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Hunter Trials

We are now a qualifying venue for the Eland Lodge Hunter Trials Finals- hosted at their venue in September. Top 3 riders in 60, 70,80, 80 pairs and 90 classes receive a qualifying spot and an Eland Lodge qualifying rosette. Full info on the finals is available on their website.

How the scoring works;

Every fence on course is judged. Penalty points will be given for refusals, run outs or circles. 20 points for the first occasion, 40 for the second and elimination for the third (judged per fence not across whole course). There is also 20 penalty points for failure to shut and secure the gate correctly in the timed section for the 70-80 and 90cm classes. A fall of rider or error of course (missed a jump, jumped the wrong jump, or travelling against the flow of the course) is an elimination. Eliminated riders may continue around the course if they are not going to cause disruption/danger to the following riders.

Refusals: When a horse stops in front of jump & does not jump it = 1st refusal
If horse stops & immediately jumps from standstill = no penalties
However if halt is sustained (3 seconds plus) or horse steps backwards = refusal It is acceptable to step sideways, but not back 

Run outs: When horse is presented at jump, but avoids jumping it in such a way that it has to be represented at it. 

Circles: Penalised only if made whilst horse is being presented to the jump
Combination jumps: A, B, C elements. If a horse refuses part of a combination, they may re take previous elements, but will be penalised for any faults even if previously jumped successfully 

Timed section- the timed section includes a gate- which is open and just needs to be ridden through for the 40 and 60CM classes. For the 70,80&90cm classes it will need to be opened, go through, close and secure with the rope. There are a small number of fences to follow also included in the timed section- these are marked on course. The times are scored on the fastest time.

Pairs- Both riders in a pair are judged separately and then any gained penalty points are combined for the placings and results. Pairs must ride within 20 metres of each other or will receive 20 penalty points for each time they are too far apart. There are no dressing fences.

Placings are based on penalty points followed by time in the timed section.

Pick n mix Classes Q&A

HOW MANY FENCES DO I JUMP?

As little or as many as you like. Jump any fences that are flagged.

HOW DO I NAVIGATE THE COURSE?

Follow the course in the natural anticlockwise flow. Jumping fences with the red flag on your right. Jump fences in a sequence which avoids crossing your tracks to keep the flow of the class. You don’t need to jump the numbered fences or in a numbered order, as long as the fence is flagged.

HOW DO PLACINGS WORK?

Not timed, not judged. Fun jump about class to get the experience and feel of the competitive nature of XC without the pressure. All riders get a rosette no matter their struggles or number of fences jumped on course. All riders come to secretary to collect their rosette.

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO PICK ‘N’ MIX CLASSES.

No difference at all, just run at different times to give those a chance in the later classes to not wait around post the morning class.

General info Q&A

⏱️ When can I walk the course?
Friday before the event from 12 noon until dark. You may walk the course on the day but keep walkers to a minimum- only those riding need to walk. And be aware the horses are competing. Keep to the edges

What do I need to wear?

A body protector of any year recommended standards as long as it fits well.

Riding suitable footwear- wellies are NOT permitted

Number bib- we can provide these (unless you have an air jacket) please make sure long pony tails are tied up so we can see the numbers

Riding hat- skull cap style without a fixed peak.

When do I find out my times?

Times will be released on the THURSDAY before the event after 4pm

When do entries close?

Entries close the Sunday before the event at midnight

Late entries will be accepted through my riding life until Thursday at noon for an extra £5 fee per class.

After the Monday night before the event there will be no refunds or deferrals to a later event.

On the day entries and class changes may be available it is not guaranteed- please see the secretary to discuss this.

What facilities are on site?

There is a portaloo onsite outside of the lorry parking area for all competitors

Catering will be onsite all day serving hot and cold food and drinks

Jasmine Punter Photography will be out on course. There will be flyers in the secretary tent for you to purchase your photos online after the event.

Marshalls, ambulance and other members of Castle Farm team are all on hand to make sure you are safe and you enjoy yourselves

There are wheel barrows and scoops to pick up any droppings horses do on the lorry park- these are our livery paddocks and we want them to be clean and tidy. Please do not skip out your Lorry.

Please make sure all litter goes in the bins either in the lorry park or in the secretary field

Can I bring my dog?

NO DOGS are permitted onsite at all, it is for the safety of horses and riders