Keysoe & other Beds/Cambs event locations

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Safina

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I moved to the Cambs/Beds/Herts border last summer and the horses have pretty much had the last 6 months off as a result of moving/new job etc. I am now bringing them back into work and am trying to fill up my diary with events. I don't know the local area at all and while my yard manager can help a little I was after some advice on here.

I've checked The Riding Diary and seen that Keysoe is only about a 45 min tow for me and there is loads on that I fancy doing. Sounds so silly though but I cannot really suss the atmosphere of the place on the web and I was wondering if anyone could help.

I am not a pro by any account and have a mad TB who is a rubbish jumper and a bit of a pain and a woolly pony who jumps her heart out but is not the flashy sort. I am a bit worried that I'll enter and turn up to find myself totally outclassed and looking like a prat!

Any advice on what it is like or any advice on other shows in my area?

Thanks in advance
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Took a friend to do the pre-novice at Keysoe last year and the facilities were really good. The jumps were nice, well set up and not too many questions and they had a huge indoor and outdoor school.
The people helping with the trials were very helpful and friendly!
But theres probably loads of people on here who have been there a lot more.
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Did the Amature Showing Society Champs in September at Keysoe - nice overnight stabling, lovely facilities.

Years ago took Fleur SJ - very nice rings and courses.

For a nice small XC course, there is Potton - nice ground and fences for people like me - not that brave!
 
Brilliant - thank you.

I was at my last yard for 4 years and knew every showground, atmosphere and what to expect so I am finding it a little daunting setting out again.

I know the fun should be in the riding itslef but there is no harm sussing out what expected in advance!

Looks like a great centre on the web and I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the XC fences.
 
Parking is usually on hard standing which is a bonus in the wet months. It is bloody cold up there as it is high and flat. Keysoe come on here quite a lot so will probably answer any questions you have.
Facilities very good, good working in, OK cafe area and it is warm inside! Definitely worth going along.
 
Even better - its sounding really nice thank you all.

Theresa - I must have come accross you at some show or another. I used to be in Essex and went to Harolds Park, Shoplands etc and I know thats your area. How funny that you know my new area as well - my horses are stabled just outside Potton and I've seen the XC course just not been able to find any dates/info from anywhere yet!

Great news re: Hard standing for parking. My sister tows and has nightmares about muddy moutainside trailer parks...comes from being on Salisbury plain as a kid.
 
I guess Manor Farm is about an hour away - def doable I think. Thank you.

I've also found a place called Firs Farm which offers training clinics and courses for hire which is only about 10 minutes away from me - hurrah.
 
If you went to Harold Park you would have seen a very small plump and noisy person on either a big nearly black WB mare - often vertical or leaping around, Fleur was well known - fantastic to look at, could move like a dream but could also be a nighmare.

I am also well known for providing the SJ entertainment on a clydesdale with one eye - nearly everyone who goes to HPF knows Cairo, or possibly a piebald gypsy cob mare with a very long mane who did a bit of everything.

Or you could be one of those I have yelled at when stewarding the SJ - I am the demon to those who crowd near the gate!

I know Potton as I often used to take my TB Miss Delia there for the XC - one of my favorite courses - not muddy and the jumps are very inviting, plus my friend lives just down the road.

I will be back at Keysoe in April with my new gypsy cob - the Stinker aka Quite by Chance having fun showing.
 
Keysoe is pretty near to us, and we have always found it to be really friendly with excellent facilities (ie, indoor loos and a cafeteria!). There is a lovely xc course at Carlton, too. The local hunt is pretty friendly too if that appeals to you.
 
How funny Theresa - I am sure I have seen you in Cairo then. Thanks for the info re: Potton, I'll make some further enquiries about the course.

Thats great Sooty - I do like a friendly venue. I've not heard of Carlton. I'll google for that I think as no-one on my yard has mentioned it so far.

Who do you hunt with? I've been out with the drag hunt that goes over Lord Astors estate but I've not done any real hunting yet. I'm worried my TB might be a little...er...naughty
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Hi Safina.
I live in Keysoe and get to the College quite regularly - not just competing but spectating too. As the others have said it's really friendly with good range of facilities. Cross country looks awesome (I see it when out hacking) but I don't have the courage or stamina to tackle that yet.
Hope to see you around.
 
Carlton is the village next to where I live. The cross country course is very straightforward and should give inexperienced horses a great start. The Keysoe one is good, but slightly bigger and more technical. When we hold our Show Ring Camp, we have access to the cross country for the three days, so quite a few people pop round some of the fences without the pressure of competition.
 
Brilliant - thank you so much all I really really appreciate it. Its so hard moving to a new area - knowing nobody and nothing about the area has not helped.

The Keysoe courses looked lovely on the website - I think I'll stick at the 90cm one for now, the 100cm might be for later in the year I think.

Loving the look of the course at Carlton, looks fabulous.

I think my summer is going to be pretty busy - if you see a sightly panicked twenty something taking off on a flared nostrelled ginger TB followed by a little fuzzy black pony with a white tail with her leadrope flying then give me a wave
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I don't know what level you compete at, but Keysoe also host Riding Club events (Clapham RC, Rushden RC) that are aimed at novice competitors as well as BSJA/BD etc events
 
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