XC Schooling on Grass in February/early March

[RachelFerd]

Just putting this here as may be helpful for others too....

This is the usual 'what's open' ask for grass XC for those prepping for start of the eventing season.

Locally to me, Kelsall is still open on grass but may be a bit squelchy.

What else is open or may open? Do post any insight/intel about what's available....

I'm interested in going to somewhere other than Kelsall, mainly because my older horse knows it inside out - so interested if there are any gems that I didn't know about!

 

[ihatework]

Useful thread!
Not sure there is any grass open around me at the moment, although 6yo has managed to get a lot of arena/all weather Xc in so probably won’t get his toes muddy before he lands at Aston!!

 

[Red-1]

I was booked into Epworth this week, they cancelled.

It was going to be baby horse's first XC with me, so I'm glad they cancelled as he isn't studded and I suspect I would have called off if they hadn't.

 

[Roxylola]

I'm booked for a session on 5th March at somerford 80 acres but I think it may cancel - we've no studs at the moment so it will be a cautious session if it runs.
I'm pretty sure smallwood aren't open yet and would mostly be too small for you OP.
Dean Valley farm ride is actually pretty decent but again I doubt it will be open for a few more weeks.
Eland seems to open pretty early...
Wevd had so much rain though I think a lot may delay

 

[HeyMich]

For folk north of the border, Lindores in Fife is opening on 1st March.

 

[stangs]

S.E: Munstead's open already (excluding the water jump)

 

[abbijay]

I'm pretty sure smallwood aren't open yet and would mostly be too small for you OP.

Smallwood is definitely shut - even liveries are banned from walking on it which only happens rarely. Depending on the weather it is likely to be a month until it opens properly

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

S.E: Munstead's open already (excluding the water jump)

Yes, tho they had to shut a couple of days till the fallen trees were cleared on the lane.
Going v good at present, as they are on sand.

Tweseldown also open.

 

[Bernster]

In SE, I know munstead and tweseldown are open for bookings. Chiltern xc cancelled last weekend due to the storm but are hoping to be open now/soon. Booked tweseldown for next weekend as it’s sand so hopefully ground will be good.

 

[daffy44]

Pretty sure Swalcliffe (near Banbury) is currently open to xc school on grass.

 

[AandK]

Littleton Manor in Reigate, Surrey is open for XC schooling.

 

[RachelFerd]

I'm booked for a session on 5th March at somerford 80 acres but I think it may cancel - we've no studs at the moment so it will be a cautious session if it runs.
I'm pretty sure smallwood aren't open yet and would mostly be too small for you OP.
Dean Valley farm ride is actually pretty decent but again I doubt it will be open for a few more weeks.
Eland seems to open pretty early...
Wevd had so much rain though I think a lot may delay

I'm booked for a session on 5th March at somerford 80 acres but I think it may cancel - we've no studs at the moment so it will be a cautious session if it runs.
I'm pretty sure smallwood aren't open yet and would mostly be too small for you OP.
Dean Valley farm ride is actually pretty decent but again I doubt it will be open for a few more weeks.
Eland seems to open pretty early...
Wevd had so much rain though I think a lot may delay

DV, Smallwood and Eland are all Easter openings - but none really have the technical questions I'm after. I'd assumed Somerford was closed as hadn't seen an influx of social media videos from local people yet... and it isn't usually the first to open.

Wish I could justify a trip to Tweseldown, but that would be madness from Manchester!

I did wonder if Helen Bell's at Breckenbrough was open, and if worth the journey....

 

[DressageCob]

I think Aston le Walls grass XC is open, judging by their website, if you can justify the trip.

 

[Red-1]

DV, Smallwood and Eland are all Easter openings - but none really have the technical questions I'm after. I'd assumed Somerford was closed as hadn't seen an influx of social media videos from local people yet... and it isn't usually the first to open.

Wish I could justify a trip to Tweseldown, but that would be madness from Manchester!

I did wonder if Helen Bell's at Breckenbrough was open, and if worth the journey....

Defo worth the trip to Helen Bell's, if nothing else there are all weather gallops to warm up and plenty of choice of fences. It is defo also worth having a lesson first time so Helen can help navigate the fences most suitable for your horse, even if you then prefer to hire afterwards.

 

[Roxylola]

Somerford is open tomorrow according to their Facebook

 

[iknowmyvalue]

We’ve got a few open Lincolnshire way. Ros Canters place at Hallington, and Brandicarr Farm. Norton Disney was open but think they closed again after all the heavy rain last weekend…

 

[Ambers Echo]

Somerford is opening this weekend x

 

[RachelFerd]

I used Kelsall on Sunday as I was there SJing and conditions were good - quite a bit of rain forecast this week so didn't want to end up with nowhere to go next weekend!