Hilltop Lebdury x-country course

[muffinino]

Wht's the course like there? I'm thinking of doing the 2'9'' class at a hunter trials in March but have never been there so would like a few opinions before parting with my cash, lol.

Looking at the pics on their site, it seems fairly straightforward, but is it a big course, what jumps are tricky, does it flow well, ride well, any rider scarer jumps etc?

Any opinions, or better pics (I love looking at them

) would be great

 

[vicky86]

From what I can remember it is a straight forward, nice course. I think it was up to height but definately not over height and the fences are well built.
Last time I went was a few years back and took a youngster round the 2ft9 and my older horse round the open so the jumps are muddled in my head. The fence I remember people struggling with was a post and rail, when you land from it the ground drops down hill into a sort of valley with a stream running though the bottom of it. Quite alot of horses only spotted the stream as they were about to take off and planted on the take off stride - so if your horse is a bit spooky just be aware. Also it is very hilly so doesnt flow brilliantly but on the whole I remember it to be a fairly straightforward course with enough questions not to be boring but everything small enough to build confidence. There is quite a long walk from the lorry area to the xc course and the ground can be rather heavy if lots of rain. Have fun

 

[vicky86]

oow just looked at virtual course walk it is picture no 8 which is the fence I was trying to descride . I think the water in the 2ft9 is just a small step in or may just be a walk in.

 

[FFF]

Im doing the 2'9 in March too

Erm, make sure your horse will cross a running stream. Its were i got eliminated last time

 

[philamena]

I rode this course a lot a few years ago inc Area Trials etc. It's nice, and fair, height-wise, with lots of decent runs between fences. If it's still laid out the same way, there's a pretty decent hill climb early on, then back down again, and then you pootle about a few fields that are relatively flat.

The smaller courses always jumped well provided you're ok with basic steps, simple water (small step in) etc. But I remember trying to get my little pone to do the Open and realising she wasn't having it at a big ol' pallisade and ditch... so decided to get my money's worth by carrying on round the smaller course, which had the commentator confused for a good few minutes as he just kept saying 'and she's going the wrong way...and now she's jumping the wrong fence...' but when he twigged they were very chilled about it and let me get on with it! I have very fond memories of it - hope you enjoy it!

 

[muffinino]

Phew, just got in frm hunting prep so first chance to reply. We jump bigger out hunting but he can be a little nappy to begin with at a HT so I'd like to start with a good round that's not too scary, lol

[ QUOTE ]
Im doing the 2'9 in March too

Erm, make sure your horse will cross a running stream. Its were i got eliminated last time

[/ QUOTE ]

See you there

Yes, no probs, we have a few streams around here. And we're well used to hills in South Wales

Thanks all, that's very helpful, I was trying to decide which class to do and it sounds like the 2'9'' is probably a good one to start the season off with. I suppose if I have problems, I can always miss outa fence and carry on (but that's not going t happen, lol. Looking forward to it now

 

[milliepops]

The stream catches a lot of people out, so that's good that you are prepared

especially on a sunny day, as it can be quite dazzling, even though it's (usually) quite a small stream!

Also, the viewing is pretty good so if you've got spectators tagging along they should be able to keep up with the action.

 

[marmalade76]

I haven't been there for years, it was always judged on optimum time over a tiny bit of the course, I was always way too fast, so gave up going.

They have everything there, ditches, water, banks, so a fair test. I had a v. good XC horse who would lead round intermediate team chases, yet he stopped at the fence going down the gully to the stream.

Have you been to Pauntley? It's just off the other side of the M50.