Tell me about Flore Lea and Green Horses

[Painted1]

I've never competed at Flora Lea but am considering taking my greenie to her first horse trial there. I saw Flore Lea's having a horse trial in August reasonably priced and its pretty close to home. Any one know about what their xc courses are like? Would this be a good one to consider for a green horse? I wanted to start her at Plantation but missed the closing date.

Any input would be great! Thanks.

[EiRide]

I have taken several horses there for their first events--I really like it. Mostly flat XC fields with a bit of a roll to them (well, compared to where I live!), inviting course, not hard to get a good flow with although not as galloping as Burgundy Hollow or Fair Hill. I've always thought it the courses I've ridden there (BN, N, and T) were on the levels and fair, but not terribly stiff. It was my first "away" Training course (moved up at Pleasant Hollow, my old stomping grounds).

The water can be a surprise for a green horse because it is in a bit of a hollow with trees. If your horse has any water issues, come right on back to a little jog or even a walk so that s/he has plenty of time to assess, if they have it on course (don't know about schooling HT; I've had it on the recognized courses at all levels each time I've been). And look ACROSS! :-)

[EventerOP]

Hows their novice course?

[EiRide]

Hows their novice course?

It has water, usually flagged so you can ramp in or drop in at your choice, canter out, or when they run it the other direction you canter in and either ramp or bank out.

Novice frequently has a bank and a ditch, both suitable for the level. I have come out several seasons with Flora Lea's spring event as my first of the year and have run Novice there with my mares without having had much benefit of XC schooling yet.

They sometimes use a fairly steep hill on the Novice, sometimes not. It's a short hill and you can trot it and still make the time without a problem; I usually jog down it.

Typically they have lots of nice galloping fences, some things you need to set up for a bit, and are on the levels but not a terribly stiff course. I'd use it as a move up, but also don't find it boring with a more experienced horse.

[EventerOP]

thanks so much!

[EventerOP]

This was posted a while ago, but i never made it to the event last year. . . but hopefully this year!
Does anyone have any more comments about the novice course?