BE Stafford - reviews/thoughts?

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Blythwind

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I'm interested in any reviews/thoughts on the BE at Stafford? It'll be my first BE event, and my first 90cm, so I'm getting nervous! The description states "The course runs over undulating permanent pasture and near MAXIMUM LENGTH. Fit horses are required."
 
I haven't been for a few years but yes there's a big hill in the middle and then back down the hill and then a incline to the finish if I remember correctly. It is a lovely course though, good luck and hope you have a good run.
 
I went a couple of years ago, the ground was very wet and spongy thanks to lots of rain. The organisers did their best to keep the ground as good as possible, but they were fighting a losing battle against the elements! In general, it's well laid-out and well organised. Fairly central, no mega-long walks to any phase.

The xc course is quite long, and has a pretty steep hill in the middle. The year I went, we were going up the hill and back along the flatter ground. Your horse will need to be fit, particularly if not a blood horse. I don't think the time is tight - my horse wasn't properly fit and hates wet ground so we took it pretty steady, but didn't get any time faults.

I've not done the 90 there but in general the fences are nice, nothing too trappy, but you will need decent steering for some combinations.

Enjoy, it's a nice event to start the season though a bit too early for us!
 
I did the 80 there a couple of years ago. I loved it. I don't know what the new course is like though.

I found it v inviting & thought the 90 looked great too. There's a big hill in the middle. I have a Connie X and he didn't struggle with the terrain but did get a few time faults IIRC. The weather was terrible, really boggy ground as so much rain but thankfully mine likes wet ground. We did have to take it easy on some sections due to the heavy ground which affected our my time more than anything else.
I do remember the SJ warm up being awful as so wet.
 
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