Anyone been to Belle Vue - hunter trials

[Roxylola]

They've got a hunter trial on next weekend. I'm not familiar at all with the venue, and I'm toying with that or a dressage. Just wondered if anyone had any knowledge about the place. I'm edging towards dressage atm but open to persuasion if its mega.

 

[neddy man]

If you put bvht into Google there are some videos to look at

 

[DressageCob]

Yes, I'm not a fan. I went a few years ago so it may have improved, but it was very rustic, not good ground, very "home made" looking fences and very busy. You get a bit spoilt with the BE courses, so I felt uncomfortable jumping a post and rail fence, a lower post and rail fence with some picket fencing in front, some upright tyres tied to a log etc, off boggy ground.

That said, it is very popular in the area and I'm a known worrier so others may be more positive.

 

[Tiddlypom]

^^^^ What DressageCob said. My experience is from a few years ago when I FJ’d there at a RC event.

Unless it’s been substantially upgraded since then, I wouldn’t recommend it.

 

[Roxylola]

I'm funny about ground and fences, sounds like I'll stick with my dressage. I had a look at videos and it didnt fill me with confidence or excitement
Thanks guys

 

[Asha]

Agree with TP & DC. We went a couple of years ago, it was awful. Its a shame, as it used to be ok( probably around 12 years ago),it doesnt look as its been touched since then.

 

[mairiwick]

I find because it's so 'old school' - quite a lot of horse/rider combos that haven't whizzed around it before get a bit stuck - sort of fences you wouldn't necessarily see at a typical xc schooling field.. that said I know the jumps over the last year or so have been worked on and lots of nice new ones.. if you want to pop a hedge or two it's fun - just expect to come up against some unusual fences.
Immy Kennedy Equestrian on FB has a headcam video of the 90cm course from earlier this year that gives a good idea of the flow and you can see some of the smaller fences too.