Sapey 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: Wednesday 15 – Thursday 16 April 2015
Organisers: Alan and Audrey Thacker
Contact: 01886 853231
Location: Herefordshire
Entries open: 11 March
Ballot date: 25 March at 12 noon
Entries close: 5 April
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Link to Sapey (1) entries: www.britisheventing.com/sapey1
How to get there
Postcode HR7 4QA. Grid reference SO666618. The event is at Wolferlow.
What the organisers say
Both the dressage and showjumping are on flat grass with ample warm-up space.
The cross-country fences, from BE80(T) level up to novice, are continually updated by course-designer/builder Mark Watler. The courses run on undulating terrain over permanent pasture and incorporate small areas of woodland and a water complex.
Every effort will be made to ensure that the going is as good as possible, including the use of an equi-vator if necessary. The flowing tracks boast an excellent variety of inviting fences, which are designed to be confidence giving yet suitably testing.
There are no major changes to the cross-country this year as a major overhaul and change of direction was done in 2014. However, there will be some replacement fences and new technical questions will be asked.
Our courses are educational and flow well, suiting all levels, particularly first-timers.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “Fairly flat arenas, although not much flat warm-up area.” “The showjumping had a weird arrangement of two warm-up rings — one with a single fence in a very tight space. It would be better to have just one bigger warm-up area.” “The ring is on a bit of a slope.” “Not many fillers.”
Cross-country — “I took first-timers round the BE90 and BE100 and it was a good challenge.” “The course is on a hill so you are either going up or down it.” “A good variety of fences so educational for youngsters.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014 (some sections cancelled)
BE100: 92%
BE90 Open: 78%
BE90: 75%
BE80(T): 77%
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
