Badminton first-timer’s blog: dreams really do come true [VIDEO]
I’m almost all out of words and emotions other than to say we’ve completed the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials!
Miley (Absolut Opposition) flew through the trot-up and jumped a fabulous round in the showjumping. Just a little bit of tension and nerves set in so we had a couple down but he’s still very young for a four-star horse and we’ve got so much to look forward to.
It’s been an incredible week it’s been on so many levels and I’ll look forward to reflecting on it more fully when we’re home.
I tried to approach it as “just being another event” but in reality it’s been far from it as Badminton really is special and different.
Badminton final scores
I’d just like to take a moment to thank everyone for all of their support this week and the team of people around me that make this all possible.
From my fantastic family including my amazing husband, Adam who is unwavering in his support. He is incredibly understanding when his wife, son and dog take off for weeks on end during the summer leaving him to fend for himself.
From granny travelling from where she lives in Scotland to look after Toby at events to other granny who looks after him two mornings a week, all so I can concentrate on riding the horses.
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From my fantastic owners who enable me to take journies like this one and to my wonderful team back at the yard who help keep the horses in such fine fettle – my vet Stuart Duncan, farrier Alan Smallpiece and osteopath Pip Kershaw. Also thanks to my great team of girls Candice, Harriette and Megan who all work part time on the yard and cover when I’m not there.
Also to Horse & Hound for giving me the opportunity to share this journey with you and giving me a written record of our first Badminton.
Most importantly thank you to magical Mr Miley who has just proved that dreams really do come true!
Nana
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Nana first joined our blogging team in the run up to her first attempt at Badminton Horse Trials in spring 2015, then rejoined us as a guest blogger during the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in autumn 2015. She also shared her highs and lows while competing at Burghley in 2019.