Fair Hill Prelim course?

[Invested1]

I looked at pix from the August trial there last year and it seemed fair.

Thoughts from people who have been?

[retreadeventer]

Not a move up course IMO

[GotSpots]

I rode it last year. I have personal reasons for disliking Fair Hill, but I don't think it's a particularly hard Preliminary XC. That being said, the ground is often quite hard there, and I thought their SJ was a bit challenging. On XC, first half is pretty small, middle has some decent sized jumps, and then the end isn't huge. First four fences are galloping table/roll top type things, the corner is set on a line, so the jump in over a table sets you up. Rolltop or oxer and then jump through the quarry/downbank combination. Couple of gallop jumps, bigish ditch and wall, the bottom loop with another corner (off a turn), then up to the water which I recall as being a bit trappy and not very invitng, but not particularly technical. Over to the coffin which has terrain but is fairly inviting. Unless they've changed it up quite a bit, I don't recall that there were many combinations on it.

[LexInVA]

Someone is feeling awfully ambitious lately. ;)

[bornfreenowexpensive]

The Aug. course is usually the easiest course for the Fair Hill events (April is a very different story). I've always considered it a fairly straight forward Prelim and wouldn't have any issues moving a horse up at it (assuming they were well prepared). I like the flow of the land and have typically been able to get a good gallop rhythm going on their courses...but the footing at the Aug. event can be very hard as are many of the summer events. I have been there in Aug. when it rained...and the footing was perfect...but unfortunately, no way to predict if that will happen again!

I was hoping to be there this year with a Prelim horse....but they are now limping:( so I think we are out for a while.

[Invested1]

Someone is feeling awfully ambitious lately. ;)

Just asking...... :D

[blazing saddles]

Hard ground but not a hard Prelim course. Hasn't changed much, if at all.

[Invested1]

Thanks--very helpful! :yes:

Recommedations on a close/cheap place to stay?

[GotSpots]

The Motel 6 is fine. Not fancy, but fine for a night or so and they allow dogs. Many folks stay there.

[Invested1]

The Motel 6 is fine. Not fancy, but fine for a night or so and they allow dogs. Many folks stay there.

Gracias.
Doggies will stay home.
You and Al going up?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

If you want to be very cheap...it is a good place to camp. The bathrooms have showers.

[Invested1]

If you want to be very cheap...it is a good place to camp. The bathrooms have showers.

Ummm, in August? Nahhh. :D

Plus I have a friend who very kindly offered to come with me, so I need to be nice in return and get a hotel room. heh.

[SparklePlenty]

The Best Western is a super super nice hotel to stay at - that's just a 10min drive. There is also a Holiday Inn express which is nice too.. but the BW is my fav.

:)