Craven Country Ride Trials....

[northerngirl]

Has anyone done them before? What does it entail?

Have been doing lots of xc training recently & am thinking of biting the bullet & giving it a go.. ..

 

[Ludi-doodi]

I been once, about 5 years ago and from memory it was very good, but it felt a bit short, only took just over an hour to hack round even including doing the jumps. I believe they've put in many more jumps and a water complex since then, and certainly back when I went it there was plenty of choice of jumps and good open spaces for gallops. There are one or two pics on their website.

I think it gets very, very busy on their bank holiday days so would opt to go another time if you can get there. I haven't been back since because of horse injury and even though it's only 30 miles from me, it's a bit of pain to get there!

 

[Izzwizz]

Ive been several times and each time its been a bit different. Last time I went it was 6 3/4 miles long with quite a few jumps. They were mostly logs at the time and a water complex. Its £25 and you set off, usually with a decent mile or so before you get to a jump, which is nice as your horse can let off steam with a nice canter. About half way round you get a snack and a drink which is nice. At Easter it was buns!! I would describe it as a lovely hack across country with no traffic and jumps. Its impossible to canter the whole ride, with a bit of walking etc it has usually taken us about 2hrs to do or just a bit less. You arrive there between 10am -12pm, I would suggest you get there early to miss the "traffic" Having said that it may be not so busy as lots of people are away on holiday in August. The Easter trail being the first of the year, tends to be busier. There are horse wash off facilities and toilets etc. You get a meal and a drink and a bun or something at the end. When we went at Christmas we got Hotpot and mince pies, tea or coffee or orange juice. I think its a lovely day out and you would enjoy. We always have!!

 

[stencilface]

I really enjoyed it when I went, a bit long for mine (as was unfit and a bit porky at the time!) but the jumps are good, and if you don't have much off road hacking where you are you'll really enjoy it.

I'd prob not do it again, but thats just beacuse I'd rather do more jumps and less in between bits. People there are lovely though, there's loads of space to park, and hoses to wash off sweaty horses with

 

[beetlejuice]

its not a competition or anything its totally laid back and you can jump what you want.the jumps normally come in three or two different heights and you can avoid it if you really want.

They get really busy so if your horse is a bit quirky you might be better going on another day when there arent so many people about.