Tough Gatcombe course leaves riders no room for error (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Tough Gatcombe course leaves riders no room for error

NEXT month's Gatcombe Horse Trials is set to hold an exciting programme of equestrian entertainment with an additional bonus of the attendance of the British Team selected that will compete at the European Championships in September, writes Katherine Wall.

The Gatcombe cross-country course is well known by competitors for being tough but fair.

Even so, course designer Capt Mark Phillips has left no room for error for those chasing the British Open Championship title.

For the first time in several years, fence one takes on a new look now called the 'Hunter Boot' in honour of Hunter, Gatcombe's main presenting sponsor.

And fence eight asks the first serious question at the Dobson and Horrell Crossing where riders will need accuracy and control to jump the first narrow log before bending two strides on to a bank and bouncing over a second narrower log.

Fence 12 is an imaginative Hamptons International House whereby riders jump over a gate before entering a house with a huge table inside, followed by a jump out over a garden wall.

It is expected to cause some problems as the gate is set on a downward slope, making it easy to trip over before entering the house which requires a big jump to clear the table, followed by immediate control to jump out over the garden wall.

Fence 20, the Land Rover at the Folly, is a combination which is also expected to catch a few horses and riders out due to the angle and narrowness of the jumps.

With 30 jumps in total, competitors will face a serious test at the Hunter Dewpond water complex for fences 25, 26 and 27. Bravery is sure to be paramount, if riders wish to avoid a ducking.

Longer routes have been provided to create alternatives at the more difficult fences for those not finely tuned in accuracy and control, giving them the chance to at least complete a true Championship course.

In addition to the horse trials, the organisers have produced a full programme of family entertainment which includes a Shetland Pony Grand National, which great fun to watch for adults and children alike, and a dressage to music display.

John Whiteley will also be there with his sheepdogs and a Champion Racehorse Parade will feature Grand National Winner Hedge Hunter.

For the European short-listed team, the emphasis is on final preparations before the final test in September.

If Britain's team wins, it will be their sixth consecutive European title, making it a remark-able achievement for British Eventing.

Amongst all the activity and excitement going on at Gatcombe Park during the weekend of August 6-7, there just may be a slight hint of a quiet celebrations because this year marks the 20th anniversary of this truly successful event.

For further information, please phone 020 7467 9845 or visit www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk