The branch of the Pony Club, the Southdown East, based at the farm have just completed the course, where local riders can enjoy honing their riding skills, both in competitions and on specially arranged schooling days.
The branch, which has a catchment area between the sea to the south, the A23 in the west, the A22 in the east and Ardingly and Nutley in the north, decided there was a dearth of top cross-country courses in the area and with £30,000 support from local businesses and individuals raised over the last six months, together with funding from the National Lottery Awards for All, they managed to come up with the required cash.
The course has been designed and by the internationally-renowned Scott Brickell, who lives near Mayfield and has also been involved with developing courses at Chilham Park in Kent, Brightling and Ardingly in Sussex and further afield the prestigious Burghley International Horse Trials course in Lincolnshire. He has been ably supported by local forestry contractor and fence builder Alan Rees, who lives in Chailey.
The land at Wivelsden Farm provides an undulating terrain ideally suited for cross-country and with exciting fences, such as complex combinations, a water complex, steps, sunken road and ditches as well as more straightforward jumps, it should provide a good test ofr riders and horses. There are four courses of differing heights ranging from 1ft 6in to 3ft.
District Commissioner of the Southdown East branch, Toni Russell, said: "I'm very pleased to have been associated with this project, but the real heroes of the hour are Nick and Sonia Harvey who so kindly offered their farm and Louise Lewis, who has masterminded the project from its inception."
Businesses supporting the project include those with an equestrian interest such as Bodles in Burgess Hill, Sian Saddlery at Coopers Green, Sussex Haylage, Cliffe Equine Veterinary Clinic, B&B Trailers and www.eventingworldwide.com.
Others offering their backing are Clark Brownscombe (accountants), Lewes Smith (property lawyers), Humberts (estate agents), More House Cattery at Wivelsfield Green, HPC in Burgess Hill, Townings Farm Shop, Travis Perkins, www.lovereading.co.uk, Buildwise and Window Wise, Deadly Serious Pest Control and Gumtree 4X4.
The first competition to be held over all the courses will be a hunter trial this Saturday and that will be followed by a one day event on September 13. Both are open to riders of any age.