River lawn arena

[noo]

Hi can anyone tell me what the river lawn is like, I've heard it's a bit difficult to ride. It's my daughters 1st time at ri in fr, she's only small and only done a couple of fr classes as she's still in lr. Any advice would be greatly appreciated x

[RiverLawn]

I could be wrong, but I had heard that the River Lawn isn't going to be used this year, despite what it says in the schedule, because it so wet. I believe an alternative, much better ring is going to be used. Check with the organisers.

If you are on the River Lawn, then yes it can be a bit tricky. The go-round should be fine in FR as there is no canter, but on the right rein the short side nearest the entrance is slighty down hill, just take it steady down there. In the individual show with canter use the corners and don't ask for canter too early. Ideally, if it's not a set show, do the transitions at the river end so you are going up the slope into canter rather than down. Make sure you go and have a look at the ring before your class. TBH it's not as bad as some make out. One thing to be aware of is that there is a public footpath running along the riverside and people do walk through in the middle of classes, with dogs, with shopping trolleys, etc. Better to know in advance than to be suddenly surprised.

[snowflake]

I've heard there's a new grass arena down by the Equimax Ring, for the M&Ms are the River Lawn was causing problems. It's a lovely setting, however it is quite small especially for the large breeds, when they are lined up for the conformation. The ring itself isn't too bad, there is a slope at one end I think but nothing major. If it is being used, I can't see it causing that many problems for a FR class, it's more the Large Breeds..

[dizzydora]

I'm in the river lawn this year again to in the arabs, last year was interesting as like the above posters say the ground isn't good. I ended up 2nd last year so did very well in the end ;D

I'll ring up today and try find out some info on the ring

[dizzydora]

I have just spoken to hickstead and they said that if the ground dries up and is ok then classes will go ahead in the river lawn ring, if not, classes will be moved to ring 7 but all communications will be realised when any decision is made. She said that they have forecast a torrential weather tomorrow but getting better there after

[mirth]

i dont think the ground will be too bad - just lorry parking.

Also going off the weather forecast - anything could happen - we have ment to have rain all week - in lancashire so far is been glorious sunshine with a few showers. Fingerscrossed!