Weston Park Horse Trials (2): what riders need to know *H&H VIP*
Date: Thursday 8 — Sunday 11 October 2015
Organiser: Janet and Vicky Plant
Contact: 01785 284187; www.westonht.co.uk
Location: Shropshire
Entries open: 3 September
Ballot date: 17 September at 12 noon
Entries close: 28 September
Link to Weston Park (2) entries: www.britisheventing.com/weston-park-2
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How to get there
Grid reference SJ806099. Weston Park is situated at Weston under Lizard on the A5, seven miles west of junction 12 off the M6 or three miles off the M54 at junction three.
What the organisers say
Major changes in 2014 were well received and we will continue developing the competitor experience. The same competitors’ marquee catering is booked for 2015, including the heated indoor dining area. The number of electric hook-ups will be increased. The entertainment is not to be missed.
The Festival of Youth, including the KBIS CCIJ* regional team championships, the Charles Owen CCIP* and the National Saddle Centre BE100 under-18 championships, will again run alongside the CCI* and CCI2* classes, as well as the Sunday BE90 and BE100open sections.
We have beautifully prepared, flat dressage arenas on old turf and the showjumping track is a true test. Both have good warm-up areas.
Janet Plant designs the cross-country tracks, which run over 1,000 acres of rolling wooded parkland. The going is usually good whatever the weather; we use the equi-vator if needed. The portable and permanent fences are solid and imposing, beautifully constructed and always decorated.
Each class runs over a different course, which is testing but fair and will suit anyone who is up to this challenge and who plans to move on up the grades.
There will be new fences on all tracks and a larger D box at the finish is planned for this year.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “I have to say a big thank you for the electric hook-up — finally but so appreciated!” “The dressage arenas work well except if it is very wet as the arenas suffer a little.” “The warm-up was on the best ground for when it got wet and they are flat arenas in a good location.” “For the one-day classes, the dressage was repositioned this year from last, which worked much better.” “For the one-day classes, it’s a long way to the dressage, but when you get there, it has a huge, quiet warm-up and flat dressage arenas.” “The showjumping is a poley track on an undulating arena which makes for a good competition as it’s difficult to jump clear.” “The showjumping warm-up had moved and the ground was a lot better this time. The courses were up to height and a strong test.” “For the one-day classes, showjumping warm-up is next to the cross-country course which can be distracting, but the area is large and flat. The showjumping arena is very large, but on a bit of a slope with a fairly technical course.”
Cross-country — “The two-star track is an encouraging track but always seems to cause enough trouble.” “I think it’s a good event to gain a CCI qualification at and move on to the next level.” “Super two-star course which was galloping with super ground. A huge effort was made to improve Weston this year and all changes were very good and have made this already excellent event even better.” “For the one-day classes, the cross-country course here is flat and very straightforward, with two water complexes.” “A perfect first-timers’ course in the one-day classes.”
Percentage of cross-country clears 2014
CCI2*: 79%
CCI*: 32%
CCIJ*: 51%
CCIP*: 60%
BE100 Open: 56%
BE100 Under 18: 70%
BE90: 74%
Download part two of the horse trials guide for just £1.49: Eventing horse trials guide part two
