Little Whittington
XC course
Now open for private bookings - Pre booking essential
LWXC Course
Set around 150 acres of scenic arable fields, hills and grassland, Little Whittington hosts a versatile course ranging from 50cm - 1m20. Our variation of jumps include a newly developed large water complex with ramp in and steps, corners, skinnies, walls, ditches, logs, brush fences, combinations and tiger traps. With flowing space between fences and stunning views, this expertly designed course accommodates every rider, including children, young horses and professionals.
Schooling Days
We hold regular schooling days from April through to September, costing £25 per horse and rider. Pre-booking is not required on allocated Schooling Days. Facilities include on site toilet and a large grass car park.
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Event Hire
Our XC course is available to hire for competition or training. Pony Clubs, Riding Clubs and organisations can request private access to the course, to host rallies and competitions such as Show X and One Day Events. Included in the competition package is use of the Officials cabin, Tables, Chairs & Scoreboards, access to the scorer’s caravan in XC Field, course fence numbers, route plans and on-site toilet (small service charge). Please get in touch to discuss your requirements further.
Private Hire
LWXC is available for private hire, 7 days a week April-September (Weather permitting). Hire is £25 per horse/rider. Pre-booking and online payment is required. . Declaration forms must be signed online, or emailed to julie@littlewhittingtonxc.co.uk prior to attending. You are welcome to bring your own instructor, but please let us know their name on your booking sheet. We also have fantastic resident instructors, should you require.
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MORE ABOUT LWXC
Philip and Julie Nixon farm at Little Whittington together with their daughter Philippa.
The farming enterprise consists of over 300 breeding cattle and 500 breeding ewes. They also have many acres of corn mainly grown for feeding their own livestock. More recently the farm has turned into an organic enterprise and therefore does not use any fertilisers or chemicals on the land and the surrounding area.
The idea for the cross-country course arose following the end of a countryside stewardship scheme. When the stewardship scheme had ended all the strips around the fields were left and not reploughed. Julie and friends enjoyed riding around the area without having to negotiate any busy roads or open gates. When pony club visited jumps would also be put in place for them to use.
The project has been ongoing for about 2 years. Julie decided to see if there were any grants available to fund part of the idea. Following a great amount of effort and paperwork, a small grant was obtained from North East England Investment Centre.
Julie felt it was very important that the new course they were providing would cater for everyone from pleasure riding to eventing. With that in mind, course designing and building began towards the end of March this year. Those that were involved in the designing and building of the new course were from the local area. Martin Bell, an agricultural contractor completed all the groundwork and Mal Johnston, a fencing contractor was responsible for the building of the course.
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Upon completion, the brand new course had its first open day on Sunday 4th July 2010. The course is set in around 150 acres of grassland with jumps ranging from 1ft to 3ft6in.
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Project part financed by the European Union” and “European Regional Development Fund 2007-13.’