BE at Belmont Park.

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henryhorn

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Just looked it up and it's 90 miles which isn't too far for us, so anyone know anything about this event?
It would be for Chocolate who coped really well with Stockland Lovell's HT course at Novice height last autumn, we are doing some Intros on him as he lacks experience of different fences as yet.
Anyone off here going?
 
I might go - did it last year and though it was fine, though lots of people really didn't like it.
There are quite a few dressage distractions as they are developing a country fair (we had the dog agility ring!!).
SJ is quite stiff and technical
XC was very dull and just a big loop round a field last year - though bang up to height. Think it will catch people out this year and be a lot more technical.
 
yeah i'm hopfully going to this one, best folk to chat to are Lec, Siennamum etc... as they went last year. All i know is that intro is new course and last year was first event and it was a little twisty. But have heard on grapevine that it will be improved for this year
 
Was new last year and they didn't have the best prep with weather but very poor course and very twisty. Course was up to height at PN but Novice was small and unimaginitive.

It is situated on a large estate but just went up and down and along a small section of estate. At one point you could look up and see the course cross 4 times in front of you. I would certainly not bother going again although hopefully in time it will improve.

If you just want a run might be worth a visit but don't expect too much!
 
Yep, I didnt this one last year and decided I wouldnt be rushing back but then it was their first year and they have said it will improve. The dressage arenas were on a slope but the XC was the most disappointing, very twisty. You need a horse with good brakes as you are constantly turning back on yourself. You'd go about 400m's turn back on yourself, go another 400m's, turn back and then repeat. There was a pretty hefty drop fence for PN last year and I thought quite tough for early in the season but the ground didnt help.
 
PN was big as shared most of Novice course but had no technical fences. Water jump is new this year and I think they have spiced it up this year. Owner has pots of money and wants to make it a real proper spectacle so I imagine it to be a lot better. Its very easy driving for you as mostly M5.
 
Agree with all that's been said!

The country fair so close to the SJ and dressage was too much really! And the blessed low trees in the SJ area was nearly decapitating a few.

The ground was rubbish and so was the pulling the lorries on to the site-my friends lorry was damaged!
 
Mmmm not at all sure it is our cup of tea.
It is however a dead easy drive and Chocolate is fine on twisty, he's easy to turn and goes in a snaffle as he is very light in his mouth.
There are so few events we can go to early on, so I think we may have a go at this, I have just discovered we probably won't be able to do one in the July period as one of my sons is graduating from Leeds then and obviously we have to be there instead.
If I can find someone to drive the box for CCJ she can still go, but that isn't going to be easy, spending a day at an event isn't everyone's ideal day, and I would have to change my insurance for them too.
The grad dates aren't out yet so no panic, but just our luck it will be when Stockland Lovell is on too...
Thanks guys, you have given a good unbiased report, they should have improved things perhaps from last year if the owners are keen.
 
although most of what has been said is right, the ground wasn't to bad last year considering the weather had been really bad, they have already finished the water for this year and as I drive past a fair bit they are working on it now!, the dressage wasn't as bad as everyone has said, or perhaps i'm a optomist! Any how def worth a trip down as Eric Winter who is the course designer and event organiser is not one to sit on his arse and it will improve and will become a amazing event. And although it is situated in brilliant parkland it is not all belonging to the owner as most belongs to the national trust.
 
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