Latest from Horse & Hound in Badminton-grassroots

Teacher lands BE90 Badminton grassroots win: ‘I don’t think my parents thought I’d still be eventing at 30’

Pippa Roome — Thu, 07 May 2026 12:34:57 +0000

Holly Jessett, a primary school teacher from Northamptonshire, claimed first place in the LeMieux Badminton grassroots results for the BE90 championship yesterday (6 May).

“I just do the horse riding as the hobby, but I absolutely love it,” said Holly. “I don’t think my parents thought I’d still be eventing at 30 years old, but I can’t stop at the moment, so we’ll just keep going while we can.”

Holly shared the dressage lead with Lucy Jowett, but when Lucy and Lilly had four faults in the showjumping for eventual ninth, Holly was able to take the red rosette courtesy of keeping a clean sheet.

This was Holly’s third time in this competition with Lombard Lad – they were also third in 2023.

“I just couldn’t believe I came third. But then to come first is just the cherry on the top really,” said Holly.

“I wanted to have a double clear and to be in the top 20, but secretly, I wanted to come in front of the house for prize-giving because I knew that he was more than capable of doing it. Top three was what I was secretly aiming for, so to win was brilliant.”

Holly has had the 13-year-old Lombard Lad since he was seven and he is her only horse. She keeps him on full livery and rides after work.

She said: “He’s a very honest horse. When I first got him, he came from Ireland and he didn’t have the best manners in the world, but we’ve got such a great partnership now. He’s much more respectful and he’s calmed down a lot.”

Badminton grassroots results: groom takes second

Natasha Bailey claimed second on her own seven-year-old Wild Confetti.

“There were loads of people by The Lake, which came quite early on, so it was a bit of a shock to a baby,” she said. “It was just making sure that they could read the questions in front of them and they didn’t get distracted by what was going on around them.”

Wild Confetti was bred to be a dressage horse by Natasha’s sister Victoria but has now turned his hand to eventing very successfully, with two wins at BE90 this year and four last season.

Natasha works as a groom for five-star eventer Stephen Heal, who she said is very supportive of her and “Topper”.

Olivia Turner finished on the same score as Natasha, taking third because she was faster and so further from the optimum time. Her ride was another seven-year-old Odin Van De Koolhof.

Accountant Olivia has had the horse since he was four and paid tribute to her trainer Colina Pickles for helping her through a sticky patch when he “decided he didn’t want to go” a few weeks before Badminton.

There were a whopping 95 starters in this class, with 77% of those who ran across country putting in jumping clears over James Willis’s course.

How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials

To watch Badminton Horse Trials live or via catch up, including the trot-ups, from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world, you need a 2026 Badminton TV Pass. Badminton TV is once again powered by ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £22.99. Go to badminton-horse.tv to sign up. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription. Also check out the Badminton app, which provides free live results and much more this year. Sign up for Badminton Plus membership for £4.99 to access the live Radio Badminton broadcast and receive exclusive offers from on-site exhibitors. Search for Badminton Horse Trials in your app store.

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To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 28-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 14 May.

Vineyard owner, 61, wins BE100 Badminton grassroots championships – and sets a new record

Pippa Roome — Thu, 07 May 2026 10:45:03 +0000

Philippa Hendry, 61, topped the LeMieux Badminton grassroots results in the BE100 class yesterday, on her fourth start at the event with Flyer Des Coupeaux.

“I knew he was capable of it, but horses – and he in particular – can be quite unpredictable,” said Philippa, who has been a prolific winner with the 11-year-old by Contendo.

“Last year he was upset because of the flies. The year before that, we had a run-out at fence 12 because he dodged around the mud, so took me off my line. But I knew he was capable of a good win if all my stars aligned, which they luckily did today.”

Philippa has owned the French-bred gelding since he was three and has had to overcome various challenges including his initial dislike of water and the fact he had a cleft palate, which required surgery.

Most recently, in February Philippa went to an osteopath as she injured her back lifting soaked haynets for horses on box rest.

“She said I had a really old injury and my back was locked solid. So I’ve been doing loads of work on that and riding with more movement in my back and it’s just transformed the way he’s going,” she said.

The pair scored 19.8 here, the best BE100 LeMieux Badminton grassroots championship dressage score ever, and could afford to have the final showjump down and a single time-fault. With a clear in the time over James Willis’s cross-country course, Philippa won by 2.3 penalties.

Philippa, who previously worked in recruitment, now juggles six horses – three ridden and three companions – with running Marlow Valley Vineyard.

The project is in “baby stages”; the vines were planted in 2021 and this year will be their second harvest. She and her husband Rob set up the project when he retired from the car industry and passed that business to their son.

“So he does all the hard work, and I try my hardest to do the social media and the sales and setting up artisan markets for us to sell the wine at,” said Philippa.

Badminton grassroots results: ambitious physio takes second

Emily Proud, who won the BE90 championship last year on HSF Lobo Royale, stepped up to take second in the BE100, this time on her own Ballyj Ed.

Emily is a physio in the NHS who is cutting back her hours as she has eight horses and ambitions to make it at the top level in eventing.

“I’ve been coming here since I was tiny, so to be here stood in front of Badminton House and to compete with my own horse around the hallowed turf that is Badminton is just amazing,” she said.

“My dream would be to ride here in the five-star one day, and I’m hoping it might be BallyJ Ed that comes back.”

The eight-year-old BallyJ Ed was bred in Ireland by the Ballyjennings Stables and Emily bought him through Fiona Davidson.

“He’s out of a thoroughbred mare by an Irish Draught stallion, Black Hero, so he’s traditionally bred for eventing. I just loved his breeding, his type and shape and bought him with a view to trying to get to five-star one day,” she said.

Ollie Rowlands, 16, landed third in the BE100 Badminton grassroots results with Project Pony’s Loughan Silver Shadow, a 16-year-old who has helped numerous young riders on their eventing journey. He joined Ollie in 2024.

“I really wanted to finish on my dressage score and a top 10 would have been nice. But to come third is incredible,” he said.

Of the 67 cross-country starters, 44 (66%) went clear over James Willis’s track.

The course featured a number of demanding combinations in quick succession in the latter half, including the HorseQuest Teaser (fences 14 and 15ab), where pairs had to take on a downhill bending line over a log to two arrowheads, and the LeMieux Hollow at 17abc, a rail-ditch-rail question.

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Think you could jump round the BE90 Badminton grassroots course? Photos of every fence

Pippa Roome — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:57:52 +0000

Take a look at all the fences on the BE90 Badminton grassroots course, designed by James Willis, for the 2026 LeMieux-sponsored championships (5-6 May).

The track has an optimum time of 6min 39sec and is 2989m long.

BE90 Badminton grassroots course 2026: fence by fence

Fence 1: BE Tree Trunk

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Fence 2: Tuckwell’s Triple Bar

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Fence 3: Cross Country app Table

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Fence 4ab: Spillers Brushes

Fence 4a

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Fence 4b

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Fence 5: LeMieux Saddle

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Fence 6abc: LeMieux Lake

Fence 6a

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Fence 6b – the entrance into The Lake

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Fence 6c

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Fence 7: Willis Brothers Flyer

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Fence 8: Bedmax Shooting Butt

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Fence 9ab: LeMieux Arrowheads

Fence 9a

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Fence 9b

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Fence 10: Wiltshire Brewers Drays

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Fence 11: Ebony Horse Club Challenge

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Fence 12: World Horse Welfare Leap

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Fence 12 alternative

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Fence 13: KBIS Brush Oxer

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Fences 14 and 15ab: HorseQuest Teaser

Fence 14

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Fence 15a

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Fence 15b

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Fence 16ab: Mars Equestrian Gates

Fence 16a

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Fence 16b

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Fence 17abc: LeMieux Hollow

Fence 17a

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Fence 17b

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Fence 17c

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Fence 17c alternative

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Fence 18: Pheasant Log

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Fence 19: Lister Wilder Wall

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Fence 20ab: Equireel Complex

Fence 20a

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Fence 20b

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Fence 21: LeMieux Horseshoe

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Do you aspire to jump round the Badminton grassroots? Check out all the BE100 fences

Pippa Roome — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:23:57 +0000

Do you aspire to ride round the Badminton grassroots course? Check out all the fences on the BE100 track for the 2026 LeMieux-sponsored championships (5-6 May) and see if you think you could be ready for it in the future.

The track was designed by James Willis and is 2997m long, with an optimum time of 6min 19sec.

BE100 Badminton grassroots course 2026: fence by fence

Fence 1: BE Tree Trunk

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Fence 2: Tuckwell’s Triple Bar

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Fence 3: Cross Country app Table

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Fence 4ab: Spillers Brushes

Fence 4a

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Fence 4b

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Fence 5: LeMieux Saddle

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Fence 6abc: LeMieux Lake

Fence 6a

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Fence 6b (the entrance into The Lake)

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Fence 6c

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Fence 7: Willis Brothers Flyer

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Fence 8: Bedmax Shooting Butt

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Fence 9ab: LeMieux Arrowheads

Fence 9a

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Fence 9b

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Fence 10: Wiltshire Brewers Drays

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Fence 11: Ebony Horse Club Challenge

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Fence 12: World Horse Welfare Leap

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Fence 12 alternative

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Fence 13: KBIS Brush Oxer

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Fences 14 and 15ab: HorseQuest Teaser

Fence 14

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Fence 15a

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Fence 15b

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Fence 16ab: Mars Equestrian Gates

Fence 16a

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Fence 16b

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Fence 17abc: LeMieux Hollow

Fence 17a

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Fence 17b

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Fence 17c

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Fence 17c alternative

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Fence 18: Pheasant Log

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Fence 18 from the side

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Fence 18 alternative – it is a long way round to this log, which is the BE90 fence jumped backwards

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Fence 19: Lister Wilder Wall

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Fence 20ab: Equireel Complex

Fence 20a

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Fence 20b

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Fence 21: LeMieux Horseshoe

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Living the dream, going out on a high: meet the 21-year-old horse competing at Badminton for the first – and last – time

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:51:15 +0000

When Elise Washer rides Menelaus out on the LeMieux Grassroots Championships cross-country course tomorrow (6 May) it will be for the last time.

Qualifying for and competing in the BE90 final at Badminton had long been the dream and Elise and “Spotty” have achieved it. But as Spotty is now 21, this will be his eventing swansong.

The pair scored 32.1 in their dressage to sit in provisional 11th place, and are set to showjump then go across country tomorrow.

“I think the centre line was probably the first realisation, like this is it, and it’s amazing,” Elise told H&H. “There are so many people here supporting me and everyone else, and it’s our last one, he’s retiring here, so we’ve got to soak up every moment.”

Spotty was bought by Elise’s late aunt Tina Plowright and evented by Tina’s daughter Abi Porter to novice level.

“Then my cousin broke a bone in her eye socket – a freak accident with one of the horses – and he came to us for a holiday, and never went back,” Elise said. “I’d never really jumped or anything; I had ponies but had only really done dressage.

Picture by Alys Williams (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“But we went to a combined training event; I’d never even jumped a course before so I just had to wing it, don’t know who thought it was a good idea! But we managed to win it.

“We’d just gone for practice but it was a qualifier and the final was at Aston-le-Walls, and we won that too.”

In June 2022, the pair completed their first event with a double clear, on what would have been Tina’s birthday.

“So that was really nice, then the next year we came second in the British Riding Clubs national championships,” she said. “I’d seen the Badminton finals and thought how much I’d like to that, so we really tried in 2024.”

They qualified for the regional finals in 2024 but Elise broke her collarbone, so although she was back in the saddle for the regional championships, it came too soon to get the ticket.

“Last season, I came to the realisation that he was getting older, and ‘what will be will be now’, so we went out just to have fun,” Elise said. “So we went out at BE100, and actually got really good scores. We came seventh, eighth and ninth, and went to the regionals, but had a bit of a wobble.”

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Elise retired across country as Spotty was not feeling quite right, and once he was home and had been checked by a vet, they stepped back down, contested a BE90 regional final – and earned their Badminton ticket.

“It was a dream of mine, anyway, to go,” Elise said. “As a family, we always went every year, my mum, my auntie, my cousins, to watch Badminton – the five-star, but still the same place, same atmosphere, so to be able to bring Spot here was so special. And it was my auntie who chose to buy him, so it’s really special.”

Elise said she was pleased with her score; good enough to be in contention but without the pressure from being at the top of the leaderboard, and she plans just to enjoy the ride tomorrow.

“Showjumping is definitely not his strongest phase, nor mine!” she said. “We’ve done well just to get here, so I just want to try to enjoy the showjumping.

“For me, and him, it’s got to be the cross-country; he absolutely loves it. He’s quirky, not a straightforward ride – the start box can be interesting! – but he’s absolutely brilliant.

“The course has some challenges, but I think it’s fair for a championship, so I’ll just try to have fun, and as it’s our last event, just make it a memorable one.”

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To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind-the-scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 28-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 14 May.

‘If you’ve skipped your foundations, you’ll be found out’: Kitty King’s verdict on 2026 Badminton grassroots cross-country course

Carol Phillips — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:15:20 +0000

“Your foundations will be tested and you’ll know you’ve got a nice horse when you ride through the finish,” is five-star eventer Kitty King’s summary of the 2026 Badminton Grassroots cross-country course.

Designed by James Willis, the LeMieux Grassroots Championships course runs anticlockwise this year, mirroring the Mars Badminton Horse Trials five-star.

Starting near Huntsman’s Close, competitors go down in front of the house, then ride a loop through the lake (skipping past Eric Winter’s five-star fence in the water) before heading out across the park.

The second half of the course contains most of the terrain and the more challenging questions. And for those wondering, the rail-ditch-rail combination is back for 2026.

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Download official map of the Badminton grassroots showground [PDF]

Kitty King hopes riders will have done their homework, and enough fitness work – for both horse and rider – to tackle the challenges on the approximately 3,000m-long course.

“It’s more intense towards the end than last year,” she says. “It’s a decent course with lots of good questions that will test everyone’s training. If you’ve missed any of the foundations, you’ll get found out. Riders will have to stay really focused right to the end.”

James adds: “Hopefully we’ve set a good test. With the layout of the five-star this year it’s a bit tight in the lake, but we’ve gained access to a lot of ground in the last third of the course and it’s quite intense there.

“Because it’s a championship we’re allowed an extra 400m and five extra jumping efforts. While the course stays within the maximum dimensions, the technicality is a step up, with some novice-style questions in the BE100 class and BE100 questions in the BE90.

“We’ve given riders black flag options at some of the tricker fences as we want everyone to get home. The grassroots finish line is the happiest place on the showground.”

Early indications are that the going will be good with excellent grass cover. Badminton’s team are primed and ready to work on it as needed.

“Going expert Mark Lucey has given us great readings on the ground,” explains James. “We just need to keep at it. It’s already been spiked and we have plenty of grass. We all learnt a lot during the dry spell last summer on how best to manage ground and it will be prepared as best we can. We have plenty of water and equipment available if we need it.”

So what questions will the BE90 and BE100 competitors be facing on Wednesday 6 May?

LeMieux Grassroots Championship cross-country courses

Fence 1. BE Tree Trunk

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The new first fence is a fallen beech tree from the Badminton estate. James says: “We had to race the forestry team to get to it first! There will be a bit of groundline added when we dress the fences.”

Kitty approves: “It’s a nice first fence, we all like an inviting log.”

Fence 2. Tuckwell’s Triple Bar

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The Badminton team is big on sustainability reusing as much timber as possible. The rails for this fence were previously on the five-star Vicarage V.

Kitty says: “It’s important to get into a good rhythm early on. This fence comes off a nice curve, which will help engage the horse’s hindleg. Riders need to establish a good flow to help the horses to relax by setting up their rhythm and concentration early.”

Fence 3. CrossCountry app Table

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This table is shared with both courses jumping the same fence. It is also set off a curved approach.

Kitty says: “Keep your leg on, ride forward and use the turn to help with the horse’s balance. The first three fences have been built to help riders set up their horses to jump well.”

Fence 4AB. Spillers Brushes

The light coloured frames lined up on the right are the BE90 fences. These frames will be filled with brush. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The first question on the course, this combination of two angled brush hedges (pictured before the brush is added to the wooden frames) is on a two-stride distance off a downhill approach after crossing the road.

The BE100 fences on the left will also be filled with brush, making them quite an imposing obstacle. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

James says: “These will likely be max height so will look quite big; how we trim the brush will affect the difficulty of this fence. There will also be spectators in the horse’s eyeline on the landing side.”

Kitty adds: “Riders will need to find their line and stay on it to avoid an early 20pen here.”

Fence 5. LeMieux Saddle

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The famous saddles fence, which used to be the final fence in the five star, is positioned in front of the house for the perfect photo opportunity. Kitty says: “One to enjoy – remember to smile for the photographer.”

Fence 6. LeMieux Lake

James describes this year’s question as “simpler than last year as it is early on and there is a lot more coming later in the course”.

Horses jump a rail at A that is set a little way back from the water’s edge, pass through the B flags that will be on the exit of the Lake, then follow a curving line left to the skinnies at C, which have also previously featured on the five-star course.

Riders jump the rails at A then head into the lake avoiding the five-star fence to pass through the B flags as they leave the water. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

After leaving the lake, there is a left hand turn to one of these skinny rolltops at 6C. Both will have fresh brush added. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“There will be lots of people here, which can be distracting, but there is plenty of space after the rails to get into the water,” says Kitty. “Some horses may spook away from the five-star jump in the water, but the long curve to the skinnies will encourage riders to get their leg on to the C element.”

Fence 7. Willis Brothers’ Flyer

“The biggest fence on the course” says James, as the rules allow the brush behind this solid rolltop to add 20cm to the maximum height.

Fresh brush will be added to the back of both fences. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Although imposing, it is on slightly rising ground so Kitty says riders can just “keep travelling” to it and it should jump well.

Fence 8: Bedmax Shooting Butt

This brush corner fence was awaiting a refresh with new birch. The 90 riders jump on the left, and the 100s on the right. Although a slight accuracy question, the corner is not very deep, so should be straight forward.

This fence will be refreshed with new birch before the competition. Fence 9 can be seen in the background. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Kitty says: “This is a useful setup fence for the question that follows.”

Fence 9AB. LeMieux Arrowheads

This combination can be jumped in a number of ways so the key is to know what suits your horse best.

The fence in the foreground and on the right are in the BE100 course. The fence on the left in the middle ground and the one furthest away from the camera are the BE90 jumps. All will be refreshed with new birch before the competition. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Although the ground is flat, you don’t want to arrive here going too quickly,” warns Kitty. “The direct route is to go left to left or right to right, taking both fences on the angle. But you can also put a bend in between them and jump right side to left side, or left side to right side.”

Kitty stands behind the first BE100 element showing the route when jumping the right hand option then taking a curve to the left hand option. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 10. Wiltshire Brewers Drays

These drays are set on a slight downhill, although you land on the flat before the ground really drops away down into the valley.

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Kitty says: “I expect these will jump well because they are quite bright. Some horses may look through the gap at the bottom so you need to keep them up and in front of your leg. The high sides that will be added make the jump look more impressive, but work like a cross pole to channel the horse to the middle.”

Fence 11. Ebony Horse Club Challenge

Another reused fallen tree from the estate is set on rising ground coming out of the valley. Kitty says: “This is up a nice slope, so just keep the horse’s balance and move them up to get a good jump here.”

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There is a strong pull up rising ground to the next few questions. “It gets more intense from here on,” warns James. “If horses aren’t fit enough things could start to unravel,” adds Kitty.

Fence 12. World Horse Welfare Leap

For the 90s the ditch and brush is jumped straight, while the 100s face an accuracy question, reminiscent of the Vicarage V, with the ditch and brush being jumped on an angle.

The BE100 fence without the brush showing the angle of the ditch. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The ditch is very shallow and filled with chippings. James expects this fence will look quite imposing once it’s dressed and how his team trim the brush will influence how strong this accuracy question is.

Course-designer James Willis illustrates how adding birch to this wooden frame will increase the challenge of this BE90 fence. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Kitty says: “This fence follows a decent pull up so horses may need a moment to catch their breath. Then riders need to get the engine back underneath them so they aren’t running flat. This is a great accuracy fence – you don’t see many questions like this at this level.”

Fence 13. KBIS brush oxer

Once the hedge and ditch is out of the way, riders swing around to the left before heading over a nice X-shaped brush oxer, inspired by a similar fence at Burghley.

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Fence 14/15AB. HorseQuest Teaser

The 100 log looks like you are jumping into a void on the approach, although there is a plateau of ground to land on before it drops away. The land slopes down to the left as you turn right for the skinnies, inviting horses to run out to the left.

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The 90 question is on a less severe right curve and flatter terrain, but will still need riders to be switched on here.

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Kitty says: “The curving line to the two skinnies will test the rider’s control and the horse’s balance. If you haven’t got your fundamentals in place, you could be caught out here. This is another good test.”

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James adds: “As the log is numbered separately riders can circle before approaching the skinnies without incurring jumping penalties if they lose control down the slope after the log.”

Fence 16AB. Mars Equestrian Gates

Riders head back up the slope to white rails and gates set on undulating ground. All are fitted with frangible devices.

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The BE100s jump the rails on the left, then head to the gate pictured furthest away, which is set at around 90 degrees to the first element.

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The BE90 riders jump the rails on the right, turn left and jump the left of the two gates.

Kitty warns: “This isn’t one to jump at speed or on an angle. It’s a real speed bump, needs respect and a showjumping-style canter. Because of the turn between the fences there won’t be a set number of strides here; riders need to ride forwards – not backwards – but keep the canter short and bouncy so the horse can get their shoulders up.”

Fence 17ABC. LeMieux Hollow

It’s back! This rail-ditch-rail combination has earnt something of a reputation among grassroots riders, with hopes and dreams made or broken here. Riders have to traverse the uneven ground of the moguls after fence 16 on their way to this fence.

This combination is easier to tackle in this direction, with flatter ground (and more space for the 90 competitors) between the first rail and ditch than in the other direction. All the rails are frangible. In previous years the dressing of this fence has been minimal.

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Kitty says: “Riders need to get their shoulders back here. Set up a good canter around the turn that isn’t too forward with the horse in front of your leg. You don’t see many fences like this at the level so it is likely to catch a few people out.”

The course-builder has provided the rolltop pictured alongside the second set of rails as a black flag option here.

James explains: “This fence has been influential in the past so we’ve added a rolltop black flag option so riders can get home even if their horses take exception to the ditch or final rail.”

Fence 18. Pheasant Log

The course now flows down the hill to a straightforward log for BE90 riders, followed by a bridge over the ditch.

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The BE100 riders face the trakehner. The ditch was dry when we visited but James warned that it’s one of the first places to gather water when it rains, so it is quite possible there will be water in it on the day. BE100 riders have a black flag option to jump the BE90 log in the wrong direction if they have a problem here.

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Kitty says: “This BE100 fence will be influenced by how you’ve jumped the one before. If you’ve had a tricky time at the ditch, you’ll need to be switched on here. Keep your eyes up, your weight back and support your horse between your leg and hand. If you’re having a great trip around, this fence will feel fantastic.”

Fence 19. Lister Wilder Wall

Riders head back up the hill to the famous stone wall, which our older readers will remember being jumped by the likes of Ian Stark and Ginny Elliot in the five-star. Both the BE100 and 90 riders tackle an easier section to jump into the next field, where the final fences and finish line await.

The wire fencing will be removed before the competition. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Kitty says: “Keep the horse balanced across the road and make it clear where you want them to go on landing.” The 90 riders follow the line of the wall on the right, while 100 riders make their way up a natural bank.

Fence 20. Equireel Complex

The BE90 riders face a step up then turn right to a roll top, while BE100 riders drop down over a small log on top of the step before turning left to their roll top.

The two logs on the lip of the BE100 step down may be replaced with a single log of a similar size before the competition. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Kitty says: “The distance here will depend on how the horse jumps up or down the step. For the 100, if you get a nice jump down then it will be three strides to the rolltop and the wall on the right will help direct you. Once you get this far, you should get home nicely.”

Fence 21. LeMieux Horseshoe

The final fence on the course is the horseshoe and then it’s on to the finish line and time to celebrate!

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Pictures by Carol Phillips and Seth Zworestine for LeMieux

Kitty King’s top Badminton Grassroots cross-country tips

Make sure you’re both fit enough – the terrain comes at the end
Train your horse to stay on their line – there are many accuracy questions
Work on your balance when galloping – when you bring your shoulders back the horse should come back to you
Keep your horse in front of your leg – if things start to unravel, you should still be OK

How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials

To watch every phase of Badminton Horse Trials live or via catch up, including the trot-ups, from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world, you need a 2026 Badminton TV Pass. Badminton TV is once again powered by ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £22.99. Go to badminton-horse.tv to sign up. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription. Also check out the Badminton app, which provides free live results and much more this year. Sign up for Badminton Plus membership for £4.99 to access the live Radio Badminton broadcast and receive exclusive offers from on-site exhibitors. Search for Badminton Horse Trials in your app store.

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How much prize money can riders win at Badminton Horse Trials?

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:03:10 +0000

Wondering how much prize money is on offer at Badminton Horse Trials? The Mars Badminton Horse Trials is one of the biggest events of the year and attracts top event riders from across the world.

This year, the winner will take home a record £125,000, which is the biggest prize money available in eventing and a £7,400 increase on last year’s offering – check out our 2026 Badminton form guide to see who has the best chance.

Fifty years ago, in 1976, the top prize was £1,000 and it didn’t hit six figures until 2017. This year there is a total prize pot of £451,500 hanging in the balance. There is additional prize money allocated to some of Badminton’s special prize winners – for example, last year £1,000 was awarded to the groom of the winning horse.

Badminton Horse Trials 2026 prize money

Below are the proposed prizes for the top 20 finishers in the five-star competition. The exact prize money, however, depends on the number of starters – these numbers are based on 80 starters.

Placing	Proposed prize money
1	£125,000
2	£67,500
3	£52,250
4	£38,500
5	£26,100
6	£22,000
7	£19,000
8	£16,500
9	£13,000
10	£12,000
11	£10,700
12	£9,500
13	£8,300
14	£7,100
15	£6,000
16	£4,750
17	£4,100
18	£3,500
19	£3,150
20	£2,550

Badminton final scores

Badminton Grassroots prize money

Prize money for the British Eventing LeMieux Grassroots Championships has also increased this year. Last year, the winners were awarded £600, but this year the BE100 champion will receive £750, while the BE90 victor will receive £700.

How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 28-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 14 May.

Badminton winner to take record prize money – and more for the grassroots champions too

Lucy Elder — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:16:04 +0000

The Mars Badminton Horse Trials (6-10 May) winner will take home £125,000 this year – the biggest first prize in eventing.

The overall 2026 prize pot for the top 20 finishers at Badminton Horse Trials has risen to £451,500, an increase of £48,300. In 2025, the overall fund was £403,200, which included £117,600 to the winner.

“We are delighted to have been able to raise the prize money levels for what promises to be another excellent and thrilling competition,” said Badminton director Jane Tuckwell.

“Last year was of such a high standard so we are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back for what promises to be another great weekend of sport. Perhaps we will even see the future world champion in action!”

Defending champion Ros Canter, who scooped the 2025 crown with Lordships Graffalo – with whom she also landed the 2023 title – said the increase is “fantastic news”.

Badminton final scores

“Badminton is the horse trials that everyone in the world has heard of and is the one we all desperately want to win. I can’t wait to come back and try again,” she said.

Prize money for the British Eventing (BE) LeMieux Grassroots Championships (6 May) is also increasing in 2026 – £750 to the BE100 winner and £700 to the BE90 victor, up from £600 for first place in both classes last year.

Badminton Horse Trials tickets are also now on sale, with an early booking discount. As in previous years, there will be no tickets available on the gate.

The event’s 2026 chosen charity has also been revealed as Ebony Horse Club.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

You shall go to Badminton! British Eventing opens up more spots for grassroots championships

Lucy Elder — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:53:39 +0000

More grassroots eventers will have the chance to ride on Badminton’s hallowed turf in 2026.

Qualification has been extended for the 2026 British Eventing LeMieux BE90 & BE100 Grassroots Championships – and riders are urged to check if they have now made the cut.

“We’re delighted to broaden the qualification pathway,” said British Eventing (BE) chief executive Rosie Williams.

“[This opens] the door for even more combinations wishing to experience the thrill and excitement of the British Eventing LeMieux BE90 & BE100 Grassroots championships at the iconic venue of Badminton.

“A lifelong ambition for many, these championships are the pinnacle for many grassroots riders, and we can’t wait to see the event come to life in 2026.”

The qualification criteria are now as follows:

British Eventing LeMieux BE90 Grassroots Championships

Top 12% BE90 Regional Championships
Top 20% of BE90 Scottish Championships
Top 12% BE903DE 2025
Eligible combinations from the top 10 of the BE90 opposition beaten percentage (OBP) league, who have not already qualified.

British Eventing LeMieux BE100 Grassroots Championships

Top 30% BE100 Regional Championships
Top 20% of BE100 Scottish Championships
Top 20% BE1003DE 2025
Eligible combinations from the top 10 of BE100 OBP League, who have not already qualified

Riders can check if they have qualified at www.eventingcheck.co.uk and view the OBP leagues on the BE stats centre at https://bestats.equiratings.com/

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘This is way above anything we’d have dreamed of’ – freelance coach tops Badminton BE100 grassroots championships

Catherine Austen — Thu, 08 May 2025 14:00:20 +0000

Katy Lawrence topped the LeMieux BE100 grassroots championships results at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials on her own 14-year-old mare Cheyenne Balloon, adding nothing to her dressage score of 25.9.

Katy, a freelance coach from near Gatwick, Surrey, was given Cheyenne Balloon three years ago, and the pair started eventing then.

“This is way above anything we’d have dreamed of – wow, it’s such a lovely feeling,” said Katy. “I knew she was capable, but she’s either very relaxed and chilled or she can get quite het up and get her knickers in a twist, so I didn’t know whether I would keep her together, to be honest. But yesterday in the dressage she stayed with me, and today she jumped really well.

“It’s incredible to ride round here. It’s all a bit of a blur, and I wish I could do it again.”

Just 0.2 of a penalty behind the victorious pair were Kent’s Maisie Morgan and her own nine-year-old Bright Rinco, who received a “wild card” qualification for these finals. They remained on their first-phase mark of 26.1.

“I’m so chuffed – it couldn’t have gone any better,” said Maisie.

They were 0.8 of a penalty ahead of Badminton stalwarts Jane Rogers and Corrieview Merlin Magic. Jane and her home-bred palomino led after dressage on 22.9, but had one pole down in the showjumping for eventual third in the BE100 grassroots championships results.

Axminster-based Jane, 60, and Corrieview Merlin Magic, 18, have qualified for the grassroots championships every year since 2017, and finished second in 2023.

“It’s been a rather manic time getting ready for this, because on 12 January I had a crashing fall off the horse I rode in the BE90 class here today [Corrieview Oscar, ninth].

“I broke my pelvis and ribs, I was in hospital for four days, I was concussed and suffered from vertigo afterwards, so it was a real rush to get ready to come here this week,” she said.

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you want to watch the live action from Badminton Horse Trials from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. This year, Badminton TV has teamed up with ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch Badminton – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £21.99. Go to clipmyhorse.tv/en_GB/badminton to subscribe or to activate your account as an existing Badminton TV subscriber. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription. As part of Badminton TV, you can enjoy the documentary programme Legends and Legacy, a fly-on-the-wall insight into the 2024 event and preview of 2025.

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 15 May.

NHS physio and former working hunter win Badminton BE90 grassroots championships

Catherine Austen — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:51:15 +0000

Emily Proud and her own HSF Lobo Royale headed the LeMieux BE90 grassroots championships results at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, at just her nine-year-old HSF Cardento Royale gelding’s fifth-ever affiliated event. They added nothing to their dressage mark of 28.4 to hold off Charlotte Cordy-Redden and Cadilac Jack by 0.6 of a penalty.

Emily, who lives near Bruton in Somerset, said: “I’ve had him since he was a three-year-old and backed him myself, so we’ve got quite a partnership together. He wasn’t the easiest character to get jumping because he’s quite spooky, but we got there in the end.”

The winner added: “The pressure was on, because he’s done so well – he qualified for this by winning the regional final at Little Downham, which was only his third event – and I felt like I needed to do him justice.”

Emily’s dressage trainer, Alice Peternell, lives 10 minutes from Badminton and came to help her in the warm-up.

“She really helped me stay relaxed, because I was quite nervous,” Emily admitted. “He did a really lovely test with just a couple of little mistakes in the walk, and today the jumping couldn’t have gone any better.

“I’ve always wanted to ride at Badminton – I’ve been coming here every year since I was a baby, and it was amazing galloping up the avenue and seeing Badminton House in front of me. My real ambition is to do the five-star one day – it’s every little girl with a pony’s dream.”

Before the pair started eventing, they qualified for the working hunter championships at the Horse of the Year Show. Emily is a full-time physiotherapist in the NHS.

Charlotte and Cadilac Jack, runners-up in the BE90 grassroots championships results, completed on their dressage score of 29.

“We had the worst possible preparation for this, but I had so many friends coming to support me that I thought I had better go and get on with it!” said Charlotte. “I was petrified. I did this 15 years ago when it first started and I am terribly old to be doing it again, but it has been great fun, and I can’t believe we’ve finished second.”

Third, just inches behind on 29.1, were Susan Bill and her nine-year-old mare Flamenco Princess, by Je T’Aime Flamenco.

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 15 May.

Ready to jump this? Check out every fence on the Badminton BE90 grassroots cross-country course…

Pippa Roome — Wed, 07 May 2025 14:30:31 +0000

Whether you know someone who has been competing, or you fancy having a look to see if you would be up for the challenge in the future, here are the fully dressed LeMieux BE90 grassroots championships cross-country course photos for the event at the 2025 Mars Badminton Horse Trials.

The course is designed by James Willis and has an optimum time of 6min 22sec. The course is 2863m long.

You can also check out the BE100 course photos here.

BE90 grassroots championships cross-country course 2025

Fence 1: MIM Rail

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Fence 2: British Eventing Table

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Fence 3: KBIS Wall

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Fence 4: KBIS Brush

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Fence 5: British Horse Foundation Trakehner

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Fence 6ab: LeMieux Hollow

Fence 6a

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Fence 6b

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Fence 7: Willis Brothers Steeplechase Fence

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Fence 8: Equireel Funnel

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Fence 9: Bedmax Ditch Brush

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Fence 10ab: Spillers Brush

Fence 10a

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Fence 10b

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Fence 11: Wiltshire Brewers Drays

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Fence 12ab: World Horse Welfare Stables

Fence 12a – on the direct route, riders jump the left-hand end of this as a corner. If they want to take the alternative, they take the right-hand end as a spread fence

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 12b – direct route

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Fence 12b – long route, which involves looping round away from the direction of travel

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Fence 13: Bloomfields Horseboxes Wishing Well

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Fence 14: Lister Wilder Quarter Brush

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Fence 15ab: CrossCountry App Corners

Fence 15a

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Fence 15b

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Fence 16ab: LeMieux Lake

Fence 16a

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Fence 16b

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Fence 17: LeMieux Lake

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Fence 18: LeMieux Saddle

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Fence 19: HorseQuest Hay Rack

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Fence 20ab: Mars Equestrian Gates

Fence 20a

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Fence 20b

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Fence 21: Guide Dogs Beech Log

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Fence 22: LeMieux Horseshoe

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How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you want to watch the live action from the five-star competition at Badminton Horse Trials from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. This year, Badminton TV has teamed up with ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch Badminton – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £21.99. Go to clipmyhorse.tv/en_GB/badminton to subscribe or to activate your account as an existing Badminton TV subscriber. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription. As part of Badminton TV, you can enjoy the documentary programme Legends and Legacy, a fly-on-the-wall insight into the 2024 event and preview of 2025.

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 15 May.

Would you jump this ditch? See every fence on the 2025 Badminton BE100 grassroots championships cross-country course

Pippa Roome — Wed, 07 May 2025 13:50:46 +0000

Would you like to tackle the BE100 grassroots championships cross-country course at Mars Badminton Horse Trials? Have a look at all the fully dressed fences that riders have faced on the 2025 track for the LeMieux sponsored-competition below.

The course is designed by James Willis and is 2880m long, with an optimum time of 6min 4sec.

You can also check out the BE90 grassroots championship cross-country course here.

BE100 grassroots championships cross-country course 2025

Fence 1: MIM Rail

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Fence 2: British Eventing Table

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Fence 3: KBIS Wall

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Fence 4: KBIS Brush

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Fence 5: British Horse Foundation Trakehner

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Alternative fence 5

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Fence 6ab: LeMieux Hollow

Fence 6a

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Fence 6b

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Fence 7: Willis Brothers Steeplechase Fence

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Fence 8ab: Equireel Funnels

Fence 8a

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Fence 8b

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Fence 9: Bedmax Ditch Brush

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Fence 10ab: Spillers Brush

Fence 10a

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Fence 10b

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Fence 11: Wiltshire Brewers Drays

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Fence 12ab: World Horse Welfare Stables

Fence 12a – to take the direct route, riders jump the left-hand end of this as a corner. On the longer option, they jump the right-hand end straight on as a spread fence

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 12b direct route

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Fence 12b alternative – this involves turning right round away from the direction of travel

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Fence 13: Bloomfields Horseboxes Wishing Well

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Fence 14: Lister Wilder Quarter Brush

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Fence 15ab: CrossCountry App Corners

Fence 15a

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Fence 15b

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Fence 16ab: LeMieux Lake

Fence 16a

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Fence 16b

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Fence 17: LeMieux Lake

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Fence 18: LeMieux Saddle

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Fence 19: HorseQuest Hay Rack

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Fence 20ab: Mars Equestrian Gates

Fence 20a

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Fence 20b

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Fence 21: Guide Dogs Beech Log

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Fence 22: LeMieux Horseshoe

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 15 May.

‘Big and bold’: Kitty King shares her thoughts on the 2025 Badminton grassroots cross-country courses

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 07 May 2025 07:49:05 +0000

If you’re tackling either the BE90 or BE100 LeMieux grassroots championships cross-country course at Mars Badminton Horse Trials today (7 May), we have some great insight on the track from top event rider Kitty King and the course designer and builder, James Willis.

Find out what Kitty and James had to say…

“We switch the direction of both the five-star track and the grassroots cross-country course each year and so in 2025, most of the terrain comes early in the course,” says James. “It really makes this a course of two halves, with a lot going on early in the course.”

Fence two (Image credit: creditUnknown)

When we get to fence two, the British Eventing Table, some of those on this guided course walk are shocked by the dimensions of it, as it looks quite large for a BE100.

“I build and design the fences on the BE100 grassroots championship cross-country course at 100cm height, but with British Eventing novice level technicality,” explains James. “The course needs to be a challenge, but I want everyone to have a happy time too.”

Fece 6ab (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 6ab, the LeMieux Hollow, is the first proper question on both the BE90 and BE100 tracks.

Kitty says: “On the BE100 track, I would jump the left-hand side of the first element as there is less terrain to have to deal with than on the right-hand side where the ground runs away a bit. The number of strides you get to the second element depends on how you go down the slope after the first element – it walks on five, but it could ride on six or even seven.”

Fence 8ab on the BE100 course (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 8ab in the BE100, the Equireel Funnels, also involves some terrain and riders will need to ride on a good line between the two elements.

“This should ride on four strides and riders need to keep tight to the tree on the left, in-between the elements, in order to get the line and distance,” says Kitty.

Fence eight on the BE90 course (Image credit: creditUnknown)

As we arrive at fence eight on the BE90 track, the Bedmax Ditch Brush, James explains the work that went into the fence.

“We hollowed out the rail so that it became light enough in weight in order for us to be able to use a MIM Clip on it,” he says.

Fence 10ab (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 10ab, the Spillers Brush, sits next to the five-star track’s Beaufort Staircase.

“The first brush at this question should help back horses off before going down the hill to the second brush,” states Kitty.

Fence 18 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

One of the best photo opportunities for riders on this year’s grassroots championships cross-country course is the LeMieux Saddle at fence 18 for both the BE90 and BE100.

“This was probably one of the first fences we put out and it should make a brilliant photo for competitors in front of the house,” says James.

Fence 20ab (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Mars Equestrian Gates at fence 20ab on both the BE90 and BE100 courses are very upright, with just two fences left after this combination before you’re home.

“These rails come after a long gallop and are here to try to slow people up,” says James. “Riders will have to really respect this question as the gate is very upright.”

Kitty summarises this year’s grassroots tracks by saying: “They are beautifully built courses. They are big and bold and riders will need to get stuck in and get behind their horses and if they do that, I think they’ll have a fantastic ride.

“I think James has been clever in the terrain he’s used – it’s really interesting and adds to the challenge.”

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 15 May.

‘Maybe I should try to catch him up on the cross-country!’ Husband and wife to go head to head at Badminton

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 03 May 2025 18:51:30 +0000

Among the hopefuls lining up at the LeMieux Grassroots Championships at Badminton next week (6-7 May) will be a husband and wife going head to head – with just one other competitor on course between them.

Mary and Oliver Lofthouse have qualified Kilrainey Queen (Sandra) and Amicitia (Spot) respectively for the BE100 final. It will be a first for Mary, who evented up to four-star level before she had her three children. But Oliver and Spot are veterans, having contested the 100 and 90cm finals on multiple occasions.

Asked if there will be some rivalry, Mary said: “Definitely!

“Oliver doesn’t get a lot of time during the week to ride his horse, it’s my and my staff doing the majority of the fittening and he only gets to jump on at weekends. So if it goes well he gets the credit and if it goes wrong, I get the blame!”

Mary runs Lofthouse Eventing, a competition, sales and rehab yard in Cheshire. She had always evented, but Oliver competed in showing.

“Then he met me, and I think it was a case of, if you can’t beat them, join them,” she said. “He’s actually the crash test dummy, so anything new that’s challenging or big or strong, he tends to get plonked on, and he really enjoys getting on a variety of horses and figuring them out quite quickly.”

Mary explained that Spot came in to sell, 11 years ago, and was bought by her livery Sue Dickinson. The plan was for Mary to event him but “I promptly got pregnant, so Oliver took over the ride and qualified him for Badminton within his first three events”. Spot is now 17 and the partnership is still going strong.

Mary said she bought Sandra as a four-year-old, four years ago, to bring on and sell.

“But she had to have kissing spines surgery, so she suddenly became worthless to everyone else, but was actually a really nice horse,” she said. “So we decided quite early on, she was worth more to us than she was to anyone else. And everything happens for a reason, because she’s been such a nice horse to get me going again after the children. She’s just so genuine; it doesn’t matter what mood you’re in, she comes out of the start box and just says ‘I’m doing this’, and off she goes. She’s been lovely.”

Oliver and Spot qualified first, by finishing third in the regional championships in September, then Mary found out in November that she and Sandra’s eighth-place finish on 35.5 had also secured them a place.

“It was really exciting because every year I’ve gone and walked round with him and thought, ‘It’s not fair he gets to go round and I never do’,” Mary said. “Although I’ve always enjoyed going and watching and helping, all I’ve ever done is gone and walked the course with Oliver and trained him and told him what to do!

“I never thought I’d get to go; because I’d ridden at four-star, obviously I was above intermediate level so I was out of it for years. I thought I’d never get to go to the smaller one, then I thought, well, actually, now I’m never going to get to the bigger one, because now I’ve had children and not riding at that level any more. And then finally, my qualification dropped off a few years ago, and I managed to qualify.”

Badminton will be a real family affair; the children, Mary’s parents and Spot’s owner Sue will all be there cheering them on.

“They’ve put us with only one horse between us, so we’ll be following each other round,” Mary said. “It’s the wrong way round, as I usually go at Driving Miss Daisy speed! But maybe I should try to catch him up. It’s very exciting.”

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Calling all grassroots eventers! Plan your 2025 season with our helpful guide to series and championships

Carol Phillips — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:30:33 +0000

Want a hand deciding which events to do with your horse this season? There’s lots of series and championships on offer to target, so see which look like realistic aims, check out the qualification dates and routes – and put those key dates in your diary

Whether you’re competing in British Eventing, or choosing the unaffiliated route, grassroots eventers who like to have a championship goal have a number of different options to consider in 2025. It’s fair to say that Badminton is a holy grail for all eventers, whether you’re a BE90/100 competitor – or aiming for the five-star – but that’s just one of the grassroots eventing championships out there, so read on to find out what your options are…

LeMieux Grassroots Eventing Championships

Venue: Badminton, Glos

Date: 6–7 May

Levels: 90cm and 100cm

How to qualify

There are four avenues of qualification:

The BE90/100 regional championships
The BE90/100 Scottish championships
Bicton three-day event
Eligible combinations from the top five or 10 of EquiRatings’ Opposition Beaten Percentage League.

Any combination with two double clears at BE90 or 100 or finishing in top 20% of starters (from 1 June) qualifies for the regional championships. The qualifiers for this season’s championship have already taken place, so you would be aiming to qualify for the regionals in 2025 (venues and dates below), for a place in the nationals in 2026.

Chillington Hall BE80 Championships

Venue: Chillington Hall, Staffs

Date: 31 May–1 June

Level: 80cm

How to qualify

Any combination with two double clears at BE80 or finishing in top 30% of starters (from 1 June) qualifies for the regional championships, itself a qualifier for the nationals. The qualifiers for this year’s championship – which recently moved from Bramham – have already taken place, so you would be aiming to qualify for the regionals in 2025 (venues and dates below), for a place in the nationals in 2026. However, you can still qualify for this year by securing five minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) with under 45 dressage penalties, fewer than 16 showjumping penalties and clear cross-country, at BE80 from 1 June 2024 until close of entries.

2025 regional championships for BE80, BE90 and BE100

Bicton Arena, Devon: 2–3 August

Blindley Heath (2), Surrey: 9–10 August

Frickley Park, S Yorks: 14–17 August

Chillington Hall, Staffs: 13–14 September

Little Downham (4), Cambs: 4–5 October

Scottish grassroots eventing festival

Venue: Scone Palace, Perthshire

Date: 20–21 August

Levels: 90cm and 100cm

How to qualify

Via the Scottish Grassroots leagues, based on the average of a combination’s best three runs at the level, and the top 45 combinations in the league, up to ballot dates of the championships. Top 20% of eligible combinations at the championships will gain tickets to Badminton grassroots championships.

BE regional youth championships

Venue: Bishop Burton, E Yorks

Date: 24–27 July

Levels: 100cm and novice (CCI2*-L)

Venue: Chillington Hall, Staffs

Date: 13–14 September

Levels: 80cm and 90cm

How to qualify

For riders aged 12–21. Each of the eight regions sends a squad of up to 10 riders, to compete as individuals and on the team. Top 10 at each height from BE regional leagues, according to the combination’s best three finishing scores at their respective level. Qualifying period: for 100cm and novice, 1 July 2024–30 June 2025; for 80cm and 90cm, 1 July 2024–31 July 2025.

Harry Hall One Club – Anyone Can Event (ACE) Championships

Venue: Aintree EC, Merseyside

Date: 29 May–1 June

Levels: 70–100cm, including under-18 sections

An arena eventing competition for aged 10 and up; qualifiers are open to non-BE members (membership required for the championships). Qualifiers run between October 2024 and May 2025.

Remaining qualifiers

Aintree EC, Merseyside: 1 March

Newbold Verdon, Leics: 2 March

Rodbaston College, Staffs: 2 March

Pencoed College, Mid Glamorgan: 8 March, 20 April, 10 May

Ashwood Equestrian, Staffs: 9 March, 13 April, 11 May

Morris EC, E Ayrshire: 9 March

West Kype, S Lanarks: 9 March

West Wilts, Wilts: 9 March

Murray House Livery, Cumbria: 9 March

Bold Heath, Cheshire: 9 March

Bogenraith, Aberdeenshire: 9 March, 3 May

Greenfields of Avondale, S Lanarks: 15 March

Pickering Grange, E Mids: 15 March

Beacons Equestrian, Carmarthenshire: 16 March, 20 April

Port Royal, N Yorks: 16 March

Prestige Equestrian, Glos: 22 March

Cotswold Cup Championships

Venue: Cirencester Park, Glos

Date: 26–28 September

Levels: unaffiliated, four classes from 70–100cm including junior sections

Qualifiers

Offchurch Bury, Warks: 22–23 March

Waverton House, Glos (1): 4–6 April

Hazelton Manor, Glos: 18–20 April

Moreton EC, Dorset: 26–27 April

Crown Farm, Oxon: 3–4 May

Pontispool (1), Somerset: 17–18 May

Barbury Castle, Wilts: 24–25 May

Munstead, Surrey: 7–8 June

Solihull, W Mids: 14–15 June

Waverton House (2), Glos: 20–22 June

Cirencester Park, Glos: 12–13 July

Brightling Park, E Sussex: 19–20 July

Great Tew, Oxon: TBC 23–24 or 30–31 August

Pontispool (2), Somerset: 6–7 September

Horse Events Unaffiliated Eventing Championships 2024

Venue: Dauntsey Park Equestrian, Wiltshire

Date: 21-22 September

Levels: unaffiliated from 70-100, including classes for amateurs, open classes for young horses aged four to six, and Schools Equestrian Games Eventing Championships

Qualifiers

Swalcliffe, Oxon: 30-31 March

Swalcliffe, Oxon: 26-27 April

Elmwood, Essex: 17-18 May

Broadway, Worcs: 7-8 June

Elmwood, Essex: 5-6 July

Broadway, Worcs: 2-3 August

Calmsden, Glos: 16-17 August

Bengrove, Glos: 30-31 August

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‘He makes the impossible possible’ 14.2hh overcomes kissing spines and mystery illness to qualify for Badminton grassroots

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 19:51:45 +0000

A pony known as the “comeback king” – and “a walking vet’s bill” – has beaten kissing spines and a serious illness to qualify for the LeMieux Grassroots Championships at Mars Badminton Horse Trials, at his first attempt.

Lauren Wiggins thought she would have to let her 14.2hh Irish pony Cookie Clover go, early last year, as vets did not know what had made him so ill. Hoping just to have him back to retire him, she brought him home – but he returned to competition in style about 12 months ago.

Lauren told H&H she wanted to share Cookie’s story to give hope to anyone in a similar situation.

“He’s had a tough few years, bless him,” she said. “He’s bounced back like a miracle.”

Lauren’s parents bought Cookie for her 10 years ago, when she was a teenager who had outgrown her beloved 11.2hh pony Pepper and he was a six-year-old who had come over from Ireland.

“I cried when he first came because I didn’t want another pony; I only wanted to ride Pepper!” she said. “He was a bit of a handful; I’d gone from a Welsh section A to him, which was a bit of a jump as I was a stick, a tiny child.

“He was very strong, and I was petrified of him; I’ve got old film somewhere of him rearing. But then it just clicked one day, and we started doing a bit more.”

Lauren said the aim had been to showjump but then she did a bit of cross-country.

“I was lucky enough to work on an eventing yard after college and that was a turning point; I thought ‘cross-country is quite fun’ and ‘Maybe I do want to event’,” she said. “We started doing British Eventing in 2020 and he was great; clear across country every event. He just wants to go and go. People have said conformationally, he shouldn’t be at the level he is but he loves it.”

But then Cookie seemed to be struggling to balance in the lorry, which “led us into a massive minefield of what might be wrong”.

Arthritis was found and treated, then vets discovered he had kissing spines. Cookie was medicated and underwent a comprehensive rehab programme, and was eventing again in 2022, jumping clear and finishing in the top 10 at BE90 and BE100 level.

Picture by Aiden Upward (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Then in March last year, when Cookie was fit and ready for the season, he became very ill.

“He was falling over; he looked like he was colicky but he wasn’t,” Lauren said. “It was like his legs wouldn’t hold up, and he was very wobbly so he went into the vets’. When we got there and opened up the trailer, there were inches of water where he’d sweated so much. The vets took him away as they didn’t think he would recover.

“We all prepared ourselves for the worst while the vets were completely baffled by Cookie’s symptoms. We had been told to prepare to not ride again, and I was completely devastated but also just wanted Cookie to be home safely.”

Test proved inconclusive and Cookie went home with box rest advised, but this was a struggle for a pony who had been fit and ready to event.

Thinking that she “might have to consider a kinder option”, and having rung the vets, Lauren turned Cookie out, and he seemed to recover.

“He was ok so I tried to ride him in walk and he was dragging his legs, so I thought he wouldn’t come back,” Lauren said. “I turned him away but in about September, I was watching videos and knew how much I wanted him back. I called an animal communicator and asked if she would ‘talk’ to him. A lot of people thought I was mad but she gave me a lot of information and recommended a Bowen therapist near me.

“I had nothing to lose so I contacted her. And she literally worked magic. I don’t know how – I don’t even really know what Bowen therapy is – but as a team, with chiropractors, saddlers and dentists, by December he was cantering again – and loving it.”

By the start of this year, Lauren was competing again, winning and placing in dressage and showjumping, so in the spring she registered with BE again.

“His first event was Munstead BE90 and he came third,” she said. “He’s been consistently amazing since, with BE100 double clears and clear across country all season.”

But the big one was the Little Downham regional final in October.

“We had a really good dressage, then went clear showjumping; I had tears in my eyes coming out of the arena because cross-country is his thing,” Lauren said. “My mum rang from Turkey and said ‘Whatever you do, don’t go too slowly’, and I ended up seven seconds too fast! I was really cross with myself, came fourth and thought it was all over.”

But last week, she got the news that the top 15% in the class had qualified, so she and Cookie had their place at Badminton.

“It’s incredible, from where he was last year,” Lauren said. “I want people to know his story because I know I’m biased but he’s the most amazing pony. People at the yard call him the comeback king because he’s made the impossible possible. I call him a bit of a walking vet’s bill! No one knows how he’s come back or what was wrong with him, but he’s done it, which is crazy.

“It’s a horrible feeling when you don’t know what’s wrong so I hope sharing our story might help inspire others who might be having a difficult time.”

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From slaughter house to Badminton grassroots fourth: the lorry driver and her ‘sensitive’ star

Pippa Roome — Mon, 20 May 2024 12:00:09 +0000

Alison Stewart finished fourth in the BE100 class at the Voltaire Design-sponsored Badminton grassroots championships earlier this month – but before she acquired her ride Rico III, his outlook looked grim.

“He had been through numerous homes and was going to be put down,” explains Alison. “A friend told me about him – she said he was a lovely horse that was being written off at seven years old.”

Alison continues: “My friend knew I am not so much a competitor as just a horse person. I was brought up with horses and my strength is handling them. I’ve never been one to think I want to achieve this or that.

“The woman who had Rico said I could come and get him, but I’d have to be quick as it was Monday and he was booked in for slaughter on Wednesday.”

Rico is by an Arab, out of a Trakehner mare.

“He was a bit of a basket case and very sensitive and uptight,” says Alison, who lives on Dartmoor. “Over time I just got him used to being sat on and not panicking. Once we’d gelled, I joined my local riding club, Kentisbeaere. The main instructor is Sue Edwards, who is superb, and we started to compete and get on teams, so it went from there.”

Alison Stewart: her Badminton grassroots experience

Alison qualified for the Badminton grassroots championships at BE90 level before Covid, but the event was cancelled. She says she was lucky to get in this year as she had eight showjumping faults at the regional qualifier at Calmsden, but when British Eventing widened the qualification criteria, she made the cut.

“It was a phenomenal surprise and all I wanted to do was complete – I knew there was a rosette for that, but I do tend to do things like start before the bell or miss a fence,” she admits. “I hadn’t even dreamed of being placed. I’m not particularly refined at dressage, but dear James Willis had built a course that was challenging and that’s our strong point. I point and say there it is and he jumps it. He covers the ground easily and time isn’t a problem.”

Alison finished on her dressage score of 32.3 and says her experience of going round Badminton is “indescribable”.

She says: “Fence six was causing a lot of trouble and when I went direct, I got a huge cheer and felt like a proper rider. My photo in front of the house is very precious. The further round I went, the more excited I became that I was going to complete and I got more and more vocal describing to Rico what we were going to do next. I’ve ordered the video, which I think will be hilarious.

“As we were going down to the house for prize-giving, everyone was terribly staid and boring and I was saying, ‘We’re going to Badminton House to get our rosettes – are you not excited?’ I definitely enjoyed it for everyone.”

Alison, 56, adds that it was “such a surprise and joy” to win the Keep Kicking On Cup for older riders.

“I’m massively grateful to whoever presented the beautiful cup,” she says.

Alison stayed at Badminton to enjoy the rest of the week and says the atmosphere in the stables was so friendly, with the stable manager and all the stewards and volunteers making the event very welcoming.

“Whether I stayed was completely down to the horse and whether he was happy as we’d have taken him straight home if not, but the stables were incredibly cool and there was wonderful grass for grazing, so he loved being there,” she says.

“My niece had bought camping tickets for her family so they were there. And I didn’t know a lot of people from the riding club had come to watch so when it went well, they all appeared. It was a joy having people I know sharing an epic moment in all our lives. It was beyond a dream and I’m still on a high.”

‘I love my job’

Alison has been a lorry driver for over 30 years and previously transported horses abroad, including for the Italian showjumping team and Princess Haya. Now she works for a pharmaceutical company, delivering drugs to a fleet of vans which take them to hospitals. She works from 4am to 1pm daily.

“I love my job and am lucky to have a supportive office – when I say I’ve qualified for something I hadn’t expected, they say, ‘Of course, have the time off,’” she says. “I have time to ride in the afternoons so it’s a wonderful routine and I’m lucky it works well. Of course I do get tired, but that’s how it is and I have to be disciplined about getting to bed early.”

About six months ago, Alison’s “dear friend” Sophie Walker suggested she keep Rico with them, which she says has been a “game changer” as she has been able to use a school for the first time, whereas before she did all her schooling on the moors while hacking.

After 10 years together, Alison says she can’t imagine Rico going anywhere: “We seem to have this partnership and understanding. It’s a joy to know he’s happy and after what he did at Badminton, I keep saying to people we’re retiring as we can’t better that, but people keep saying he loved it so we’ve got to keep going!”

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Student steps up when his mother falls ill – and wins Badminton’s BE90 grassroots championships

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Osteopath turns her Badminton luck around with BE100 grassroots championships victory

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Would you jump off here? Look at the BE90 grassroots championships cross-country course

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Are you ready to tackle the BE100 grassroots championships? Check out pictures of the cross-country course

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Osteopath turns her Badminton luck around with BE100 grassroots championships victory

Pippa Roome — Thu, 09 May 2024 07:58:57 +0000

An osteopath turned her Mars Badminton Horse Trials luck around when she came out on top in the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships BE100 results yesterday.

“I did come here five years ago on another horse, but it wasn’t quite as successful – we did finish, but it was a bit of a bumpy ride,” said Lucinda Mills after her win on her own Chaconda Blue.

The Warwickshire-based rider continued: “It certainly hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m ecstatic with my horse. She’s only seven and has never been in an atmosphere like this, but she held her own from start to finish. She behaved like a true professional and just got on with the job.”

Lucinda bought the mare, known as “Noodle”, as a just-backed three-year-old. The pair led throughout this class, adding just one time-penalty showjumping to their leading dressage score of 25.8.

“She is quite a hot head – a bit of a diva who knows she’s queen, but she’s lovely,” said Lucinda, who currently works as a human osteopath and freelance rider and is training to be an equine and canine osteopath too.

Niamh Richardson claimed second on another seven-year-old Cartown Bonnie Bell.

Niamh said: “I’ve had her from a young horse and she was really green when I bought her – there were quite a lot of tears and I was like, ‘What have I bought?’

“She wouldn’t go near a log on the floor. My instructor Mel Chapman has a beautiful indoor school, but we spent the whole year dusting cobwebs off the roof – we spent most of our time up in the air. She is awesome now, though, and does everything I want.”

Grassroots championships BE100 results: from policing to breeding racehorses

Niamh graduated last year in professional policing but works for Copgrove Hall Stud in Harrogate, which breeds Flat racehorses.

“So I get to play with baby foals all the time and it’s great – a complete career change, but I’m really happy. There are some reprobate foals so my degree does come in handy occasionally,” she joked.

Niamh’s next aims include riding at the final Blair Castle Horse Trials.

Warwickshire-based Victoria O’Brien built on a double clear in the BE90 class last year with third in the grassroots championships BE100 results this year. Her ride was her eight-year-old gelding whose stable name is Otis, but who is officially unnamed due to an issue with his passport.

“I originally bought him as a green four-year-old to be my hunter but a friend dragged me to a dressage lesson and we went on from there,” said Victoria, who project manages property developments.

“It’s busy enough, but he’s so easy, which helps. I can always get on him and know he may be a bit fresh, but he’ll never do anything too silly.”

The majority of faults in this class came at the British Equestrian Federation Lodges at fence 6ab, where riders had a choice of jumping the corner of the house or across the spread at the first element, their selection then determining whether they would jump the fast or slow route at part b. In total, 61.2% jumped clear over James Willis’s track.

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you are interested in watching the live action from Badminton Horse Trials from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. To sign up, visit watch.badminton-horse.tv – click the “Sign Up” link in the top right corner of your screen, then follow the instructions. An annual subscription to Badminton TV costs £19.99 via the website and gives you 365 days of access to all of the content in the Badminton TV library, the ability to watch the action live, and the option to replay all of this year’s action later. Find out more…

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 16 May.

Student steps up when his mother falls ill – and wins Badminton’s BE90 grassroots championships

Pippa Roome — Thu, 09 May 2024 07:22:12 +0000

An engineering student who has stepped up his involvement in his mother’s horse after she fell ill topped the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships BE90 results today at Mars Badminton Horse Trials.

Ben Fairbrother, 20, was second after dressage on 26.3 and moved up to win when he stayed on that first-phase score with his mother Jo’s 12-year-old Upper Limit.

“I only rode ‘Max’ at events last year and Mum would school him in between because I’m quite busy with university,” explained Ben, who has only been eventing for three seasons, having previously showjumped.

“Then in November her stomach ruptured and she was in intensive care for 10 or 11 days, so I took over riding him. She is a lot better now – she’s here and has been a big help. She’s not completely back to full strength, but hopefully she will get back to riding later this year once her core muscles are stronger. We are so thankful she is ok. She’s always helped me with everything ever since I was tiny.”

Ben is studying for a masters in civil and structural engineering at Dundee and is based at his parents’ home in Stirling, travelling in to university daily – “it’s a lot of miles on the car”. This was the first time he had visited Badminton and the grassroots championships was his first eventing run of the year.

Grassroots championships BE90 results: Welsh second D retires after second

Welsh section D gelding Lodor Carl made his final eventing run a successful one when he took second. He has won 18 times at affiliated events and, aged 14 and with nothing left to prove, he will now move into pure dressage.

“He’s my pride and joy and just the most consistent pony going,” said his owner and rider Katie Mathias, who is from Pembrokeshire in Wales and works as a GP three days a week

“He’s only got little legs but he flew today and gave me everything. I’ve been to Badminton twice before with ‘Carlos’ and not had our best luck here – the first year there was a faller in front of me cross country and I was held for the first time, then last year I let him down and we had a pole down – so it was nice to get the job done today.”

Suzanne Ross landed third with 12-year-old Findatie Bracken, who was originally intended as a dressage horse for Suzanne’s sister, Colina Pickles, who worked for Bill Levett before setting up on her own.

“She and my sister decided dressage wasn’t to be her future career, so I was chosen to have a go at jumping her. From the first moment she jumped, she decided that was going to be her life and she’s just been so consistent,” said Suzanne, who is based in Stratford-upon-Avon and works as head of operations for an architects’ practice.

“Colina is also my trainer and looks after Bracken so I’m lucky. It’s been a good day for Team Pickles as BE100 winner Lucinda Mills is also her pupil, as is Annabel Ridway, who was fourth in the BE90. We wouldn’t be here without her and the dedication she puts into us.”

Three combinations were responsible for most of the faults on James Willis’ cross-country track, over which 59.2% of starters jumped clear in the grassroots championships BE90 results.

The double of angled Voltaire Design Brushes (fence 4ab), the British Equestrian Federation Lodges (fence 6ab) and the Spillers Brushes and Log (fences 14ab and 15) – two skinnies on a turn followed by a run up a hill to a log – all caused their fair share of problems.

The British Equestrian Federation Lodges was a clever fence. At the first element, riders had to choose between jumping the corner of a house, leading to the direct exit element, or across the width of the house to take the longer route out of the complex.

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 16 May.

Would you jump off here? Look at the BE90 grassroots championships cross-country course

Pippa Roome — Wed, 08 May 2024 14:31:07 +0000

For many people, to tackle the BE90 grassroots championships cross-country course is a lifelong dream, the culmination of years of work – in many cases, combining a non-horsey job and eventing.

What is the course like if you make it to Mars Badminton Horse Trials for the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships? Find out by looking through our photos. The track is designed by James Willis and the optimum time is 6min 36sec.

BE90 grassroots championships cross-country course 2024

Fence 1: BE Tree Trunk

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Fence 2: Tuckwell’s Table

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Fence 3: British Horse Foundation Fallen Tree

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Fence 4ab: Voltaire Design Brushes

Fence 4a

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Fence 4b

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Fence 5: Wiltshire Brewers’ Drays

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Fence 6ab: British Equestrian Federation Lodges

Fence 6a – the direct route is the corner of the house on the left and the slower route is the spread part of the house straight ahead

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Fence 6b direct route

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Fence 6b slower route

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Fences 7 and 8ab: Voltaire Design Saddle & Lake

Fence 7

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Fence 8a – the grassroots fence is on the right and the back of the five-star fence on the left

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Fence 8a side view

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Fence 8b

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Fence 9: Bedmax Brush Roll

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Fence 10: MIM Oxer

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Fence 11ab: Bloomfields Horseboxes Gates

Fence 11a

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Fence 11b

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Fence 12: Equireel Corner Brush

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Fence 13: KBIS Broken Bridge

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Side view

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Fences 14ab and 15: Spillers Brushes & Log

Fence 14a

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Fence 14b

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Fence 15

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Fence 16: World Horse Welfare Ditch & Brush

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Fence 17ab: Lightsource bp Feeders

Fence 17a

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Fence 17b

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Fence 18ab: Cross Country App Rail & Brush

Fence 18a

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Fence 18b

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Fence 19: Voltaire Design Trakehner

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Fence 20: Mars Equestrian Wall

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Fence 21ab: Retraining of Racehorses Tree Trunk

Fence 21a

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Fence 21b

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Fence 22: Voltaire Design Horseshoe

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How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 22-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 16 May.

Are you ready to tackle the BE100 grassroots championships? Check out pictures of the cross-country course

Pippa Roome — Wed, 08 May 2024 13:45:12 +0000

Would you like to tackle the BE100 grassroots championships cross-country course at Mars Badminton Horse Trials?

Have a look at all the fences on the 2024 track for the Voltaire Design sponsored-competition below. The course is designed by James Willis and the optimum time is 6min 16sec.

BE100 grassroots championships cross-country course 2024

Fence 1: BE Tree Trunk

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Fence 2: Tuckwell’s Table

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Fence 3: British Horse Foundation Fallen Tree

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Fence 4ab: Voltaire Design Brushes

Fence 4a

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Fence 4b

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Fence 5: Wiltshire Brewers’ Drays

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Fence 6ab: British Equestrian Federation Lodges

Fence 6a – the direct route is over the corner of the house on the left or the slower route is straight over the house

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Fence 6b direct route

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Fence 6b slower route

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Fences 7 and 8ab: Voltaire Design Saddle & Lake

Fence 7

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Fence 8a – the grassroots fence is on the right, with the back view of the five-star fence on the left

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Fence 8a

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Fence 8b

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Fence 9: Bedmax Brush Roll

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Fence 10: MIM Oxer

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Fence 11ab: Bloomfields Horseboxes Gates

Fence 11a

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Fence 11b

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Fence 12: Equireel Corner Brush

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Fence 13: KBIS Broken Bridge

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Side view

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Fences 14ab and 15: Spillers Brushes & Log

Fence 14a

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Fence 14b

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Fence 15

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Fence 16: World Horse Welfare Ditch & Brush

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Fence 17ab: Lightsource bp Feeders

Fence 17a

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Fence 17b

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Fence 18ab: Cross Country App Rail & Brush

Fence 18a

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Fence 18b

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Fence 19: Voltaire Design Trakehner

Straight route

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The long route is to jump this BE90 fence backwards

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Fence 20: Mars Equestrian Wall

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Fence 21ab: Retraining of Racehorses Tree Trunk

Fence 21a

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Fence 21b

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Fence 22: Voltaire Design Horseshoe

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How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you are interested in watching the live five-star action from Badminton Horse Trials from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. To sign up, visit watch.badminton-horse.tv – click the “Sign Up” link in the top right corner of your screen, then follow the instructions. An annual subscription to Badminton TV costs £19.99 via the website and gives you 365 days of access to all of the content in the Badminton TV library, the ability to watch the action live, and the option to replay all of this year’s action later. Find out more…

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‘I’m done ignoring this’: eventer born with club foot aims for Badminton – and to help other riders

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 18:51:29 +0000

A rider who was born with bilateral talipes, or club foot, said that “all the pain and tears” have been worth it for what she has achieved.

Charlotte Pezzotta, who told H&H she was “never supposed to be able to walk”, is now eventing on a Connemara she produced, and wanted to share her experiences in hopes it may help other riders who are struggling.

“I don’t think this sort of thing is spoken about enough,” she said. “You can do things, if you’re born with conditions or have injuries. I’ve had people saying nasty things, which make you feel like maybe it’s not ok. But those people aren’t worth it. After a lot of thinking, I’ve decided I want to tell the world and help other people overcome their problems.”

Babies are born with club foot if the Achilles tendon is too short, which means the foot turns down or inwards. In Charlotte’s case, both feet were affected, which meant she had to wear “cast after cast after cast” for years and has had four operations.

After years of recovery and rehab, Charlotte can now walk normally, and ride.

“Throughout my childhood, I couldn’t do PE properly because of the pain and I spent a lot of time drawing,” she said. “But all I wanted to know about was horses.”

When Charlotte was 12, after her last surgery, her mother bought her four-year-old Connemara My Glen Star, with whom Charlotte has twice competed in the British Connemara Pony Society Eventing Championships, coming seventh the first time, and in the national hunter trial championships.

“I will always be recovering, I’ll never be 100%,” she said, adding that her feet will get sore after a long day at work as a groom, and producing youngsters. “My club foot does still affect my riding as I will never have a full range of flexibility through my ankles and this affects me putting my heels down far enough.

“But a couple of months ago, we were redoing the house and going through the attic and my mum found a duffle bag and said ‘Open it’. It was full of my old splints and casts, models of my feet from when I was a baby, and I just fell apart.

“I’d spent so many years ignoring it and pretending it wasn’t there but I thought ‘This did happen’, and that I was done ignoring it. I want to tell people and help people, and say: ‘You can do it’. I was struggling with flying changes the other day as I can’t get my foot in the right place but my mum set the exercise up differently and I did it 10 times in a row so it’s all about adjusting things to a way people can do it.

“ I could not be prouder of Glen and myself, knowing all the pain and tears over the years have been worth it. Our next goal is to qualify and hopefully compete at Badminton grassroots, and continue to produce my clients’ young horses to a high standard.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘We must keep doing the things we love’: Badminton grassroots rider speaks up about menopause

Becky Murray — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 20:33:02 +0000

A 55-year-old rider who will compete at the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships at Badminton Horse Trials this spring has urged others not to give up doing what they love because of the menopause – and to seek support dealing with the symptoms.

Rachel Fisher, from Surrey, qualified for Badminton with her 17-year-old Irish sport horse Sidney Rebel at Blindley Heath in August last year. Rachel has owned Sidney since he was a four-year-old, and the pair event up to BE100 level. This is the second time Rachel will compete at Badminton, having completed the BE90 final in 2019 with a double clear.

Rachel told H&H she started experiencing symptoms of the menopause aged 52, and this started to affect her riding and confidence.

“The first thing I started noticing was joint aches, which I know is common with riders anyway, but I was struggling to get my leg on properly. Another common thing with menopause can be frozen shoulder, and I’ve found I really struggle with one of my shoulders when I’m riding,” she said.

“I noticed my confidence slipping, and I’d find myself sometimes looking at things and thinking ‘Do I really want to jump that?’. I’d think ‘I don’t recognise myself, that’s not how I used to be’. Brain fog is also a big thing; I’ve found I need to walk courses three or four times to really make sure I’ve got it in my head, and I never used to have to do that.”

At the beginning of the year Rachel, who runs a gardening business, started working with personal trainer Frankie Clutterbuck of ProRiderFitness, who takes a holistic approach to rider health and fitness, and offers a “PowerNotPause” toolkit and coaching system for those going through peri–menopause and the menopause.

“We first spoke about nutrition and me feeding my body properly. I’m always in a rush, with work, four horses, dogs and a family, and my lunch would often be a chocolate bar or crisps,” said Rachel, who added that she was also not staying hydrated enough.

“Frankie encouraged me to make all my lunches for the week ahead, and suggested linking my water intake to doing something. For some it might be whenever you empty a wheelbarrow you take a drink, and for me it’s whenever I get in the car between clients I make sure I have a bottle with me. Water is really good for lubricating the joints and staying hydrated and it really does make you feel better.”

Rachel and Sidney. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Rachel has also been working with Frankie on her fitness. Rachel sees Frankie once a week, and has an exercise programme she does at home.

“We looked at which is my stronger and weaker side, and that definitely corresponds to Sidney’s stronger and weaker side. I was given strengthening exercises and I also do weights, with the aim to get my core stronger and my legs equal in strength,” said Rachel.

“We also considered whether I’m breathing properly when I’m doing a showjumping or cross-country round. The answer is probably no because I always end up blue in the face, so we’ve been working on breathing exercises and things to release and move my neck, which gets really stiff when I’m competing.”

Rachel has urged other riders to talk about the menopause with each other, and to seek help dealing with the symptoms.

“A lot of my friends have stopped competing because they’ve lost confidence, and the brain fog has kicked in. We need to try and help ourselves to keep doing the things we love, and not give up,” said Rachel.

“You do so much for your horse, like paying for physio and spending time getting them fit, you look at their nutrition and everything else, but I don’t think enough of us think about our own health and fitness.

“I think it’s really important to speak to each other and recognise that a lot of us are feeling the same. There’s a lot of help and support in just knowing other people are going through something similar. We can do things like walk the course together, do it three or four times to really get it in our heads, and if someone has had a confidence knock then there’s also no shame in stepping down a level and enjoying it.”

Rachel will continue working on her fitness and nutrition as she prepares for Badminton in May. She is competing in memory of her long-term friend Kristi Lane, who died from cancer in June 2023 aged 54.

Rachel is raising money for Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity, which organised visits for Kristi to Carl Hester’s and Pippa Funnell’s yards before her death. The charity was set up by young eventer Hannah Francis, who died from cancer in March 2016.

Kristi meeting Valegro at Carl Hester’s yard. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It was in 2019, just after Kristi had come to watch me compete at Badminton, that she found out she had cancer. She struggled with it for four years or so, and I told her before she passed away that if I got to Badminton this year, I would do it for her. Then I did qualify and I decided I wanted to raise money for Willberry Wonder Pony, who were so brilliant with Kristi before she died,” said Rachel.

Visit Rachel’s JustGiving page

“Kristi loved Badminton and she had a very close-knit group of friends known as the ‘Pony Mafia’ who have visited Badminton for the last 20 years. It was always a highlight of Kristi’s year, and they’ll be there remembering her this year. Kristi was a real trooper, and I know she’ll be cheering me on from up there.”

‘I watch in wonder’: 12-year-old rider qualifies for Badminton grassroots on mum’s 16.2hh

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:38:36 +0000

A 12-year-old rider and her mother’s 16.2hh mare have qualified for the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships at Badminton Horse Trials in their first season of eventing.

Natasha Crapper and Deborah Crapper’s Kilcorban My Fair Lady (Flo) came 12th of 110 starters at the BE90 three-day event at Bicton (18-22 October), earning their ticket to Badminton next spring.

“It hasn’t really sunk in,” Natasha told H&H. “Qualifying was the ultimate goal of the season but it was a bit unrealistic, to be honest. It was our first three-day event, so we were just hoping to complete. Qualifying was slightly a bonus!”

Natasha and Flo were 10th after dressage, on a score of 30.3.

“Then cross-country day came,” Natasha said. “There were roads and tracks, which was a big thing, and it was a very technical and up-to-height course. I got a bit confuddled and had to do an extra loop and go outside the tape in the steeplechase so I picked up 5.6 time-faults and I was a bit devastated because it was my mistake. But you live and learn, and everything else, she absolutely flew.”

Natasha said the showjumping track the next day was also up to height, and “causing problems”.

“We were one of only 18 to jump clear,” she said. “It’s been utter amazement. It’s our first season eventing, and my first, and we’ve had so much help but everything went to plan.

“I got quite nervous going into the showjumping but it’s great to know you’re on such a safe, happy, reliable horse.”

Natasha said it had been “quite a leap of faith” to move on to Flo when she had outgrown her previous pony and Deborah was unable to find a suitable ride for her.

“But it couldn’t have gone any better,” she said. “She’s so sweet and honest. It’s a two-way partnership and she’s the best.”

Picture by ESP-Photographic (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Deborah and Natasha have no transport so had to borrow a friend’s lorry to get to the event, entry for which was a present for Natasha’s 13th birthday, next month.

“It’s amazing,” Deborah told H&H. “I sent my friend Angela Meade a picture afterwards and she replied: ‘So dreams really do come true’. I don’t think Natasha realises what an achievement it is.”

Deborah said her daughter and Flo have had a “ridiculous” summer, including winning at the Pony Club and the schools’ eventing championships and coming third in the Cotswold Cup final before she even headed to Bicton.

“She’d have won there without those time-faults,” Deborah said. “I was so desperately hoping she’d qualify because my goodness, she deserves it, and that mare is an angel. It’s been absolutely incredible.

“I just watch them in wonderment. I’m super-proud but it’s that lovely relationship they’ve got, and Natasha just enjoys being with the horse. She has no idea how well she’s done.”

The family, including Flo, will now “have a bit of a rest”, then start preparing for Badminton, including their attempts to find some sponsorship.

“She’s clearly got the ability and I’d like to do my best to support her,” Deborah said. “It hasn’t quite sunk in what a fantastic season she’s had.”

‘Oh my gosh, I’ve won!’ 13-year-old rider tops Badminton qualifier

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:42:40 +0000

A 13-year-old rider who will be competing at Badminton grassroots next spring says her incredible achievement has not yet quite sunk in.

Tichy Sanders and Camilla Albery’s Sparhanger Velvet saw off 105 other combinations to top the three-day qualifier at Bicton Arena (18-22 October), securing their place at the 2024 Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships.

The pair were fifth going into the showjumping on the final day but jumped clear to rise to the top of the podium, finishing on their dressage score of 30.8.

“It’s quite surreal really!” Tichy told H&H. “If anyone had said I’d qualify for Badminton, I would definitely not have believed them.”

Tichy, who turns 14 at the end of November, competed Camilla’s mare Jackets Veracity (Freya) last season, and was delighted when Camilla offered her the “amazing opportunity” to ride Velvet as well. Her 2023 season included competing at the BE80(T) championships at Bramham on Freya, finishing 15th, then taking both mares to Bicton.

“Bramham was amazing, but I’ve always wanted to go to Badminton,” she said. “It’s always been the dream. On the way to Bicton, I was thinking ‘Anything could happen’. Showjumping always seems to let us down; we’ll be in the lead and have poles, so I just thought ‘It’ll be what it will be’.”

Tichy was very pleased with Velvet’s dressage, despite some enthusiasm in the canter – “She was all ‘Cross-country now, cross-country now’!” – but was unsure what the mare would make of the roads and tracks and steeplechase, which she had not done before.

“I thought I’d just give it my best shot, and she absolutely loved the steeplechase,” Tichy said. “I think she was a bit confused on the roads and tracks, to see people coming the other way, but she was awesome, and she flew round the cross-country.”

Going into the showjumping, Tichy and Velvet were in fifth place.

“I thought that was amazing, and just to go for it,” she said. “If I kept fifth, I knew I’d be going to Badminton, which would be incredible. She jumped clear and I was elated, because we were going.”

Then other riders had faults, and Tichy and Velvet crept up the order.

“When the last person went in, I knew I was second, which was incredible, then I thought ‘Oh my gosh. I’ve won,” Tichy said. “I didn’t really believe it. Mum and Camilla, who are so supportive, were very happy too, to say the least!”

Velvet, who Tichy said is a mare who likes to spook out hacking, and always wants to be in the spotlight, has one more schools arena eventing competition, then will have a winter holiday. And next year, preparation will start for Badminton.

“It’s surreal,” Tichy said. “I think when we’re driving up the road to Badminton, it will hit me. A huge thank you to everyone; Mum, Dad, Camilla – this wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Tiny young rider on 16.2hh mare takes first step towards Badminton grassroots

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 17:39:27 +0000

A 12-year-old rider has qualified for the regional championships with dreams of Badminton in her first British Eventing season – on her mother’s 16.2hh mare.

Natasha Crapper and Deborah Crapper’s Kilcorban My Fair Lady (Flo) jumped double clear in their first two BE90 events, at West Wilts and Little Gatcombe on 10 and 17 June, and are now eyeing the second stage of qualifying for the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships at Badminton Horse Trials.

“She’s been going to Badminton for years, and the idea that she could be at the grassroots there next May is crazy – and she’s 12!” Deborah told H&H. “She’s a really cool customer, but when she finished at Gatcombe and I said she’d qualified, she burst into tears.”

Natasha first sat on a pony, a Shetland called Tom who would “buck and stick his head down, and all that sort of thing”, aged about two, but started riding properly in 2019, on sainted loan pony Charlie.

“She learned pretty much everything on him, but last year it was time for him to go home and retire,” Deborah said. “Horse prices were crazy and I couldn’t find an in-between one so I said that for the time being, she could ride Flo. Natasha is tiny and skinny and Flo’s a proper medium-bone Irish horse so it was a silly idea but I swear Flo knows Natasha’s my baby. She looks after her like you wouldn’t believe. When you go anywhere, people say ‘She’s so tiny’ but they’ve got a loveliness together.”

Deborah said the pair’s first event was a Cotswold Cup 80cm this spring.

“They went up the centre line and turned the wrong way,” she said. “Natasha’s clever but doesn’t know her left from right. She burst into tears and I thought ‘Oh my god’. But I swear, if the horse could have, she’d have turned round and comforted her.”

The pair came third in that event, then took on some under-18 BE90 classes.

“And now she’s qualified for the regionals, which I can’t quite believe; she could be at Badminton aged 13,” Deborah said.

“She’s got to get through the regionals but the horse is so sweet with her, they jump double clears and can do a decent test, so I wouldn’t put it past them.”

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Deborah herself rode as a child, then got back into it when she moved out of London aged 31. She “knew nothing about Richard Meade” but “invited myself round there”, starting a long friendship with the family.

The Meades helped Deborah find a horse, with whom she evented up to intermediate, then stopped riding after she married, and became pregnant.

“I married a Crapper, which Angela [Meade] said was the funniest thing ever,” she said. “I said it wasn’t that funny, and she said ‘It is’! I ended up divorcing him, and it was a horrible divorce, and my good friend Fiona Hobby said ‘Let’s get you a horse’. I had four young children and no time, and she said ‘Get one quick’. I told her to sell Flo a couple of times because I was skint and she said ‘You can’t afford to sell her, she’s your sanity’. And I’m so glad now.”

Deborah added that she wishes Richard were still alive to see Natasha on Flo.

“Every time they go out, they’re getting better and better,” she said. “Her dream, and mine, is Badminton, and it is possible.”

Meet Mikey: the 20-year-old 14.2hh supercob who jumped clear at Badminton

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 13 May 2023 18:51:59 +0000

Meet Mikey, the 14.2hh 20-year-old supercob who jumped clear round Badminton.

Star X, as he is known for British Eventing (BE), and his owner Morven Ritchie travelled for nine hours from their home in north Ayrshire, Scotland, to compete in the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships – and it was worth every minute.

“I came through the finish line and couldn’t keep the smile off my face,” Morven told H&H. “It was absolutely amazing.”

Morven was 13 when Mike arrived, eight years ago.

“I wasn’t looking for a pony but Mum saw his ad and said ‘What about this one?’” Morven said. “I said ‘For what’!

“We got him on loan for six months and it went well, and when he came up for sale, we bought him.”

Morven said she had not bought Mikey to event, or even compete at all.

“But he was this amazing wee pony,” she said. “We did Pony Club, and all-round things, and I started doing one-day events. He was quite good, so we did a couple of BE on a ticket, to see what it was all about.”

Morven and Mikey’s first full affiliated season was 2019 and they have since competed up to BE100, with a host of podium finishes. They qualified for Badminton by finishing second at Blair last August.

“I’d done a few qualifiers but never thought we’d do it; I didn’t want to get my hopes up,” she said. “It was amazing to come second, then there was the stress of making sure he was ok all winter!”

Mikey was fine, as proved by his and Morven’s fifth and ninth places at Kirriemuir and Forgandenny last month, then they set off for Gloucestershire last week, in their one saddle they use for all three phases, their snaffle, cavesson and bare feet behind.

They scored 32.9 in the dressage and the showjumping did not go entirely to plan, Morven said, they jumped clear inside the time across country.

“I wasn’t bothered about penalties or going inside the time; my aim was to finish,” she said. “So to go clear inside the time was just amazing. It was a challenging course and I’d thought we’d have issues but crossing the finish line felt surreal. He absolutely loved it too.”

Morven has since been deluged with messages of support, and from people she and Mikey have inspired.

“I got one message from someone who said all the girls at her riding school were so excited because a pony who looks like the ones they ride has gone round Badminton,” she said. “I think that’s amazing. All the thoroughbreds and warmbloods that go round, people can’t relate to and think ‘That might be me one day’, but now they can.

“Some cobs aren’t suited to jumping but take things on an individual basis; he’s amazing at it and if I’d said ‘No cobs’, it would have taken a massive opportunity away, for not wanting a horse who looks like that.”

Mikey will now have a holiday, then head to Hopetoun next month, but Morven has not planned more than that as her one goal was Badminton.

“I’m not bothered about qualifying again, although that would be amazing, as he’ll be 21 next year so we’ll just see how it goes and have fun,” she said. “That’s what I’ve always set out to do.”

‘We knew it would be tight!’ From giving birth to Badminton in seven weeks

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 06 May 2023 19:51:59 +0000

A rider who told her midwife between contractions “We’ve got to get on, Badminton is in seven weeks!” completed the Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships less than two months later.

Jess Robinson gave birth to her first child, Teddy, on 15 March, and on 4 May, she and Shannondale Annie came out of the start box at Badminton.

Jess told H&H she was seven weeks’ pregnant when she and Annie qualified, at Frickley last August, but she was determined to ride in the final.

“We knew it would be very, very tight!” she said. “But I had to do it.”

Jess said her pregnancy went smoothly, and after she stopped riding at 30 weeks – “although I did get back on at 38 weeks to try to get things moving, which didn’t work!” – eventer Holly Richardson, whose horses are on the same yard as Jess, took over.

“She very kindly kept Annie going,” Jess said. “So at least one of us was prepared!

“My labour was about 10 hours and the midwife said ‘Should be here shortly’. Between contractions, I said ‘We’ve got to get on as Badminton is in seven weeks’, and the look on their faces said it all!”

In the end, Jess had to have an emergency cesarean, but was back on board a few weeks later. Neither she nor Annie had properly run since Frickley; they did go to Blair but Jess pulled up as she was “very conscious of being pregnant and being sensible”.

Picture by 1st Class Images (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I took her cross-country schooling on Sunday [30 April] but didn’t go round, we probably jumped about 12 fences,” she said.

“But when we went, it was amazing. On paper it wasn’t the perfect day; we did an average dressage and got 38.5 but she knows the score and gets very excited, then clear showjumping, which was amazing. We had two really silly run-outs on the last part of the cross-country when I was a bit out of puff, but she was fantastic.

“I just wanted to cross the finish line; when I walked the course, I thought no way but with the number of spectators, cheering you on, it felt like you were going round the CCI5*.”

Teddy was there too, supporting his mum, and Jess was delighted to have done it.

“Some people said why didn’t I just try to qualify next year,” she said. “But there was nothing to say I would have done so I had to take the chance, and it was absolutely worth it.”

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you are interested in watching the five-star class from Badminton Horse Trials live from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. To sign up, visit watch.badminton-horse.tv – click the “Sign Up” link in the top right corner of your screen, then follow the instructions. An annual subscription to Badminton TV costs £19.99 and gives you 365 days of access to all of the content in the Badminton TV library, the ability to watch the action live, and the option to replay all of this year’s action later.

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‘We followed two 17hh horses in’: pony tops BE100 grassroots championships

Julie Harding — Fri, 05 May 2023 14:28:33 +0000

In a battle boasting echoes of that between David and Goliath, a 14.2hh gelding called Annandale Idris trounced the opposition to claim victory in the Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships results at BE100, despite almost every other rival towering over him.

The son of Ewyn Dorian was piloted by Kate Raynor, who admitted: “I’m only 5ft tall, so I don’t swamp him. We followed two 17hh-plus horses into the dressage arena, though, and I was worried he would look like a Shetland by comparison, but he gave it his best shot. He’s by a Welsh section C stallion out of a thoroughbred mare, meaning that he’s got a tiny Welsh body on top of thoroughbred legs!”

On the final leaderboard for the grassroots championships results at BE100, this pair ended up two penalties clear of Jane Rogers and Corrieview Merlin Magic, who were making their fifth and most successful appearance at this contest, while Katie Wood and Solitaire King were a further 1.4 penalties off the pace in third.

This trio finished on their dressage scores, as indeed did the entire top 12, but such perfection at the head of affairs disguised the fact that Glen Mac Robert Smith’s showjumping track and James Willis’s cross-country course exerted a huge influence on the 56-strong field and the cream was truly able to rise to the top.

Badminton final scores

“The beginning of the cross-country was incredibly intense,” said the winner, in part referring to the tricky nature of fence seven, the Voltaire Design Hollow, a rail-ditch-rail complex, which, looking at the analysis sheet, perhaps deserved the title of “bogey” as it was responsible for 11 spoiled scoresheets.

However, the pint-sized Annandale Idris made light of every jumping effort.

“He got better as we went round,” said Kate. “I was worried whether he would be fit enough, as he’s not had many runs, but he stepped up to the plate.”

Kate, who lives in Yatton Keynell, just a stone’s throw from this eventing Mecca, produces horses and works as a freelance riding coach, including part-time at Stonar School, while she is also a part-time foaling assistant at West Kington stud.

“I spend a lot of time wishing that there were more than 24 hours in a day,” she smiled, echoing the thoughts of the majority of these true amateurs who virtually all juggle jobs with family and horses.

Runner-up Jane Rogers, for example, is a part-time bookkeeper and she also regularly supplies her sister’s Burrow Farm Gardens’ tea room with scones.

“I had to make 400 before I left for Badminton,” said the 58-year-old, whose son, Tim, is an event rider.

The striking 16-year-old home-bred Corrieview Merlin Magic is, in fact, responsible for dragging Jane out of competitive retirement.

“Tim broke him in and did a few competitions. At that point, I’d given up and wasn’t jumping. Then, when Tim went to work for Harry Meade and left me with a load of home-breds, I tried to sell Magic. Tim asked me why, and so I changed my mind and came out of retirement to ride him.”

Katie Wood will be sitting her first A level in two weeks’ time, but she admitted that the grassroots championships had provided a brief respite from the intensity of studies. The 17-year-old boards at Sedbergh School in Cumbria and she credited her mother, Cilla Backhouse, with her podium finish as Cilla puts in all the work with the seven-year-old Solitaire King while her daughter is away from home.

“I really didn’t expect him to go this well,” Katie said. “It’s also my first time here; I’ve never even spectated at Badminton.”

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you are interested in watching the five-star class Badminton Horse Trials live from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. To sign up, visit watch.badminton-horse.tv – click the “Sign Up” link in the top right corner of your screen, then follow the instructions. An annual subscription to Badminton TV costs £19.99 and gives you 365 days of access to all of the content in the Badminton TV library, the ability to watch the action live, and the option to replay all of this year’s action later.

Bitless bridle for showjumping helps BE90 grassroots championships winner to top spot

Julie Harding — Fri, 05 May 2023 13:02:53 +0000

The aptly named Goodluck II (Ronnie) carried Amy Dixon to the top of the Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships results with a BE90 victory in the 102-strong class.

The Kendal-based rider also won the inaugural grassroots contest at this venue in 2010 aboard Maid In Holland.

“I’ve lived on that win for 13 years,” said Amy, from Cumbria. “I never expected to come back. It takes a lot of time and emotional effort to get here, and horses are only a hobby.”

Ronnie was bred for dressage, being by Metall, the sire of Carl Hester’s London 2012 Olympic team gold medallist Uthopia.

Badminton final scores

“I bought Ronnie unbroken as a four-year-old from a video. When he came off the lorry I thought I’d bought a pony, but thankfully he’s matured to 15.2hh,” said Amy, who helps to run the family business, The Bluebird Cafe.

When Amy Dixon first took Goodluck II showjumping, an onlooker told her that his technique was akin to “a spider being thrown across a room”.

It didn’t come naturally to him, but the 39-year-old rider feels like she has now found a key to this phase in the form of a hackamore. Amy had one made by her local saddler, Jenny Inman, and Goodluck II seems to have taken to it like a proverbial duck to water.

“He’s an anxious horse and he’s not only sensitive to the bit, he also likes to chew it,” explained Amy. “I have a tendency to go to my hand and not my leg, which hasn’t helped. I’ve had jumping lessons from Simon Buckley, plus James Sommerville, and this training, coupled with taking the bit away, has really helped us.”

An excited Katie Brickman, an equine vet from Yorkshire, scooped the runner-up spot in the Grassroots Championships results at BE90 aboard Greenkeld’s Moondance, 1.6 cross-country time-faults thwarting her quest for the top spot. Eight-year-old “Millie” is home-bred, by Grafenstolz.

“We gave her the prefix Greenkeld’s because that was the name of my granddad’s house and he was the one who gave me some money towards the stud fee that resulted in Millie,” said Katie, an employee of Ridings Equine Vets.

Holly Jessett, a teacher at Oxley Park Primary Academy in Milton Keynes, finished third with the 10-year-old Lombard Lad.

“He used to buck a lot,” said Holly. “If I got too close to someone jumping in the cross-country warm-up he would buck. He got me off once and ran back to the lorry park.”

Jane Rogers led the dressage with Corrieview Oscar, but eight showjumping faults saw them slip from contention.

Influencer Megan Elphick’s superstar status was confirmed when her large fan club gave her the most resounding cheer as she galloped through the final phase finish aboard Commons Delight, fourth. She also finished seventh on Jamelia.

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

‘A lot of questions’: see all the fully dressed fences on Badminton’s grassroots championships BE100 cross-country course

Polly Bryan — Thu, 04 May 2023 18:14:57 +0000

Check out the full Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships course for the cross-country phase of the 2022 BE100 competition, held on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 May.

This course, designed by James Willis, has been described by former five-star eventer Paul Tapner as “a strong championship course” with “a lot of questions” – are you up for the challenge?

Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships course, BE100

Fence 1: BE Log Pile

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Badminton final scores

Fence 2: Tuckwell’s Table

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Fence 3: KBIS Wall

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Fence 4: Voltaire Design Brush

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Fence 5: British Horse Foundation Trakehner

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Fence 6: Badminton Beam

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Fence 7abc: Voltaire Design Hollow

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Fence 8ab: Lightsource bp Solar Farm

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Fence 9: Bedmax Ditch Brush

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Fence 10: Equireel Log Trunk

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Fence 11ab: Air Ambulances UK Brush

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Fence 12: Spillers Open Oxer

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Fence 13: Brewers Drays

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Fence 14 and 15: World Horse Welfare Stables

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Fence 16ab: Bloomfields Horseboxes Gates

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Fence 17: CrossCountry App Table

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Fence 18abc: Voltaire Design Lake

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Fence 19: Voltaire Design Saddle

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Fence 20: Retraining Of Racehorses Brush

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Fence 21ab: Mars Equestrian Tree Trunks

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Fence 22: Voltaire Design Horseshoe

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How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you are interested in watching Badminton Horse Trials five-star action live from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, then you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. To sign up, visit watch.badminton-horse.tv – click the “Sign Up” link in the top right corner of your screen, then follow the instructions. An annual subscription to Badminton TV costs £19.99 and gives you 365 days of access to all of the content in the Badminton TV library, the ability to watch the five-star action live, and the option to replay all of this year’s five-star action later. This service does not include coverage of the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships.

‘A proper test’: see all the fully dressed fences on Badminton’s grassroots championships BE90 cross-country course

Polly Bryan — Thu, 04 May 2023 17:11:08 +0000

Check out the full Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships course for the cross-country phase of the 2022 BE90 competition, held on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 May.

This course, designed by James Willis, has been described by former five-star eventer Paul Tapner as “a proper test” – what do you make of it?

Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships course, BE90

Fence 1: BE Log Pile

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Badminton final scores

Fence 2: Tuckwell’s Table

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Fence 3: KBIS Wall

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Fence 4: Voltaire Design Brush

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Fence 5: British Horse Foundation Trakehner

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Fence 6: Badminton Beam

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Fence 7abc: Voltaire Design Hollow

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Fence 8ab: Lightsource bp Solar Farm

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Fence 9: Bedmax Ditch Brush

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Fence 10: Equireel Log Trunk

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Fence 11ab: Air Ambulances UK Brush

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Fence 12: Spillers Open Oxer

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Fence 13: Brewers Drays

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Fence 14 and 15: World Horse Welfare Stables

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Fence 16ab: Bloomfields Horseboxes Gates

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Fence 17: CrossCountry App Table

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Fence 18abc: Voltaire Design Lake

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Fence 19: Voltaire Design Saddle

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Fence 20: Retraining Of Racehorses Brush

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Fence 21ab: Mars Equestrian Tree Trunks

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Fence 22: Voltaire Design Horseshoe

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How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

Meet Badminton five-star first-timer Hollie Swain whose ride was third in the BE90 Grassroots Championship

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 03 May 2023 15:32:59 +0000

After a solid debut at five-star level in 2022, a first crack at Badminton Horse Trials, presented by Mars Equestrian (4–8 May), seems the next logical step for New Zealand event rider Hollie Swain. But the 34-year-old, who has been based in Surrey since 2015, describes the prospect of riding at the Gloucestershire five-star as a “weird thing”.

Hollie will be riding Solo, a 17.2hh 14-year-old, who she has been eventing since 2017.

“Through the years with Solo I’ve had those moments of thinking, ‘oh, maybe he might be the one to take me to Badminton’,” she says. “Then you have ups and downs, but there’s a little bit of you that holds on to hope because he’s so scopey that you think he might be the one.”

Hollie says that she has “worked in the process” of producing Solo to the top level and has “ticked the boxes” through their seasons together.

“Then all of a sudden I was thinking ‘maybe we’ll put an entry in’ and then all of a sudden, we’re packing the lorry the day before and thinking ‘is this really happening?’”

Badminton final scores

Solo, who is Danish-bred, was sourced from Denmark by his owners, John and Janette Bodenham and Emily Botsaris, and was originally produced in the sport by Emily Taggart. This won’t be Solo’s first time at Badminton as Emily Taggart competed him in the BE90 Grassroots Championship in 2016, finishing third.

“It’s quite crazy because Solo has gone full circle,” says Hollie. “I watched the DVD of him competing in the Grassroots Championship with his owners a few months ago and it was hilarious. I hope he remembers how good he was the last time he competed at Badminton!”

Hollie explains that Solo can be a little hot-headed and is very much “a creature of habit”.

“He doesn’t like change and it’s always been a case of working with that, but also adapting with it as well, which is a challenge in itself.

“It’s been a case of being aware that he very much is a creature of habit, but then obviously trying balance that with producing him in the way that you would like a normal horse to go at the same time.”

Hollie and Solo completed two five-star events last year at Luhmühlen and Burghley, finishing 18th and 28th respectively.

“I felt after Luhmühlen and Burghley that he understood his job so much more,” says Hollie. “He’s a horse that has got a mile of scope and a mile of stride, and he’s gained confidence within that doing those big events. In turn, that has given me confidence. I’ve always believed in him, he just needed to believe in himself. He was made for five-star as he relishes bigger tracks.”

Hollie Swain: ‘I would have never have had a clue that one day I may be riding there’

Hollie was born in Gore on South Island in New Zealand and comes from a family of racehorse trainers. She began competing through the Pony Club and started eventing at the age of 14. After school, she gained a degree in environmental science at Auckland University and during her time there, took time out, riding and competing in Atlanta, Georgia, for three months.

On her return from Georgia, she worked for Jock Paget and Frances Stead at Muriwai Beach. In 2012, she relocated to the UK to take up a rider’s role at Jock’s yard in Wiltshire, before setting up on her own in Surrey.

“I’ve been to Badminton before – I groomed for Jock there and also on a school hockey trip over to the UK around 15 years ago – a photo popped up on my Facebook memories recently of a school friend and myself on ponies stood in the Badminton Lake when we came over on that trip,” says Hollie. “I would have never have had a clue that one day I may be riding there in the five-star!”

In terms of aims at Badminton, Hollie says that she will “take each day as it comes”.

“I would love to tick off the three days, and just getting the experience and hopefully next year we could be back there, but as we know with horses, you sort of take each run as it comes and what will be, will be.”

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

If you are interested in watching Badminton Horse Trials live from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. To sign up, visit watch.badminton-horse.tv – click the “Sign Up” link in the top right corner of your screen, then follow the instructions. An annual subscription to Badminton TV costs £19.99 and gives you 365 days of access to all of the content in the Badminton TV library, the ability to watch the action live, and the option to replay all of this year’s action later.

Horse who ‘ripped ligament off’ heads to Badminton – with rider who severed hand tendons

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 18:51:03 +0000

An eventer who was told she might not ride again when she severed the tendons in her hand is heading to Badminton – on a horse who has overcome a potentially career-ending injury, and kissing spines.

Equine vet Katie Brickman and Black Jack V will contest the BE100 Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships at Badminton Horse Trials, presented by Mars Equestrian, next month.

Katie told H&H she bought “Flash” as a green four-year-old, nine years ago. She started eventing him with success but in 2017 she was injured at work – and Flash in the field.

“It was not a good year!” she said.

“I was giving out some antibiotics and where I worked then, they used glass bottles. I slipped walking across the yard and landed on the bottle with my left hand. It went into my palm and shattered.”

The glass had severed not only an artery in her wrist but also all the tendons in Katie’s left hand, in multiple places.

“I had to have emergency surgery and they repaired the tendons as much as they could,” she said. “I couldn’t move my fingers for four to five weeks because of the risk of the repairs rupturing; if they had, the doctors wouldn’t have been able to do anything. They said they didn’t know if I’d be able to use my hand properly, to ride or operate or anything.”

At the point Katie was injured, Flash was fit and ready for a season’s eventing. But because he has his quirks, Katie said, she did not think anyone else should ride him while she was out of action.

“It was probably because he was fit and not doing anything,” she said. “I went to see him, me in my cast and him pretty much on three legs.”

Scans showed Flash had ruptured his middle patella ligament in his left stifle joint, a rare injury that can be caused by a horse “doing the splits”.

“He’d completely ripped it off the bone,” Katie said. “My friend who’s also a vet said he’d never be sound again, and talked about putting him to sleep. But I absolutely adore that horse – you love them all but he’s so special – that I wanted to try.”

Box rest followed for both Katie and Flash, the former undergoing a second operation and painful physiotherapy, the latter having treatment including stem cell therapy and PRP.

“It was pretty stressful,” Katie said. “Me and Mum do a lot together and we said if he wasn’t coping, we’d make the decision, but once he realised what was going on, he was ok.

“I spent a lot of time sitting in the stable with him; my colleagues thought I was crazy because I’d be driving round on jobs and stop to pick grass for him to help keep him entertained – and both of us returned to eventing 18 months later.”

Katie had built Flash back up to full work very slowly, and he won three BE80(T) events and one at BE90 the next season.

Picture by Iain B Images (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He came back,” she said. “I remember worrying as we did more; the first time we jumped and went cross-country schooling, but he never looked back. I remember going out across country feeling elated; I didn’t care how we did, it was that feeling of being back out with him. I’d missed it for so long, I was buzzing, and I just cried the whole time. There’s nothiing quite like it, and he loved it too.”

In 2019 they qualified for the Badminton grassroots final but 2020 was lost to Covid, then the next year, Katie thought Flash was not quite right.

“He came ninth at Buckminster in the BE100 but he was chipping in a bit across country and didn’t seem comfortable,” she said. “I switched to my vet head at home, X-rayed and he had kissing spines, in nine spaces.”

Flash underwent a standing interspinous ligament desmotomy and after more rehab, was eventing again the next season. And last August, the pair qualified for Badminton.

“After I qualified, I took him to Blair and did the one-star, which was amazing, but Badminton has always been the dream,” Katie said. “I’d qualified another horse, Mary, in 2021 and she did a suspensory ligament in the February, so you can imagine what the last year has been like!”

But Katie will not only be travelling to Badminton with Flash; she has also qualified her eight-year-old mare Greenkeld’s Moondance (pictured, above) for the BE90 championship. She bred “Millie” out of Moonlight Matilda, a mare she had evented as a teenager, with the help of her mother Rachel Brickman and best friend Kim Richards of KR Equestrian.

“Tilly was really good jumping but didn’t really have the movement so we put her to Grafenstolz,” Katie said. “We were incredibly fortunate to get Tilly, but with his movement! I used to keep the horses at my grandparents’ house Greenkeld, before my granddad passed away, and she was born there. She’s named after the house, and my granddad helped me pay for the stud fee, so she’s kind of his legacy.”

Katie wanted to share her story to give hope to others suffering with equine lameness issues.

“It’s so disheartening and frustrating and you feel it’s never going to end, and you don’t know what to do for the best,” she said. “I just wanted to give people hope.”

You might also be interested in:

Walk the Badminton grassroots cross-country course: ‘The BE90 is tough – the BE100 riders need to bring their A game’

Carol Phillips — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 06:15:48 +0000

Grassroots eventers who are heading to Badminton for the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships (3-4 May) will need to be on top form and to have done their homework ready for the challenging Badminton grassroots cross-country course that awaits them.

Course-designer James Willis has produced two courses that incorporate many of the iconic features of the Badminton parkland, giving the 60-odd BE100 riders and over 110 BE90 competitors the chance to follow in the heroes’ footsteps.

Former five-star eventer Paul Tapner has walked the 2023 Badminton grassroots cross-country course and says: “I love that so many historic and current elements of the five-star course have been incorporated into the grassroots courses – the wall, the Keepers’ Brush ditch, the corral and the Lake.”

As with the five-star course, the grassroots course changes direction each year enabling the designer to keep the questions fresh. Mr Willis says the championships courses include more jumping efforts over a longer distance than riders would expect at a normal British Eventing competition at the level, so fitness of horse and rider will be key.

While the fences remain within the standard BE height dimensions for each level, the technicality of the questions being asked is harder. “So the BE100 riders should expect some fences with novice technicality over BE100 size fences,” he says.

Course-designer James Willis at the Lake standing beside a thick piece of timber that has been hollowed out, bolted back together and secured by MIM Clips. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The course running clockwise around the park gives competitors a longer walk down to the cross-country start area, with the chance for horses and riders to soak up the atmosphere. As Paul pointed out, whether or not that will help to settle their nerves will depend on the individual.

The more challenging terrain comes towards the first half of the course, which will suit some combinations better than others. Mr Willis explains: “The terrain plays a bigger role in the early part of the course, the technicality comes through the middle section and then we ease off. Riders will need to be switched on and get into it quite quickly.”

So what will the riders be facing? Scroll down to view all the fences in their undressed state. As usual, the BE90 fences have orange numbers, while the numbers for the BE100 course are pink.

The Badminton grassroots cross-country course

Fence 1 – BE Log Pile: both courses have a nice inviting fence to get started.

The start flags will be re-sited to mark the start before the competition gets underway. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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Fence 2 – Tuckwell’s Table: a decent sized table set off a slight bend, positioned on very slightly rising ground to put the horses’ hocks under them and help riders make a good job of it. It is quite an eyeful and will certainly get the BE100 horses up in the air, to help prepare them for the job ahead.

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Fence 3 – KBIS Wall: a wall with undulating ground on the approach, so will riders need to use their heads to plan their route.

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Paul says: “This jump is part of the same wall that the likes of Ginny Elliott and Ian Stark jumped across the corner in their heyday, which should make it an exciting moment for grassroots riders, but the difficulty here is the terrain on the approach.”

Fence 4 – Voltaire Design Brush: this follows quickly after landing from fence 3 and crossing the road. It is a brush fence on the top of the rise, with the ground dropping away on landing. The BE100 riders jump the right hand side, with BE90 competitors tackling the brush on the left.

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Paul explains: “There is a bit of work here for the riders early on the course, to find and hold their line, and they will need their legs on when they get there”.

Fence 5 – British Horse Foundation Trakehner: the BE90 riders then head slightly left down the hill to cross a bridge and jump a trakehner-like portable fence, which will have woodchips in the bottom of the structure to resemble a ditch.

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The BE100 riders follow a straighter line down the hill to the famous Keepers’ Brush ditch, which has been narrowed slightly and turned into a trakehner. The carved log was formerly used as a five-star fence at the road crossing, just before horses gallop back into the main arena. This is the first of a number of bravery questions on the course and the BE90 fence will be a black flag alternative for the BE100 course if needed.

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Fence 5 on the BE100 grassroots course is set over the famous Keepers’ Brush ditch. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fence 6 – Badminton Beam: after heading up rising ground, riders will come to this beam fence, which is designed to help them set up for the rail-ditch-rail combination (seen in the background of the image below), which brings you into the meat of the course.

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Fence 7ABC – Voltaire Design Hollow: this rail-ditch-rail question is a regular on the grassroots course, so it shouldn’t be a surprise for riders to see it again this year. The first challenge is to deal with the undulating ground on the approach to the first element. The BE90s then have a straight line through all three elements.

The line on the BE90 course (above) is straight through the three elements. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The first BE100 rail is at an angle to the ditch, which increases the technicality.

The line for the BE100 course at this fence is more challenging. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Paul Tapner says: “The BE90s have a fairly standard distance between the first rail and the ditch and the question is on a straight line. The BE100 is significantly more difficult, because of the line of approach and the rail is close to the left hand edge of the ditch, which might invite a run out, or a stop at the first element. It’s a good test.”

The ditch at B and the rail at C for both courses. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mr Willis says: “How we dress the rail-ditch-rail can make a big difference to how it rides. When the course runs in this direction it is slightly harder, as you have so much more terrain in the first half of the course, so we will likely dress this fence to make it a bit easier.”

Fence 8AB – Lightsource bp Solar Farm: having tackled the first combination on the course, there is no time to relax as riders head straight into a two-part combination fence. Competitors will face two scaled down “solar panels”, similar to those used on the five-star course, either side of a natural hollow in the ground, which will test their balance and security.

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Once again, as you would expect, the BE90 question is more straight-forward, with extra distance between the two elements, which are on a slight bending line to the right.

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The BE100 fences are on a shorter distance with the added challenge of low tree branches to contend with between the two jumps.

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Paul says: “This is a great example of why you should walk your course at the same time as you’re going to ride it. The sun is really reflecting off the solar panels right now and as a rider you need to be prepared for that.”

Fence 9 – Bedmax Ditch Brush: a decent brush bravery question with a natural ditch towards and solid ground rail in front. The ground rail on the BE90 fence makes the ditch look deeper than it is.

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For the BE100 course, the ditch and brush are on an angle making it an accuracy question too.

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Paul says: “This is a proper test to see if you’re on a brave cross-country horse. Most BE90 horses will jump their fence as long as their rider can hold their line, look up and keep riding, but for the BE100 you need a horse that is ready for a championship at that level, not just any BE100 horse.”

Fence 10 – Equireel Log Trunk: continuing the themes of testing bravery, control and the rider’s balance and security in the saddle, a fairly innocuous looking log is set just before the lip of some falling ground, which is quite steep for the BE100.

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The BE90 is a similar but easier question with more flat ground to land on before moving down a less steep slope towards another accuracy question on a right turn.

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Paul says: “Another bravery question, and the riders need security in their position. The horse needs to pop over nicely so they land on the flat ground. It’s a proper cross-country fence, but should be straight-forward on a brave horse.”

Riders then have to negotiate more undulating ground on the way to two skinny brush fences, which come up quickly after fence 10.

Fence 11AB – Air Ambulances UK Brush: once again the course designer has been clever with his placement of these fences. The BE100 on fence 11A is placed on the top of a hillock with the ground running sharply away on the right hand side. The distance from A to B walked on an open three strides, but how it rides will depend on how the horse jumps the first element.

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The BE90 question here is on flatter ground with more distance between the A and B elements, giving riders more options on the line they wish to take.

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Paul says: “Riders here need to react to what happens over the first fence, rather than expect to ride a set number of strides. If they have an up-down jump at the first, a slight bend in the line may help B come up easier. If you’ve had a few dodgy jumps along the way, this might be where the cumulative effect of that on the horse’s confidence is seen”.

After some serious accuracy questions, riders can look forward to a couple of big bold fences on the Badminton grassroots cross-country course.

Fence 12 – Spillers Open Oxer: open oxers fitted with MIM clips for both courses. The BE100 has a narrower front profile, but is not truly skinny so both the fences should ride well. From here riders head up the avenue towards Badminton House, but this isn’t the time to start admiring the view.

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Fence 13 – Wiltshire Brewers Drays: the haycarts are a straight-forward fence, but one of decent dimensions. The horses will have just pulled up the hill so Paul warns it’s likely they will “be starting to feel their lungs – and their riders may be starting to feel a little bit tired too”.

The “wings” of the haycarts will be fixed to each side when the course is dressed. The next question can be seen in the background. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fences 14 and 15 – World Horse Welfare Stables: two separately numbered solid houses and what Paul describes as a “very significant question”. Those hoping to be competitive will look to take the short route, which is to jump across the left-hand corner of the first house close to the white flag, then take a right hand turn to the second skinnier house out.

Course designer James Willis and Paul Tapner discuss fences 14 and 15 on the BE100 course. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The direct line on the BE100 course over fence 14 with fence 15 beyond the tree. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Those who are less experienced, feel their horses are running low on petrol, or who have had a few uncomfortable moments on course so far, may be wiser to jump the first house straight on, then circle without risk of penalties to jump the second house.

Fence 14 on the BE90 course, with fence 15 located behind the additional obstacles. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

On the BE90 direct route, there are some additional obstacles strategically placed between Fence 14 and 15 to help the rider find the ideal route and distance to Fence 15.

Fence 15 on the BE90 course showing the obstacles on the right hand side. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Paul says: “It’s important that riders have trained their horses to canter past jumps and other dressing on their approach to a fence without spooking or losing their attention, ready for situations like this.”

Fence 16AB – Bloomfield Horseboxes Gates: The Coronation Corral is a similar question to the one posed to the five-star riders, being two white upright gates on a turning line. The gates are pinned and the course will be strung so riders approach off a right hand turn that continues through the corral.

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Paul warns that while this fence looks straight-forward it “should not be disregarded in terms of difficulty”.

Riders then gallop across the park to the foot of the famous Badminton Lake on the Badminton grassroots cross-country course.

Fence 17 – CrossCountry App Table: a filled in oxer that acts as a set-up fence to get the horse’s attention before riders ask them to get their feet wet at the water.

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Fence 18ABC – Voltaire Design Lake: For the BE90 competitors, a beautifully carved swan is set just off the lip of the water, giving a small amount of dry land to land on before stepping straight into the water.

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The course then turns left (one of the few times riders turn left on the course) to a hanging rail, which has been hollowed out and is fitted with MIM clips at B, with the ground dropping away on landing.

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Continuing the left turn, a shoulder brush element at C completes the question here.

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For the BE100 riders, there is a small swan to jump in the water – a question that is rarely seen at BE100 level. An smoother curving line than the BE90 riders face brings them to the same hanging rail, followed a more challenging line to their shoulder brush on the left hand side at C.

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Because this is labelled ABC no circles are allowed between the fences so riders will need to really nail their line to complete without penalties.

Paul says: “This is one of the few places on the course where I think the BE90 question is more challenging for combinations of that level than the BE100 question is for its riders.”

The shoulder brush fences at 18C from the landing side. From this view the BE90 fence is on the left and the BE100 on the right (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Having jumped through the Lake, riders can enjoy heading into the home stretch of the Badminton grassroots cross-country course.

Fence 19 – Voltaire Design Saddle: the straight-forward saddles at fence 19 will be positioned to give the perfect photo opportunity as riders jump it with Badminton House in the background. This fence is framed by beautiful horse heads carved by Peter McGregor of the course building team.

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Fence 20 – Retraining of Racehorses Brush: having left the parkland behind them, riders can “run, jump and enjoy” this rolltop with brush behind, which looks far less imposing from the front profile than it does when viewed from the side. “Riders have now got the guts of the course behind them and they should get a good feeling over this fence,” says Paul.

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Fence 21AB – Mars Equestrian Tree Trunks: this final combination fence on the course utilises two trees that blew over in the park during a storm to form part A. Then a left turn brings you to a skinny triangular arrowhead that will have some brush on the back edge once the fences are dressed.

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Paul says: “I like the reuse of the trees and that they are not too dressed – there is no mistaking that they are a fallen tree. It reminds me of being a kid riding my pony in the woods finding fallen trees to jump, or now as an adult spotting things to jump while out in the car.

“I’m not surprised to see a triangular arrowhead on the course – I’m only surprised we didn’t have one earlier. It’s good that the course designer is testing riders all the way to the end of the course.”

Fence 22 – Voltaire Design horseshoe: a straightforward fence to finish, but riders shouldn’t relax too soon. Paul recommends riders “treat the finish flags as your last fence” to help keep their focus.

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Paul Tapner’s thoughts on 2023 grassroots challenge

“The BE100 is a strong championship course for the level – it’s not inappropriate, but there are a lot of questions to answer. The BE90 is a tough 90 track, but less technical, as you’d expect. With a good BE90 horse, you should be able to jump around. The BE100 riders need to be on their A game from fence three onwards. It’s a great championship course. The riders will have been preparing for this for a long time and it’s going to test the work they’ve done.”

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How to watch Badminton Horse Trials

Rider recovers from broken back to qualify for Badminton grassroots championships

Becky Murray — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 20:33:10 +0000

An event rider who broke her back in a fall a year ago is looking forward to making her Badminton debut at the BE90 grassroots championships in May.

British Horse Society accredited coach Eilidh Herd fell from her former racehorse Rossie when he spooked and took off broncing while she was schooling him on 30 December 2021.

Aberdeen-based Eilidh told H&H she was unable to get up but initially thought she had just winded herself.

“I lay there and took a few deep breaths and thought ‘I’ll be fine’. But then I still couldn’t get up,” she said.

Eilidh went to hospital and an X-ray showed she had broken her L1 vertebra.

“I’ve had injuries in the past and said ‘Don’t worry, I’m fine’, but I knew deep down this time there must be something wrong because I had actually gone to hospital,” said Eiidh.

“I was sent for a CT scan and was told the fracture was stable, so they didn’t need to operate. I was sent home with painkillers and told not to lift anything too heavy. It was quite a strange time as it was still during Covid when hospitals didn’t really want people in them, and so most of my follow-ups were done by telephone.”

Eilidh was still able to teach during her recovery but could not move poles and jumps, or offer riding or clipping.

“A lot of what I do in winter is keeping horses ticking over and clipping, so it really had a big impact on my work life for a few months, until I was able to do a bit more,” she said.

“At the time I had five horses at home, and although I wasn’t doing any heavy lifting I was still doing what I could – I’d have gone crackers otherwise. I had been told I was fine to be on my feet, and generally I was more comfortable walking than sitting; lying down was complete torture.”

When Eilidh was able to return to the saddle, she started on her small cob Annie.

“My confidence had been killed, but I wanted to get back on because I was convinced the longer I didn’t, the harder it was going to be. I didn’t want to let myself get to the point where I thought, ‘I’m never getting back on’,” she said. “I am very lucky because Annie is as safe as houses, she’s easy and doesn’t have a bad bone in her body and I knew she wouldn’t do anything silly.

“I built up riding again on Annie, then moved on to my other mare Bridget who’s also pretty sensible. Then later I started riding my event horse Eddie again.”

Eilidh built up her riding, and started physio sessions with Caroline Frew of Perform Chartered Physio, which she says made a “huge difference”. She also trained with dressage rider Charlie Hutton and five-star event rider Wills Oakden, to help build her confidence back up.

Although she had no plan to event last year while she continued her recovery, when Burgie Horse Trials announced its 2022 summer event would be its final one after 45 years, Eilidh did not want to miss it and put in a last-minute entry for herself and Eddie (Zuccheros Deff Leppard).

“Burgie was where I rode my first event in 2005, so I had to go to their last. I did it, and after that I thought we could probably manage another, and then we ended up winning the BE90 at Glamis Castle,” she said.

“After Glamis everyone convinced me to do the Scottish Grassroots Eventing Festival at Blair Castle in August, so we did that and we came third.”

A number of weeks later Eilidh received notification that she had qualified for the BE90 Badminton Grassroots Championships. She and Eddie had previously qualified for the 2020 event, the year Badminton was cancelled to Covid.

“I thought only the winner at Blair qualified, but it turned out the top three did so it was a complete surprise. I told a couple of friends and they said ‘You have to go!’,” she said.

“It’s going to be a long drive that we’ll need to split over a couple of days but my friend Anna Miller has agreed to come and support me. Hopefully the weather will be kind over the next few weeks and we manage to do a bit more riding.

“It’s all really exciting. The plan is to get him fit and get to some more lessons, I haven’t jumped since Blair so I’ll need to get myself jumping again and I hope to see Wills for some training. The biggest issue since the fall has been my confidence. Confidence is so easily lost and hard to get back and I still sometimes kick myself, but I know you just have to keep pushing yourself a little bit out of your comfort zone.”

British Eventing rejigs road to 2024 grassroots championships

Lucy Elder — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:35:17 +0000

British Eventing has revealed a new qualification route for the 2024 grassroots championships with a focus on double clears.

The primary road for those grassroots competitors targeting the 2024 Voltaire Design BE90 and BE100 Championships at Badminton and the NAF Five Star BE80 Championships at Bramham will be through regional championships held during the 2023 British Eventing calendar.

Qualification for these new regional championships is two double clears in a BE80, BE90 or BE100 class – regardless of placing – from 1 June 2022 until entries close for the 2023 championships.

The top 10% of finishers at the regional championships (not necessarily double clears) will qualify for the 2024 national finals. There will also be direct qualification to the national finals via grassroot leagues, by finishing in the top 10% of finishers at the three-day at Bicton (20 to 23 October) and the top 20% of finishers in the Scottish Championship at Blair Castle (24 to 27 August).

“The main route to competing at these [grassroots] finals will now be through British Eventing’s new regional championships, which will launch in 2023 to replace the area festivals,” said a BE spokesman.

“Five regional championships will be held across the country, giving a wider geographical spread and more riders competing at BE80, BE90 and BE100 the chance to experience competing in a championship environment.

“These will not only provide the opportunity to be crowned regional champion, but also to pick up a prized ticket to ride at Bramham or Badminton.”

The 2023 regional championships, which act as qualifiers for the 2024 finals at Badminton and Bramham, will be held at Glamis Castle in Angus (5 to 6 August), Port Eliot in Cornwall (5 to 6 August), Frickley in South Yorkshire (18 to 20 August), Chillington Hall in Staffordshire (9 to 10 September) and Little Downham in Cambridgeshire (30 September to 1 October).

Trainee accountant tops Badminton BE90 grassroots championships despite severe allergy to horses

Ellie Hughes — Fri, 06 May 2022 09:39:11 +0000

Trainee accountant Siobhan Heneghan conjured an “unexpected” but brilliant performance from her mother Lisa’s smart grey Mermured Promise to win the BE90 championship, heading up the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships results earlier this week (3-4 May) at Badminton Horse Trials.

The fact that Siobhan has been able to pursue her eventing passion at all is impressive given that she was diagnosed with a severe allergy to horses at an early age.

“I went for my first riding lesson when I was five years old. Three brushes of the pony and I ended up being rushed to hospital,” revealed the now 20-year-old.

Two years later Siobhan began a five-year-long immunotherapy programme, which aimed to partially desensitise her body to the effects of coming into contact with horse hair.

“I’m still not 100% in the clear, but the reaction is far more manageable,” she explained.

Badminton final scores

Siobhan’s first-phase score of 28, which left her in second place at this stage, came as no surprise as she has also competed in dressage up to advanced medium level with her other horse.

She was due to contest her first advanced test the day after this championship.

“Having that experience definitely helps on the big occasions like these,” said Siobhan, who trains with Robert Lumb on the flat and has help from Melissa Joannides for jumping.

Laura Gibson and Gortglas Moonshire finish second in the BE90 Voltaire Design Grassroots Championship at Badminton. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Veterinary physiotherapist Laura Gibson was the delighted runner-up with Sally Hayward’s Gortglas Moonshine.

The eight-year-old Irish Sport Horse, who hunts regularly with the Cheshire Forest, not only put his best foot forward in all three phases, but also seemed to relish the prize-giving, which took place in front of Badminton House.

“I think he thought he was there for a meet,” admitted Laura, who has four British Eventing wins under her belt with the gelding. “He’s not hugely experienced and I wasn’t sure how he would cope with the atmosphere, but he was a pro. I was particularly worried about The Lake and the Voltaire Design Hollow [the rail-ditch-rail], but he took it all in his stride.”

Megan Elphick and Jamelia take third at the BE90 Voltaire Design Grassroots Championship at Badminton. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Megan Elphick and Jamelia completed the top three in the BE90 grassroots championships results, finishing 0.8 of a penalty behind Laura on a score of 30.3.

This result was a significant improvement on Meghan’s first visit here in 2019.

“I was riding a very spooky little Welsh pony who deposited me in the ditch at fence nine,” laughed the Worcestershire-based rider, who nevertheless turned that experience into something positive when she set up her own YouTube channel Elphick Event Ponies.

“When I qualified for Badminton first time round I was skint at university and needed to raise some funds to get here,” she explained. “I badgered loads of companies for products and sponsorships and some of them said yes – so long as I vlogged about them. I was mortified to fall off, but everyone loved it and it has spiralled since then.”

Problems were well-spread around both championship courses. In the BE90 the two upright rails into The Lake, which was followed by an arrowhead out, proved most influential, ending the dreams of seven duos.

‘Dope of the yard’ takes Badminton BE100 grassroots championships title

Ellie Hughes — Fri, 06 May 2022 09:32:22 +0000

Katherine Illingworth and Philip Adkins’ Ballinoecastle Q delivered an impeccable performance in all three phases to top the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships results in the BE100 class at Badminton Horse Trials on Tuesday and Wednesday this week (3-4 May).

The duo’s dressage mark of 29.5 was good enough for equal second place at the end of this phase and they kept a faultless jumping sheet throughout to claim the top spot.

Katherine, 27, is head girl for Philip Adkins at Cadenza Eventing and has been eventing the seven-year-old OBOS Quality gelding since the beginning of last year.

“He’s the dope of the yard, but he wakes up the minute he needs to,” said Katherine, who described her first trip around Badminton’s hallowed turf as “pretty surreal”.

“He loved the atmosphere and I couldn’t stop grinning as I was going round. I could hear the crowds cheering us on, particularly at The Lake; I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Badminton final scores

The classy Ballinoecastle Q originally came from Ireland as a three-year-old, and Philip has given Katherine a free rein to produce him through the levels.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Philip for giving me the opportunity,” continued Katherine, who admitted to aspiring to ride around the five-star here one day. “It’s a long way in the future, but you never know. You have to keep dreaming.”

Hannah Taylor riding Legaland Best One into second place at the BE100 Voltaire Design Grassroots Championship at Badminton. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Runners-up Hannah Taylor and her own Legaland Best One finished 1.5 penalties adrift in the grassroots championships results.

Hannah, who used to work full-time for a professional showjumper, now divides her time three ways between working as a freelance rider, studying part-time for an engineering degree and drawing pet portraits.

She only started eventing the 11-year-old Legaland Best One, who is by the popular sire Balou Du Rouet, two years ago.

“He’d certainly never seen anything like this before, so I was thrilled with him,” she smiled.

Katie Stephens-Grandy rides Trendy Magic Touch to third at the BE100 Voltaire Design Grassroots Championship at Badminton. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Third-placed Katie Stephens-Grandy is no stranger to Badminton, having competed at these championships on two previous occasions, in 2015 and 2017. But her appearance this year with Trendy Magic Touch (Smurf) was particularly emotional.

“I qualified for Badminton in 2018 with Smurf, but I shattered my leg seven weeks before the event and couldn’t compete,” she said. “Then this year I had qualified three horses, but one of them, a lovely home-bred, broke his leg days before Christmas.”

As well as competing a string of horses, Yorkshire-based Katie is also a partner in her family’s farm and “dabbles” in a bit of wedding photography.

Problems were well-spread around both championship courses. The notorious rail-ditch-rail at the Voltaire Design Hollow (fence 16abc) proved most influential in the BE100 with three combinations recording faults here.

Could you jump this? Check out all the fully dressed fences on this year’s Badminton grassroots championships BE90 cross-country course

Pippa Roome — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 16:50:30 +0000

Take a look at the Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships course for the cross-country phase of the 2022 BE90 competition, held on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 May.

The course is designed by James Willis.

Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships course, BE90

Fence 1: BE Flower Box

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Fence 2: Tuckwell’s Triple Bar

Badminton final scores

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Fence 3: KBIS Fallen Tree

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Fence 4: Retraining of Racehorses Steeplechase

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Fence 5: Voltaire Design Saddle

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Fence 6abc: Voltaire Design Lake

Fence 6a

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There are four strides from fence 6a to fence 6b

Fence 6b

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Competitors then run through The Lake in a left-handed arc to the final element.

Fence 6c

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Fence 7: James’s Picnic Table

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Fence 8: British Horse Foundation Leap

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Fence 9ab: RDA Fund Raiser Brushes

The four brush fences in a row here are fences 9a and 9b for both the BE90 and BE100 courses. The BE90 fences are the first (fence 9a) and third fences (fence 9b) along. Competitors can jump both elements in either direction, so must decide for themselves which route to take.

Fence 9a

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Fence 9a from the other side (alternative route)

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Fence 9b

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Fence 9b from the other side (alternative route)

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Fence 10: Brewers Hay Wagon

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Fence 11: Badminton Broken Bridge

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Fence 11 side view

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Fence 12: CrossCountry App ‘C’

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Fence 13: Lightsource bp Challenge

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Fence 14: Spillers Corner

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Fence 15: Equireel Beam

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Fence 16abc: Voltaire Design Hollow

Fence 16a

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There are two strides from the first element to the ditch.

Fence 16b

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And then one stride from the ditch to the final element.

Fence 16c

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Fence 17: Badminton Timber Roll

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Fence 18: Danco Park Wall

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Fence 19ab: Voltaire Design Step

Fence 19a

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Horses will probably take two strides on a straight line to the second element or three if riders put in a slight curve.

Fence 19b

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Fence 20ab: World Horse Welfare Houses

Fence 20a

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There are likely to be five strides between the two elements of this combination.

Fence 20b

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Fence 21: Voltaire Design Finale

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Course map

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Are you up for the challenge? Check out all the fully dressed fences on Badminton’s grassroots championships BE100 cross-country course

Pippa Roome — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 16:40:27 +0000

Take a look at the Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships course for the cross-country phase of the 2022 BE100 final, which takes place on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 May.

The course-designer for the competition is James Willis.

Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships course, BE100

Fence 1: BE Flower Box

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Fence 2: Tuckwell’s Triple Bar

Badminton final scores

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Fence 3: KBIS Fallen Tree

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Fence 4: Retraining of Racehorses Steeplechase

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Fence 5: Voltaire Design Saddle

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Fence 6abc: Voltaire Design Lake

Fence 6a

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There are four strides from fence 6a to fence 6b

Fence 6b

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Competitors then run through The Lake in a left-handed arc to the final element.

Fence 6c

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Fence 7: James’s Picnic Table

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Fence 8: British Horse Foundation Leap

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Fence 9ab: RDA Fund Raiser Brushes

The four brush fences in a row here are fences 9a and 9b for both the BE90 and BE100 courses. The BE100 fences are the second (fence 9a) and fourth fences (fence 9b) along. Competitors can jump both elements in either direction, so must decide for themselves which route to take.

Fence 9a

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Fence 9a from the other side (alternative route)

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Fence 9b

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Fence 9b from the other side (alternative route)

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Fence 10: Brewers Hay Wagon

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Fence 11: Badminton Broken Bridge

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Fence 11 side view

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Fence 12: CrossCountry App ‘C’

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Fence 13: Lightsource bp Challenge

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Fence 14: Spillers Corner

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Fence 15: Equireel Beam

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Fence 16abc: Voltaire Design Hollow

Fence 16abc

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There are two strides from the first element to the ditch and then one stride from the ditch to the final element.

Fence 16b

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Fence 16c

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Fence 17: Badminton Trakehner

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Fence 17 alternative

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Fence 18: Danco Park Wall

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Fence 19abc: Voltaire Design Step

Fence 19a

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Fence 19b

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Fence 19c, which is off rising, uneven ground

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Fence 20ab: World Horse Welfare Houses

Fence 20a

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There are likely to be four strides between the two elements of this combination.

Fence 20b

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Fence 21: Voltaire Design Finale

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Course map

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40 horsey things to do before you die

Madeleine Silver — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 13:02:36 +0000

Most people have a “bucket list” of things they would like to experience at some point in life – and equestrians are likely to have a “horse bucket list”. Here’s Horse & Hound’s list of suggestions that we think you should consider including – some will be relatively easy to tick off, while others will take a bit of saving up to do. But all of them will be totally worth it when you get there – and even better if you can capture it on one of the best riding hat cameras!

Horse bucket list suggestions to consider

2A847AF Looking down at a group of horse riders riding on an empty beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

1) Gallop in the sea

Splashing in the surf, galloping along the sand – or even full-on swimming in the sea. Training on the beach was the making of Red Rum, and it’s a treat for any rider and horse.

If you have a horse you can take, here’s what you need to know before you go for a beach ride. If you don’t have a horse you can take, check out these horse experience days to see if there’s a beach riding venue near you.

BP0GBG Kenya, Chyulu Hills, Ol Donyo Wuas. A family on a riding safari, ride close to Maasai giraffe out on the plains. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

2) Ride among giraffes in Africa

An African safari is the rider’s equivalent of swimming with dolphins. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a wilderness paradise of lagoons, islands and forests with the best game viewing in Southern Africa. Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa also offer great riding experiences. Here are some tips to help you choose the right safari for you.

3) Ride out for a racehorse trainer

Wangle an introduction and convince the trainer that, perched atop half a ton of galloping horse, you’ll be able to restrain its power. Be prepared for cold, early mornings – but nothing beats the feeling of having galloped three thoroughbreds by breakfast.

If you don’t fancy riding yourself, why not book a behind-the-scenes tour in Newmarket?

Thailand's Arinadtha Chavatanont reacts after falling off Boleybawn Prince during the equestrian's eventing team and individual cross country during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Sea Forest Cross Country Course in Tokyo on August 1, 2021. (Photo by Yuki IWAMURA / AFP) (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images) (Image credit: AFP via Getty Images)

4) Fall off in a water jump

Perhaps not top of your list of priorities, but a rite of passage. Tackle them often enough and it will happen. Just try to ensure a photographer is there to capture the moment.

5) Ride side-saddle

Side-saddle riding has gained new interest since period dramas such as Downton Abbey. It’s elegant, skilled and – once the initial awkwardness is overcome – some riders believe it’s more comfortable than astride. Read this tips on how to ride side-saddle before you give it a go.

6) Jump a 5ft fence

Take your pick and pump up some pluck: a Chase-me-Charlie pole, a hedge out hunting or an Irish wall.

BW9B6M Kilkenny Hunt . Ireland (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

7) Go hunting in Ireland

Not for the faint-hearted – but if double banks, cavernous ditches and a totally gung-ho attitude is up your street, there are plenty of ways to fulfil your dream of hunting on the Emerald Isle. If you’re adding this to your horse bucket list, make sure you book an experienced hireling who will know the lie of the land, fill up your hip flask with some Dutch courage, and find out what people say about hunting in Ireland.

8) Drive a horse

In honour of the late Duke of Edinburgh, who took up driving after retiring from polo, this is one sport every horseman should try. The British Driving Society has a list of contacts for all qualified instructors in all areas of the UK, including those catering for the disabled. We’ve also found a few and rounded them up in our guide to horse experience days.

9) Do tempi changes

One to tick off as and when you are ready rather than pushing for something outside your skill level. But if you are not yet up to training your horse to do them yourself, then you can book in a lesson with a dressage schoolmaster at various training centres around the country, although you will need to prove a certain level of riding ability.

10) Have riding boots made to measure

Although they don’t come cheap, nothing feels as good as slipping on a pair of made-to-measure riding boots. No rubbing, no awkward baggy gaps, and the feel of perfect unison with your horse. Here’s a selection of the best long leather riding boots, some of which are available in made-to-measure sizes.

11) Back a horse or pony

Not for the inexperienced horseman, but everyone who backed a horse has had a first time – just make sure you have someone experienced on hand to help and guide you. The joy of backing your own horse, developing mutual trust and going on to compete is immeasurable and definitely one for the horse bucket list.

The field heading for the start (Image credit: Hamish Mitchell)

12) Have a spin round the Golden Button

If you’re an equestrian adrenaline junkie then look no further than the three-mile race over Ledbury hunt country held in February. Anyone can enter – there’s just 22 natural obstacles between you and the finish line.

13) Lead a winner into the paddock

If you can’t afford the Tattersalls Sales, you could join a syndicate. Most racing stables run syndicates with an enormous variation in

numbers of owners and costs, or there are also racing clubs where you can pay an all-in fee. For instance Elite Racing Club has membership for £17 per month. You may not end up leading in a winner, but you’ll be able to visit the horse training and at the races and be privy to some special owner perks.

14) Be a stunt rider in a movie

“Real” stunt riders need a minimum of six skills (fighting, falling, riding/driving, agility/ strength, water, and miscellaneous – any

skill performed to elite standard). However, many riders have been in the right place at the right time and called up to film a riding scene because they look the part and know how to look authentic on a horse.

Jodie and Ellie Hall-McAteer riding Fantom and Crisanta on Rotten Row in the park (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

15) Ride at sunrise in Hyde Park

The Household Cavalry has a small pool of civilian riders who help exercise their horses, but a serving soldier needs to nominate you

to be added to the waiting list. Alternatively, there are a couple of riding stables on the edge of the park: Ross Nye and Hyde Park Stables, where you can pay for the pleasure. There is also a Civil Service Riding Club for those eligible, which uses Hyde Park.

Horse No 972, WOODFIELD JOVIAL JOKER owned by and ridden / exhibited by , Champion in the Working Hunter Pony of the Year Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 6 -10th October 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

16) Ride up the centre line at Horse of the Year Show

For showing riders, this is the pinnacle. Ride up the centre line in that hushed arena and you know you’ve made it.

17) Play polo

The feeling of (finally) being able to canter after that white ball and whack it is intensely satisfying, never mind the exhilaration of a ride-off. Check out some venues that offer polo lessons in this collection of horse experience days if you’re adding this to your horse bucket list.

CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: A general view as runners line up for the start of The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase at Cheltenham racecourse on day one of the festival meeting on March 14, 2017 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

18) Hear the roar at the start of Cheltenham

When the first race of the Cheltenham Festival begins, the crowd’s roar is enough to make your blood sizzle. There were no crowds last year, but hopes are high that this year we will again hear the roar as the tapes are raised for the Supreme Novices on 15 March. Find out more and buy tickets at thejockeyclub.co.uk

NEWMARKET, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Lot24, a bay filly by Redoute's Choice sells for 725,000 guineas to John Magnier during the Tattersalls auction sales in Newmarket on October 06, 2015 in Newmarket, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

19) See a horse being sold for a million

For astronomical prices, head to Newmarket or Kentucky. Records of some kind are smashed year by year, and the buzz of the sales ring is spellbinding.

20) Volunteer at a show

If you phone up any event organiser, chances are they’ll take your hand off. Surprisingly rewarding and for hardcore volunteers, the route to championships around the world. Here are five ways to volunteer in the horse world.

Jo Hales riding DAWN CHORUS, 2nd in the Mitsubishi Motors Cup for BE100 during the Badminton Horse Trails between 1st - 5th May 2019 on the Badminton Estate near Bristol in Gloucestershire in the UK on 30th April 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

21) Ride at Badminton

An advanced eventer with five-star potential is going to cost you an arm and a leg, and then you’ve got to be able to ride it. However, the Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships brings together winners from BE90 and BE100 regional qualifiers from around

the country to contest for the championship. This year, Badminton takes place from 3–8 May – find out how to get tickets here. Failing that, or if you fancy the thrill of the chase, take a day out with the Beaufort hunt. You never know where the trail might lead you…

File photo dated 06-04-2019 of Jockey Davy Russell celebrates winning the Randox Health Grand National Handicap Chase with Tiger Roll during Grand National Day of the 2019 Randox Health Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse. (Image credit: PA)

22) Watch the Grand National live

If you’ve never ventured up to Aintree, this is a must. This season, the Randox Grand National Festival takes place from 7–9 April, with the great race on Saturday, 9 April. Get more info at tickets at thejockeyclub.co.uk

23) Watch the Spanish Riding School

Under glittering chandeliers, the famous white Lipizzaner stallions perform the purest form of dressage in Vienna.

24) Get your photo in H&H

Either beat one of our Olympians, or be at the top of your level and send a completely brilliant photo to wow the picture editor.

25) Spend a day at the Calgary Stampede

“The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, as it is billed, brings out the cowboy in everyone. Top-level rodeo riding, barrel racing and more. It takes place in Calgary each July (8–17 July 2022).

MWY22M Camptown, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, UK. 31st May 2018. Racehorse Maggie Blue and her day old foal at trainer Harriet Graham's Racing Yard near Jedbu (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

26) See a foal being born

Offer to do the last week of nightly vigil for a friend’s in-foal mare. Or, if you’re extremely lucky on a National Stud tour, you might see a live birth during the foaling season, but probably via a video link. A tour of the National Stud is part of this behind-the-scenes day at Newmarket.

27) Ride in a charity race

A number of charities, such as the British Horse Society (BHS), hold special races on allocated days, usually a one-mile Flat race. Riders usually have to source their own racehorse, raise a set amount of money and physically it’s no walk in the park, with riders facing a gruelling assessment and fitness test. Horse & Hound’s Gemma Redrup gave it a go in 2018 and blogged about the experience.

Team, Cartier Vs Maserati Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz Switzerland 2016 (Photo by Davide Mombelli/Corbis via Getty Images) (Image credit: Corbis via Getty Images)

28) Watch the action on the frozen lake at St Moritz

With freezing temperatures and 1,800m above sea level, the Swiss venue of St Moritz is a dazzling setting for elite polo teams, racing and skijoring. White Turf runs on three Saturdays in February, featuring international horse racing, while the Snow Polo World Cup will take place on the lake 28–30 January. Horse & Hound went behind the scenes at St Moritz to check it out.

29) Herd cattle across the plains of Montana

Unless you have a long-lost cowboy uncle, you’ll need to join a trip or work on a ranch. It’s not a cheap riding holiday, but it’s an unmissable experience.

30) Ride a bucking bronco

Either head to the Wild West for the real thing (madness), or hire one for a party.

31) Try reining

Fancy embracing your inner cowboy/girl? Then why not give reining a go – from spins to sliding-stops, reining could offer you a completely new equestrian experience.

32) Give vaulting a go

If you’ve got a pair of leggings and some pumps to wear, you can try your hand at vaulting. You don’t need your own horse and new vaulters are welcomed into the fold. For more information visit the British Equestrian Vaulting website or book yourself onto a vaulting and trick riding session.

33) Ride a heavy horse

Are you a thoroughbred snob? The rolling gait of a heavy horse gives a completely different feel in the saddle. Cumbrian Heavy Horses is the world’s only BHS-approved heavy horse riding centre and offers a range of riding on fields, fells and beaches in the Lake District National Park aboard magnificent Clydesdale, Shire, Suffolk, Comtois and Ardennes heavy horses.

Race Day 6: Donal Fahy and Richie Killoran gallop away from Horse Station 16 at sunrise. (Image credit: Richard Dunwoody)

34) Compete in the Mongol Derby

The longest and toughest horse race in the world – over 1,000km of Mongolian Steppe, on semi-wild horses, changing steeds every 40km. You navigate and survive on your wits and skill, living among the herders. It’s you and your horse vs the wild. Here’s eight things you need to know before you start planning your trip.

35) Enjoy the thrill of a team chase

The exhilarating sensation of galloping across the country, over whatever fences block your path, with a group of mates. No one takes themselves too seriously and it’s a lot of fun. Here are some tips on how to get started.

36) Jump bareback

If you want to have a go, the answer is to start small, build up and practise. Just remember, canter is more comfortable than trot! If you feel insecure riding with no saddle, start on the lunge so you can concentrate on your position rather than what the horse is doing. Here are some riders taking part in the Bareback Challenge at Bury Farm to give you some inspiration.

F64Y5H Icelandic Horse. Girl performing the toelt on a stallion on a riding place. Austria (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

37) Ride an Icelandic in tölt

The small and compact Icelandic horses are famous for their fifth gait, the tölt. Book yourself up on a trip to Iceland to put it to the test – and if you time it right you could see the Northern Lights.

38) Have a go at horseball

Do you back yourself to be able to cling on for a fast-paced game of horseball? A number of riding schools offer lessons and clinics, and the British Horseball Association has a list of registered trainers who are available to come out to groups of riders who want to learn the sport.

39) Ride in the main ring at Hickstead

Hone your dressage, showing and showjumping skills and get out there and get winning.

40) Represent your country

Competition will be exceptionally hot for this year’s World Equestrian Games teams, but there are opportunities at lower levels, such as the CCI3*-S European Cup or the Home Internationals in dressage.

Stately home venue steps in to host rescheduled grassroots eventing championships

Lucy Elder — Tue, 11 May 2021 15:20:45 +0000

Cholmondeley Castle will host the 2021 British Eventing (BE) grassroots championships following the cancellation of Badminton.

The BE80, BE90 and BE100 national championships will be held in the grounds of the 19th century Cheshire castle, former home to the Pony Club Championships, from 31 July to 1 August.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded these championships, which are the pinnacle of the eventing calendar for many grassroots members,” said event director Alec Lochore, of Musketeer Management.

“We look forward to welcoming competitors later in the year and putting on an unforgettable event for them.”

The BE90 and BE100 finals are usually held at Badminton as the Science Supplements Cup, but the cancellation of the Gloucestershire fixture for a second consecutive year forced a rethink.

The BE80 championships were originally set to take place at Burghley. This plan was scrapped in October and BE has been “exploring options” since.

Cholmondeley Castle was awarded all three finals following a tender process, which involved the BE fixture panel considering feedback from competitors and the rider working group.

Lord Cholmondeley added he is delighted to welcome “this prestigious and much heralded” championships to the castle.

“Having hosted the Pony Club Championships here for eight years, I am delighted to continue to showcase the estate as a true championship venue and look forward to welcoming riders, owners and horses later in the summer,” he said.

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BE sport manager Debbie Pritchard said the standard of applications and venues was “very high”, which made the decision “incredibly hard”, and it was agreed by majority vote to award the championships to Cholmondeley Castle, based on “feedback and key criteria”.

BE chief executive Jude Matthews added: “We would like to thank our members for their patience while we concluded the tender process.

“We are delighted to be able to host all three championships together at Cholmondeley Castle and to provide those qualified with a special event with championship feel, prestige and at a prime location.”

Entries for all three championships open on 21 June.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘That was the dream’: Badminton grassrootsriders disappointed as alternative options offered

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 18:03:15 +0000

Riders who had qualified for the Science Supplements Cup at Badminton Horse Trials 2021 have been asked whether they would prefer a relocated championship, or direct area festival qualification for next year.

This year’s grassroots championships was cancelled this month along with the CCI5* event. Following the loss of the 2020 cup, along with the main event, to the coronavirus, British Eventing (BE) had announced that those who had qualified would be able to contest the finals this May.

But with the 2021 event also called off, BE contacted members to ask whether they would prefer the BE90 and BE100 championships to run at a different venue in 2021, or direct entry into an area qualifier, which would give them the chance to qualify for Badminton 2022.

“It was with deep regret that we announced last week that sadly both Badminton Horse Trials and the Science Supplements Cup had been cancelled,” a BE spokesman said this week. “There is no doubt that this is extremely disappointing news to those who worked hard to gain their qualifications.

“Due to the 2022 BE90 and BE100 championship qualification cycle having already begun, it will sadly not be possible to continue to roll qualification over for a further year due to fitting into the schedule of the venue. We have therefore sent a survey to those competitors impacted by the cancellation to determine what alternative arrangements would be most favourable under the current circumstances.”

Badminton final scores

Kate Oppenheimer, who qualified her mare SOS Sealpoint for the 2020 BE90 championship, told H&H she and other riders had thought and hoped their qualification would roll on to 2022.

“We were discussing it and thinking it was the only option,” she said, adding that although she understands BE had not expected the event to be cancelled again, and did not make the decision, she feels there should have been more consultation of members.

“I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, Badminton was the dream, and another venue just wouldn’t be suitable.

“For me, and other riders, there’s no alternative to riding on that hallowed turf. Before my current horse, I had a gap from owning them but I’d finished vet school and decided I had the time and money, and my mum asked: ‘What do you want to do?’ I said ‘I want to go to Badminton. That’s the dream’.”

Kate said she has also already secured qualification for this year’s area festivals, but of course there is no guarantee of securing that ticket to the final.

Continues below…

Eventing grassroots championships rejigged to keep Badminton dream alive

British Eventing chief executive Jude Matthews added that the organisation is ‘delighted to ensure the dream of competing at Badminton

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Badminton Horse Trials 2021 cancelled: ‘Everyone is desperately disappointed’

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“It’s so hard to qualify,” she said. “It’s insanely competitive; you have to put your whole soul into it. When I did, champagne was flowing, people were crying; it meant the world.”

Kate ticked “neither” on the questionnaire she was sent, and questioned whether it might be possible for some of this year’s cohort to content the titles next year, while others ride at championships elsewhere in 2021 if they do not mind where these are held.

A BE spokesman told H&H that the organisation entirely understands the disappointment felt by qualified riders

“Unfortunately, it comes down to fitting the cup in with the schedule of the venue so carrying over again to 2022 is sadly not an option, which is why we have offered the current alternatives,” she said.

“We made the decision to consult with those members who have been impacted, as we know how important the opportunity to ride at Badminton is. With the option to roll over qualification not being possible, we have offered the opportunity of an alternative venue or direct entry to an area qualifier for this year, which would provide an opportunity for qualification for 2022.”

The survey will close on 17 March and the results will be analysed before BE feeds back to competitors on the next steps.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

New festivals and series on the cards for grassroots eventers H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 12:14:48 +0000

British Eventing revealed details of a new novice series and area festivals for grassroots members at its 2020 AGM, as well as sharing news on its finances and the long-running IT project. H&H finds out more...

NEW feature classes aimed at grassroots eventers are on the cards for 2021.

Area festivals at 80, 90 and 100 levels, and a new novice masters series, are in the pipeline for next year.

The news came during British Eventing’s (BE) annual general meeting, held via Zoom on Tuesday (24 November).

The masters series is aimed at those who are competitive at that level and fit in the gap of being ineligible for the novice restricted championships, but for whom the national championships is another big step. It will run at intermediate-novice level and will be piloted at five events in 2021, with plans for expansion in the future.

The area festivals are planned to be a target in their own right, as well as part of the route to the grassroots championships, replacing the current regional finals system. There will be four area festivals in 2021, which will include open sections, and more details are expected shortly.

The BE90 three-day event (with speed and endurance), which BE announced it was planning in April, will be hosted by Bicton in October 2021.

“We hope these will provide members with exciting new competition goals and keep you out competing for seasons to come,” said BE chief executive Jude Matthews.

Balloting was particularly high in 2020 and BE has pledged to continue to look at supply and demands for fixtures at all levels.

This was the second season that continuing performance requirements have been in place, which force competitors who repeatedly run into problems across country to drop down a level or undergo training. The rule was triggered 189 times in 2019 and 79 in 2020, with the most cases this year at BE80(T) and novice. All those who triggered the rule in 2020 competed again, with 70% requalifying to their original level.

In other news, a volunteer working group is set to be formed in 2021 and BE is also actively looking at the unaffiliated market to see what it is offering and how it can make those prices work.

Abandonment insurance is also remaining in its current guise for 2021, with plans to review it beyond that, and BE is offering an option reduced membership fee next year to make up for the 2020 halt.

Money and tech

RUMOURS have been circulating over the state of BE’s finances and whether the organisation is heading towards insolvency.

BE board chairman Fiona O’Hara assured members this was not the case.

“BE is not insolvent and nor is there any evidence to support any claims that it may be in the coming months,” she said. “Yes, we have had a tough year. Yes we’ve had our revenue drop around £1m, resulting largely from Covid. And yes we have used reserves to complete our IT project and yes we have some ongoing issues with that.”

BE is forecasting a dip from £780,000 to £561,000 and £1.8 million to £1.161 million in its respective cash and capital reserves this year. The focus in 2021 is on rebuilding cash reserves, with capital reserves to be rebuilt from 2022.

Mrs O’Hara added that the current picture for cash and capital reserves is better than they forecast when sport was halted by the pandemic.

“We will continue to manage the finances astutely and balance the quality and safety of the sport we are so proud of with the need to balance the books,” she said.

The meeting was taken through the measures BE has taken to minimise spending and make savings where possible, given the reduction in income from the cancellation of sport from both poor weather and Covid, plus the fact membership is down 19% on 2019. These included claiming £144,000 from the furlough scheme, a reduction in office headcount by 15 (redundancies and not replacing staff who left), plus £100,000 in other savings; the total savings are around the £1m mark.

The meeting heard BE is getting a handle on issues with the IT project and proactively working to find solutions. The IT task force’s recommendations (news, 19 November) were unanimously supported by the board and more progress is expected over coming months.

While the message was that it is “really time to draw a line under the past”, the fact remains that IT transformation projects – under several guises – have been running since 2012 and have cost millions. Some of those costs have been recuperated from companies involved, but BE cannot divulge details of how much. Eight years on and BE has a system that is not fully functional, although some parts are working well.

To mitigate this, it is now outsourcing to Eventingscores for sectioning, times and scoring with plans for them to take over some other aspects in future, and has not ruled out outsourcing to further third-party organisations.

There is also the matter of ongoing cost. The IT task force put the figure to get the BE IT system working fully at around £600,000 in 2021, but the budget for all IT spending is around £383,000.

“We will act on the recommendations of the IT task force and we will move forward with an IT system and strategy that meets the needs of our users, and meets our wallet,” said Mrs O’Hara.

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Badminton Horse Trials 2021 to run behind closed doors

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:33:28 +0000

Badminton Horse Trials will run behind closed doors next year – although there is potential for some spectators to attend should restrictions allow.

Organisers announced on Tuesday (27 October) that the decision had been made “after much deliberation”, but that a “great competition” would be run.

“All will be under constant review and we will keep our loyal supporters and the eventing community posted with latest news and developments throughout the coming months,” a spokesman for the event said.

Organisers said their first priority will be the health and safety of all those involved in putting on the event.

Event director Jane Tuckwell said: “We realise that this is not the scenario everyone would wish for, but feel by announcing our intentions now it will give all involved in whatever capacity the opportunity to plan accordingly.

Badminton final scores

“To deliver the ‘behind closed doors’ event will not be without its challenges, but we look forward to bringing you a great competition.”

The 2020 event should have been Mrs Tuckwell’s first as director, following Hugh Thomas’s retirement, but it was cancelled in March owing to the coronavirus. The event had previously been cancelled five times, owing to bad weather in 1966, 1975, 1987 and 2012, and foot-and-mouth disease in 2001. Weather also forced Badminton to run as a one-day competition in 1963.

Mrs Tuckwell previously told H&H cancelling is “terrible”.

“It removes enjoyment from people’s lives and it’s so devastating because of all the people who are commercially involved,” she says. “But apart from the horrendous affect on people’s livelihoods, in the big picture of what’s going on, it seems insignificant this time. Lots of worse things are happening in the world.” (Interview, 7 May).

Two-time Badminton winner William Fox-Pitt said it was “fantastic” that Badminton is planning to run next spring, given the current circumstances.

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“To lose this prestigious event again would be a terrible disappointment and the eventing world will get behind Jane and her team to make this happen,” he said. “For sure it will be a very different Badminton.”

The 2021 event will run from 5 to 9 May, with the Science Supplements Cup running on the first day. British Eventing announced in July that this would be the rescheduled 2020 final.

The spokesman added: “With the event running behind closed doors, we would like to ensure everyone is still able to enjoy all the live action via TV or live-stream. Further news will be released on this in due course.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Eventing grassroots championships rejigged to keep Badminton dream alive

Lucy Elder — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 12:54:28 +0000

New plans for the grassroots championships at Badminton have been released to keep the dream alive for competitors while facing the reality of what is possible for the host venue.

The 2020 Science Supplements Cup — the BE90 and BE100 championship final — will be held at Badminton in 2021, alongside the CCI5*-L Gloucestershire event.

In May it was announced that this would run as well as the 2021 championships, but these have now been cancelled as running two finals in one year is not logistically possible.

But plans have been put in place so competitors already on course to qualify for the now non-existent 2021 title can carry their qualification forwards to contest regional finals for the 2022 championships, while those who had qualified for the 2020 championships will compete for their title at Badminton 2021.

“This autumn, the only regional finals that will be staged for the ‘2020’ cup will be for competitors previously entered into a regional final that was cancelled or abandoned due to poor weather and then Covid-19,” said a statement from organisers.

“Those that have already qualified for a regional final for a place in the Science Supplements Cup 2021 will be able to roll over their qualification to compete for a place in the Science Supplements Cup 2022.

“Despite Badminton being able to accommodate both the 2012 (which was cancelled due to wet weather) and the 2013 championships in the same year, the increased popularity and numbers qualified this year has made staging two finals in one year not possible.”

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British Eventing chief executive Jude Matthews added that the organisation is “delighted to ensure the dream of competing at Badminton for those who qualified this year has been secured”.

“For those who have already qualified for a regional final for the 2021 championship – as long as they are still eligible – will also now be able to carry this qualification over to the next year, for the 2022 championships,” she added.

“This allows for competitors who will have missed out on the opportunity to qualify for a regional final for the 2021 championships, the opportunity to aim for qualification at the end of this season and early next.”

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Badminton grassroots championships 2020 rescheduled, plus one-off under-19 eventing championships planned

Pippa Roome — Fri, 08 May 2020 06:09:10 +0000

This year’s grassroots championships at Badminton – the Science Supplements Cup – will be held in 2021 and British Eventing (BE) is planning to run a one-off under-19 championship next year.

These measures are part of a number of announcements around eventing championships in light of the current suspension of sport owing to Covid-19.

The 2020 Science Supplements Cup will run at Badminton next May, alongside the 2021 championships. This is a tried and tested format as the 2012 Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championships ran at Badminton 2013 after the cancellation of the 2012 event owing to the weather.

BE says is it continuing to monitor the situation regarding the 2021 regional finals and will update on plans for qualification for the 2021 championships as soon as possible.

In other news for grassroots riders, the Airowear 2019 BE80(T) championship was due to run at Norton Disney at the end of April, after two cancellations due to bad weather. BE says it is now “in discussions with both Burghley and Norton Disney about the rescheduling of this championship”.

The 2020 BE80(T) championships are currently scheduled to run at Burghley in September, but that will obviously be subject to review now.

Bishop Burton was due to run a youth championships from 24-26 July, including a young rider CCI2*-L and a junior CCI*-L, as well as under-18 classes at BE90open and BE100open. In conjunction with the venue and the youth programme personnel, BE has now made the “difficult decision” to cancel this championships, saying: “The period of lockdown and the uncertainty of when we will be able to recommence sport means that it is unlikely there will be sufficient time to run appropriate qualifiers and training to ensure that competitors are ready for their championships.”

Those who would have been out of the under-18 category next year will have some recompense with BE promising, for one year only, an under-19 championships in 2021 “which we hope will provide those competitors disappointed this year [with] a chance to compete next year”.

The British pony championship due to run at Belsay from 28-30 May has also been cancelled, but discussions are taking place about alternatives.

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Meanwhile, BE reports that it is working closely with the team at Gatcombe, who remain committed to running the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing (8-9 August) and “we are considering all options, including rescheduling, to enable this to happen”.

We are continuing to produce Horse & Hound as a weekly magazine during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to keep our website at horseandhound.co.uk up to date with breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

NEW Lauren & Coco’s road to the Badminton #SSCup blog: this time last year we’d only done showing

Lauren Brown — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:55:31 +0000

Hi everyone!

My name is Lauren Brown, I am 24 and based in the Surrey Hills. Blogging isn’t something I have done before, therefore I’m thrilled to have been asked to be this year’s H&H Badminton Science Supplements Cup blogger — there are two things I’d never thought I’d ever say in one sentence!

In order to support the most expensive hobby my family could have ever of got me into, I work full-time as a sales account manager at Horse & Hound. Not only does my life revolve around horses on a personal level, but I also get the pleasure of working for this fantastic publication within an industry I love. I have to say I’m pretty chuffed with my career path.

Coco (Image credit: Picasa)

Now to introduce the star of the show, the horse that I can only describe as a princess, Coco. After a year of searching for a semi-experienced, strictly bay gelding, I decided to buy a four-year-old bay mare… But it was the best decision I could have ever made! Not only does it mean I get an hour extra in bed before any show, as poo stains don’t show up on a brown horse, it has also meant that seven years on, I have managed to change her career path from a pretty show horse to a pretty slow event horse.

Badminton final scores

Up until January last year, all myself, Coco and my mum (aka the groom/driver/chef/general dogs’ body) knew was showing. However, a year on and we are heading to the grassroots championship at Badminton Horse Trials!

Previously, Coco and I have enjoyed a reasonably successful showing career. In 2018 we came third at the Royal International Horse Show and qualified again in 2019, despite saying I was only going to event — I couldn’t help myself. So last year the aim was for us both to learn how it all works. There have been a few hick-ups on the way such as learning dressage tests, which has not been my strong point AT ALL! But somehow, we winged it to the regionals and squeezed ourselves into the top 20% to get us the golden ticket.

Coco with mum and I (Image credit: creditUnknown)

With May feeling like a while away, especially with the recent weather we’ve had, it’s actually not that far away at all when you drill down how many times I’ll event before Badminton. Therefore, in the next couple of months, we will be focusing on us BOTH getting fit. With previously only having to gallop one side of the ring, we have got a lot to learn — seven minutes on a cross-country course sounds intense! We also need to address the fact that Coco is looking in great show condition…

Continues below…

(Image credit: Graham Keetley)

February has been a complete washout. A lot of what I had planned has been cancelled — I’m sure everyone is in the same boat, so to speak. However, I am very fortunate that my instructor has an indoor school, so storm Dennis did not defeat us and I managed to get a grid lesson in along with getting out and running through a dressage test.

So, over the next couple of months, we will be sharing how we’re preparing for Badminton. I’m sure it will be far from plain sailing and a steep learning curve, but we love a challenge (I say this now…!).

Lauren x

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