Gatcombe Horse Trials (1): what riders need to know [H&H VIP]
We bring you the lowdown on this fixture from Eventing magazine's horse trials guide — including what riders say about the event, plus vital statistics
Date: Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 March 2015
Organiser: Pattie Biden
Contact: 07836 644818; pattie-anne@madasafish.com; www.gatcombe-events.co.uk
Location: Gloucestershire
Entries open: 12 February
Ballot date: 26 February at 12 noon
Entries close: 18 March
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Link to Gatcombe entries: www.britisheventing.com/gatcombe1
How to get there
Gatcombe Park is on the Avening to Minchinhampton road. Grid reference ST882992.
What the organisers say
We are known to have a relaxed, friendly horse trial. The dressage and showjumping areas are the same as usual, on flat ground and not far from the horsebox park. The showjumping warm-up moves site between March and September to ensure the best going.
The cross-country courses have a number of portable fences to ensure that the ground is not over-used and that different questions are asked. There are water jumps for all classes.
This fixture is sponsored by Land Rover.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Compact event with everything quite close together.” “A good, large area to warm-up for dressage and the dressage arenas are well spaced out, but their location is quite exciting for horses with the cross-country running in the distance behind the hedge.” “The showjumping warm-up is on the compact side and can get very muddy and a little holding on the clay — you have to have your wits about you to get warmed up and in the chute in the next-door field, but the stewards are very helpful.” “The showjumping ring is big and flat with lots going on around it with marquees — horses can be spooky here.” “Up to height technical tracks.” “Showjumping takes place with marquees around it which is a good experience for horses of all ages and the courses have plenty of fillers and decoration to give a horse lots to look at and take in.”
Cross-country — “The cross-country had had some minor modifications — the water jump works better than in the autumn event and is a fair test for the spring.” “The tracks hold up well — a nice run to blow out the cobwebs — and a good viewing track for owners and followers.” “It would be nice to see some new questions for this lovely event.” “Good galloping tracks with a good mix of combination questions and galloping fences.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
AI: 94%
OI: 89%
I: 70%
IN: 92%
ON: 97%
N: 88%
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
