Description : 2011 saw the introduction of a new Ewan Kellet designed one star course for Geelong Horse Trials at Barwonleigh.  It is a typically well built and safe course run over gently undulating terrain, with a variety of attractive fences.  Early fences are encouraging, the first real question being a double of offset palisade-type fences as you drop into the far XC paddock. Other fences include a double of apexes, a bank complex (with an option), large ditch and brush, and a trio of skinnies that caught a few out.  The water complex is towards the end of the course and caused little trouble, with most horses travelling very well by this stage.  A great new option for an early season start.

Facilities : Camping at Geelong is very easy with lots of space and a tree line for shade. There's food up till near dark and the local town has food 10 minutes away.

The water supply is along the fence lines to the right as you enter and if you don't have your own water, it is best to park near there.

There is currently no wash bay although when CNC* does run here, it will need one. No showers at the venue, portable toilets and a decent hike to the secretary's office are all well offset by the magnificent surroundings.

There are no yards, although you can erect your own solid yards.

Tips : Intro horses need to have seen a few cross country fences before coming here.

Courses

Intro:
by Deb Browell:
"This was a daunting looking course in 2010 and probably not the place for a first start! With a wide variety of well built fences and caused a number of eliminations and refusals.

All fences were very well built and are small examples of what you find in later grades. Horses need to be prepared well with pipes, a ditch/trakener drop fences, a ski ramp, jumps up and down banks and a beautiful water jump."

Preliminary:
by Murray Lamperd:
"The preliminary was lovely and inviting and very well built. It is a suitable place to upgrade with good going over gently undulating ground. The course features a large bank drop to arrowhead downhill and an excellent water fence with good footing. An excellent effort in it's first year."

Pre-Novice:
by Robert Goodwin:
"This newly built course rode well, with a blend of old fashioned and modern fences. While a testing course, it is suitable to upgrade. The more challenging fences include two offset houses, a ditch and a quite technical bank to an arrowhead. A typical Ewen Kellet course, testing but safe."

Warm up areas: The dressage warm up is roomy with a relaxed atmosphere and space to work alone. The showjumping had 3 fences and plenty of room. The cross country has 2 fences and planty of room on good going.

Helping: This is a private property, so please leave your space as you found it, removing all rubbish.

If you live in the area and can help out before the day or at the event itself; contact: Secretary - number in the handbook

Entries: Usually via nominate.com