Long way off but what's Mount Ballan like?

[Helga1980]

One of my aims for 2007 is to do an Intro on ned on a ticket.

There are a limited number of events that are within a reasonable travelling distance for me (2 hours from Cardiff)and I don't think I'll be in a position to do an event before September for various reasons.

So, what is Mount Ballan like for a first intro? Likely to be balloted? What are the typical ground conditions? Is it a long galloping course or more twisty and technical? Any comments or views in general?

Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks

 

[LEC]

I love Mount Ballan as its really educational - the dressage is held on the international arena which gives them loads to look at but its a lovely surface. The SJ is held on the derby arena which has loads of space and plenty to look at then the course is quite short but bold and up to height. Last year it was very cleverly built with fences off turns. I think the percentage of clears was 54% in the PN.
This is the first time they have had an intro so do not know what it will be like but guessing it will be fine as the PN shares a lot of Novice fences. My only criticism is actually from my OH who said the catering was appalling.

 

[Helga1980]

Thanks, will remember to take plenty of food to keep OH occupied in that case!!

Bold and up to height will be fine for ned but I'm not sure how he'd cope with a very technical / twisty XC course as he prefers to gallop on

Will just have to hope I don't catch the bug as no is no way I could afford to do BE on a regular basis

 

[Llwyncwn]

Mount Ballan (Cricklands) is a lovely place, super arena and very friendly. It shouldnt take you that long from Cardiff as it only takes me 1hr 45 mins from Swansea West.

Last September I was entering down the centre line in gale force winds, thunder and lightening and very heavy rain. Be aware of all the flags flapping

We left the arena at K with an entertaining lengthened stride

 

[Helga1980]

Thanks, sounds like the type of thing we'd do!