Low Farm for Stunning Scenery and a Great Sport

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Looking for a great activity to enjoy this summer, here we talk to Anne Newall and Tony Watson about the exciting sport of JumpCross at Low Farm near Malton.

1 - Tell us about your site?
Low Farm occupies 85 acres of land in the scenic countryside surrounding York. We are just 14 miles from York itself and nine miles from nearby “Horse Racing Mad” Malton. We are very easily accessible from all directions which is also a bonus.

With a strong equestrian history, Low Farm offers livery, training clinics and competitions across all disciplines. We also have a 60m x 20m all-weather arena and a well established cross country. The addition of the JumpCross course has also provided another activity for horse and pony owners in the area.

2 - Does the course have any special features?
Low Farm is actually quite steeped in history. Over the years a well known top event rider was based here so the cross country course is an excellent facility. With a bit of work we managed to re-establish the existing water jump and the banking, and incorporate these into the JumpCross course.

3 - Who are the main people behind / running the site?
Tony and I are mainly responsible for running Low Farm and the JumpCross course. Tony is very hands on, and is the face of JumpCross, he loves to meet everyone on the day and to follow the riders around the course. He really enjoys every aspect of the actual training and competition days, from setting up beforehand to clearing away at the end. I do most of the administration, emails, forms and correspondence. We have a good support team, our groundsman, Brian, does the repair work to the course, and Kirsty, looks after our horses and checks that the course is rideable and not overgrown or too soft under foot.

4 - Do you run training and competitions?
2009 was our first year of JumpCross, and it was very successful. We held numerous training days, but as yet we have not held a competition. This year we are looking forward to holding a competition in August which is an exciting new development.

A typical training day will start at 10am. The JumpCross course is set over approximatley 25 acres and two wooded areas, so there is always plenty of space for riders to settle and enjoy the course, without feeling cramped. The sessions last for approximately two hours and riders are always very positive at the end. They always feel as if they have achieved a great deal in a short space of time. We can also see the difference in horse and rider at the end of the session and that is very satisfying.

5 - Who would be a typical JumpCross competitor/pupil for you?
We have many different types of riders and horses. I would not say that there was a typical JumpCross rider. We have all ages and experiences on our training days. However, I would say that we have had a number of riders that have chosen to come to JumpCross because they have lost confidence in some way, either through a fall or just a bad experience on a traditional fixed fence cross country course. Riders feel more confident with the knock down fences, both for themselves and their horse.

6 - What are your plans for 2010?
We have some great plans for 2010, not just for JumpCross, but for the site in general. We currently have plans submitted for the construction of a competition size indoor arena, complete with offices, cafe and viewing gallery. When added to the existing all-weather arena, show jumping arena, and JumpCross course, we hope Low Farm will provide a much needed riding facility to the local area, serving riders of all ages and abilities.

7 - Do you have any plans to change the JumpCross course?
Our focus in 2010 will be to build on our success from last year. We are set for a busy year and are all looking forward to plenty of activity. The course is constantly developing and eventually we hope to add more ditches and water.

8 - How would you like to see JumpCross grow?
We would love to see JumpCross grow in a huge way. We think it has the potential to be the next great equestrian discipline. We would like to have more involvement with Pony Clubs and with the younger generation. Children love to ride the JumpCross course, and parents feel happier too.

9 - Do you think that top riders will start to enjoy JumpCross?
I think that the top riders will start to enjoy JumpCross, but I think that it may take some time to convince them all. If riders can distinguish between JumpCross and cross country and treat them as different entities and not try to compare them, then they will enjoy it a lot better.

10 - What aspects of running JumpCross do you enjoy the most?
For me it’s the sense of satisfaction you feel when a rider and horse have thoroughly enjoyed a training day and you can see the difference in horse and rider at the end of the session compared to how they were at the beginning.

For Tony, it is no doubt meeting everyone on training days, he loves to be out there getting involved and watching the sessions. Making sure everyone is enjoying it, which is what it is all about really!!

For further information visit www.jumpcross.com

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