I can’t believe it is all over again! All the work and all preparation has finished — no more worrying about fitness and getting ready for the Badminton Mitsubishi Cup. I have spent months panicking about how to get Sara (Donner Sara B) to eat and drink this year as she wouldn’t last year, but we didn’t have a problem, though I think when she realises that she will no longer be getting apple flavoured water at home she won’t be impressed!
Once again, showjumping proved to be my nemesis and we had two poles down. The cross-country course however was amazing. It was tougher than last year but rode brilliantly and the feeling of flying round will keep me smiling for the rest of the season.
It is now time to sit back with my glass of Prosecco and watch the big boys at Badminton, and maybe start thinking about if we could actually make it back here for a third attempt, but next time at BE100.
Continued below…
The road to the Badminton Mitsubishi Cup: the best laid plans never quite go as expected
Carrie reports back after day one at Badminton
I hope you have enjoyed following our story and all I can say is, if you have a dream then go for it! Until 2014, Sara and I had only managed one BE (British Eventin) placing after three years together and now we have made it to the Mitsubishi grassroots championships twice. Anything is possible if you work hard enough and believe in yourself. Good luck to everyone for the rest of the season and kick on.
Love Carrie (and Sara)
Read the full Badminton preview in Horse & Hound magazine, out now and don’t miss our 25-page Badminton report, on sale Thursday 11 May, including expert opinion from Oliver Townend, Mark Todd and Peter Storr
