley Management College on the A4155.
What the organisers say
The intermediate cross-country was substantially revamped in 2014, and there are ongoing improvements being made to the three other tracks.
We have two boreholes and an irrigation system so can irrigate when required. The ground stands up well to wet weather. We work hard on ground prep, and have space to re-site dressage arenas and showjumps in the event of heavy rain.
The dressage is on old, level turf and the showjumping is sited in a large, permanently fenced, flat arena. The cross-country goes through the woods over undulating ground. Fences are up to size but inviting and include a good variety, with two water complexes on the novice and intermediate courses. Riders tell us that our tracks are challenging, but a positive and educational experience for their horses.
Event Riders’ Association surveys confirm that we strive to provide the best possible experience for everyone involved!
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “The dressage is always in the same place on the flat ground.” “There is lots of room to warm up and the going is good.” “The showjumping is in a beautiful, big arena and it really had an international feel.” “Horses can sometimes go a little green as the arena is so big, but generally they jump well.”
Cross-country — “They had spiked and put a load of bark down this year as the going was firm and
this made such a difference.” “The course is undulating and you go in and out of the trees.” “It’s a lovely course to ride around and an enjoyable one for owners.” “I wouldn’t say it’s a first-timer’s track, but it’s educational and does have alternatives.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
OI: 81%
I: 58%
ONU18: 58%
ON: 90%
N: 69%
CIC*: 62%
BE100 Open: 88%
BE100: 82%
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