Opinions on Norton Disney BE90 for first run...

[vallin]

I was just wondering what people's thoughts were on it as a first time run. I've looked at the course pics from 2011/12 and the only thing that concerns me is the double of steps up, but there's an alternative for that which looks very doable. Horse has only done a 2ft ODE before (which she stormed round to win) and has been fab when XC schooling (80/90 level) and on the thurlow hunt ride last weekend, but can be sticky at hunter trials so not sure if I'm going to be pushing my luck...

A couple of videos to give you an idea of what she's like

Skinny practice

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tSV4D7SWIk8

Arena XC

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SS-ULX8R20w

Thurlow ride

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=htCwHaOU9_o

V

 

[vallin]

Bump

 

[ArcticFox]

no idea about the event, but in my experience, trying something so late in the season means that if it doesn't go right, you spend all winter kicking yourself for it.

better to go and do some unaff XC or something, then go through winter having fun and preparing for your first run in the spring?

 

[wench]

I would say its better than some, but it is quite meaty, and a big difference from a 2ft course...

 

[RachelFerd]

My inkling would be to wait until next year. Norton Disney is very well presented, as in fences very dressed up & could be spooky for a novice horse. Never good to end a season on a dodgy note and would be worlds away from a PC 2ft.

How about doing the arena eventing at keysoe through the winter so that you are prepared for an early season 80/90?

 

[vallin]

Cheers guys, in my heart I know that's probably the sensible thing (I was offered a lift which is a rare occurs so wanted to jump at the chance )

 

[Lolo]

Smokes did it as his first 90cm ODE earlier this year, and it was nearly identical to the BE90 from the previous October. It took quite a lot of careful riding on Al's behalf, as it was a fairly big ask- lots of related lines, skinnies, spooky fences, and all well built. It was a really nice course and he went clear with a few time, but XC is Al's strong point and she's very competent/ good at spotting problems miles away, he's very clever and brave.

Blackwater Farm or Ely would be better bets IMO...

 

[Laroxes]

Aren't Norton running a BE80T this year? Could be a good compromise

 

[vallin]

Yeah, it's on the Friday though