Easy straightforward 80cm events - BE or unaff - Glos area

[{97702}]

Yes I am planning far too far ahead, yes anything could happen between now and then, I realise all that

But can anyone recommend easy straightforward 80cm events in Glos & the surrounding areas please? I don't mind whether BE or unaffiliated

 

[DabDab]

Easy/straightforward in what sense? What are his strengths and weaknesses?

 

[{97702}]

He is incredibly green, a lightweight cob type so not particularly fast (will be working hard on fitness!) - something with a flowing XC course with no major horse frighteners? For example Sapey 80 has a nasty little log-over-ditch which is the bogey fence - nothing like that?

ETA - he is OK with water and ditches

 

[SpottyMare]

I was thinking Broadway or West Wilts for my first attempt next year. I've not been to WW but have been told it's very flat and beginner friendly. I've spectated at Broadway a few times, and while it does start with an uphill stretch, and there is a wall with a bit of a drop, I've always thought it looks like a nice course.

 

[j1ffy]

I did the unaff 80 at WW this year, it was over the same course as the BE event. It was definitely up to height but nothing trappy and no ditches. We were supposed to be ALW unaff too but sadly he had a minor tweak a week before. I went with a friend and the course was very inviting, smaller than WW and included a ditch but I was gutted not to be riding it!

 

[Lanky Loll]

West Wilts or Elmwood (although they do have a trakehner there but not always in).

 

[DabDab]

Yes, sapey a bit ick for babies....Solihull is lovely though - relatively flat with nice inviting fences, not sure if too far for you though?

 

[{97702}]

Thanks for the suggestions, I’ve added them all to my list I haven’t been to Elmwood but have heard good things

Solihull is fine DabDab although I’ve heard the ground can be hard in dry weather? I’ve spectated there & like the venue so will definitely keep it on the list

 

[j1ffy]

I forgot Elmwood - yes definitely a nice inviting course and lovely people! We did the 70 there this year.

 

[Lanky Loll]

Swalcliffe? Calmsden (bit hilly but inviting course). It's worth keeping an eye on the Horse Events website - Fran who runs the unaff at Elmwood, and various others does a great job running at a really high standard compared to some other Unaff events.

 

[OldNag]

I forgot Elmwood - yes definitely a nice inviting course and lovely people! We did the 70 there this year.

Elmwood is lovely - and mega friendly, too.

Is Moreton Morrell any good (not been - but have seen that LandS organise events there, and anything they organise is usually brilliant).