Traditional Hunter Trials course, flowing through beautiful scenery. Includes a short timed section. Caterer, photographer and ambulance onsite on the day. First aid is included within the class fee.

Hunter Trials competitor rules

For all classes. 

• Body protectors must be worn, if air jackets are to be worn- your own number bib must be provided to fit over the jacket.
• Numbers MUST be clear and visible on the front and back- in a large bold text. 
• No fixed peak hats out on the XC. 
• Your horse must jump inbetween the flags of every fence with the red on the right and the white on the left. 
• You must not start until the starter has indicated you can do so.

For the pairs classes

As above and to include:

• You must remain within 20m of your pairs horse- 20 penalties each time you exceed this.
• There is not a dressing fence in any of the pairs classes.

You will be marked on penalties, the lower the score the better the result. This will be judged on the following elements:

1. 20 points for failing to shut the gate properly in the timed section
2. 20 points for the 1st refusal runout or circle
3. 40 points for the 2nd refusal runout or circle

The penalty points are the priority decision for placing. Followed by fastest times in the timed section. Eliminations will be awarded for the following:

1. Fall of horse and rider
2. 3rd disobedience (Refusal, runout or circle). 
3. Error of course- missing a fence, jumping a fence twice, jumping the wrong fence colour for your class.

For elements 2 and 3 of the elimination rules- if horse and rider combinations wish to carry on around the course they may do so, but will not receive a score or placing. If the combination becomes disruptive to the flow of the competition once eliminated they will be directed off course (e.g refusing consecutive fences). 

All fallers must report to the fence judges for an accident report form to be completed. 

Parking is through the main gates ahead of the entrance, and out into the fields ahead. Please park in an orderly manner, allowing exit points for the vehicles already parked. Please do not tie haynets up outside of lorries.

For the mini classes only

Mini classes may be assisted with a helper or be led. This is a shorter course and does not include water or the ditch.

For the pick and mix classes only

• Pick and mix competitors must jump a total of 15 fences, but can only jump one of each number- however the numbers do not need to be jumped in a logical order.
• Riders choose any of the fences between 40-90cm around the course.
• There is no timed section for the pick and mix- it is a clear round class. 
• Eliminations will be awarded for - fall of horse and rider, jumping a fence twice or jumping a fence of the same number twice. 

Bookings in advance only. You can book using our Secure Online Entry System.
Payment is secure and it goes directly to Castle Farm XC.
You will receive an email confirmation of your booking and payment.

NO refunds after close of entries. 

 

If we need to cancel your booking due to ground conditions, you will be contacted and receive a full refund

This must be read by all riders before booking and using the cross country course

Safety
Horse riding is a dangerous sport, Castle Farm Livery & Cross Country cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage or injury caused to riders, horses, or property and only permit riders to hire the facilities on this basis. All hirers must accept this declaration, confirming that they alone carry the responsibility for any accidental injury or damage that may occur as a result of riding on these premises.
Riding hats conforming to current British Eventing safety standards must be worn at all times when mounted
Body protectors conforming to current British Eventing safety standards must be worn whilst riding on the XC course
All riders must have a responsible adult with them to assist in case of an emergency
All riders to have a mobile phone with them in case of emergency
Car/lorry park gates must always be shut in case of a loose horse
Use of XC is not exclusive, there may be other riders using the XC or hacking on the farm. Numbers will be limited
Check each fence for damage both sides before jumping, in case the horse before you has damaged it and not reported it. Please report any damages, so we can keep it safe for everyone
Only jump fences within your and your horse’s capability
Any areas which are roped off are out of bounds for maintenance etc
Where a fence has flags, it must be jumped with the red flag on the right as you jump it
Please respect others using the course and communicate if you wish to overtake anyone in front of you
British weather is unpredictable, please ride safely and respectfully according to the ground conditions

STRICTLY NO DOGS ALLOWED

Insurance
If you bring an instructor with you, they must have up to date insurance to cover teaching at our venue
Riders must each have public liability insurance to cover them for the horse they are riding

All rubbish and horse muck must be taken home with you

Rescheduling & cancellations
You may reschedule or receive a credit note for your booking up to 24 hours prior to your slot
If we need to cancel your booking due to ground conditions, you will be contacted and receive a full refund