Perfect for practice...practice makes perfect
Balquholly Cross Country Training Course was the idea of Alastair Garnett, an ex-intermediate eventer who, unable to find anywhere to train in between competitions, decided to build his own purpose built practice course. Balquholly Cross Country now provides an excellent facility for the training of riders and horses of all levels of experience.
It is particularly suited to introducing young and nervous horses to jumping fixed fences for the first time. Local instructors, together with the local riding / pony clubs, use Balquholly for conducting private tuition or holding group clinics and rallies.
Construction of the course was started around 1996 and now occupies about seven acres of well-drained undulating ground. It is suitable for all those wishing to compete at riding / pony club novice level up to BE pre novice. A 45mtr x 20mtr sand school is also available for riders to use for warm up or flat work / show jumping practice.
There are over 60 jumping efforts featuring all the common types of fence that are encountered in competition and include ditches, banks, spreads, coffin, trakhener, water, keyhole, corners, bounce and many more. All the jumps are built from strong rugged materials and maintained to a very high standard. Most of the popular fences are also provided with all-weather take offs so they may be used with confidence during wet conditions.
There is sufficient parking for most occasions and a loo is provided together with a fresh water supply for horses. Limited stabling is available by prior arrangement for overnight stays or for just tacking up in poor weather.
