Borde Hill Horse Trials (2): what riders need to know [H&H VIP]
Get the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics
Date: Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 July 2015
Organisers: Bill Kear, John Hill and Lucy Cunliffe
Contact: 01732 750568; 07881 581124; lucycunliffe@btinternet.com; www.bordehillhorsetrials.com
Location: West Sussex
Entries open: 19 June
Ballot date: 3 July
Entries close: 15 July
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Link to Borde Hill entries: www.britisheventing.com/borde-hill
How to get there
From junction 10a of the M23 take the B2036 to Cuckfield or from junction 11 take the A23 then A272 and B2036 to Cuckfield.
What the organisers say
Borde Hill’s fixtures are well-run, friendly events.
A one-way traffic system for lorries is accessed from an entrance off Hanlye Lane.
The horsebox park is close to the secretaries and the showjumping, with the tradestands situated around the arena, including a choice of food outlets.
There are horse walks to all phases of the event.
The dressage area, on the flattest part of the park, is at a distance for spectators. Part of the large warm-up area is close to the cross-country.
The showjumping, built by Brian Lear, is on a gentle slope.
The cross-country, designed by Simon Bere, is run over undulating wooded parkland.
Courses are flowing, encouraging bold, forward riding, with prepared take-offs and landings. There will be alternatives if necessary. The Bill Kear water complex features in the middle of the course.
All phases will be agri-vated, including warm-ups, if necessary.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “The dressage is held in level areas which is good as it can be hilly there.” “The arenas are located by the cross-country course so it can be a bit off-putting if you have a young or easily distracted horse.” “There is plenty of warm-up space.” “The ground is generally good.” “The showjumping is nearer the lorry park and is on a slight slope, but the arena is spacious.” “The warm-up is again on a slope and can cause a few problems as it’s also quite tight for space.” “It’s a nice, inviting track and not too atmospheric.” “It’s not a big, up-to-height track with tricky lines, so I’d be happy to take a younger horse or first-timer.”
Cross-country — “The fences are bold and inviting. They are usually well dressed and the ground is good.” “There is a hill climb so you do need a reasonably fit horse.” “It’s a nice, flowing, galloping course but perhaps not suited to a first-timer because it is quite bold.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
ON: 78%
N: 65%
BE100 Open: 76%
BE100: 74%
BE90: 59%
BE80(T): 62%
Download part two of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part two
