Castle Hill

Three double brushes. The further two on the right are 'flagged off', i.e. they each have a white flag laid across them to indicate they are not to be jumped in the class currently running, which from the green number 8 on the nearest fence must be the Intermediate class.

The equestrian sport of Eventing comprises three phases: dressage, showjumping and cross-country, which test horse and rider skills and abilities in different ways. (Both dressage and showjumping exist as competitive disciplines in their own right, but only eventing combines them and cross-country in a single competition). Competitions are called 'horse trials' and take place over one or more days, hence 'one-day event' (ODE), 'three-day event'. There will usually be several classes at an event, each graded according to difficulty, complexity and/or duration, and run under either national rules (the UK governing body is British Eventing) or international rules (the FEI, or International Equestrian Federation). In the UK there are six levels of affiliated eventing to cater for all levels of horse and rider: BE80(T) (the 'T' stands for Training), BE90 (formerly 'Intro'), BE100 (formerly 'Pre-Novice'), Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. International classes are graded with a star system from * to *****. A five-star competition is the highest level of eventing. There are only seven such competitions in the world, two of which are held in the UK: Badminton in the spring and Burghley in the autumn. Scoring is on a cumulative penalty basis. In dressage, each movement is scored out of ten, with the total being added up and converted to a penalty. In showjumping, penalties are awarded for fences knocked down and also for exceeding the time limit. In the cross-country phase, penalties are awarded for a variety of infractions such as refusals, falls, circling between lettered obstacles, and exceeding the optimum time. The competitor with the fewest penalties at the end is the winner of the section. For more information see: British Eventing website Link Eventing entry in Wikipedia Link

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle. As follies go, this example is quite modest.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle. The new rose garden, and associated pseudo-classical statuary, is under development.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle. The Castle can be seen in the background.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle.

Intricate ironwork in the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle. Undergoing extensive refurbishment.

Elaborate pebble mosaic, commemorating Hugh George, sixth Marquess of Cholmondeley, 1918-1990.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle. The "Temple" housing a neo-Greek statue can be seen on the left hand side of the lake.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle. The "Temple" housing a neo-Greek statue can be seen on the island.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle, on the road running from the Castle to the Chapel and estate workers housing.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle, housing a neo-classical statue of a gladiator.

In the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle, housing a neo-classical statue of a gladiator.

After one of the public events in the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle. The cricket ground in the background.