Keysoe Horse Trials (1): 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: Friday 8 — Sunday 10 May 2015
Organiser: Simon Bates
Contact: 01234 708400; info@keysoe.com; www.keysoe.com
Location: Bedfordshire
Entries open: 3 April
Ballot date: 18 April at 12 noon
Entries close: 29 April
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Link to Keysoe (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/keysoe1
How to get there
Go through Kimbolton then pick up the B660 to Keysoe. The event is sited eight miles north of Bedford on the B660. Postcode MK44 2JP.
What the organisers say
Major reseeding and track widening has been undertaken this winter. The cross-country courses will be designed by Eric Winter and Angus Smales, and built by Dominic Moore. Using the slow routes, they will be suitable for first-timers, but on the direct routes they will provide a sufficient test for those well established at that level.
Our two fixtures this year will have completely different course layouts.
Four of our dressage arenas are on a surface; the rest and the working-in are on well-established dedicated turf. The showjumping and warm-up is on waxed surface.
There is a licensed café and permanent on-site stables.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Some tests are held on a surface, but if your test is on the grass, it’s on flat ground.” “Ground can be firm, but whole venue was spread with mulch, which improved it, despite not looking attractive!” “Showjumping on a fabulous surface and cracking courses.”
Cross-country — “Complete facelift this year with great changes.” “Good courses although strong for each level — I would not want to take a first-timer.” “Further changes and improvements have been made to the tracks and ground, which can only be for the better.” “Intermediate track asks several questions, but could suit a bold first-timer.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
OI: 55%
I: 33%
ON: 73%
NRF: 79%
N: 60%
BE100 Open: 60%
BE100: 55%
BE90 Open: 80%
BE90: 67%
BE80(T): 73%
Download part one of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part one
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.
