Brooksby Melton College Horse Trials (2): what riders need to know *H&H VIP*
Date: Saturday 26 — Sunday 27 September 2015
Organisers: Petra Williams and Colin Jaggard
Contact: 01664 855467 (prior to the event only); 07702 911717 (from the Friday onwards); equestrian-centre@brooksbymelton.ac.uk
Location: Leicestershire
Entries open: 21 August
Ballot date: 4 September at 12 noon
Entries close: 15 September
Link to Brooksby (2) entries: www.britisheventing.com/brooksby-2
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How to get there
The event will be signed from the A607. Follow signage for lorry and car parking as we use an entrance from the Rearsby turn-off.
What the organisers say
New for this year is our novice track, which is once again designed and built by Joe Weller. This will include a new loop with combinations and steps and runs over undulating terrain. Alterations for the other tracks have also been made to provide interest. A range of permanent fences and portables are used for all courses. The tracks boast a good variety of fences, including steps, drops and water.
The tracks are confidence building and suitable for professionals and first-timers alike.
This is a good course for spectators, as there are several viewing points across the course from which to watch.
Excellent catering facilities are available at the college restaurant, which serves a range of hot and cold food from the Friday afternoon and evening onwards. There is also a licensed bar this year.
The showjumping will take place on our 40x80m fabulous new outdoor surface with the course again designed by Beau Woods. The dressage takes place on level grassland pasture. All ridden areas, including the warm-ups, dressage and cross-country, are professionally agri-vated, with all-weather take-offs and landings added as necessary.
This is a friendly, welcoming event for those new to the sport, as well as providing a professional service for the seasoned eventer.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “The dressage warm-up area is flat but I feel it would benefit from increasing in size as it did feel a little tight.” “The dressage arenas were flat in a reasonably quiet area.” “The showjumping warm-up took place in a large indoor arena which was a real bonus and the surface was very good.” “The showjumping course was well designed and on a lovely surface.”
Cross-country — “The cross-country at BE90 level was a good test for horse and rider and did catch quite a few people out as there were some slightly more technical questions than I have seen in other BE90 courses.” “The warm-up area is level and a really good size.” “It was a fair test and appropriate for a regional final.” “The ground was fine on the day I competed but I would imagine it may get quite firm depending on the weather.” “The course has some undulations and would require a good level of fitness.” “I probably wouldn’t choose this as a first event for a young horse but it is a great mid- to late-season event.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
BE100 Open: 91%
BE100: 69%
BE90RF: 84%
BE90 Open: 69%
BE90: 74%
BE80(T)CH: 91%
BE80(T): 65%
Download part two of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part two
