At Lindores Equestrian, we’re always looking for ways to inspire riders, spark imagination and keep training both exciting and meaningful. Our newest addition to the Cross Country Course does exactly that – introducing “Lemon” the Dragon, a bold and creative jump designed by one of our very own regular riders, Alesha Murison.
Alesha, a familiar face at Lindores, set out to design something more than just a jump. She wanted to create an experience—something that would challenge riders while telling a story. The result is Lemon, a dragon-themed combination that’s as eye-catching as it is educational. Built by local jump designer David Wilson, the striking yellow fence is a new favourite here at Lindores!
Her design breaks the dragon into two distinct elements:
Jump 1 – Neck 60cm The first part forms the dragon’s neck, encouraging balance and control through the lowest section of the combination.
Jump 2 – Back 80cm The second part forms the dragon’s back completing the dragon’s shape, this jump tests accuracy and rhythm.
The Meaning Behind the Dragon
Dragons have long symbolised a challenge to be overcome – a test of bravery, skill and determination. Lemon embodies exactly that. Each rider who approaches this jump becomes the “hero” in their own story, learning to face technical questions with confidence and precision.
It’s not just about getting from one side to the other – it’s about rising to the challenge!
When asked what inspired her, Alesha told us – “The amazing facilities and camps at Lindores.”
It’s this supportive environment – where riders are encouraged to grow, create and push themselves that made Lemon possible. From camps that build confidence to facilities that allow ideas to come to life, Lindores continues to be a place where riders can thrive both in and out of the saddle.
Come And Try For Yourself
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting your journey, Lemon the Dragon is ready to test your skills. Will you take on the challenge and ride like the hero?
This Christmas, skip the usual socks and mugs – give something unforgettable! A gift voucher for Lindores Equestrian, our award winning venue with training facilities to suit all abilities, ages and disciplines.
The lucky recipient can choose how to spend their experience — whether it’s:
Taking on our award-winning Cross Country course, with over 160 fences covering 85 acres of authentic, safely maintained ground
Perfecting their Flatwork or Show Jumping skills with Arena Hire, Working Hunter or Dressage/Show Jumps on Grass
Enjoying our beautiful Hacking routes across rolling countryside
Visiting us for a Horse Holiday, guests can camp onsite or hire one of Beds in Sheds units. There is also Stabling available with hay & straw.
Vouchers are valid for one year and are beautifully presented in a luxury black gift box with ribbon, it’s the ideal surprise for birthdays, Christmas, or any special occasion. If you need it fast, we can also email your voucher for instant delivery – perfect for those last-minute gifts!
Situated in a stunning location, Lindores is renowned for its cross country course, offering everything from beginner-level obstacles to more challenging ones for seasoned competitors. If you’re gearing up for the year ahead, there’s no better place to fine-tune your skills than at our safe, fun and friendly venue.
One of our standout features is our authentic terrain. Unlike other venues with man-made or overly artificial jumps, we offer natural, varied ground that will truly test both you and your horse. The course is designed to replicate real undulating cross country conditions – giving you the best chance to prepare. Whether you’re jumping over ditches, navigating through water or tackling an array of diverse obstacles, the natural ground encourages you to develop a deeper connection with your horse and prepares you for everything the season may throw at you. It’s not just about jumping over a fence – it’s about learning to read the ground, adjust your pace and navigate the natural obstacles that you may face during competitions.
Whether you’re an amateur or seasoned competitor, the realistic undulating grass conditions, hills and environment at Lindores will help build confidence and refine your skills.
A Safe, Well-Maintained Venue
Safety is a top priority at Lindores and we know that’s something our riders appreciate. The course is maintained to ensure the highest level of safety for both horses and riders. The jumps are designed and pinned into the ground with precision. Every fence is pinned down in line with British Eventing Regulations.
Every year – British Eventing Course Builder Paul Ellis and his helper Jules (who loves dressing fences) stay for a week to: check and approve every fence. They decommission fences, upgrade old, build new and importantly anchor to the ground with pins every fence so they don’t move. Our course is built in line with latest British Eventing regulations. Paul is very experienced having worked at Horse Trial venues such as: Alnockford, Burgham 90, Breckenbrough, North Allerton, Allerton Park, Bramham, Chatsworth and also Badminton. He coaches our ground maintenance team in January/February face to face and after 36 years in business we feel confident we know what we’re doing.
We check and maintain the ground and our fences during our open season March – October very regularly to give you confidence the course is good going ground and safe. Not all venues that promote cross country training anchor their fences to the ground so it’s always worth checking that a fence is anchored to avoid it rotating on impact and to ensure your safety.
See above an image of a black metal ground anchor (on top of the 30cm log) – captured to show you the length and ultimately the depth the anchors screw into the ground for grip.
Fun and Friendly Atmosphere
The team here at Lindores are passionate about Equestrian sport and aim to make every rider feel at home. The sense of community is part of what makes Lindores such a special place to train. It’s not just a training venue – it’s a place where riders of all levels can come together, share tips and connect over their passion for the sport.
Prepare for the Season Ahead
The cross country course is ideal for honing your skills and building confidence. Regular training sessions could help you and your pony or horse develop the necessary stamina and technique, which is crucial for a successful season. Plus, the course allows you to progressively challenge yourself, whether you’re jumping 30cm, novice fences or taking on more advanced combinations. The diverse range of fences on the course provides a fantastic opportunity to work on specific technical questions – such as water jump combinations, ditches and the all-important ability to maintain a rhythm throughout a course.
We’ve something for all abilities! Get in touch if you have any questions or wish to book.
Be part of an award-winning, diversified, family run business, and help grow its hospitality, tourism and sporting enterprises which deliver 5-star customer experiences in beautiful rural Fife, Scotland.
The Lindores brands operate in multiple markets: domestic and international tourism, equestrian, farming and more recently catered hospitality. This diversity makes the job varied and exciting and you meet the most incredible people in a beautiful countryside setting.
We are a young, dynamic team, and are looking for a like-minded, positive individuals who take pride in their work.
Application Deadline Closed: Monday 30 October 2023
What next? After the deadline date applications are reviewed. Selected prospects will be invited for interview.
About our brands:
Brand ‘Lindores – Stay Ride Relax’ awarded Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience at VisitScotland Regional Thistle Awards Sept 2023. The business creates experiences for guests seeking a relaxing rural retreat. With four architecturally designed luxury holiday houses catering for a mix of markets. The business collaborates with great people and local businesses to create innovative, sustainable new experiences for guests on holiday. The Hide BBQ cabin is the newest experience offering incredible lunches with our partner chef’s and sommeliers www.lindores.co.uk
‘Lindores Equestrian’ was Awarded Equestrian Business of the Year 2019 at the national HorseScotland awards. We continue our journey to be the best horse holiday destination nationally. A British Horse Society Approved training facility for kids, adults, and horses of all abilities. Very welcoming and safe Scottish equestrian venue www.lindoresxc.co.uk
200 tonnes of arena surface available to buy. Richard is needing our old surface out of our farm shed before the 2023 barley harvest starts. So there is deal to be done for anyone keen to buy.
Arena Mate Harrow For Sale – Cost £1800 brand new in 2019. Link to supplier https://arenamate.co.uk
The outdoor arena surface at Lindores Equestrian was brand new in 2018 and created using Sharp Sand from Angle Park and Martin Collins Clopf Fibre. The surface is good quality and a firm favourite with our Equestrian clients. With the increasing demand for Equestrian camps, training, and clinics, we have made the difficult decision to uplift & sell our surface to allow us to re-do the drainage and lay a new surface using Silica Sand and Martin Collins Clopf Fibre. This will help to ensure our Equestrian clients can ride year-round, all weather and allows us to continue to improve the customer experience at Lindores Equestrian.
