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 17 – Sunday 19 July 2015
Organiser: Amy Dixon
Contact: 01785 220366; 07973 749704; organiser@staffordhorsetrials.co.uk;
www.staffordhorsetrials.co.uk
Location: Staffordshire
Entries open: 12 June
Ballot date: 26 June at 12 noon
Entries close: 7 July
Link to Stafford entries: www.britisheventing.com/stafford-2
How to get there
Signed from junction 14 M6 (Stafford North), on A518 two miles outside of Stafford.
What the organisers say
Stafford is renowned for being one of the most friendly of events. Our team has now been working together for 10 years to produce a BE horse trials to be proud of. From the very moment our riders enter the site they are welcomed and supported. Our whole team is at hand to make the experience a pleasurable one.
We always have more than the recommended number of BE80(T) trainers, especially selected for their ability and approachability.
The land at Park Farm is our greatest asset; all year round we prepare our old turf for the event, keeping the grass at an optimum length for perfect going. We are gifted with woodlands, undulations and wide-open flat spaces, enabling us to produce great facilities for all phases.
Our course-builder James Plant is the most meticulous of fence builders. He always produces the best quality of tracks with fair questions and well-built, solid fences. He will be working alongside our new course-designer, Tim Bennett.
Stafford has a great following of tradestands: come along and enjoy good food, shopping and sport.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Very flat arenas and warm-up with lots of room.” “The stewards were all very helpful and the dressage was held in the same place at both events.” “The showjumping is flat with a lovely big warm-up.” “The ring has a bit of atmosphere and the course was very educational with bright jumps.” “It is a good learning curve for young horses.”
Cross-country — “The cross-country is undulating and educational.” “It was nice to see some changes made to the course this year and there is a ditch, corner, water, sunken road and skinnies.” “It’s an event I always go back to as they are very friendly and want to please.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
BE100 Pony: 83%
BE100 Open: 79%
BE100: 70%
5YO: 82%
BE90 Open: 64%
BE90: 61%
4YO: 64%
BE80(T): 46%
Download part two of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part two
Buy Eventing magazine’s April issue for our full horse trials guide detailing every event from July to October 2015 or purchase a digital copy of the guide here.