Bramham Place Major Focus On Ground Conditions
Friday, April 25, 2008
The arrival of spring has coincided with the launch of a new long-term ground improvement programme at the Bramham International Horse Trials to ensure competitors are guaranteed the best going possible. Event Consultant, Tim Hadaway, in conjunction with Event Director Debora Homewood, has sought expert advice through the sport's governing body British Eventing's Groundsman, Phillip Herbert on the options available. A three-month campaign has been drawn up ahead of the event, running this year 5 - 8 June, with works to include slitting, aerating, sowing, mowing a nd watering (if required).
The first step was to involve Souters Sports, a specialist sports turf contractor who have been involved with several Premiership Football Clubs, Golf Courses and a number of race courses to address ground compaction in some areas of the parkland surrounding Bramham House. Compacted ground means the soil does not drain properly and grass growth is stunted so an ‘earthquake’ deep de-compaction machine was used on several areas to improve the ground considerably. These areas have also been sown with a specialist grass seed mix for Rugby pitches which is quick to establish and provides dense cover, ideal for galloping on. Finally a top dressing of fertilizer will help the growth in the spring conditions.
From here on in, the Bramham Estate ground s taff will continue to work on the ground with a programme of aerating/slitting, harrowing, mowing and watering to provide a beautiful green carpet for the horses to enjoy.
Tim commented; “Ground conditions are a vital to the success of any competition - competitors expect nothing less than the best, especially at an event like Bramham. We have to be prepared for both wet and dry weather and the work carried out so far will be of huge benefit whatever the weather throws at us. This is just the start of a long-term plan of ground works in the park but I hope everyone will see a benefit in this early stage of improvements.”
The 35th Anniversary celebrations at Bramham Horse Trials are shaping up to be truly special - two sections of top CCI*** eventing action plus a host of Show Jumping and Sh owing classes, Burghley Loddon Young Event Horse qualifier plus Pony Club Mounted Games all provide the fantastic equestrian action while over 140 trade stands, The Gourmet House food marquee and Family Area including a climbing wall and bungee trampoline will keep visitors entertained. The On-line Box Office is open now until May 30 - take advantage of our advanced booking facility at www.bramham-horse.co.uk or call 0871 789 0951
