Spring Hill or Highclere?

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DollyPentreath

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So I'm aiming to do another intermediate after Aston to ensure my qualification for a 1*. I've heard Spring Hill is a nice int, but it's a long way from us and would mean stabling. Trainer would prefer to do Highclere as it's up the road (sort of!) but would go to Spring Hill if that's what I want to do and split the diesel as normal. Asked Cinda if Highclere is nice and she said yes, but then it's not as if much fazes her!! Plus I've heard Highclere has a massive drop, which happens to be my personal bogey fence..
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(I'll get over it some time..
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)

So, is Spring Hill worth the drive? Or is Highclere a nice int too?

Thankies wise and wonderful eventers of HHO..
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I went to Highclere last year and thought a stiff Intermediate. Not been to Spring Hill and heard mixed reports although a lot say good first time sort of Intermediate.

Highclere is lovely well built, galloping and bold. There is a huge drop which to be fair jumps well, quite a few technical yet bold combinations and some galloping fences. Certainly up to height.
 
Highclere's a lovely event, got a real atmosphere (although far enough from the dressage!). It does have a fair drop but it's straight-forward and near the end of the course so your blood will be up. It's fairly hilly. Not been to Spring Hill so can't comment, and haven't been to Highclere since 2000 so can't really comment on the severity of the rest of the course.
 
Havent been to eiter but when i asked what course would be a good first time Intermediate the majority of people said Spring Hill. If you look at the results in past years there have been alot of completions including alot of first time intermediate horses.
 
They say that Highclere is the biggest intermediate track in the country, think the 4 star horses often use it as a warm up for Burghley?
Having said that, I think the course rides beautifully and I loved it.Yes the fences are big, but they ride well and I think it would suit your boy!
 
Spring Hill is a nice intermediate and a lovely event - seem to remember SJ there being quite big though? Highclere would be stronger, but as has already been said - great atmosphere and fab event.
 
Spring Hill is a lovely first time int.
Highclere isnt!

Highclere has some fairly trappy skinnies, a nasty turning coffin and a horrid bounce fence.
 
Yep agree with Boss, althought obviously not riding at that level
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Highclere is just big and very atmospheric. Spring Hill looks a decent track but ideal for first timers, the SJing causes a few problems but I think i would rather run at SH than Highclere for my 2nd Int.
 
Thank you for all the advice everyone. Although big and bold suits him (especially if we're going to be in with a chance of a ribbon!) I think I'm better off travelling the extra distance for the easier xc track. Don't want to bite off more than I can chew too early!!

You're all wonderful and thanks again!!
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