Cross Country Course
The Longford and District Riding Club course country course is set in the rolling country side of south Derbyshire. The start in the Cutler Park Show ground at Mercaston nears Brailsford (between Ashbourne and Derby) and extends to a 2 mile loop to the west. Between 6 and 10 events, including clear round days or weekends are run each year, the good quality ground allows us to use the course from early March through to late October. Details of events can be found on our events page.
The 20 fence course (25 jumping efforts) offers three distinct standards of fence options from a novice cross country course down to Beginner level.
The design of the course allows for hunter trials, clear round days, team chase, and one day event. The course route is maintained when required with topping and rolling of the ground.
The larger blue options are up to novice standard, both in height, and location. These fences provide a novice challenge for both horse and rider. The blue fences are up to 3’6″ (11ocm). We have horses and riders visiting the course from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Leicestershire, Yorkshire, central england, east midlands and west midlands. Over the years it’s not been uncommon to see the odd famous name trying a new mount out over the course. Our fun team chase brings in teams from Derby, Nottingham, Matlock, Ashbourne, Burton, Uttoxeter, Stafford, Lichfield, Tamworth, Melton Mowbray, Chesterfield, Sheffield, Nantwich and even Manchester.
The popular pre-novice green options are to 2’9″ (85cm).
The beginners yellow options are to 2’3″ (70cm).
The location of fences, and distance between the three options allows for a more experience horse and rider to take the blue or green options while a beginner follows round and chooses the yellow options. Great for friends and family with a mix of experience.
New for the 2010 Spring Hunter Trials – New Fences – Longer Course – Upgraded Options (thanks to the efforts of many people, but special thanks to the Thompson family).
Follow the instructions on our Find Us page to download GPS compatible tracklog files of our course country course here. (Just please don’t attempt to bolt your car’s GPS to your pony and attempt to ride the course following the instructions…. We don’t want to hear, “At the 3rd fence turn right….”). Great for walking the course the day before (always walk the course and check for any changes to the published course!!).
