Venue recommendation again. Bicton Arena, Widmer or Pencoed

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Notimetoride

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Ive done this before, so sorry. But asking again for venue recommendations. Choices are above. They are all quite a distance for me to drive. Not necessarily looking for convenience - looking for the venue that will most suit my horse (i.e fairly quiet, relaxed atmosphere and non spooky) For the Area Festivals Finals. Ta v much
 
Cannot help as not my area, but I wonder if venues ever think about how spooky they are?
Think most people try to pick championship venues based on what their horses will like, and I'm sure most would like relaxed and quiet :lol:.

We're trying Field House, never been before but then Topaz is generally fairly ridiculous so I'm just banking on an outside arena!
 
Kira found Pencoed a bit intimidating last year. Big outdoor warm up, test was indoors. One long side of the indoor is partially open to seating/trade stands. The other side had big doors which they had opened to fit the side judge in, there are stables beyond the gap which you could see through to so it was quite distracting. Unfortunately for us, a score collector dropped a load of test sheets by the side of the arena just as we started and Kira lost her bottle completely!

We'll be heading back there with very low expectations! Never been to the others.
 
milliepops said:
Kira found Pencoed a bit intimidating last year. Big outdoor warm up, test was indoors. One long side of the indoor is partially open to seating/trade stands. The other side had big doors which they had opened to fit the side judge in, there are stables beyond the gap which you could see through to so it was quite distracting. Unfortunately for us, a score collector dropped a load of test sheets by the side of the arena just as we started and Kira lost her bottle completely!

We'll be heading back there with very low expectations! Never been to the others.
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Oh no really ? That one was working out closest, but id like to actually set ourselves up to succeed (ish) and not fall flat on our face which we're pretty good at. Ive looked at videos on You Tube (thank G for You Tube) and had certainly noted what you say, just wasnt aware of the viewing gallery as obv the video is taken from said gallery :-) :-) :-)
 
I don't know the other two but I do know that Bicton is fabulous. Two very large outdoor arenas. One would be a bit spookier than the other if very windy due to the large catering tent but I wouldn't say either were particularly spooky in the grand scheme of things. Lorry park is tucked behind the stables so not lots of goings on near the arenas.

http://www.bicton-arena.co.uk/facilities1/all-weather-arena.ashx
 
Pencoed is my local venue and I've given up on going there, two horses, both hate it there. (i sj mainly but have done dressage there too) Bicton is lovely, never heard of Widmer though.
 
I've never competed at Widmer, but I know the yard as it's down the road. Lovely big indoor but they tend to use the outdoor with the posh surface. Lorry park next door to arena so might be a bit busy. Warm up usually in their other outdoor which is also nice but I can imagine it getting crowded.

If they are using the indoor then I think that's a lot quieter than outdoor.
 
Well done on qualifying!!!

I've decided on Bicton, even though it's twice the distance of Widmer, but only because I don't want to take a day off work and my September is already incredibly busy. Fingers crossed we've both made the right decision, good luck!!
 
j1ffy said:
Well done on qualifying!!!

I've decided on Bicton, even though it's twice the distance of Widmer, but only because I don't want to take a day off work and my September is already incredibly busy. Fingers crossed we've both made the right decision, good luck!!
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Ha ha Pop in for coffee :-)

I just wasnt sure Bicton would suit us, though it does look lovely :-)
 
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