The region is generally known for its steepness and relentlessly winding roads. However, the Yarrambat Pony Club grounds, including the cross country course, are uncharacteristically flat. You'd call it undulating at best.
In this particular case I did the Grade 4 course. The height of the jumps was perfect for Grade 4, with very few being at maximum height.
The complexity of the course was another matter altogether. The first jump was tyres with agapanthus growing out of it. A lovely jump, and rode very well, but it certainly added a few jitters as the first jump. The second jump was a key hole, and the organisers managed to leave an A4 sheet of paper (which instructed the Grade 3 riders that this jump will be raised for their course), attached to the jump and flapping in the wind. The third jump was a small jump onto a sunken road type thing - not the easiest of things to be tackling at the start. Well, so now having tackled all these difficult jumps, the rest of the course was easy right? No! There were numerous other questions along the course, and the complexity of the course certainly made up for the lack of height in places.
The course rode beautifully. There is a lovely long stretch along a model aeroplane airfield, which allows you test out your gallop. (The model aeroplanes did not fly on cross country day). The return is a little more undulating, cutting through a strand of trees. The water jump is friendly, although it pays to plan your approach.
I think I would want one other course at Grade 4 under my belt before I rode this course. If my 8 year old daughter was capable of controlling her pony in undulating terrain, then I would certainly let her have a go at Grade 5 here.
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