Eland Lodge or Newton for first time XC?

[HaffiesRock]

Myself and my friend are looking to go and have a bit of fun XC schooling.

I have had both Eland Lodge and Newton recommended to me, and both are roughly the same distance away.

So which is better for myself and a friend, neither of us have ever really had a go at XC other than popping logs out hacking? Are there any others in the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire area that are good for beginners?

Thanks

 

[chestnut cob]

What height do you want to do?

 

[HaffiesRock]

Smallest possible!

My pony is known for demolishing show jumps, so something nice and small in case it takes him a while to realise he cannot hit them!

 

[chestnut cob]

I don't think Eland Lodge have anything smaller than 2ft3 so depends on if you're up for that height:

http://www.elandlodge.com/equestrian/page/Cross-Country/

 

[GinaGeo]

Both are fab venues. I think Newton is more suitable as a schooling facility as there are so many jumps relatively close together, whilst Eland Lodge is set up more as a course. That said I took my horse to Eland Lodge for his first time XC and he was fine popping what would be the 70cm course.

Aylesford was fab for schooling babies too as plenty of smaller jumps to pop over.

 

[ElleSkywalker]

^^^^Aylesford is great for schooling, loads of tiny jumps, took my 21 year old there last week for her first go xc.

Am going to Eland lodge Sat, there are some smaller ones but not as many as Aylesford

 

[HaffiesRock]

Aylesford does look good. Thank you all, I will chat to my friend about it tonight.

 

[diamantejumper]

I really like the Eland Lodge XC Course. I introduced my two ponies to cross country there and they have both really enjoyed their outings. Speetley is a nice venue too

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

Anyone going to Eland Lodge this Sunday (25th)? My friend and I are going in the early afternoon, and it will be my first time XC schooling so very excited! :'D

 

[bex1984]

Aylesford is great for little jumps - you can put lots together and make yourself a little course including the water.