Stafford BE - couple of questions

R

red marksman

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 July 2004
Messages
219
Visit site
We have just affiliated my daughter and her pony. It looks like Stafford will be the first event we enter at the beginning of April. Are we likely to be balloted at this event (can't get hold of this months 'eventing') and also do you think it is a good course for someone's first event? Thanks!
smile.gif
 
My friend knows the organiser and fence judged last year. Dont think it balloted. She said it was quite small and straightforward (she has 14,2 and said shed do it!!).

Good luck
smile.gif
 
If you have the BE magazine (not Eventing) which should have come with your membership pack you can check the schedule. In the details at the top of each event they tell you how many were balloted the previous year and which classes etc. This is useful information which helps you decide whether or not to use your precious ballot stickers. Hope that helps
 
Stafford didnt ballot last year so you should be fine. Its great for a first event, very few questions and all straight forward questions and its not spooky either. Its a bit hilly but the fences are mostly on the flat.
The quote off the BE website:
'Stafford's course is a well built introduction to British Eventing, designed by Janet Plant and built by James Plant. Some fences on last years course can be viewed on www.equestrianevents.co.uk. A new water complex and all weather take off and landings were added for 2006. The course has received some new additions for 2007 with the focus still on confidence building. Some fences have options for more novice competitors. The course runs over undulating permanent pasture that will require fit horses. Every effort will be made to ensure good going. Fences are well dressed and are designed to providea positive round with achievable questions.

Hope that helps
smile.gif
 
They didn't ballot at either of the events last year. The organiser, whom we know well, will do her absolute best not to ballot. It's helped that there are now 2 events at Kelsall in March/April as it has taken the pressure off Stafford. Lovely courses there. We won't be competing as it's too soon - we'll hopefully get into Eland though!
 
I went to Stafford last year on foot! Was researching for this year!! I have quite a few photos of course if you want i could try and send them to you? PM me if interested.
 
Yes lovely first event, very straightforward with just enough to keep you kicking on and thinking. Do need a fit horse though and the SJ often gets very deep.

www.eventingworldwide.com has pics of all the courses from last year - worth joining the website so you can use it to plan!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top