Wow, what an absolutely fantastic Badminton we have just been treated to. It was an incredible competition and the cross-country made for ridiculously exciting viewing.
I’m not sure anyone would have predicted that the scoreboard would look quite like that at the end, but I don’t think anyone can deny that we witnessed a vintage Badminton and 1 of the toughest for a long time. Cross-country is what makes eventing and surely it is only right that it should be the most influential phase — long may it continue.
A massive congratulations to Sam Griffiths for winning, but the most remarkable result must be Harry Meade’s 3rd considering the doctors thought he may never ride again at Christmas time, after shattering and dislocating both elbows last autumn.
Eventing outings
I had a little outing at Badminton on the Wednesday when I took Archie (Arise Cavalier) for the Dubarry Burghley young event horse 5-year-old qualifier. I was thrilled with how he went and he got 1 of the top jumping marks. It was a great experience for him and who knows, he may be back there in a few years time!
I then took the 3 “babies” to an unaffiliated BE100 at Moreton on Sunday, which was ideal as they have missed a few runs due to cancellations. They were all great, but Skippy (Abakala Flagmount) was the star, picking up 2nd. They now run at Mount Ballon on Saturday in the BE100.
Kitkat (Another Breakfast) goes to Aston-le-Walls on Thursday for the open intermediate before heading to Houghton for the CIC3*, where I also have Myrtle (In Vogue II) going for the CCI*.
Bikes and foals
On Sunday it is my charity 54-mile ‘Coast to Coast’ bike ride in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and I have to say I’m a little nervous as I have not managed to fit in as much training as I perhaps should have! I could be stiff on Monday…
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Big excitement at home as we have just had a filly foal born (pictured). She is out of my hunting mare Lily, who is a half-sister to my ex-3-star rides Totten Lady and Bankon Louie, by young eventing stallion Honour Cruise. She is a full sister to Kiwi, born last year, so the next generation is coming along nicely!
Rosie
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Rosie Fry has been blogging for Horse & Hound since shortly after she left university to concentrate on eventing full time in July 2013. She is the sister of National Hunt trainer Harry Fry and helps school and exercise his horses when time allows.