Three Maids Chasers

General information

Cross-country schooling area and Hunter Trial Course
There has been a cross country facility at Down Farm for a long time - some of you may remember it as UK Chasers Course No. 5. In 2007/8 we completed a significant programme of upgrades and improvements, including the creation of a cross-country schooling area with a purpose-built water complex and steps as well as a number of fixed and movable fences. We also upgraded the jumps on the Hunter Trial course, which include a second water jump, bank complex, ditch and trakehner fences. Our facilities offer three levels of jump to comply with Pony Club levels 1,2, and 3 (BE Intro).

The Cross-country schooling area is ideal for instructors. With over 40 fences, both permanent and portable, pupils can train over all the jumps and obstacles that they will encounter on the Hunter Trial, without the instructor having to walk the full length of the circuit. It is also possible to create new combinations of fences to give the pupil a new challenge.

Although we consider the improvements to the course complete (at least for now), we are constantly moving and adding fences, so there will almost always be a new combination for you to try each time you visit. The ability to move many of our fences means that we ensure that take-off and landing areas are safe and free from poaching and rutting. As the safety of our customers is paramount, we also carry out regular course inspections and repairs to the permanent fences as required to make sure that your visit is as safe possible.

Owing to the free-draining soil the course is very rarely closed - only after extremely heavy rain or frozen ground.. Consequently the facility is open year-round. We do, however, advise that you check the ground conditions when you book with us.

Rates
Use of the Cross-country schooling area and hunter trial course
Individuals - £20 per person
Groups (4 or more people - £15 per person)

NB Pony Clubs and Riding Clubs should contact us for rates for different activities. We have held several successful events including rallies, fun rides and Le trec days.

Show Jumping Area

Our 1.5 acre Show Jumping area is located conveniently close to the start of the Cross-country course and to the Dressage area. The surface has been de-stoned and is sown with a fine-leaf grass sward, which, coupled with our free-draining chalk ground provides an excellent surface. We have recently purchased a set of Jump for Joy stand and wings which are available for hire. They can be pre-booked by calling the booking line.

Rates
Individuals - £10/hour
Groups (4 or more) - £10/hour + £5 per horse

NB Pony Clubs and Riding Clubs should call or email for rates.

Dressage Area

The level site has space for four 20m x 40m dressage arenas and is sown with a fine-leaf gallops mix to give an ideal surface for dressage.

Residential Facilities

In 2009 we added facilities that would allow residential riding camps, such as Pony Clubs Camp to take place at Three Maids Chasers. We have 8 mobile homes, 42 stables and a professionally equipped kitchen and dining room. In the recent years we have hosted several Pony Clubs each August, as well as several adult residential camps each year. We cater to all groups, whether they be Pony Clubs, Riding Clubs, or private groups. We offer a full accommodation and catering package, but groups are more than welcome to camp or sleep in their lorries and self-cater - we will find the combination that works for you.

Located on one side of the farmyard, close to the dining room and stables, the mobile homes provide accommodation for at least 5 people each. Each caravan has a small bathroom and shower, and is supplied with hot water, heating and electricity. The total capacity of the caravans is 46, but this can be supplemented by tents and/or people sleeping in their lorries.

The commercial-style kitchen is suitable for catering for groups of 50 people, is on the other side of the farmyard from the mobile homes. It contains 2 large ovens and 5-ring gas hobs, 2 large fridges, a chest freezer and 2 dishwashers. The adjacent dining room has seating for up to 50 people at long tables with benches. In the summer the end doors can be opened to provide a bright and airy space.

A short walk from the mobile homes and the dining room are 7 stable blocks of 6 stables each, giving a total of 42 individual stables. At 2.7m x 2.7m they provide ample room for a short term stay. The blocks are supplied with mains water, and there is a bunker muck heap to ensure that mucking out is as simple as possible. We can also provide a secure Tack room in the farmyard.