First Novice Suggestions ?

[sueymagoo]

Hi. I’m thinking of trying a Novice before the end of the season on my lad. It will be a first Novice for both of us and would appreciate your views/experiences on what would be a suitable first time venue.

In terms of strengths and weaknesses, my lad is pretty bold and has a scopey jump but isn’t the always the quickest thinking when faced with new questions on XC. SJ I’m not too fussed, as once the bell goes he is normally only focussed on getting over jumps (I’ve just got to make sure we get to the first fence without jumping anything on the way

).

So the events I’ve narrowed it down to are:

- West Wilts

- Gatcombe

- South Of England (we did SOE2 as our 2nd PN last year and were clear XC and had no problems at any of the question fences)

Or any other venues that I’ve not though about?

Grateful for any thoughts.


Oh, and where can I get copious amounts of nerve calmer??

Thanks.

 

[SpottedCat]

West wilts is probably more suitable than Gatcombe, though I have not ridden at the latter. WW is a great first time course at all levels though.

 

[monkeybum13]

Yes agree that West Wilts is more suitable, Good luck!!

 

[Saratoga]

Out of those three i'd say West Wilts, i've heard SOE is pretty decent for a N, and same for Gatcombe.

 

[BroadfordQueen]

Don't know how far you are willing to travel, but Broadway is a great first novice

 

[milliepops]

Would agree with WW, although last time I rode at Gatcombe the xc was really nice, bold and galloping and not overly technical. Quite a big atmosphere though because of the CIC.

 

[millitiger]

WW is very nice for a first time Novice

 

[kick_On]

I'm another for WW, but i would say Gatcombe is very very nice (for bold xc machine) BUT sj will be up to height and always technical.

 

[aregona]

I did ww as my first novice and we went double clear!!!

My mare has not been to a novice after and injury last year and we have only done 3 novice's anyway so im going to go to ww is sept to try and get in the swing of it, i agree though, broadway is also another nice novice
just incase you are interested for next year i did Belmont this year and that was a great novice so nice i walked that cause as i got it mixed up with the PN. It was on in april. good luck

 

[CleverHorses]

I choose Gatcombe for my horses first novice last yr. I thought the xc was one of the more straight forward, and the show jumping wasn't as big as I expected. A really lovely event. Also Broadway a great first novice, small show jumping and fairly easy xc.

 

[sueymagoo]

Thanks for your replies everyone. WW sounds like its very popular as a first time course. I hadn't thought of Broadway but it doesn't look too much further in distance than WW or Gatcombe. I'll check out Google maps and EWW for course pics