Latest News
A Date For The Diary
Essex & Suffolk Team Chase returns to Semer this November
Add the 6th November to your diary - schedule will be published in due course.
Add the 6th November to your diary - schedule will be published in due course.
2022 Dates & Charity Confirmed
We're pleased to confirm our dates for the 2022 British Eventing season as - 18th - 19th June. Along with the dates now set in stone we can also confirm that the Stratford Hills Horse Trials committee will once again raise funds for The Porch Project.
Having looked at all the very worthwhile charities we have raised money for over the years, we have decided this year to help The Porch Project once again. This charity, which was started in the Church porch in Hadleigh, has grown over the years to include Sudbury and surrounding villages. Their premises, in the High Street in Hadleigh, are used for youth drop in sessions and other activities they support. They have a team of hugely enthusiastic youth workers offering services such as counselling, help with homework, help with CVs; as well as social activities such as watching films and debating, cookery demonstrations, music sessions and many more. They aim to support children up to their mid-twenties and, for instance, young mothers can go there for support and help before and after childbirth.
The charity have recently purchased a minibus that will take these facilities out to the rural community.
For further information please visit porchproject.co.uk
Having looked at all the very worthwhile charities we have raised money for over the years, we have decided this year to help The Porch Project once again. This charity, which was started in the Church porch in Hadleigh, has grown over the years to include Sudbury and surrounding villages. Their premises, in the High Street in Hadleigh, are used for youth drop in sessions and other activities they support. They have a team of hugely enthusiastic youth workers offering services such as counselling, help with homework, help with CVs; as well as social activities such as watching films and debating, cookery demonstrations, music sessions and many more. They aim to support children up to their mid-twenties and, for instance, young mothers can go there for support and help before and after childbirth.
The charity have recently purchased a minibus that will take these facilities out to the rural community.
For further information please visit porchproject.co.uk
Essex & Suffolk Team Chase 2020
The SHHT committee are pleased to support the Essex & Suffolk Team Chase this November.
The event will be running behind closed doors in accordance with government guidelines, but looks to welcome teams from across the country. Full details can be found via the link below.
The event will be running behind closed doors in accordance with government guidelines, but looks to welcome teams from across the country. Full details can be found via the link below.
| team_chase_schedule_2020.pdf |
| team_chase_entry_form_2020.pdf |
2020 Charity Confirmed
The committee are delighted to confirm that 2020 will see Stratford Hills Horse Trials support the Charlie Watkins Foundation. A foundation that intends to support the provision of mental health services to young people in the UK.
Charlie Watkins was just 22 when he took his own life in March 2017. Sadly, Charlie never recovered from the tragic loss of his mother when he was nine years old. Charlie is one of the many examples of young people who suffer from mental health issues. The Charlie Watkins Foundation aims to raise funds to support young people struggling with mental health issues, and encourages them to talk and remove the stigma of mental health.
The foundation was set up by Harry Watkins, Charlie's twin brother, in September 2017. The aim is to accelerate the provision of counselling for young people and to support the lobbying for support at both regional and national level.
Next steps for the foundation include expanding the provision of 'Chat with Charlie' to universities around the country, starting with the University of York, where Charlie studied. The foundation will also be working with the Government to look at privacy issues that are detrimental to getting young people the support they need.
For further information please visit www.cwfoundation.co.uk
Charlie Watkins was just 22 when he took his own life in March 2017. Sadly, Charlie never recovered from the tragic loss of his mother when he was nine years old. Charlie is one of the many examples of young people who suffer from mental health issues. The Charlie Watkins Foundation aims to raise funds to support young people struggling with mental health issues, and encourages them to talk and remove the stigma of mental health.
The foundation was set up by Harry Watkins, Charlie's twin brother, in September 2017. The aim is to accelerate the provision of counselling for young people and to support the lobbying for support at both regional and national level.
Next steps for the foundation include expanding the provision of 'Chat with Charlie' to universities around the country, starting with the University of York, where Charlie studied. The foundation will also be working with the Government to look at privacy issues that are detrimental to getting young people the support they need.
For further information please visit www.cwfoundation.co.uk
Stratford Hills Horse Trials Roundup
The Stratford Hills Horse Trials attracted praise and support from senior international riders and grassroots competitors alike for “proper cross-country courses”, “the best ground I’d ever seen” and “the organisers and volunteers were simply brilliant”.
In its seventeenth running, Stratford Hills Horse Trials, ran with one of its smallest fields, but attracted much praise from riders of all levels. Benefitting from the extensive rain, that caused other events to abandon, the Suffolk event ran with the best ground they had ever seen.
Novice Regional Final winner, Francis Whittington made his first trip to Stratford Hills this weekend, making it a successful one with Sarah Arrowsmith’s Brother Bertie, and Equimatter’s Monbeg Malvo finishing 3rdin the same section.
Francis Whittington commented;
“A truly lovely event with really good terrain that makes for an exciting and proper cross-country course. We were super happy with the outcome as we made a plan to come here and everything went to plan. The organisation and the volunteers were just brilliant and we’re already looking forward to coming back next year.”
Regular visitor to Stratford Hills, Matthew Heath had mixed success with a 3rdin Novice section G with Rum Punch and 4thin the BE90Open with Spring Rock, but still took to social media to lavish praise on the event and would encourage other riders to make the journey.
Matthew Heath commented;
“I really don’t know why more people don’t support Stratford Hills, it is one of the friendliest and accommodating events on the circuit with easy access straight off a main road. The courses are great with the hills presenting a good challenge. There is always a good grass cover and this year was the best ground I’d ever seen. I’ve been coming for a number of years and will continue to make the effort to come, no matter where I’m based.”
Stratford Hills yet again set out to raise money for charity, with the 2019 chosen cause being Bloodwise. Looking to raise money for research projects, into blood cancer, being carried out in Cambridge where the late Sir William Aldous was be treated. Sir William was a key supporter of Stratford Hills as well as being a previous British Eventing Chairman.
Organiser, Gillie Cranfield commented,
“Although disappointed with the entries, we were very pleased with the feedback from the competitors and spectators. We run solely for charity and I would like to thank all my superb volunteers and British Eventing officials who helped to provide a very happy and smooth event.”
The event would like to give thanks to the loyal support of long term sponsors – notably local insurance company Carriagehouse, , and others including Scrutton Bland, as well as new support from Savills and Beaufort & Blake clothing.
In its seventeenth running, Stratford Hills Horse Trials, ran with one of its smallest fields, but attracted much praise from riders of all levels. Benefitting from the extensive rain, that caused other events to abandon, the Suffolk event ran with the best ground they had ever seen.
Novice Regional Final winner, Francis Whittington made his first trip to Stratford Hills this weekend, making it a successful one with Sarah Arrowsmith’s Brother Bertie, and Equimatter’s Monbeg Malvo finishing 3rdin the same section.
Francis Whittington commented;
“A truly lovely event with really good terrain that makes for an exciting and proper cross-country course. We were super happy with the outcome as we made a plan to come here and everything went to plan. The organisation and the volunteers were just brilliant and we’re already looking forward to coming back next year.”
Regular visitor to Stratford Hills, Matthew Heath had mixed success with a 3rdin Novice section G with Rum Punch and 4thin the BE90Open with Spring Rock, but still took to social media to lavish praise on the event and would encourage other riders to make the journey.
Matthew Heath commented;
“I really don’t know why more people don’t support Stratford Hills, it is one of the friendliest and accommodating events on the circuit with easy access straight off a main road. The courses are great with the hills presenting a good challenge. There is always a good grass cover and this year was the best ground I’d ever seen. I’ve been coming for a number of years and will continue to make the effort to come, no matter where I’m based.”
Stratford Hills yet again set out to raise money for charity, with the 2019 chosen cause being Bloodwise. Looking to raise money for research projects, into blood cancer, being carried out in Cambridge where the late Sir William Aldous was be treated. Sir William was a key supporter of Stratford Hills as well as being a previous British Eventing Chairman.
Organiser, Gillie Cranfield commented,
“Although disappointed with the entries, we were very pleased with the feedback from the competitors and spectators. We run solely for charity and I would like to thank all my superb volunteers and British Eventing officials who helped to provide a very happy and smooth event.”
The event would like to give thanks to the loyal support of long term sponsors – notably local insurance company Carriagehouse, , and others including Scrutton Bland, as well as new support from Savills and Beaufort & Blake clothing.
Charitable support to continue in 2019
In a year where many events had to be cancelled, we were very lucky in 2018 to be able to run Stratford Hills without any interference from the weather and as a result we successfully raised money for The Friends of the Ferns and our local Riding for the Disabled.
Stratford Hills will once again look to support a charity for the 2019 season, and as such the committee has decided to support 'Bloodwise' in memory of the late Sir William Aldous. Bloodwise is the leading blood cancer charity dedicated to funding research into all blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, as well as offering information, emotional, practical and psychological support to anyone affected by blood cancer from the moment of diagnosis to post treatment. Their mission is to stop people dying from blood cancer, to make patients lives better and to stop blood cancer happening in the first place.
Stratford Hills will be raising money for research projects being carried out in Cambridge where Sir William and a number of close friends have and will be treated. It will also be used to fund support for local patients, families and friends in the Suffolk and Essex areas.
The 2019 fixture will run from the 15th to 16th June, with the schedule being available in due course.
Stratford Hills will once again look to support a charity for the 2019 season, and as such the committee has decided to support 'Bloodwise' in memory of the late Sir William Aldous. Bloodwise is the leading blood cancer charity dedicated to funding research into all blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, as well as offering information, emotional, practical and psychological support to anyone affected by blood cancer from the moment of diagnosis to post treatment. Their mission is to stop people dying from blood cancer, to make patients lives better and to stop blood cancer happening in the first place.
Stratford Hills will be raising money for research projects being carried out in Cambridge where Sir William and a number of close friends have and will be treated. It will also be used to fund support for local patients, families and friends in the Suffolk and Essex areas.
The 2019 fixture will run from the 15th to 16th June, with the schedule being available in due course.
Essex & Suffolk Hunt Team Chase - 4th November
| team_chase_schedule_2018.docx |
| team_chase_entry_form_2018.docx |
High Praise From Riders For Stratford Hills Efforts
In its sixteenth running, Stratford Hills Horse Trials, received an abundance of praise from competitors for extensive work on the ground conditions and course presentation.
Organiser, Gillie Cranfield is “extremely grateful for all the hard work put in by landowners and course builders as well as all the officials and volunteers without whom events like this could not happen”.
Over seeding earlier in the year by the land owners, changes to the route of the courses to preserve the going, extensive watering and repeated aerovating by David Carpenter’s team resulted in some of the best going at the event despite the prolonged hot and dry weather.
“We were really pleased with the course and the going. The land owners had already done a large amount of work to help improve the going with further over seeding and ground work planned for this Autumn ahead of the 2019 event. The general feedback from competitors seems positive, which is a good reflection of the effort the team have put in” confirmed course builder David Carpenter.
Horse of the Year Show winner Polly Eddis, who placed 4th in the BE100 with Cashelbay JJ was quick to offer her praise for the event:
“What a fabulous event…the ground was really good, having a mainly very good grass cover and having been watered and aerovated, including the show jumping and dressage areas. Best of all, a great atmosphere, super stewards from the lovely man in the car park to the fence judges and to the ladies giving out the numbers. Just a really super event which could have taken more entries and deserves to be over subscribed.” Polly Eddis
Organiser, Gillie Cranfield is “extremely grateful for all the hard work put in by landowners and course builders as well as all the officials and volunteers without whom events like this could not happen”.
Over seeding earlier in the year by the land owners, changes to the route of the courses to preserve the going, extensive watering and repeated aerovating by David Carpenter’s team resulted in some of the best going at the event despite the prolonged hot and dry weather.
“We were really pleased with the course and the going. The land owners had already done a large amount of work to help improve the going with further over seeding and ground work planned for this Autumn ahead of the 2019 event. The general feedback from competitors seems positive, which is a good reflection of the effort the team have put in” confirmed course builder David Carpenter.
Horse of the Year Show winner Polly Eddis, who placed 4th in the BE100 with Cashelbay JJ was quick to offer her praise for the event:
“What a fabulous event…the ground was really good, having a mainly very good grass cover and having been watered and aerovated, including the show jumping and dressage areas. Best of all, a great atmosphere, super stewards from the lovely man in the car park to the fence judges and to the ladies giving out the numbers. Just a really super event which could have taken more entries and deserves to be over subscribed.” Polly Eddis
The Novice sections were dominated by Tom Jackson, who produced a 1, 2 finish with No Limit II and Forrest Gump 124 finishing on 24.3 and 28.7 respectively. The young rider from Kent also took the Open Novice with Fire Fly on 30.8. It was Izzy Taylor though, who currently ranks 7th in the world FEI rankings, who had a busy morning in Saturday’s BE100 classes, with 5 rides completing. As one of Britain’s leading lady riders, the back to back 3* winner from Bramham and Tattersalls, provided spectators and competitors alike a masterclass in riding 5 horses to their times and all bar one within the cross-country time. Star Commander II was the only one not to complete inside the time, coming home 1 second over, giving a good indication of the quality of the going.
Local New Zealand international rider Caroline Powell was another to have a successful weekend with a small string of young horses, with Shore To Shore finishing 4th on their 28.5 dressage in Saturday’s highly competitive BE100 Open.
“It was a great trip to Stratford Hills, which is one of our more local events. I rode three beautifully presented courses and it was clear that a lot of extra effort had gone into making the ground as good as it was. I was more than happy to run my young horses.” Caroline Powell
The BE100 Open was won by local grassroots star Joanne Watts with Darc Legend, with whom she recently finished 8th in the Mitsubishi Motors Cup BE90 Championship at Badminton Horse Trials in May.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all (the win) as I thought the company in the section looked rather tough. He went really well in all phases. Stratford Hills is such a friendly and well run event and I thought they had made a lot of effort with the ground and the grass cover was great.” Joanne Watts
“It was a great trip to Stratford Hills, which is one of our more local events. I rode three beautifully presented courses and it was clear that a lot of extra effort had gone into making the ground as good as it was. I was more than happy to run my young horses.” Caroline Powell
The BE100 Open was won by local grassroots star Joanne Watts with Darc Legend, with whom she recently finished 8th in the Mitsubishi Motors Cup BE90 Championship at Badminton Horse Trials in May.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all (the win) as I thought the company in the section looked rather tough. He went really well in all phases. Stratford Hills is such a friendly and well run event and I thought they had made a lot of effort with the ground and the grass cover was great.” Joanne Watts
A Big Thank You
SHHT would like to say a big thank you to the fantastic catering team who did a brilliant job over the weekend.
CLASSES ADDED & GROUND PREP
A number of new classes have been added as a late addition to the SHHT 2018 schedule. These included the relocation of the ONu18 class following the earlier cancellation of Keysoe, a Pony Trial and a new BE100 Open section on Sunday.
The Pony Trial is an exciting addition to the SHHT schedule and will see some very exciting, small and mighty combinations take on the SHHT cross-country course.
All competing areas and tracks will be equivated on the run up to the event, with the show jumping and dressage areas being watered as well. There is a very good and well maintained grass cover at Stratford Hills and key areas of the BE course have been preserved and left untouched during schooling and other competitions. Areas of the cross-country course will be watered if necessary.
The Pony Trial is an exciting addition to the SHHT schedule and will see some very exciting, small and mighty combinations take on the SHHT cross-country course.
All competing areas and tracks will be equivated on the run up to the event, with the show jumping and dressage areas being watered as well. There is a very good and well maintained grass cover at Stratford Hills and key areas of the BE course have been preserved and left untouched during schooling and other competitions. Areas of the cross-country course will be watered if necessary.
SHHT 2018 Entries OPEN
Entries for the Stratford Hills Horse Trials in aid of The Friends of The Ferns on 16th-17th June are now OPEN.
We look forward to welcoming back our long time supporter CarriageHouse Insurance as our Title Sponsor, as well as our season sponsors, ARK, Churchmanor, Handelsbanken, Ames Nissan, Devoucoux, New Hall School, Suffolk Community Foundation, New England building Services Jim Lawrence Ltd, Birketts, Reason Homes, Equiconsulting, Lynton Homes, Jim Finn, Milsom Thompson Smith and Puxon, Barker Gotelee, Savills, Schofield Removals, Apatchy and Philips Brothers.
2018 will see the exciting addition of the Devoucoux BE80 Eastern Region League, as detailed below, and we look forward to welcoming a number of BE80 competitors to SHHT to gain vital points in this exciting new series, offering some fabulous prizes. 2018 also sees a return to SHHT of the Open Novice U18 class, due to the loss of so many early season events due to poor weather. We are all thrilled to be able to support the British Eventing youth programme and look forward to welcoming our under 18 competitors.
Course developments are well underway and we are pleased to confirm that thanks to the extensive rainfall and now the warm sunny weather we have an incredible grass cover that is being carefully manicured to provide some super going.
Enter online via www.bdwp.co.uk/shl
More information about the event CLICK HERE
We look forward to welcoming back our long time supporter CarriageHouse Insurance as our Title Sponsor, as well as our season sponsors, ARK, Churchmanor, Handelsbanken, Ames Nissan, Devoucoux, New Hall School, Suffolk Community Foundation, New England building Services Jim Lawrence Ltd, Birketts, Reason Homes, Equiconsulting, Lynton Homes, Jim Finn, Milsom Thompson Smith and Puxon, Barker Gotelee, Savills, Schofield Removals, Apatchy and Philips Brothers.
2018 will see the exciting addition of the Devoucoux BE80 Eastern Region League, as detailed below, and we look forward to welcoming a number of BE80 competitors to SHHT to gain vital points in this exciting new series, offering some fabulous prizes. 2018 also sees a return to SHHT of the Open Novice U18 class, due to the loss of so many early season events due to poor weather. We are all thrilled to be able to support the British Eventing youth programme and look forward to welcoming our under 18 competitors.
Course developments are well underway and we are pleased to confirm that thanks to the extensive rainfall and now the warm sunny weather we have an incredible grass cover that is being carefully manicured to provide some super going.
Enter online via www.bdwp.co.uk/shl
More information about the event CLICK HERE
Devoucoux League 2018
Stratford Hills are delighted to be part of the Devoucoux League 2018, with Gillie Cranfield, SHHT organiser, being the driving force. A collective of British Eventing affiliated events in the Eastern of England have joined forces to offer BE80(T) competitors an exciting new league supported by Devoucoux Saddles.
The Devoucoux BE80(T) Eastern League aims to support grassroots riders with enhanced prizes at those host events, whilst offering an overall prize and 'title' for riders to aim for. Luxury branded prizes will be awarded to the top 5 in each BE80(T) section, with £500 worth of Devoucoux vouchers being awarded to the overall winner.
The league will take place from May to August, with the grand prize being awarded at Keysoe, 24th -26th August, where Devoucoux hold the title sponsorship.
- Poplar Park - 19th - 20th May
- Stratford Hills - 16th - 17th June
- Great Witchingham - 29th - 1st July
- Little Downham - 21st - 22nd July
- Horseheath - 11th - 12th August
- Keysoe - 24th - 26th August
Competitors will be awarded 10 points for a 1st place finish, sliding to 1 point for 10th place. The horse and rider combination with the highest number of accumulated points at the end of the final event will be crowned the Devoucoux BE80(T) Eastern League Champion.
The Devoucoux BE80(T) Eastern League aims to support grassroots riders with enhanced prizes at those host events, whilst offering an overall prize and 'title' for riders to aim for. Luxury branded prizes will be awarded to the top 5 in each BE80(T) section, with £500 worth of Devoucoux vouchers being awarded to the overall winner.
The league will take place from May to August, with the grand prize being awarded at Keysoe, 24th -26th August, where Devoucoux hold the title sponsorship.
- Poplar Park - 19th - 20th May
- Stratford Hills - 16th - 17th June
- Great Witchingham - 29th - 1st July
- Little Downham - 21st - 22nd July
- Horseheath - 11th - 12th August
- Keysoe - 24th - 26th August
Competitors will be awarded 10 points for a 1st place finish, sliding to 1 point for 10th place. The horse and rider combination with the highest number of accumulated points at the end of the final event will be crowned the Devoucoux BE80(T) Eastern League Champion.
2018 Plans in full swing!
The 2018 plans are very much underway and we are already looking forward to our Horse Trials on 16-17th June 2018. We have an exciting new sponsor, Devoucoux, with announcements coming soon! We have many returning sponsors this year, who we are very grateful for their support.
We are excited to support a new charity this year, Friends of the Ferns, who are a charity that has been set up to help 'The Ferns' Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Ipswich, which provides a one-stop location to any victim of sexual assault, offering medical care and emotional support. The Fern’s staff provide children, young people and adults with practical help and much needed support during their recovery from rape and sexual assault, whether recently or in the past.
This year will bring new fences to the cross country course and the best possible ground due to the excellent, well established, grass cover being aerovated or equivated if necessary.
Entries open on 14th May 2018
We are excited to support a new charity this year, Friends of the Ferns, who are a charity that has been set up to help 'The Ferns' Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Ipswich, which provides a one-stop location to any victim of sexual assault, offering medical care and emotional support. The Fern’s staff provide children, young people and adults with practical help and much needed support during their recovery from rape and sexual assault, whether recently or in the past.
This year will bring new fences to the cross country course and the best possible ground due to the excellent, well established, grass cover being aerovated or equivated if necessary.
Entries open on 14th May 2018
Team Chasing - coming soon!
It is getting to that time of year where the dressage and show jumping go out the window and we all have a blast at the Essex & Suffolk Team Chase. Please find the schedule and entry form below, and do support if you can.
Thank You!
A HUGE THANK YOU to all who helped at, supported, spectated at and competed at SHHT 2017. What a scorcher! It required great stamina and buckets of water to get through the days and I really admire the way everyone just got on with it even though our volunteers must have been cursing the fact that they had committed to be with us all day in these conditions. They were all faultless and we have had incredibly good feedback again about our efficiency and friendliness. Cant really ask for anymore.
Our new cross country course has gone down very well and we believe that David Carpenter will take this to new levels as the years go on with the backing ,hopefully, of the landowners. We now have every phase running as we had hoped. We will always struggle with having perfect ground but luckily the aerovater does a fantastic job on that front. We got through two full bowsers of water at the end of the course which everyone was very grateful for. It was probably the best place to be for most of the day - behind the bowser with water being thrown around!
Many thanks again and please do put the 16th and 17th June in your 2018 diaries!
Our new cross country course has gone down very well and we believe that David Carpenter will take this to new levels as the years go on with the backing ,hopefully, of the landowners. We now have every phase running as we had hoped. We will always struggle with having perfect ground but luckily the aerovater does a fantastic job on that front. We got through two full bowsers of water at the end of the course which everyone was very grateful for. It was probably the best place to be for most of the day - behind the bowser with water being thrown around!
Many thanks again and please do put the 16th and 17th June in your 2018 diaries!
2 days to go...
Final preparations are well underway at SHHT HQ this week, with just 2 days left to go before SHHT 2017 gallops into gear.
With over an inch of rain recently we've got a good grass cover and the ground is looking good. We'll be doing everything we can to provide competitors with good going on all courses and competition arenas.
The course is available for walking from 2pm on Friday and regular visitors will notice a number of differences. The most noticeable of which being that the course runs backwards this year and there is an additional jumping field on the flat at the start of the course. Lots of pictures below and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Stratford Hills Horse Trials 2017 this weekend.
With over an inch of rain recently we've got a good grass cover and the ground is looking good. We'll be doing everything we can to provide competitors with good going on all courses and competition arenas.
The course is available for walking from 2pm on Friday and regular visitors will notice a number of differences. The most noticeable of which being that the course runs backwards this year and there is an additional jumping field on the flat at the start of the course. Lots of pictures below and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Stratford Hills Horse Trials 2017 this weekend.
2 weeks to go...
With just over 2 weeks to go until the big event we are very pleased to have had over half an inch of rain in the past few days and are boasting a very good grass cover. The whole team will be closely monitoring the ground over the next two week and watering and equivating where necessary - our mission is to create the best possible going for our competitors.
Course updates...all course will run anti-clockwise in 2017, with an additional field in use at the start of the course. This means that there will be 6 or 7 fences on the flat prior to the undulations. We've also had some new fences commissioned and made by our new course builder, David Carpenter
Course updates...all course will run anti-clockwise in 2017, with an additional field in use at the start of the course. This means that there will be 6 or 7 fences on the flat prior to the undulations. We've also had some new fences commissioned and made by our new course builder, David Carpenter
Following on from 2016 we're offering double clear rosettes for the BE80 and the BE90. Tiggas Saddlery are also providing prizes for the BE80. Other prizes include - The Tony Mitchell Memorial Plate to be presented to The Best local dressage in the BE90 sections, The Ann Nott Memorial Trophy to the Best local U18 Novice eventer and The Davey Salver for the Best local Dressage Under 18
Essex & Suffolk Hunt Supporters
Join us with the Essex & Suffolk Hunt Supporters Club Family Dog Show on Sunday 2nd July at 1pm.
Lots of fun to be had in the good family day out event.
Lots of fun to be had in the good family day out event.
New Fences & New Sponsors
New cross fences are well under way and painting of existing ones has begun - that must mean that we are getting a lot closer to the event! Entries open in just a matter of weeks and we are full steam ahead.
The rain dance has begun and we have all been delighted at the rain (and hail) this week and there is more to come on the forecast. As always much preparation will take place to ensure that we provide competitors with the best going possible.
We are delighted to welcome on board some new sponsors, including a first time appearance for Thompson, Smith & Puxon and also the return of Tiggas Saddlery who will be providing additional prizes for the BE80(T) training sections.
The rain dance has begun and we have all been delighted at the rain (and hail) this week and there is more to come on the forecast. As always much preparation will take place to ensure that we provide competitors with the best going possible.
We are delighted to welcome on board some new sponsors, including a first time appearance for Thompson, Smith & Puxon and also the return of Tiggas Saddlery who will be providing additional prizes for the BE80(T) training sections.
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Updates For March
With April fast approached we are edging ever closer to #SHHT2017. We have a number of loyal Sponsors returning for yet another year of support and a number of new sponsors we are very pleased to be able to welcome on board.
Pony Club Prizes
We are very pleased to be able to confirm that Carole Lawrence has kindly sponsored some additional prize money for 2 additional Under 18 prizes, organised by Sam Nicholls our Eastern Region U18 Coordinator. There will be a special rosette and an additional £40 prize money to the highest placed Pony Club B Test holder in the ONu18 and for the C+ holder in the BE100U18 class. Under 18 riders will need to bring their test certificates with them to the event and present them to the secretary to highlight their eligibility.
Schedule
The 2017 schedule is now available both here and via the British Eventing website. Entries open on the 12th of May via www.bdwp.co.uk
Pony Club Prizes
We are very pleased to be able to confirm that Carole Lawrence has kindly sponsored some additional prize money for 2 additional Under 18 prizes, organised by Sam Nicholls our Eastern Region U18 Coordinator. There will be a special rosette and an additional £40 prize money to the highest placed Pony Club B Test holder in the ONu18 and for the C+ holder in the BE100U18 class. Under 18 riders will need to bring their test certificates with them to the event and present them to the secretary to highlight their eligibility.
Schedule
The 2017 schedule is now available both here and via the British Eventing website. Entries open on the 12th of May via www.bdwp.co.uk
Dates For The Diary
For those with a passion for adrenaline fuelled equestrian pursuits the SHHT organisers have a number of dates for your diary:
Point to Point @ Higham
Sunday 19th February North Norfolk Harriers First Race 12.30pm
Saturday 15th April Essex & Suffolk Foxhounds First Race 1pm.
Essex & Suffolk Hunt Team Chase @ Semer
Sunday 5th November
Point to Point @ Higham
Sunday 19th February North Norfolk Harriers First Race 12.30pm
Saturday 15th April Essex & Suffolk Foxhounds First Race 1pm.
Essex & Suffolk Hunt Team Chase @ Semer
Sunday 5th November
Course Developments At SHHT
David Carpenter, our new course designer and builder has spent the past week at Stratford Hills, with his team maintaining all of our existing jumps and placing them out ready for schooling. The schooling course is now open anyone looking for some pre-season schooling should call 01206 322494 or email stratfordhills@btinternet.com
There are numerous course developments in progress at Stratford Hills, that will be in place ready for our 2017 event. The course has been extended by putting two new sets of double gates either side of the track between the old start field and the practice field. This results in a lengthened course with the start field now being where the old collecting ring was. This gives us two flat fields with approximately 7 fences before the ground starts undulating.
We are also pleased to announce that we will be building eight new fences for 2017, as well as re-designing a number of the existing fences. All courses will also be taking different routes from last year.
There are numerous course developments in progress at Stratford Hills, that will be in place ready for our 2017 event. The course has been extended by putting two new sets of double gates either side of the track between the old start field and the practice field. This results in a lengthened course with the start field now being where the old collecting ring was. This gives us two flat fields with approximately 7 fences before the ground starts undulating.
We are also pleased to announce that we will be building eight new fences for 2017, as well as re-designing a number of the existing fences. All courses will also be taking different routes from last year.
The Countdown To The New Season Is On
With the start of the 2017 season now only 8 weeks away it is all systems go to get ready for The Carriagehouse Insurance Stratford Hills Horse Trials in June. Sponsorship packages are now available from the organiser and we are very pleased to confirm that Ames Nissan, Reeman Dansie and Thorpe Horseboxes are already committed to return as sponsors for a further season, with the addition of Birketts - local law firm, who join our much appreciated group of sponsors.
2017 also brings with it a new cross country course designer and builder to the Stratford Hills team. David Carpenter has a long list of course accreditations to his name, including Little Downham and Horseheath, but also the extremely prestigious Burghley Horse Trials, where he is part of the team responsible for the world famous CCI**** course.
2017 also brings with it a new cross country course designer and builder to the Stratford Hills team. David Carpenter has a long list of course accreditations to his name, including Little Downham and Horseheath, but also the extremely prestigious Burghley Horse Trials, where he is part of the team responsible for the world famous CCI**** course.
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New Charity For 2017
The Stratford Hills Horse Trials committee are delighted to confirm a new charity for 2017, in the form of the Marie Curie Essex & Suffolk Nurse's Fund.
Marie Curie nurses work night & day in people’s homes providing hands-on care & vital emotional support at the end of people’s lives. If you are living with a terminal illness, they can help you stay surrounded by the people you care about most, in the place where you’re most comfortable.
We hope that our competitors, spectators, volunteers and supporters will join with us in supporting this fabulous local charity.
Marie Curie nurses work night & day in people’s homes providing hands-on care & vital emotional support at the end of people’s lives. If you are living with a terminal illness, they can help you stay surrounded by the people you care about most, in the place where you’re most comfortable.
We hope that our competitors, spectators, volunteers and supporters will join with us in supporting this fabulous local charity.
the final countdown...
With an inch of rain on Saturday, further rain on Sunday and more cloud bursts today (Monday) the course has certainly been watered. We've had rain interspersed with sun and light winds and it really is making for perfect ground cover with spongy grass as well.
The course is now up and flagged and the finishing touches are being added!
The course is now up and flagged and the finishing touches are being added!
less than 2 weeks to go!
With less than two weeks to go before SHHT 2016 it is all systems go!
We are incredibly lucky that over the past few weeks we've had 2inches of rain, combined with some sunshine. This has therefore soaked into the ground to soften the going along with stimulating the grass growth to great a soft and springy going. If the weather forecast is to be believed we are expecting a mix of sunshine and showers over the next week, so the ground will just keep getting better and better.
Fences are starting to make their way out on the course and will continue to do so over the next week. Keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter for sneak previews!
At the moment we can still take some more entries across both days, so if anyone is still looking for a run from BE80 to Novice please do get in touch.
We are incredibly lucky that over the past few weeks we've had 2inches of rain, combined with some sunshine. This has therefore soaked into the ground to soften the going along with stimulating the grass growth to great a soft and springy going. If the weather forecast is to be believed we are expecting a mix of sunshine and showers over the next week, so the ground will just keep getting better and better.
Fences are starting to make their way out on the course and will continue to do so over the next week. Keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter for sneak previews!
At the moment we can still take some more entries across both days, so if anyone is still looking for a run from BE80 to Novice please do get in touch.
Entries now open!
Entries for SHHT 2016 are now open!
Course construction is well underway with our course building team busy painting fences old and new ready to be moved out onto the sunny Suffolk hills over the next few weeks.
With the continuing mix of rain and sun we have good grass cover and good ground conditions, but as usual every effort will be made on the run up to the event to ensure the very best ground we can and we will keep everyone updated via Facebook and Twitter as to the latest works.
We are all looking forward to seeing the new Novice course for 2016 which will be taking a new route this year.
Course construction is well underway with our course building team busy painting fences old and new ready to be moved out onto the sunny Suffolk hills over the next few weeks.
With the continuing mix of rain and sun we have good grass cover and good ground conditions, but as usual every effort will be made on the run up to the event to ensure the very best ground we can and we will keep everyone updated via Facebook and Twitter as to the latest works.
We are all looking forward to seeing the new Novice course for 2016 which will be taking a new route this year.
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Sponsors galore and double clear frillies
The SHHT committee are enormously grateful to the continued support from our plethora of sponsors, without whom the event would not be possible and we would not be able to support our local charities in the way that we do. Carriagehouse Insurance return yet again as our title sponsor and we are also extremely pleased to welcome a whole host of new sponsors to, what we hope will be, a sunny Suffolk in June.
We are also extremely excited to announce that we will be awarding Double Clear rosettes to those not placed in the top 10 in both the BE80 and BE90 - if any local businesses would like to support this new initiative we still have a sponsorship opportunity available for these rosettes.
We are also extremely excited to announce that we will be awarding Double Clear rosettes to those not placed in the top 10 in both the BE80 and BE90 - if any local businesses would like to support this new initiative we still have a sponsorship opportunity available for these rosettes.