HORSES AND farming can work together as the cross-country training course at Braeside of Lindores, Newburgh near Cupar in Fife proves.

Set up 21 years ago the course came about when one of the Masters of the Fife Hunt commented to Frances and Richard Black that it would be a good idea to build some fences. And, as the youngest child of the family had started school, Frances, a farmer’s wife with an interest in horses, could see the potential in the idea.

Together with help from friend Maggie Livingston the idea got off the ground and in March 1989 Lindores cross country training course opened its doors.

“Some trees were cut down on the farm and utilised to become fences,” explained Frances. “A BHS course builder came and advised the positioning of the different types of fences and it all came about in a very small way.

“North-east Fife Enterprise did some photo sessions, press releases and advertising in local papers. We contacted local pony and riding clubs and they come faithfully in March and April. We’re not a competition course but a training course with between 80 and 100 fences.”

With Braeside of Lindores a mixed beef, sheep and arable farm covering around 560 acres with a further 200 acres rented, the cross country course has worked well into the ground. The course is located high above the farm in around 70 acres, overlooking the River Tay on free draining old turf. It offers natural inclines, all types of ditches, drops, walls, a seasonal water fence and an old shepherd’s bothy with its outside walls remaining makes an interesting combination fence.

“We built a lot of new fences last year including a bank. My son Richard and son-in-law Will Pickard spent a lot of time building it to the correct dimensions,” explained Frances.

“Last year, we built a new mini course with jumps no bigger than 2’ but in an enclosed field near the farm. Everything is very small and encouraging and it’s been really popular with the junior pony club riders. Up the hill the jumps are between 2’ to 3’3 – most jumps will have a smaller fence beside it to encourage young horses or inexperienced riders before making the step up to the bigger jump.

“Having been a spectator at various hunter/horse trials it seems that ditches are still causing the most problems – we have a great selection to practice over with more being built. We are always busy after competitions with riders having a practice before their next event and sorting out any problems!”

The course opens from March 1 until the end of October every day. However, it’s not just limited to clubs and groups, individuals can book to use the course on their own although for safety riders must be accompanied by either another rider or by an unmounted helper from the ground and they must sign a disclaimer before starting.

Son Richard is involved on the farm, looking after the day to day running while at the time of our visit father Richard was on holiday in Australia. Their three grown-up children all stay nearby with Suzanne, a photographer, and Richard and his wife Anna both living in cottages on the farm. Not far away is Carolyn who is married to Will and has two young boys Thomas and Archie. Carolyn previously undertook most of the instruction on the course but now if riders wish instruction over the fences they are asked to book their own BHS registered instructors from a list on the cross country website.

“It works in very well with farm, the stock is usually moved off the ground and they keep the grass down around the fences. I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve met so many people through it. I love seeing the tots when they go the hill with white knuckles and come back down grinning – that’s what it’s all about. The course is all about training, confidence boosting and having fun,” added Frances.

www.lindoresxc.co.uk