Good BE Novices for first-timers?

[Hollyhorse]

I have competed a lot at Intro and Pre-Novice level with several horses however this year I plan to finish the season with a few Novices

From experience I've found that Pre-Novice courses can really vary - one said in the schedule that it was a perfect encouraging course for first-timers at each level so I entered it as my youngster's first pre-novice and it was massive and really complex!
Now I'm a little hesitant about believing what the schedules say so was wondering (from anyone's experiences) which Novices within a few hours of Bristol are good for first-timers?!
Many thanks for your help!

 

[Mbronze]

The best first time Novice course I reckon is Henbury Hall in Cheshire. Its really well set out, the dressage arena and warm up is on really good lawned ground the showjumping is in a seperate area with some nice fences, never found them too tricky and the cross country has a few hedges a couple of water jumps, all the fences are really welcoming. Hope that is of some help!!

 

[machannah]

Salperton is a good track, need to bold and keep moving forwards but it jumps really well - normally July time

Gatcombe, looks big but rides well - show jumping is always decent tho Autumn event is Sept

Brockenhurst - August is lovely galloping track

The horse and hound reviews they do (2 piece article i think) is always good, as you get rider opinions too

 

[jenni0077]

I thought Salperton was big but I did it for my third and it did ride well. I agree Gatcombe is a good one. That is my first one for my baby this spring. Somerley Park would be good for next spring.I'd def recommend Shipton Moyne - prob the easiest near Bristol!! Oh and Pontispool and West wilts are OK too. I think I did West wilts as my first on other horse and that is a great event and you'll know it from PN I'm sure!!

Good luck and have fun!!