Pachesham Unaffiliated ODE - Opinions

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alphanumeric

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Hi all,

I don't post much on here (as evidenced by my measly post count!) but do lurk a fair amount. Now I have noticed quite a few eventing type bods on here so thought I would ask a quick question.

I'm considering entering an ODE at Pachesham towards the end of July, probably the middle class which is a prelim dressage, 70cms jumping. Now neither me nor my horse have ever done an ODE before but we've done a few bits of XC schooling (I hope to do a few more ahead of entering anything) and we usually have a weekly SJ lesson in which we're confidently jumping 1m05 - 1m10.

What is the Pachesham XC course like? Would it be inviting enough for a first try - working on the basis that I will be exceedingly windy about this venture? Or does anyone have any ideas of somewhere very friendly and inviting for a first go at an ODE? I'm based off Junction 8/9 of the M4 and don't want to travel ridiculous distances.

Any thoughts/suggestions appreciated!

Thank you :)
 
Height you will be fine, but the ground is usually very hard by July and I guess would be even more so this year.
Sorry no suggestions as the ground will be like concrete in most places at the moment.
 
Luci07 said:
Its not big but I would say be careful of the ground as Pachesham can be very hard at times.
Click to expand...

I know it can, that is another question mark I have but if the weather keeps on as it has been then everywhere is going to be ridiculously hard - and we may be going nowhere at all!

The reason I was inclined towards this venue is that the horse has been there before and behaves there, so at least I'm not having to deal with him in a new place (he can be a Grade A t*sser at times, though is currently behaving in a most exemplary fashion), doing a new discipline AND trying to stop myself wimping out all at the same time!
 
Definetly beware of the trellis jump coming out the arena, if possible practise a keyhole type jump beforehand, my friends horse has XC schooled and is usually fine but didn't make it out the arena :p !
 
The fences in the 70cm are pretty nice and inviting and i know Linda was doing quite a bit of work on the ground before their last XC, so it should be better than usual. Also i am about 20 mins from Pachesham and its chucking it down with rain here so here's hoping it all helps!
 
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