Australian Olympic rider and Badminton winner Sam Griffiths has been appointed high performance eventing manager of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).

Sam, who has 14 five-star starts and six championships under his belt, will lead the Irish team to the 2026 World Championships in Aachen and throughout the build-up to the LA Olympics in 2028.

“I’m really excited to be appointed,” said Sam. “Ireland is a very strong equestrian nation with exceptional horses and riders so I’m hoping I can get the best out of everyone.”

Among his many achievements, Sam won Badminton Horse Trials with Paulank Brockagh in 2014. Two years later they were part of the team that won bronze at the Rio Olympics, finishing fourth individually. Sam and Happy Times completed Burghley six times, finishing third twice, and competed at the 2012 London Games.

Sam takes over from Dag Albert, who led Ireland to silver at the European Championships at Blenheim in September, the country’s first senior European eventing team medal in 30 years.

“This is a strong period for Irish eventing with some young combinations as well as the more established ones, and the European Championships was obviously a great result,” said Sam.

“Ireland is a nation very much on the up. I learned a lot throughout my riding career and as head coach for New Zealand and I’m hoping to implement some of the philosophies I’ve honed along the way to this programme.

“I’m ambitious, we have the World Championships on the horizon and we want to go well there. That’s also a stepping stone to the Olympics, with qualification to Los Angeles on offer and from there we have European Championships, but what I want is an Olympic medal, so let’s all pull in the same direction to get there.”

Sam added that he has an “Irish connection” through his Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh, bred by his friends Paula and Frank Cullen.

“My cousin also lives in south Dublin who I see on a regular basis, so I definitely feel like there’s a bit of Ireland in me. It’s also been fantastic to be supported by TRM, who I know have been great supporters of the HSI youth programme for many years,” he said.

“It’s going to be an exciting time for Irish eventing, and I can’t wait to get started.”

An HSI spokesperson said Sam is “one of the most respected figures in international eventing”.

“His experience spans talent development, championship preparation and performance systems aligned with best international practice,” he said.

“He played an integral part in the redesign of New Zealand’s high performance eventing program along with the high performance director, while also serving as head coach for over three years, including at the Paris Olympics in 2024. He also acted as chef d’equipe at various international events and Nations Cups.”

HSI chief executive Denis Duggan said the organisation is delighted to welcome Sam.

“Sam brings an exceptional blend of elite competitive experience and proven high-performance management expertise. His understanding of what it takes to succeed at the very top of the sport, both as an athlete and as a leader, will be of enormous benefit to our eventing programme,” he said.

“This appointment follows a thorough and competitive process, and Sam stood out for his vision, technical knowledge and alignment with HSI’s high-performance strategy. His commitment to horse welfare and to transparency within the sport reflects the values at the heart of HSI’s high-performance system.”

Mr Duggan thanked Dag Albert for his “commitment, professionalism and contribution”.

“Dag has played an important role in supporting our athletes and in strengthening the foundations of the high performance eventing programme, and we wish him every success in the future,” he said.

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The connections of Happy Times have paid tribute to the “incredibly special” Olympic and five-star eventing superstar, who brought great joy throughout his life.

Dinah Posford and Juliet Donald’s German-bred gelding, who with Sam Griffiths represented Australia at the London Olympics and the 2010 World Championships during his long and successful career, had to be put down aged 25 owing to a bout of colic.

He had spent a long and happy retirement from international competition with Mouse Berry, who looked after him while he was eventing, and loved him throughout.

“I felt honoured to be his slave,” Mouse told H&H. “He had an aloof temperament; latterly loving but that took time. Slave isn’t the right word but I was certainly staff! We all were.

“We used to call him HRH; he looked at you like a king. He was just incredibly special and absolutely beautiful.”

Sam took Happy on when he was five or six; he had competed at lower levels but Sam produced him to the very top.

“I had probably 12 years competing with him, and he finished sound and happy,” Sam told H&H. “I always knew he had exceptional talent; he was a bit quirky, especially in the showjumping, but he was a horse I ended up having a really good rapport with. We understood each other.”

Sam and Happy completed Burghley six times, coming third twice. They finished third and fourth at Badminton and won at three-star (now four-star) level at Belton, Burnham Market and Chatsworth. Happy’s official retirement ceremony was at Burghley in 2018.

“He was a beautiful ride,” said Sam. “You could ride him a bit like a warmblood in the dressage, then across country, he would gallop like a thoroughbred. In many ways, he was the perfect event horse, and very scopey, bold and brave. He had incredible presence and would very much go into a competition and say ‘Look at me’. He brought us great joy.”

Sam said Happy’s willingness was a standout feature, and that he “always seemed to excel at Burghley”.

“Dinah and Juliet absolutely loved him to bits, and were great supporters, and he brought us together as real friends,” he said. “Horses give you ups and downs, but we had great times.

“Then Mouse looked after him beautifully. Every time we saw him, he looked great, she did a wonderful job. I always knew if he retired to a paddock his days would be short; he needed the limelight and she provided that for him.”

Happy was already with Sam when Mouse went to work for him.

“Every single person in the yard worshipped him,” she said.

“People always said how immaculate he looked but that’s because he was physically immaculate; he was so easy to produce with his conformation, he was as near perfect as a sport horse can be.

“He was totally granny-proof; I was a granny when I went to work for Sam and I rode him at all the events. He was an absolute gentleman.”

Horsemanship

Mouse paid tribute to Sam’s care and horsemanship, adding that his yard was always a relaxed and happy place.

“Sam rode him beautifully; always so quiet, and his horses stay sound because he only runs them when it’s right,” she said. “He’s an incredible horseman, which is why we got on so well. I’m not great if the horses’ welfare doesn’t always come first.

“Happy wasn’t the easiest to ride; a bit over-enthusiastic and quirky but he and Sam got on so well. I don’t think he’d have been half the horse with anybody else.”

Mouse had always had the goal of showing Happy at Royal Windsor Horse Show. He won at Frome show in 2019, then made it to Windsor in 2021, coming second with Sarah Gwilliam on board.

“He was brilliant there, and beautifully ridden by Sarah,” she said. “Then Hayley, Sam’s partner, took over and was very successful with him too.”

Mouse said Happy was still enjoying his work to the end.

“He was fit and sound and well, and had wintered really well,” she said. “He’d eaten his breakfast that morning, and I was there.

“Our amazing vets came within 20 minutes, and we’d always said he would never leave us or be allowed to suffer. He had the most amazing owners; he went on having the best of everything in retirement, as if he was going to Badminton. The same physio and acupuncture and farriery, the best food, everything he needed or wanted. No expense was spared for Happy.

“The first time I ever saw him – Sam was riding a horse for me – I fell in love. They talk about love at first sight, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. It was a real honour to have him.”

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The mother of a young rider whose legacy will help other aspiring eventers achieve their dreams believes he would be delighted to see what is being done in his memory.

The Archie Foundation was set up to support young riders and horses, as well as the air ambulance that tried so hard to save Archie Lowe but was unsuccessful.

Archie, a promising rider who had competed in dressage and showjumping, but mainly eventing including pony trials and representing the southwest region, died in a rotational fall in September 2020, aged 21.

Archie’s mother Patty told H&H Archie had always loved “everyone and everything”, but riding and horses the most. He and Manni, who Archie “believed could be the best pony in the world”, started eventing, taking on pony trials and junior team trials.

“Everyone used to call Manni the cow, because he was piebald,” Patty said. “Archie was never fazed when things didn’t go quite as planned and always delighted with the result – no matter what it was, although it was usually extraordinarily good. ‘I’m here to show how wonderful my pony is, Mum, not to win’.”

Just before he took his A levels, and while he was trialling for a junior British team place, Archie’s horse Mack had a rotational fall and Archie broke his arm and shoulder. The gap year’s eventing he had planned was cancelled and he instead went to the University of Bristol to study maths and economics. After he graduated, he decided to take his delayed gap year, continuing at the racing yard at which he had worked weekends during his course, riding, spending time with family and friends.

The coroner found no one was to blame for the “inexplicable accident” on 8 September.

“It’s the worst pain one can ever experience,” Patty said.

“It wakes you up every morning. There isn’t a moment of waking up and orientating. It’s there the very second waking consciousness emerges. It’s in your dreams. It’s all consuming – it devours every long moment of the day and rears its head throughout the night.

“At 9:04am on 8 September 2020, my world ended. Everything I knew and loved about life was blown apart by the PTSD image which will always reside firmly in my head.”

Family friends persuaded Patty to publish a cookery book (reviewed here by H&H), of the recipes Archie had inspired and she had created over the past 15 years. Archie was also an accomplished photographer, who had taken pictures of the finished dishes, published on the Dorset Kitchen website. The 1,000 copies printed sold in under six weeks, and another 1,000 have just been produced. Money raised will be split between the air ambulance, and a bursary for young riders.

Patty explained that William Fox-Pitt and Sam Griffiths, both friends of the family, approached the family to see what they could do, and the training scheme was born. The beneficiaries of the Archie & Manni bursary will have a year’s training with William, Sam and Sarah Bullen.

Patty said the idea is to carry the scheme on every year, for young male riders who have a special bond with their horses.

“William said boys can have trouble as they’re ‘supposed’ to be playing rugby or football and there aren’t many eventing; it’s seen as a girls’ sport,” she said. “It never bothered Archie but I know he was slightly bullied at school for it, and people I’ve spoken to have said how nice it is to give the boys some help, and someone to look up to.

“What we really want is a partnership. We’ve also done something with the Pony Club, a trophy for his branch, and rather than reward the child who wins everything on an expensive pony, we want to help people who are putting their all into it, like Archie did, but without necessarily the funding they need.”

Patty said seven boys have been chosen for the first year of the scheme, and she hopes as well as the training, they will benefit from building a relationship and camaraderie with like-minded riders.

“I think Archie would be thrilled by this,” she said. “The last event we did was West Wilts and when we were finishing up, a woman came over. She said she’d never met Archie but she was really nervous before the cross-country. She said ‘You talked to me and said it’s all about having a good time; go and enjoy yourself and spending time with your horse’. She said ‘You’ve changed my life’, and that’s kind of how people saw him. He was really loved, and he loved everyone.”

The cookery book is available from A Dorset Kitchen, and other fundraising events including a dog-walk are planned to fund the foundation.

William told H&H: “Archie was a young man who caught my eye from a very early age. He used to come and visit the yard and his knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious. He stayed in touch growing up and developed into the most wonderful, empathetic and talented rider.

“His tragic fall was beyond belief and I am so thrilled to be able to support Patty and the family in any way I can and keep the memory of this exceptional young man at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“The Archie Lowe bursary will hopefully give a like-minded talented boy a great opportunity of support from Sarah Bullen, Sorrel Warwick, Patty and Archie’s family and the team at Wood Lane Stables.

“I am really looking forward to working with everyone to develop the bursary moving forward.”

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Badminton winner Sam Griffiths has taken on a major new role as New Zealand’s eventing head coach, as he reveals he will be stepping back from riding at top-level competition.

The Australian Olympic bronze medallist told H&H he is “really looking forward to it”.

“I have had a quite a long eventing career and in a way, this is a next step,” said Sam, who turns 50 this year.

He added that this is not the end of his time in the saddle and he will be “keeping my eye in” with some competing at lower levels.

Fiona Tibone has also joined Equestrian Sport New Zealand’s eventing arm as high performance manager. The pair’s appointment follows the departure of New Zealand high performance eventing manager Graeme Thom in November, after five years in the position.

“He has left everything in a really good place to move forward,” said Sam.

The 2014 Badminton champion will continue to be based in the UK and the job will include helping New Zealand riders transition from the southern to the northern hemisphere.

Sam’s eventing career highlights also feature top 10 finishes in every European five-star, as well as two World Championships and two Olympic Games – including helping the Australian team to bronze at Rio 2016.

“Like anyone from the southern hemisphere there are two things you want to do – win Badminton and an Olympic gold. Winning Badminton really was a dream come true,” he said.

“In my heyday I had a lot of horses but over the last few years I have been doing more coaching. I am really excited about this.

“They are such talented riders and if everything comes together we should be able to get some good results. I am looking forward to the challenge.”

He added that his new role is “not about changing everything”, but helping with the “extra one per cent”.

“Being an Antipodean, I have always had an affinity with southern hemisphere riders,” he said. “New Zealand has a lot of very talented riders and I know quite a few of them so feel I have a good rapport with them.

“I was never the most talented rider. I really had to learn how to manage myself and what had to be done to be competitive to a high level. I bring that experience and knowledge, knowing how to find a way to work through a challenge to get to where you want to go.”

Equestrian Sport New Zealand high performance general manager Jock Paget said Sam’s understanding of all layers of the sport is a huge bonus.

“He knows how to prepare different types of horses, how to transition them from the southern to the northern hemisphere, which is a big part of us,” said Jock.

“He has a great way with people so will fit well into the team. It is exciting to have someone with his experience on board.”

Jock added that Fiona has a “real wealth of knowledge and experience” and will be “such an asset to the team”.

Fiona’s background includes experience across the sport, from riding, coaching, owning, and in logistics and leadership.

She groomed for Blyth Tait at the Stockholm World Equestrian Games, where he won gold, and was with the team at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. Fiona has also worked with the US and Italian teams at major and championship events.

“This new role is for me a perfect opportunity to continue my journey with New Zealand,” she said.

“With horses as the best levellers, there will be challenges but we’ll all be more than ready to interact with the curve balls that come. Focusing on every detail will be of the utmost importance.”

Both roles are focused on delivering championship results.

Jock added that the new appointments are another big step forwards for New Zealand’s eventing programme.

“These come out of an extensive debrief following the Tokyo Olympic Games and understanding the context we are in within the high performance programme – like what the barriers are, what the riders need and how we best support them,” he said.

“The riders have been heavily involved in shaping that need, so this is all completely linked to both the debrief and the strategy going forwards.

“The interview process was very enjoyable with a chance to speak to some real high-quality people about the sport and their vision. It’s great for New Zealand to have that sort of international interest.”

Equestrian Sport New Zealand chief executive Julian Bowden said it is exciting to have “such talent” joining the high performance team.

“I am very excited about the opportunities and knowledge Sam and Fiona bring,” he said.

“Their credentials and track records will certainly bring real value to our entire squad. These appointments show a true commitment to ensuring our eventing programme remains successful going forwards and has the necessary support to perform on the world stage.

“We believe this team will give us the best opportunity and structure to do well at championship level in the future.”

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The showjumping phase proved almost as influential as yesterday's cross-country as the leader board underwent another major reshuffle

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.

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The leaders from the first day of Blenheim horse trials dressage have thrown down the gauntlet to their rivals. By lunchtime on the second day (17 September), only two riders had managed to infiltrate the overnight top six. The new Bicton CCI5* winner Gemma Tattersall was the first to make the breakthrough. She scored 28.7 to move into seventh place on Chris Stone’s Jalapeno III.

Despite it being a sub-30, Chris Stone’s 13-year-old mare, by his stallion Chilli Morning, is capable of much better in this phase. She scored 19.1 at Wellington and is regularly in the low 20s.

“It was really frustrating,” said Gemma. “She did beautiful trot work, really good walk and then went into extended canter and basically was very rude! I couldn’t get her back for the first change, which is normally her highlight. So we completely fluffed the first canter. Then I did get it back and she did a lovely second change.

“She has the ability to be in the lead, but she’s short of match practice this year,” Gemma added. “She’s been working phenomenally well all week, maybe a bit of excitement crept in, and she thought she’d like to boss me around.

“I think the cross-country is fantastic, beautifully presented, but my feeling is it’s quite straightforward and the dressage scores will be important,” she said.

Just before the lunchbreak, Piggy March brought forward a nine-year-old in the March Stud’s Sportsfield Top Notch, who proved mature beyond his years in this long-format class. His flying changes were well established and clean, earning himself a little in-test pat. He showed lovely, swinging paces to move ahead of Gemma and into fourth on a score of 27.9. Piggy now has two horses in the top four, as Brookfield Quality currently lies second on 25.8.

Nicholson proves a master horseman during Blenheim Horse Trials dressage

Other movers and shakers on Friday morning included Aaron Millar and the Irish Sport Horse KEC Deakon, who scored 30.4 to move into the top 10. While Andrew Nicholson showed all his professionalism to eke out every mark with 10-year-old Monbeg Exclusive on a score of 31 to go into the top 15.

“He went very well for the level he’s at; he probably couldn’t have gone any better,” said Andrew. “He naturally likes to go round with his head down. It’s not his fault he’s built low in front, but it’s about changing the shape for the judges – he only has to do it for seven minutes. And he’s a very good jumper – it’s how he’ll cope with the undulations.”

Wills Oakden slotted into the top 20 with 31.5 on CCI4*-L debutant Cooleys Macgregor.

“It’s the first time in this sort of atmosphere and he pulled himself together really well and gave his best in the ring,” Wills said. “But his jumping is his highlight. He’s a real character, a super horse, and we’re just having fun. Dressage we do our best, but we’re learning on the job together.”

Blenheim’s “quality field” leaves Aussie rider disappointed

Sam Griffiths was one top rider feeling disappointed after lying around 30th on Billy Liffy on 33.1.

“I was hoping for a better mark and to be higher up the leaderboard,” he admitted. “Sometimes you have a great day and today just wasn’t one of my days. We made lots of little mistakes, they mount up and it was very costly. He did some lovely stuff, but it’s such a quality field you can’t afford to make those mistakes.”

Yasmin Ingham, 24, still holds on to her overnight lead, riding Banzai Du Loir, on a score of 25.8. She sits just 0.3 of a penalty ahead of Piggy and Brookfield Quality.

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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

Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh has given birth to her first foal in the same stable that she was born in.

“Brocks”, who won Badminton in 2014 with Australia’s Sam Griffiths, safely delivered a filly by thoroughbred sire Centennial on Wednesday morning (19 May) for her breeders Paula and Frank Cullen.

Paul told H&H all the mare’s connections are “so excited” about the new arrival and “Brocks the wondermum” is loving her new role.

She added “all was great” when the foal arrived, with Brocks whickering to welcome the filly. Then in a moment of sudden surprise, it dawned on Brocks when they both got to their feet that she had become a mother.

“It was almost like she thought ‘what is this and what am I meant to do here?!’” said Paula. “But she’s fantastic, absolutely great [with her] and everything was natural and all went according to plan.

Badminton final scores

“Brocks was born and bred here and now her baby has been too — in the same stable that her mother was born in.”

Brocks (Touchdown x Triggerero) is one of just five mares to have won Badminton in its +70-year history, and she completed the Gloucestershire five-star six times in a row, from 2013 to 2018.

She was gearing up for her seventh start in 2020, with the plan to retire her on the final day, but when Covid forced Badminton to cancel, her owners and Sam decided it was in the mare’s best interests to call time on her career.

Paula said Brocks’ owners, the Posfords, and Sam had always kept in touch during the mare’s time with them.

When Paula sold the mare in 2010, she made two requests: the first was that they kept her prefix, which is an amalgamation of Paula and Frank’s names, and the second was that they would consider allowing them to have one of her foals in the future.

“A lot of this was dreaming as A, she wasn’t a Badminton winner 11 years ago and B, nobody knows what the future brings,” she said.

Dinah Posford called Paula on Brocks’ retirement and asked whether she would like the mare to retire to live with them at home in Co. Wicklow.

“I didn’t need to be asked twice!” said Paula, adding that Brocks has come full circle and has the “happy ever after” the Posfords wished for her.

The foal’s sire, Centennial (Dalakhani x Lure), ran successfully on the Flat for John Gosden with wins and placings in Group races, and spent a season with Jonjo O’Neill before retiring to stud in France. He is now standing at John Varley’s Coolin House Stud in Co. Galway.

“He isn’t over big and he has quite small, neat features,” said Paula, adding that was an important factor considering this was Brocks’ first foal.

Frank said they also wanted a thoroughbred stallion with a proven performance record.

“He fitted the bill for us on that and he is a nice-looking horse,” he said. “We had a foal by the same stallion out of a different mare and people described her as ‘pretty as a chocolate box picture’, so we know he produces nice foals.”

Article continues below…

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Brocks’ stellar eventing career started in Ireland under Joseph Murphy, Daryll Walker and Heidi Hamilton, before she joined Sam.

The combination made their mark on the eventing world with eighth place in the seven-year-old World Championships at Le Lion 2010. As well as their phenomenal Badminton record, the pair’s top results included leading the Australians to team bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where they finished fourth individually, and competing at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. The mare was also seventh at Luhmühlen 2019, eighth at Pau 2017, ninth at Burghley in 2015 and 13th there in 2013.

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.

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Australian event rider Sam Griffiths, who has been based in the UK for two decades, won Badminton in 2014 with Paulank Brockagh. A member of several championship teams, Sam’s best individual placing was fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Training the stars

In the early 2000s, I was competing an advanced horse called In The Groove. He ran out at a skinny fence approached off a turn. I knew that he was totally honest, so I had to find a way to alter the way he looked at a skinny when there was only a few seconds before he was to jump it. It was then I devised this exercise.

With consistent training at home it is possible to solve this issue.

You can even use this exercise to prepare for specific designers’ tracks as you go up the grades. For example, if I’m heading to a French event with a Pierre Michelet cross-country course I’ll build a three-star sized skinny in my arena with the oxer three strides away.

Tackling the problem

1. Build a small skinny fence (approximately 4-5ft wide) across the diagonal. Use

jump wings to prevent a run-out initially and only begin to remove these when your horse is feeling confident and jumping consistently.

2. Approach the single fence on a straight line in a rhythmical canter.

3. Build a fairly imposing oxer four strides in front of the skinny on a 45-60° angle. Place an object, such as a large pot or a jump wing, halfway along the bending line.

4. Jump the oxer in a forward canter, curve around the pot/wing and jump the skinny (still with wings initially), to which your horse will only have locked on a couple of strides out. Approach half a dozen times from each rein, although if your horse is weaker in one direction, jump up to eight times off the weaker rein.

5. Speed up around the turn as your horse gains confidence and experience.

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Consider this…

• This is a training exercise, not a test, so avoid making the skinny too big or so narrow that it encourages your horse to run out.
• Only make the angle tighter or the skinny higher or narrower when your horse is feeling confident.
• If he runs out, go back a step and reinstall the wings on the skinny.
• Put your weight into your heels and focus on having a strong lower-leg position — avoid gripping with your knees. This will make you more secure and less likely to be unseated by the sharp turn.

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.

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

With the Event Rider Masters first leg of 2019, plus two other CCI4*-S sections, the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth Horse Trials last year provided numerous opportunities to see top horses and riders in action — here we take a trip down memory lane to make up for having to miss this year’s event, which should have taken place last weekend...

The 2014 Badminton winners, Australia’s Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh — owned by Dinah and Posford, Jules Carter and Sam — enjoyed a good warm-up for Luhmühlen with 11th place in section C.

A spin for Lauren Blades and Shelagh Morley’s home-bred Jemilla, who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics under Mark Kyle.

Yasmin Ingham puts in a clear cross-country on Sandman 7, owned by Janette Chinn, Edwin and Sue Davies. Sandman 7 was a team silver medalist at the 2015 European Championships with former rider Pippa Funnell.

Top amateur rider Sharon Polding and her mare Findonfirecracker prepare for Luhmühlen with a double jumping clear.

Charlotte Bacon and Lucinda Froggatt’s Last Touch are also heading to the CCI5* (previously CCI4*) at Luhmühlen. They put in a steady clear across country at Chatsworth.

Izzy Taylor and her own Monkeying Around, the former world six-year-old champion who is just stepping up to four-star level.

Becky Woolven prepares Julie Record’s DHI Babette K for Luhmühlen with a cross-country jumping clear.

Bill Levett and his own and Clare Prentice’s Shannondale Titan contest the Event Rider Masters, finishing 16th after falling foul of the 15-penalty flag rule. This pair are stalwarts of the Event Rider Masters series, with seven top-12 places since its inception in 2016.

Last year’s Blenheim winners, Bella Innes Ker and her mother the Duchess Of Roxburghe’s Carolyn, land ninth in the Event Rider Masters.

Rising star Springpower, who belongs to Linda Mars, Jeremy and Andrea Brereton, bounces back from being retired on course at Badminton with an Event Rider Masters 10th place under Izzy Taylor.

Germany’s Julia Krajewski looks to have a new star in Amande De B’Neville, who took fourth in the Event Rider Masters.

Flora Harris and her mother Caroline and Susan Nicholls’ Amazing VIII — a former runner-up in the CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) at Blair Castle — take a spin round the Event Rider Master to finish 13th.

Pictures by Jon Stroud Media

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.

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

Earlier this week, we received the news that the 2014 Badminton winner, Dinah and Steve Posford and Jules Carter’s Paulank Brockagh, has been retired and returned to her breeders in Ireland.

The 17-year-old mare known as “Brocks” was a stalwart of the top-level eventing scene with Sam Griffiths, recording four top-10 five-star results in addition to her Badminton victory and leading Australia to team bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

We take a look back at her career…

Badminton final scores

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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 and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

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

The 2014 Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh has returned to her breeders in Ireland – and the stable where she was born – to retire.

“Brocks” was being aimed at her seventh Badminton this year when the event was cancelled owing to Covid-19.

“It would have been great to produce another good result and then retire her on the last day,” said rider Sam Griffiths.

With this eventing season up in the air, the rider and Dinah Posford – who owns the 17-year-old mare with her husband Steve and daughter Jules Carter – decided it was time to finish Paulank Brockagh’s career and she has returned to breeders Frank and Paula Cullen in Co. Wicklow.

“Dinah’s had horses with me for 20 years now and she’s a proper owner. She does everything for the love of the horse and never wants to push them. The most important thing for her is that they come home safe.

“Brocks was starting to feel her age, she had a lot of miles on the clock and she didn’t owe anyone anything. She still looks a treat, so although I was upset to see her leaving I’m really pleased that a horse of her calibre finishes her career happy and sound,” said Sam.

Dinah added: “At the end of day she’s retiring fit and healthy, and she deserves it. I think it would have been tempting fate to do any more – I couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to her.”

Paula said: “When we sold Brocks in 2010 I said to Dinah that if she ever bred from her I’d love to have first refusal on the foal. So when I got the call to ask if I’d like to retire her here I couldn’t hold back the tears!”

The call was particularly poignant because Brocks’ dam, Calendar Girl, only passed away three months ago at the age of 29, although Brocks will be surrounded by many of her siblings in the Wicklow hills.

Paula plans to settle Brocks in before turning her out for a summer of complete freedom so that she switches off from competition mode. She may be put in foal in future.

Paulank Brockagh completed Badminton six times in a row, from 2013 to 2018, finishing 10th in 2015 as well as her career-defining win in 2014 when she moved up from 25th after dressage to take the title after a tremendously wet cross-country day.

She led the Australians to team bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016, finishing fourth individually, and was 16th individually at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. During her career she was also seventh at Luhmühlen 2019, eighth at Pau 2017 and ninth at Burghley 2015 and 13th there in 2013.

Paula’s breeding prefix, Paulank, is a combination of her own name and that of her husband, Frank. She was initially known as a top producer of Welsh ponies, but Brockagh put her on the map as a breeder of sport horses.

The mare was produced in Ireland by Joseph Murphy, Daryll Walker and Heidi Hamilton, before joining Sam and soon making her mark with eight place in the seven-year-old World Championships at Le Lion.

Dinah Posford heard about Brocks from her friend Juliet Donald, with whom she already co-owned another of Sam’s top rides, Happy Times.

“Happy was full steam ahead at the time, but when Juliet told me about Brocks I went to see her and thought there was something about her and that it would be lovely to have a mare, so we bought her,” said Dinah. “The fun we’ve had with her and the joy she has brought us – you couldn’t make it up!”

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Brocks put in the best performances of her career on the tough cross-country days, such as Badminton 2014 and Rio 2016.

“I’ve never ridden a horse that would try so hard,” said Sam. “She was a naturally good jumper, needed some training on the flat, but an incredible cross-country horse. I really felt that I could point her at a house and she’d try to jump it!

“She would give you so much confidence. She wasn’t the quickest but where she came to the fore was at five-star level, she had such endurance, she could just keep going and keep trying, especially on the last day, she’d still give it everything she had.

“In Rio the cross-country was really tough and when I was the first to go for the team and so many of the other teams’ first riders were struggling I was filled with trepidation. So to get such a brilliant ride and then to do two showjumping clears, that was a real thrill. In Rio the proper jumpers really came to the fore.”

While she is always on her rider’s side when ridden, Brocks can have her own opinions on the ground.

Sam said: “When she doesn’t want to go somewhere she just bolts off in the walk. She used to make me laugh – you’d take her somewhere like Badminton where the horses are allowed to graze on the front lawn and she’d set her eye on where she wanted to go and just storm off, the groom would be water-skiing at the end of the lead-rope and Brocks wouldn’t give a damn!”

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.

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Sam Griffiths’ former stable star Happy Times is thriving in his retirement from eventing.

The 20-year-old Oldenberg gelding took the overall veteran title at Frome Show on 14 September and has been enjoying a five-star lifestyle with a quieter pace of life since stepping down from his international career.

“Happy” competed at international advanced level for 12 consecutive seasons, jumping around his first CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) at Barbury in July 2007 and competing at his last at Millstreet in August 2018.

He finished third at Burghley twice, completing the Lincolnshire five-star six times, and had his official retirement ceremony at the event in 2018. He also finished third and fourth at Badminton in 2009 and 2011, and scored CIC3* wins at Belton, Burnham Market and Chatsworth.

He is now living 10 minutes away from Sam’ s yard with Mouse Berry, one of the people who cared for him during his eventing career and groomed for him at the London 2012 Olympics.

“He went back to his owners and had six weeks’ holiday after retiring and then he came to me on 1 November last year,” Mouse told H&H.

“I spent a lot of time settling him and introducing him to hacking quietly, rather than with a view to fitness.”

She added it took a “bit of adjustment”, but he is very much enjoying his new life.

“He hacks out for pleasure now and I take him back to Sam’s twice a week for Charlotte Andrews [Sam’s head girl] to school and I’ve done a very small amount of riding club,” she said. “I took him to several shows just to stand and graze and realise that nothing exciting is going to happen.”

She explained that top eventers go to fewer and fewer shows when they are at the pinnacle of their careers, meaning the majority of the events they run at, they are there to be competitive. By taking him out with no pressure, she is introducing Happy to the idea that his role has changed.

“I have a 12hh pony called Bluebell, who is Happy’s ‘wife’ — we have always been a bit nervous of him with dogs, children and ponies, and now he loves all of them,” she said.

“He has taken to retirement far better than we ever thought he would and he is still treated like a five-star horse, nothing has really changed for him [in terms of his care] — Sam’s sponsors still help and he is just a few miles down the road from where he was. His owners Sam, Dinah Posford and Juliet Donald are incredibly generous to him. I’m very lucky to have him.”

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Sarah Gwuilliam rode Happy at Frome Show, where he won both his veteran section and the overall veteran title to take home a trophy.

“I would like to aim for [the veteran class at] Olympia for his 21st birthday, but I’m not going to tell him that!” she laughed. “It is really important for retired horses to have goals.”

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Sam Griffiths has withdrawn 2014 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials winner Paulank Brockagh from this year’s Badminton (1-5 May).

The Australian rider has decided to take the 16-year-old mare, who belongs to Dinah and Stephen Posford, Jules Carter and Sam, to the German five-star (previously four-star) at Luhmühlen (13 to 16 June) instead, with a view to aiming her at the 2020 Olympics.

“I have half an eye on Tokyo and Badminton is such a taxing event,” Sam told H&H. “She’s done it six times and doesn’t need to prove herself, so I thought it was better to campaign her to go to Luhmühlen.”

If Paulank Brockagh had completed Badminton this time, she would have joined Ballycotton, Comanche, Lenamore and Over To You as the only horses to record seven finishes at the event.

Sam admitted: “Part of me is torn, but I spoke to a few people and they said not to think of those records, but to think what’s best for the horse and we’ve decided that’s best for her.”

Badminton final scores

The rider still has a Badminton ride in Billy Liffy, who belongs to Viscount and Viscountess Rothermere and Sam. The 12-year-0ld chestnut gelding was a new ride for Sam last year.

“The two horses are very different to ride, so it also made sense to focus on each of them individually,” said Sam. “I’ve ridden Paulank Brockagh for about 10 years so I know her inside out, whereas Billy Liffy is quite sharp and spicy, so I have to be more sensitive with how I ride.”

Seven other horses have also been pulled out of Badminton so far. Britain’s Alex Bragg has taken Barrichello and Shannondale Percy out of the running, but he will still line up on Zagreb. The home side’s Georgie Spence has withdrawn Wii Limbo, while she still has Halltown Harley in the mix.

Fly Away V/D N Ranch, the ride of Sweden’s Anna Freskgård, has also been withdrawn. From the waiting list, France’s Pascal Leroy has withdrawn Minos De Petra and Britain’s Kate Honey will not compete with Fernhill Now Or Never.

The first withdrawal from Badminton this year was in tragic circumstances as Ireland’s Sian Coleman’s intended ride Kilroe Hero died as a result of a freak accident in his field at home soon after returning from competing at Belton.

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The riders accepted from the Badminton waiting list as a result of withdrawals at this point comprise four for the home side — Nicholas Lucey (Proud Courage), Katie Preston (Templar Justice), Simon Grieve (Drumbilla Metro) and Nicky Hill (MGH Bingo Boy) — and one for the USA, Tamra Smith with Wembley.

Don’t miss H&H’s Badminton preview issue, including cross-country course walk with world champion Ros Canter (out 25 April), and our form guide issue with details of every horse and rider competing (out 2 May).

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The great four-star campaigner Happy Times was retired in a ceremony at Burghley today (Sunday, 2 September), aged 19.

The German-bred Happy Times, by Heraldik, was ridden by Australia’s Sam Griffiths and owned by Sam, Dinah Posford and Juliet Donald.

He first made an impact on the international scene when he was fourth in the seven-year-old World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers in 2006.

Two years later he won the CCI3* at Saumur, one of three three-star wins he scored in his career — he also took Chatsworth’s World Cup class in 2010 and Belton’s Grantham Cup in 2010.

Happy Times was immediately successful when he moved up to four-star in 2009, taking third at both Badminton and Burghley.

Over the next eight years, he became a regular fixture on the top-level circuit. He was third again at Burghley in 2014 and also scored five other top-20 places at Badminton and Burghley, including fourth at Burghley 2011.

Happy Times also represented Australia at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA, in 2010 and at the London 2012 Olympics.

He stepped down from four-star competitions in 2017 and contested the one-day event circuit last season and this year.

He won the advanced class at Gatcombe’s Festival of British Eventing last year under Shane Rose when Sam Griffiths was injured.

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Today, Happy Times was cheered around the Burghley arena as Sam trotted and cantered him for the crowd one last time, before he was unsaddled led out.

“There could be no better place than here to honour Happy Times’ career and retire him,” said commentator Spencer Sturmey.

Groom Imogen Mercer, who has looked after “Happy” for six years was also present.

Full report from Burghley, including exclusive expert comment and full analysis of every phase, in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out Thursday, 6 September.

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British-based Australian eventer Sam Griffiths had an “incredibly eventful” time at Millstreet International Horse Trials last weekend, following up a broken bit on the cross-country by performing a contender for save of the century.

Having had to pull up on Gurtera Cher, his first ride in the CCI3*, when his pelham broke, Sam was caught on camera as Paulank Kings River made an unusual jump on to a bank.

“I think either he got a bit ambitious and thought he could jump the lot, or didn’t quite get his landing gear down,” Sam told H&H. “I had momentum coming into it, then came to a stop, which flung me forward on to his neck but he’s such an honest horse, he just kept on going.”

Although Kings River, a 10-year-old gelding who finished in the top 10 at Saumur CCI3* with Sam in May, went down on his knees, he managed to jump off the bank, then, after a scramble and two strides, cleared the next obstacle while Sam hung on precariously, and horse and rider cantered on in one piece.

“He just landed, pricked his ears and went; I was hanging round his neck and could see we were a long way off the jump but he just did it,” said Sam. “It was good course-designing; the brush made it a bit forgiving, so I can thank the course-designer for that! But the horse was just so honest.

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“It knocked his confidence a bit and we were pretty cautious over the next three fences, but then he got his confidence back and finished full of running.”

Sam had already suffered a disappointment on 13-year-old mare Gurtera Cher, who was some three-quarters round the same course when her tack malfunctioned.

“She was going beautifully,” he said. “It was between fences and luckily, she’s really sensible so I pulled on the reins and just gave her a bit of a pat and she stopped.

“She was going so well, on the time and I’d have been pretty confident she’d finish well. I don’t know what make the bit was, but have been in touch with some good manufacturers to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

All in all, Sam said, it was an “exciting” weekend, with the silver lining that despite the fact he and Kings River had been slightly “cautious” after the save, they still finished in fourth place.

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“At least we came back with that, or it would have been a bit disastrous!” he added.

It was announced this week that Paulank Broackagh, the mare on whom Sam had been selected to represent Australia at the World Equestrian Games would not compete as she had sustained a slight injury. Sam told H&H it had come at the wrong time but was minor, and he hopes his 2014 Badminton-winning ride will be back for the CCI4* next year.

Read the full report from Millstreet in this week’s H&H magazine, out 30 August.

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

Sam Griffiths has withdrawn Paulank Brockagh from the Australian eventing squad for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tryon (11-23 September).

“‘Brocks’ sustained a minor injury in her final preparations and will not be fit to travel,” said Sam.

“She will recuperate and then be prepared for Badminton 2019. Sam and Team Griffiths wish the Australian eventing team the very best of luck.”

The withdrawal of the 2014 Badminton winner will be a serious blow for the Australians as Sam and Brocks were likely to be one of their strongest combinations. They finished fourth individually at the 2016 Rio Olympics and were 16th at the 2014 WEG in Caen, France.

Emma McNab has been called up to replace Sam on the squad, riding 10-year-old Fernhill Tabasco, an Irish Sport Horse by Tabasco Van Erpekom. The pair were ninth at Pau last year and 11th at Luhmühlen this spring.

Emma, 30, is originally from Queensland and has been based in the UK since 2012.

“Firstly, I am sad for Sam and his horse, hopefully she will be back on track soon,” she said.

“This is something I have been working towards for my entire riding career and it’s amazing it’s happening now. I’m pleased for my horse he’s such a lovely horse as I have had him since he was first broken in.”

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Emma and Fernhill Tabasco will join the Australian eventing team camp that starts this Thursday in the UK. They fly out of Belgium to Tryon on Wednesday, 5 September.

The other pairs on the Australian squad are Chris Burton (Cooley Lands), Andrew Hoy (Vassily De Lassos), Bill Levett (Lassban Diamond Lift) and Shane Rose (Virgil or CP Qualfied). Chris is in hot form having won the Event Rider Masters (ERM) leg at Blair last weekend and consequently clinched the overall 2018 ERM series title.

Full World Equestrian Games preview in this week’s Horse & Hound (dated 30 August).

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

Sam Griffiths and his 2014 Badminton-winning super-mare Paulank Brockagh have been selected for their third back-to-back championship squad.

Sam and the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse, who he co-owns with Steve and Dinah Posford and Jules Carter, won individual bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Equestrian Australia revealed its five-strong contingent for the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon (13 to 16 September).

Joining Sam on the squad is Chris Burton, riding Kate Walls’ Cooley Lands, with whom he won the 2017 Blenheim CIC3* for eight- and nine-year-olds.

Andrew Hoy will make his 12th senior championship appearance riding the nine-year-old Vassily De Lassos, who he co-owns with Paula and David Evans.

Bill Levett is named with the Irish Sport Horse gelding Lassban Diamond Lift, owned by Elisabeth Murdoch, who also co-owns British squad member Tina Cook’s ride Billy The Red.

Completing the squad is Shane Rose and Virgil, who has won seven international events during his career, including five CIC3*s.

The 13-year-old gelding, owned by Michelle Hasibar and Shane, has been campaigned in both hemispheres. He won Blair Castle’ Event Rider Masters leg last year, adding another three-star victory to his list of achievements at Camden in New South Wales in April.

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The three reserves are Emma McNab on Fernhill Tabasco, Robert Palm with Koko Story and Amanda Ross riding Koko Popping Candy.

“Congratulations to the five eventing combinations announced today going forward to WEG in Tryon in September,” said chef d’equipe Stuart Tinney.

“As a team we are looking forward to the challenge of the competition ahead, and to hopefully achieving our qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”

The Aussie squad now head to a training camp at Hartpury in Gloucestershire before they fly out to the States.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Top names will line up to compete in the showcase horse trials at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight next week, but only 53 horses will start compared to the 80 which could have been accommodated.

The London Capital & Finance Osborne Horse Trials will host three open intermediate sections. Two classes of 15 horses, the Warrior Bowl and the Albert Bowl, will take place on Wednesday 25 July and one section of 23, the Victoria Bowl, will run on Thursday 26 July.

Horses have generally been allocated to classes depending on their British Eventing points, but this has not been strictly adhered to in some cases as riders’ availability also had to be taken into account.

Top British riders who will attend include Oliver Townend, Alex Bragg, Emily King, Izzy Taylor, Matt Heath, Nana Dalton and Holly Woodhead. Also riding will be Olympians Ludwig Svennerstal (Sweden), Austin O’Connor (Ireland), Andrew Hoy and Sam Griffiths (Australia).

The leading horses entered in the Victoria Bowl include Happy Times (third at both Badminton and Burghley with Sam Griffiths), Cillnabradden Evo (former British open champion with Oliver Townend), Black Tie II (Oliver’s 2014 World Equestrian Games ride) and Zagreb (recent winner of the Event Rider Masters at Jardy with Alex Bragg).

The event is the first affiliated horse trials to be run on the Isle of Wight and is designed as a showcase to take the sport to new audiences. The event is supported by British Eventing (BE) under the banner of a “special event” but is not fully affiliated because the competition will have a more condensed, spectator-friendly format.

A prize fund of more than £60,000 is on offer and it was originally planned to run four sections of 20 starters each. The entry fee is £840 per horse, which includes transport for horses to and from the Isle of Wight, entry, stabling, bedding and some hospitality for owner, groom and rider — organisers BEDE Events have taken inspiration from showjumping’s Global Champions Tour in bundling all the payments into a single fee.

Georgie Dickinson, daughter of organiser Stuart Buntine, said on his behalf: “We had a distinct limit on what we could run here for the first year. We have got some great names entered and for us it is all about showcasing the sport to a new audience, which is the whole reason we are running this event.

“I am sure once people have been in year one they will understand the amazing hospitality on offer and see the reason for the shortened format and want to come and compete here in years to come.”

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Full report from Osborne in H&H magazine on 2 August.

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Riders have welcomed the changes to the dressage scoring system at the first Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials since the new rules came into force.

The co-efficient — where dressage marks at international events were multiplied by 1.5 to give a wider spread of scores — was abolished from 1 January this year under FEI rules.

This means combinations’ dressage penalties are now much closer together, giving more influence to the jumping phases.

After the first phase, less than eight penalties separate the top 25 riders.

Jonty Evans, who is lying in fourth after dressage with Cooley Rorkes Drift, said he wondered whether halving the co-efficient would have worked.

Badminton final scores

“Now horses doing a particularly good test are no longer far away,” he added.

“I think it is going to make for very exciting jumping phases.”

Former winner Sam Griffiths, who took the Badminton title in 2014, added the new scoring system is going to make a “really exciting competition”.

“It’s an irony that they’ve changed it just as I have got a whole lot better at the dressage, but having said that I’m on a proper jumper,” he said.

“Tomorrow will be a real challenge, but if I’m on my toes and give Paulank Brockagh the best ride, I know she will do it.”

William Fox-Pitt said it will make the time more influential and both time-faults and showjumping poles more expensive.

“I think there’s much less room for error with this new scoring, it takes the weight away from the dressage,” he added.

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Jonelle Price said it will be an advantage to some horses and a disadvantage to others.

“I’m hoping Classic Moet will be one it advantages as she is a quick horse across country,” she said.

At the end of day press conference, dressage leader Oliver Townend, said the first real test of the new system was at Kentucky last week.

“I think it is a good thing, as long as the dressage judges are brave and use the full range of marks,” he said.

“I just don’t want to see a mediocre dressage score winning a four-star.”

Watch riders’ thoughts on their tests below

Read an interview with Badminton first-timer Will Furlong in the current issue of H&H (dated 3 May), plus Badminton predictions from equestrian data experts EquiRatings.

Our bumper 24-page Badminton report will be in our 10 May issue, including opinion from Oliver Townend, Mark Phillips and Peter Storr.

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Eight riders who have won the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials previously are entered for this year’s event (2-6 May), but two of them will have to climb from the wait-list to get a chance to run.

The previous winners safely on the accepted entries list are: Sam Griffiths (Paulank Brockagh), Paul Tapner (Bonza King Of Rouges), Oliver Townend (who will have to choose two of his four entries, MHS King Joules, Cooley Master Class, Ballaghmor Class and Cooley SRS), Michael Jung (La Biosthetique-Sam FBW), Andrew Nicholson (Jet Set IV and Nereo) and Mark Todd (Kiltubrid Rhapsody and Leonidas II).

William Fox-Pitt (winner in 2004 and 2015) and Pippa Funnell (2002, 2003 and 2005) are both on the wait-list, which will surprise some fans, but their rides Fernhill Pimms and Billy Beware do not have much recent international form, which is the basis on which Badminton does its ballot.

The event accepts the horses with the most FEI points won in the past two years and then wait-lists the rest in points order. Wait-listed horses replace those withdrawn until 2pm on the Sunday before the event. Billy Beware is seventh on the list and Fernhill Pimms is 13th. Badminton has never accepted fewer than 14 horses from the wait-list, so it is highly likely William and Pippa will be able to compete.

First-timers and crowd favourites

Eight British first-timers are among the entrants, the most-watched of whom will be former young rider European champion and H&H young rider of the year Will Furlong. He brings forward the grey mare Collien P2. The other home side debutants are Ashley Edmond (Triple Chance II), Alicia Hawker (Charles RR), Kate Honey (Fernhill Now Or Never), Georgie Strang (Cooley Earl), Alexander Whewall (Charkiris Star), Imogen Gloag (Brendonhill Doublet, wait-listed) and Kirsty Short (Cossan Lad, wait-listed).

Badminton final scores

Among the strong British entries are Olympian Gemma Tattersall (Arctic Soul and Pamero 4), European team gold medallist Ros Canter (Allstar B) and Burghley runner-up Piggy French (Vanir Kamira).

Fans will be delighted to see Laura Collett back at Badminton, with Mr Bass, as well as Ben Hobday, who is eighth on the wait-list with the great character Mulrys Error.

Lissa Green, who made her Badminton debut last year for Britain, will represent Australia this year, riding Hollyfield, having made the decision to change nationality earlier this year.

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One hundred and two horses were entered for Badminton this year, a relatively small entry compared to some years. Of these, 88 have been accepted, but the maximum starting field will be 85 — the extra three account for the fact two of Oliver’s horses must be withdrawn as must one of Tina Cook’s three entries (Star Witness, Calvino II and Billy The Red). Fourteen horses have been placed on the wait-list, which ranks alongside 2015 as the joint-smallest wait-list in the 11-year history of this system being used.

Riders from 14 nations are on the list for Badminton, with riders from Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Japan and Sweden expected to line up, as well as strong contingents from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France and the USA. Michael Jung is the only German rider entered.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

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Leading Australian eventer Sam Griffiths returned to the eventing circuit with a win on Sunday (24 September) after he seriously injured his neck in a fall at the start of the season.

Sam partnered his 2014 Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh to victory in an open intermediate section at the South of England.

It was his first competitive ride since he learned of his injury in May.

“It was great to be back,” Sam told H&H.

“I was a little bit rusty as I pretty much haven’t ridden for three months and I had only been back riding that week [before the event] — she just looked after me.”

Sam had a fall at Burnham Market in April and had a sore neck afterwards, but kept riding as the crack was “missed on an X-ray”.

About a week after Badminton, the Olympian went to see a specialist and learnt that he had a fracture, so decided to stop riding.

He has been in a neck brace over the summer and has been seeing his specialist every three to four weeks.

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Sam added he has had multiple X-rays and scans and was told there was a chance he might have to have an operation on his neck, which fortunately turned out not to be needed.

“Shane Rose has been riding all my horses and has been competing a lot of them — [Paulank Brockagh] is my top horse and I didn’t let him compete her!” he laughed.

“I was really pleased with how she went, she did a really good test and led after dressage.

“My plan was to take it easy — I just kept her moving across country and I didn’t feel she went that fast, but she has a high cruising speed.”

The combination led after dressage on 24.8, completing the cross-country in the fastest time in their section to add 6.4 time faults to their score and finish on a total of 31.2 — more than five penalties ahead of second-placed Pippa Funnell with Billy The Biz.

Sam added he will now aim the mare, with whom he finished fourth individually at the Rio 2016 Olympics, for Pau CCI4* (25-29 October).

“I feel fine, obviously when you haven’t ridden you get a few aches, but I’m feeling really good,” he added.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Australian event rider Sam Griffiths will be returning to action soon after losing the summer season due to a crack in his neck.

“I had a fall at Burnham Market in April and had a sore neck afterwards,” he said. “I kept riding and it wasn’t getting better, but it was missed on an X-ray.

“About a week after Badminton I saw a specialist and he said I had a bit of a crack in my neck and I’d better stop riding. I’m no hero and I’m not proud of it — there’s no way I’d have ridden at Badminton if I’d known.”

Sam stopped competing after Mount Ballan in mid-May and has been in a neck brace, which has now come off. He hopes to be back in the saddle in two weeks’ time and he will aim 2014 Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh at Pau at the end of October as well as a couple of other horses at the Dutch CCI3* at Boekelo earlier that month.

Sam is at the Blair Castle Equi-Trek International Horse Trials this week watching his seasoned four-star campaigner Happy Times — who he owns with Dinah Posford and Juliet Donald — compete in the CIC3* under fellow Aussie Shane Rose. The pair won the advanced section at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe in August.

“Happy Times if getting pretty old [18], but he’s fit and well and I felt I couldn’t have him sitting in the stable at the latter end of his career,” he said. “He’s a sensitive horse, but he and Shane get on really well.

“When he does something well I say I trained him to do it, but when he does something wrong, I blame Shane!”

Continued below…

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Shane and Happy Times lie fourth in the CIC3* at Blair, having scored 45.1

Shane said: “He goes in the ring and grows in the atmosphere — he’s old enough and good enough that he understands people should be watching him! I found that at Gatcombe. When he’s in the atmosphere he feels eight rather than 18.

“He has all the tricks. The only thing that went wrong today was that he thought he was going across the diagonal on the last long side and when I put my leg on to correct him he did a few extra flying changes. But he’s a really fun ride.”

Full report from Blair in H&H next week (issue dated 31 August).

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Two past Badminton-winning combinations top the entries for the 2017 event.

Reigning champions Michael Jung and La Biosthetique-Sam FBW (pictured, top) and 2014 winners Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh head the list for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (3-7 May).

All the British 2016 Olympic riders — with the notable exception of William Fox-Pitt — are aiming for the Gloucestershire four-star. Kitty King has her Rio-ride Ceylor LAN in contention, while Pippa Funnell is entered with Billy Beware and Gemma Tattersall with Arctic Soul.

Tina Cook has her three long-listed Rio rides entered (Calvino II, Billy The Red and Star Witness), while Oliver Townend also has a trio on the list (MHS King Joules, Samuel Thomas II and ODT Ghareeb). Riders can compete a maximum of two horses, but having three entered means they can choose at a later date which to run.

Badminton final scores

Laura Collett has two entered (Grand Manoeuvre and Pamero 4), with Nicola Wilson (Annie Clover), Izzy Taylor (Briarlands Matilda), Beanie Sturgis (Lebowski) and Sarah Bullimore (Reve Du Rouet) among the other Brits on the list. Zara Tindall and High Kingdom are 35th on the wait list.

Two of France’s Olympic team gold medal-winning combinations — Astier Nicolas (Piaf De B’Neville) and Thibaut Vallette (Qing Du Briot) — have made the cut.

Among the Irish entries are Camilla Speirs and her experienced campaigner Portersize Just A Jiff. This will be the sixth CCI4* for the pint-sized 17-year-old gelding, who took Camilla to London 2012.

Jonty Evans and Clare Abbott are both entered on their respective Rio rides, Cooley Rorkes Drift and Euro Prince.

A strong Kiwi contingent is aiming for glory, with two entries for Mark Todd (Leonidas II and NZB Campino), Andrew Nicholson (Qwanza and Nereo), Caroline Powell (Onwards And Upwards) and Tim Price (Bango, Ringwood Sky Boy and waitlisted Xavier Faer) among their contenders. However Jonelle Price — who finished 10th here last year — is not entered.

The Aussies bring forward past winner Andrew Hoy on The Blue Frontier and Rutherglen and 2016 Burghley winner Christopher Burton, with TS Jamaimo and Graf Liberty, among their contingent.

Meanwhile, Germany’s challenge is not limited to Michael Jung — Ingrid Klimke (Horseware Hale Bob OLD), Bettina Hoy (Designer), Andreas Dibowski (FRH Butts Avedon) and Claas Romeike (Cato 60) are also on the list.

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How does it compare?

Entries are up slightly on last year, with 87 accepted entries and 36 on the waitlist taking the total to 123. This compares to 118 in 2016, 104 in 2015 and 141 in 2014.

Of these entries, a maximum of 85 will run.

Horses are accepted into Badminton on the basis of which have won the most FEI points at three- and four-star level in the past two years, so the horses with most points are accepted and then the others are wait listed in points order.

Over the past nine years between 15 and 43 horses have been accepted from the wait list, so it combinations on it still have a good chance of making the start list.

In 12th on the waitlist and hoping for her first Badminton run is Lissa Green with Malin Head Clover.

Canadian Olympian Kathryn Robinson is at 16 with Let It Bee, while the popular combination of Ben Hobday and Mulrys Error are at 29.

Zara Tindall is at 35, just ahead of Badminton first-timer and H&H blogger Kirsty Short on her own Cossan Lad.

View the full entry list here

Don’t miss H&H’s exclusive Badminton cross-country course walk with William Fox-Pitt in the 27th April issue

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Manufacturer Amerigo has said it is taking the breaking of Sam Griffith’s stirrup at Burghley “extremely seriously”.

The company has confirmed that the incident is a one-off and it is suspending all sales of this stirrup until the reason for the break has been found.

Sam, who was lying in eighth place after the dressage with Happy Times, was galloping between fence three and four on the cross-country when his left stirrup iron broke.

The bolts holding the tread of his stirrup iron in place sheared off, leaving it dangling from the leather with nowhere for him to put his foot.

“Safety is paramount to us at Amerigo and so we are taking the matter extremely seriously and are investigating the possible causes of the break as thoroughly and as speedily as we are able to do so,” said Lisa Menet of Amerigo.

“We have sold this stirrup type for more than three years and it has been used in all levels of the sport, across all disciplines, without any incident.

“Until the causes of the break have been established, we will suspend all sales of this stirrup.

“The stirrups are manufactured for us by a company in Italy, who will be working with us very closely on this.”

Despite the break, Sam continued on course and incurred no jumping penalties, but pulled up after the Cottesmore Leap complex (fences 12 and 13) as the flapping stirrup was beginning to unsettle his horse.

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The Badminton 2014-winner told H&H on Monday (5 September) that the break was “really bad luck” and today (Friday, 9 September) added that he is “delighted” Amerigo is being so proactive.

“I have ridden in Amerigo products for over 10 years and jumped many cross-country rounds of every level from novice to the Olympic Games,” he said.

“The stirrup breaking was really bad luck at Burghley. I am delighted that Amerigo are being so proactive in the response to this incident.”

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

Riders are describing the Rio Olympics cross-country course as “a proper championship track”.

British travelling reserve Tina Cook said: “It’s the most difficult course I’ve seen at a Games for a while — harder than Hong Kong or London — with the terrain, the questions asked and the size of the fences.”

The Olympics is run at four-star level, although in a slightly modified format to a regular four-star, but traditionally the track is often not really up to that standard. But that isn’t the case this time, with the course-designer, France’s Pierre Michelet, providing a true test.

Canada’s Jessica Phoenix, who will be the pathfinder, said: “It’s not four-star in height, but it’s definitely a four-star in technicality. It’ll suit A Little Romance — she’s like a little sports car.”

Australia’s Sam Griffiths commented: “The course is really tough, with questions the whole way round from the start to the last. The terrain makes it difficult and you’re going to have to be on your A game to go well.”

Riders have picked out fence six, a double of right-handed corners, as likely to be particularly influential.

The optimum time (10min 15sec) will also play a part — if it’s tight, which is likely, riders are more likely to be forced into mistakes.

“I think it’s a strong course, but very safe as run-offs and time-faults will be the order of the day [rather than falls],” said New Zealand’s Tim Price. “Pierre has used the terrain well and it’ll be difficult to be clear and in the time.”

Britain’s Gemma Tattersall said: “It’s a serious track that wouldn’t look out of place at Badminton or Burghley. It’s very hilly. We’ll all have to have our serious brave pants on.”

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The weather may also affect the results — it is forecast to be 24ºC on cross-country day, although today temperatures are around 29ºC.

“We will see horses coming home hot, but they are super fit and there are plenty of places to cool them, so I don’t expect to see any problems because of the heat,” said Tim Price.

Full 25-page report on the eventing from Rio 2016 in H&H next week — out Friday, 12 August. H&H is published on Friday instead of Thursday next week only to allow us to report the full competition from the Olympics.

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This week’s H&H guest editor answers your questions, including revealing what his horses eat and how he knows which ones will make it to the top

Q. Who are your heroes?

A. I’ve had a few over the years. We used to get videos of Badminton and Burghley when I was a kid in Australia and I remember watching Ginny Elliot (pictured) and admiring how technically correct she was. I also always looked up to guys like Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson when I was younger.

Q. What do you feed your horses? Do you stick with one brand or mix and match? Do they have hay or haylage?

A. I use Saracen horse feeds — they sponsor me now as I approached them because I knew they were one of the best feed companies and I was using their products already. They are very good at helping me devise a programme for the horses.

On top of that I just feed hay — usually dry, but I do have some horses who have wet hay as they are a bit less good in their breathing.

Q. What is your greatest ambition?

A. To win an Olympic medal.

Q. If you weren’t an event rider, what would you be doing?

A. I’ve always loved doing sports and I’d have loved to have trained racehorses — I think I would have really enjoyed that, although it’s along similar lines to what I do now so perhaps that’s a cheat answer.

I always fancied doing a law degree, but I was never quite smart enough to get the top grades. It was an area I considered getting into it after my geography degree, but I rode my horses too much and didn’t study enough, so I got all right grades, but not good enough to get into the law degree.

Q. What’s the greatest moment of your career?

A. It would have to be winning Badminton — we all aspire to that, it was an amazing thrill and something I’d love to do again. It felt surreal at the time — it’s an incredible experience to fulfil an ambition like that.

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Q. What do you look for in your horses and what is your favourite horse like?

A. To be a top performer, horses need lots of different attributes. I love horses who are light on the ground — by that I mean that if they are trotting or cantering, I can hardly hear them. When that happens, it means they are really athletic.

Of course, good ones also need a really good brain, to be sensible and trainable.

I’ve been lucky — I’ve had lots of really good horses through my career. Different attributes come through more strongly in different horses and my current top rides show that. Happy Times is one you can never hear moving over the ground, but he is tricky in his mind. Paulank Brockagh has a really good brain and that’s what brings her to the fore.

Sam Griffiths is the guest editor of H&H’s eventing special, on sale now (issue dated 3 March).

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This week’s Horse & Hound guest editor Sam Griffiths has over 6,200 followers on Twitter and a similar number of fans on Facebook. He shares his top tips for social media success…

1. Social media can be a powerful tool, but it can cut both ways and work against you too. Sponsors now want brand awareness — if you can go to a sponsor and tell them you have a decent numbers of followers, that is valuable. You can tweet about their products and then they re-tweet you.

2. However, do be very careful what you post — for example, make sure you’re wearing and using appropriate gear and clothing in all photos rather than that of a rival company to your sponsor.

3. Think carefully about putting anything negative online and giving people ammunition against you. For example, a picture of you nearly falling off. You might think you’re great for staying on — but an outsider might wonder why you got into the position of nearly falling off in the first place.

4. You need to promote your sponsors, but if all your social feed is full of adverts, people will stop following you. You need to subtly promote the products and also balance that with other posts which build followers. If we post a through-the-ears photo with a great view on a hack, that will get loads of interaction, so why not combine it with a plug — “I had an awesome hack out on my new saddle…”

5. Just listing your results also turns people off. It’s better to tell the story of the day and make it personal.

6. Maintaining social media can be very time consuming and you need to weigh up the benefit of the return for the time invested. It helps me promote myself and my sponsors, but if you are at the lower levels you could spend hours on social media without getting much back from it. My wife, Lucy, helps me a lot with promotion and it can be really great to have someone to assist you.

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7. People like inside knowledge on social media. The year I won Badminton, as we led Paulank Brockagh out of her stable to set off for the event, our head girl Imogen Mercer took a photo of her, which we put on Facebook. She had a regal look about her and it got a huge amount of likes, which surprised us — and then she went and won the event.

Our eventing special of Horse & Hound magazine, guest edited by Sam Griffiths, is out now (dated 3 March 2016)

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This week’s H&H guest editor Sam Griffiths tells us about the horses who have made his career.

1. Happy Times (stablename: Happy)

Owners: Dinah Posford and Juliet Donald

Best results: first Saumur 2008; third Badminton and Burghley 2009; first Belton and Chatsworth 2010; Australian team member Kentucky World Equestrian Games (WEG) 2010; fourth Badminton 2011; Australian team member London 2012 Olympics; ninth Burghley 2012; third Burghley 2014

Sam says: “Happy is an out and out star — he can do things other horses can’t do, because he’s got that much talent about him, but he’s also quite quirky.

“He’s very difficult in the showjumping. He’s quite scared of the poles and won’t walk over a pole on ground, he always jumps it. I use a lot of polework in training, so it makes him difficult to train.

“Across country you think you’re in all sorts of trouble and Happy can get you out like no other horse I’ve ever ridden, so he’s quite freaky like that.

“He knows he’s a star. Whenever a camera turns up, he just poses for it.”

2. Paulank Brockagh (stablename: Brocks)

Owners: Dinah and Stephen Posford and Jules Carter

Best results: first Badminton 2014; Australian team member Caen WEG 2014; 10th Badminton 2015; ninth Burghley 2015

Sam says: “Brocks is an amazing jumper — you can really believe if you pointed her at a house she’d try to jump it for you.

“Her strength is that she tries harder than any other horse I’ve ever had. She’s not a natural on flat, but she keeps trying and trying and getting better and better for it.

“What more can I say about Brocks? She’s won the biggest event in the world and that in its own right makes here a star.”

3. Connigar Bay (stablename: Connie)

Owners: Jim Chromiak and Penelope Makin

Best results: 15th Burghley 2005; eighth Burghley 2006; 11th Burghley 2007

Sam says: “Connie was an absolute gentleman of a horse and super cross-country. He used to get a little bit hot in dressage, but he’s a horse I look back on and wish I had today — with my increased experience I could have done more with him. But I’m sure everyone is like that — you develop as a rider the more you do and understand.

“Everyone liked Connie. He was a super horse, really fast and reliable.”

4. Jovial Sam (stablename: Sam)

Owners: Sharon Alston (at the time Sam rode him)

Best results: 34th Badminton 1998

Sam says: “Sam was my first four-star ride and I got him as a catch ride initially. I picked him up about a week before Blenheim, because his usual rider Victoria Sinnatt couldn’t compete him there, and the first cross-country fence I jumped on him was number one at Blenheim. I just clicked with him.

“I then took him on to Badminton after only a couple of intermediates, so that was my fourth or fifth event on him.

“He was only a little horse, but he was really talented and brave as anything. He had had a hard career as a racehorse and had a few soundness issues — if you over galloped him he would become sore, so we had to manage him in a particular way and find other ways to get him fit.

“We did a lot of swimming with him. Luckily at that time I was based not far from Lambourn, so we went to [Grand National-winning trainer] Oliver Sherwood’s and swam him there.”

5. Private Colin (stablename: Colin)

Owner: David Hamilton and Miss L Patel (at the time Sam rode him)

Best results: third Le Lion d’Angers seven-year-old World Cchampionships 2001; sixth Badminton 2004

Sam says: “He was an interesting horse because he was bred by the Fletchers and came into my yard because he used to keep napping with other jockeys. I acquired him to try to sort him out as part of a deal, but because he jumped so well I pulled a syndicate together to buy him and took him from nothing right through to fifth/sixth at Badminton.

“I felt Colin should have been selected for the Athens Olympics — his worst three-day performance in the run-up was seventh.

“I did have to ride the roads and tracks holding onto the breastplate though, because I worried he’d spin and I’d fall off. We never really got that out of him, so that was the most nerve-racking part of any competition.

“He was a super, super jumper, which is why he went so well at three-days — his jumping really came to fore.”

6. Chamois IV (stablename: Chammy)

Owner: Fiona Dowding

Best results: 34th Badminton 2004

Sam says: “Chammy was one of my first rides in the UK. I was based in a yard with Matt Ryan and her owner Fiona had her on the same yard. She couldn’t compete her because she was busy being a mother, so she asked me if I’d take her on.

“She wasn’t a very good jumper initially, but really improved her technique with experience. She was a mare who had a massive heart and I ended up doing Badminton on her. Although she was only 15.3hh, she was a super cross-country horse. No one thought she’d make it but she did.

“My big memory of Chammy is cantering through the finish at Badminton after going clear and seeing her owner in floods of tears. I wondered what I’d done wrong, but she was just happy it had gone so well. We’re still friends today.

“After Badminton, Fiona retired her to breed from her and I was a bit gutted as I felt she had a few more four-stars in her! I’ve ridden some of her offspring, including Outward Bound who I currently compete at two-star.”

7. In The Groove (stablename: Groover)

Owners: Dinah Posford

Best results: seventh Lulworth CIC3* 2002; 18th Boekelo 2002; 19th Pau World Cup Final 2003

Sam says: “Groover was the first horse I ever rode for anyone else in the UK and he’s still my favourite horse. He was an absolute gentleman and so reliable.

“He wasn’t a superstar — I remember doing one showjumping round and the owners counted how many fences he touched and it was 11 or 13, but he still managed to go clear!

“He was such a beautiful horse to have around and do everything with, and was everyone else’s favourite too.”

8. Favorit Z (stablename: Frodo)

Owners: Sue Brendish

Best results: fifth Blenheim eight- and nine-year-old CIC3* 2014

Sam says: “Frodo was going to be my Rio Olympic gold medallist, but he died last year in a freak accident.

“He was stunning looking — I could do a bad dressage test on him and still win because he was so good. He wanted to be careful, too.

“I was devastated to lose him because to me he was a real gold medal horse, but also because everyone in the yard had a soft spot for him — he was such a good-looking horse and a nice guy to have around.

“I felt that on him I could have challenged and beaten Michael Jung and all the other top riders. I had really taken my time with him and he was just coming to the fore of his career. I thought he would have been perfect for Rio, but life can be cruel and that was one of those situations.”

Continued below…

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9. Danaan Prince (stablename: DP)

Owners: Sue Brendish

Best results: 13th Houghton CIC3* 2010; 15th Boekelo 2010; 18th Saumur 2011

Sam says: “I always called DP the most expensive event horse. He was from the first crop of Danehill Dancer, but by the time DP started eventing, Danehill Dancer was a leading sire in the thoroughbred world and commanding a huge stud fee.

“DP raced a lot as a two-year-old trained by Richard Hannon, but the owner was worried about him being injured and loved him so much she decided to find him another career. She thought he could do dressage, but Jennie Loriston-Clarke thought he was more suited to eventing and recommended me.

“I watched his 10 races and every time he was in a position to win, he didn’t seem to give it his all and quite run to his full potential. But he loved eventing and tried hard — it just shows that some horses are suited to one sport and others to another.

“He was about to do Burghley when his fiery chestnut temperament got the better of him and he injured himself. As he had raced so much, I felt it would be pushing him to keep him at four-star, so he went off to do a bit of dressage.”

Our eventing special, guest edited by Sam Griffiths, is out now (dated 3 March).

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

This week’s H&H guest editor offers advice on coping with nerves and being fit to ride, as well as telling us what horse he’d love to ride

Q. If you could ride any famous horse, who would it be?

A. I’d love to have ridden Hickstead, Eric Lamaze’s showjumper (pictured). He looked incredible and it’d be great to have come down to a 1.60m fence on him and felt that horse’s spring. I saw him jumping live once, as well as lots of times on TV, and it was phenomenal to watch.

Q. How do you cope with nerves at competitions?

A. It’s always really tough, but I try to keep myself as relaxed as possible. I once heard a tennis player saying it’s not about handling pressure, it’s about taking pressure off yourself, so that’s what I try to do and it stops me being so nervous.

I try not to raise my expectations and to say that it’s just another round or another competition — I want to go well, but it doesn’t matter if I don’t. A lot of pressure is about looking foolish or not performing to your potential, but if you can take some of that pressure off yourself, it will be easier.

I also find it helps to be organised and plan what I’m doing, so that when I canter into the ring I know I’m ready to go.

Q. Do all your horses go out in the field?

A. Being an Antipodean, I grew up with all my horses going out, so I do get them out as much as I can, although the English weather can dictate otherwise — at the moment it’s too wet for them to go out.

Some horses only like to go out for a short time, so I let the horses make the choice on how long they stay out, too.

Q. How do you keep fit?

A. I have a rowing machine which I absolutely hate! But I put some music on and get on it about three days a week. I particularly try to do it from Christmas onwards and in the lead-up to big events like Badminton. I also do a bit of core strength work and some stretches after using the rowing machine.

I’ve been using the machine for about three years and really noticed a difference. In the 10th minute of a course you’re tired and so is your horse, but by improving your fitness you can be more effective in those last couple of minutes. That’s when you need to ride best because your horse is tired and if you’re not so fatigued yourself you can ride better and make better decisions.

Continued below…

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Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

A. Always keep your horse in front of your leg. What I mean by that is that if I’m coming down to a ditch and brush at Badminton and I say go, they need to go. The horse must be responsive to the aids and always move off the aids.

Q. What is your favourite event to ride at?

A. Any of the four-stars, especially Badminton and Burghley. Just to get around is a real achievement. Both are wonderful events.

Don’t forget to buy this week’s H&H eventing special (issue dated 3 March), guest edited by Sam.

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

Sam Griffiths guest edits this week’s H&H (3 March), the first of four guest-edited specials for the magazine this spring.

The Australian eventer, who won Badminton in 2014 on Paulank Brockagh, has worked with the H&H team to deliver an exciting eventing special issue.

Features include:

• Think like a winner — we find out what’s running through the minds of the top competitors such as Scott Brash, Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson and Michael Eilberg before they get on the horse at an event, while they are warming up and in the ring
• Do mouthguards stop concussion? We investigate whether this kit could help safety in eventing
• The Antipodean migration — why event riders come to Britain and what they sacrifice to make the move
• How cross-country course-designers work — leading designers including Mike Etherington-Smith, Mark Phillips and Ian Stark reveal how they go about creating a track on a virgin site

“Sam was a joy to work with — extremely well organised and with lots of great ideas,” said H&H eventing editor Pippa Roome. “I hope the readers enjoy checking out all the features.”

Sam said: “As an Antipodean, I’m honoured to have been asked to guest edit this traditionally very British magazine.”

In the editorial leader, Sam also reveals his views on the future of eventing in the Olympic Games.

A series of website features support the magazine special — including a two-part Q&A with Sam (to be published on Thursday, 3 March and Monday, 7 March), an article on the horses who have made Sam’s career (to be published on Friday, 4 March), fun facts about Sam and a quiz.

The other guest edited specials are:

• Showing special (17 March), guest-edited by Robert Walker
• Dressage special (24 March), guest-edited by Laura Tomlinson
• Showjumping special (31 March), guest-edited by Geoff Billington

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

Australian eventer Sam Griffiths is the guest editor of our eventing special this year, out tomorrow (Thursday, 3 March). But much do you know about Sam? Take our quiz to find out

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

It’s time to really get to know this week’s guest editor for the H&H eventing special, 2014 Badminton winner Sam Griffiths…

1. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monash University, Melbourne, in geography. He can’t remember what grade he got, but it wasn’t a distinction.

2. His favourite food is seafood — he loves lobster and crayfish.

3. Sam is quite partial to champagne — “If an event’s gone well you get champagne, so it has good connotations.”

4. He has an older brother (Mark) and a younger brother (Tom). “My parents were not particularly creative naming us,” smiles Sam. Mark has ridden at three-star and Tom at two-star, although he gave up in his 20s. Mark still rides and his younger daughter, who is in her mid-teens, is very talented — “Nina goes in a 1.20m class with 100 in it and beats everyone. We can expect to see her over here in Britain in the future,” says Sam.

5. His wife Lucy — also a geography graduate — is a keen rider and competed to three-star before having children curtailed her eventing career. The couple have two children — Oliver is three and Eliza just under a year old. Lucy has been hunting with the South and West Wilts, Portman and Blackmore and Sparkford Vale to get back into riding, although Sam has “nicked” her two event horses, Beaurepair Nemo and Angelo IV.

Badminton final scores

6. He’s a cricket fanatic and likes following all cricket. Obviously he supports Australia in all the big international competitions, and also keeps tabs on the Indian Premier League. “I drive my wife mad when I get up in the morning and check the results!”

6. He has his own vegetable garden — “I thought, ‘We’ve got all this horse shit, what are we going to do with it?’ I enjoy gardening — it sounds like an old man thing, but I lead a hectic life and sometimes it’s good to go in the garden for a bit. Lucy loves it too, so it’s something we do together,” says Sam.

7. Lucy lived on the Isle of Wight before the couple were married and evented from there. The ferry company gave her special rates for taking the lorry on the ferry. “We often trek down there to see her parents and I say the ferry is a ‘one can trip’ because you can drink one can of beer during it — although it’s not so relaxing with the kids!” says Sam.

8. Sam has three key trainers. He works a lot with Gareth Hughes on the dressage as part of the Australian team structure, and also with team coach Prue Barrett. In addition, he trains with Ros Morgan (née Bevan) on the jumping side.

Continued below…

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9. Sam particularly likes sea fishing, which he did a lot in Australia, and fly fishing, although he doesn’t get much chance to do it now.

Don’t miss our eventing special, guest edited by Sam Griffiths, out this Thursday (3 March)

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

Would you like to pose a question to a Badminton winner? Now is your chance!

Australian team member and 2014 Badminton victor Sam Griffiths is guest editing our eventing special (out 3 March) and we are offering readers a chance to send in their questions. We will pick our favourites, ask Sam to answer them, and publish the answers online.

Do you want some advice on riding, training or horsecare? To find out how to deal with competition nerves? Or perhaps you want to know what event horse from the past or present Sam would most like to ride?

Send your questions to pippa.roome@timeinc.com by Friday (19 February).

For inspiration, here are some of the questions readers asked last year’s guest editor, Oliver Townend, and his answers…

If you were to advise a young event rider wishing to progress up the ranks, what would your top tips be?

Oliver says: “I would advise riders to spend as much time as possible in every type of yard — so to work in a dealing yard, a racing yard, a jumping yard, rather than just event yards. And don’t set up on your own too early — make sure you have a good apprenticeship.”

What was the turning point of your career?

Oliver says: “For me, it was setting up on my own. I was only 21, but I had served a long apprenticeship as I had effectively been professional since I was 14 and it got the stage where I wanted to work in my own way and I was never going to work for anybody else again. I set up in a rented yard initially and then bought my current base, Gadlas Farm, when I was 25.”

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Oliver Townend Q&A: Looking for a winner, fitness and dedication

Oliver Townend Q&A: the media, Avebury and going it alone

What are the top conformational attributes you look for in an eventer, and how do you know if you have a potential winner in the making?

Oliver says: “Conformation-wise they need a good front leg — a big shoulder, a good angle to the limb and not to be back at the knee. And to have everything in proportion. They also need to be clean-limbed and straight movers. I have lots of different types on my yard though — there is no particular sort I go for.

“I generally know I have a potential winner because I want to ride the horse every day. You know the good ones because they give you a feel that makes you want to get on them.”

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

Four top riders will step into the hot seat at Horse & Hound in March, guest editing our spring sport specials.

Australia’s 2014 Badminton winner Sam Griffiths will lead the eventing special (3 March), followed by Horse of the Year Show show hunter champion Robert Walker taking over for the showing issue (17 March).

London 2012 team gold medallist Laura Tomlinson heads up our dressage special (24 March).

2007 Hickstead Derby winner Geoff Billington rounds out the quartet in our showjumping issue (31 March).

Laura said: “I am excited to have been given the chance to guest edit for H&H, it’s a great opportunity to discuss some ideas and issues within our sport. I hope people find the pieces engaging and informative.”

Content director Sarah Jenkins said: “We’re thrilled that four of our audience’s most loved and admired riders have agreed to take the helm at H&H.

“The insight that top riders bring to the magazine week after week is taken to another level in those issues that are guest edited by athletes at the top of their game with strong, informed opinions on the disciplines they are so passionate about.”

Eventing editor and acting print director Pippa Roome added: “Sam and I met last week [pictured, above] and I was impressed by how much homework he had done — he has lots of great ideas.

“Having riders so closely involved is a great opportunity for us to bring fresh eyes to what we do and I can’t wait to see what they produce.”

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

A former four-star eventer has been put down at the age of 21 after a long battle with arthritis.

British-bred Private Colin was produced up to top level by Australian rider Sam Griffiths. He partnered the horse to finish third at Le Lion seven-year-old world championships (2002), sixth at Blenheim (2003) and sixth at Badminton in 2004. He was also long-listed for the Athens Olympics that year.

The Busk Hill Gunnar-sired bay was bred by showjumpers Tina and Graham Fletcher and owned by David Hamilton and Leela Patel. From 2006 he was campaigned by Stephen Way, but his eventing career was curtailed by injury.

“He was a quirky, special character, who adored attention and cuddles,” said David. “Sadly a field injury sustained as a two-year-old meant that an old scar often irritated him, giving rise to heart-stopping trot-ups at three-days, and ultimately shortened his eventing career.

“He has enjoyed life and retirement doing a little showjumping and dressage, and has had the most amazing care from [vet] Bobby McEwen, who also enjoyed hacking him out on occasion.”

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

Germany’s Michael Jung leads the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials after cross-country day.

Although he fell in the water with his first horse, FischerRocana FST, Michael rode with his customary brilliance on La Biosthetique-Sam FBW to bring him home just 2sec over the 11min 12sec optimum time. He is 1.5 penalties ahead of his nearest rival.

The 15-year-old Sam belongs to the Jung Family, Michael’s father Joachim, Erich Single and the German Olympic equestrian federation (DOKR). He has won the individual golds at the Olympics (2012), World Championships (2010) and European Championships (2011).

“After I fell with Rocana I went back to the stables and my brother said I had to start really fighting with Sam — that he had been in seventh and was now in sixth,” joked Michael.

“I know Sam very well. In the beginning we were a bit slow up the long hill for fence 13 [the Cottesmore Leap], but after that I wanted to catch the time and he was really fighting for me.”

New Zealander Tim Price holds second on Ringwood Sky Boy, a 12-year-old belonging to Varenna Allen, Robert Taylor, Selwood.com and the rider. He had 2.8 time-faults today to move up from fifth after dressage.

Tim had an unusual incident when a wasp got inside his cross-country shirt during his round.

“After Discovery Valley I had a scratchy sensation, like a thistle, so I tried to adjust my shirt but it wouldn’t go away,” he said. “When I finished I felt it again, so I lifted up my shirt and a little wasp flew away. I think he was a bit annoyed by the whole experience!”

Speaking about Ringwood Sky Boy, Tim said: “He’s not the most conventional, but he has a lot of scope and honesty and tries hard and that stands him in good stead. The combinations can be difficult because he has a long stride and really wants to get there. It was a course where you had to use feel and make choices along the way.”

Ringwood Sky Boy does not have a great record in the showjumping, so he may well drop out of the top echelons tomorrow.

Only two riders made the time today — Tim’s wife Jonelle Price was one and is now third on Trisha Richards’ Classic Moet, also the fastest horse at the World Equestrian Games last year.

“She’s a fast one and I just have to keep up with her,” said Jonelle. “She gave me a fantastic ride and was pretty faultless from start to finish.”

The other speedy rider was Australia’s Christopher Burton, who sits fourth with British Open champion TS Jamaimo. Christopher is also fifth on Haruzac.

Oliver Townend is the best Brit in ninth on the pathfinder, Dromgurrihy Blue. Tina Cook is 10th with Star Witness. Both horses are four-star debutants.

Course-designer Mark Phillips said he was “very happy and relieved” by the result. The course had been turned round to run in the opposite direction this year and Mark said this is an expensive exercise, so it will keep flowing this way for a few years now.

Overnight leaders make dramatic exits

The two overnight leaders, Michael Jung on his first ride FischerRocana FST and William Fox-Pitt on the inexperienced Fernhill Pimms, both left the sharp end in dramatic fashion.

FischerRocana jumped fence 4a, the wall before the slope down into the water at the Lion Bridge, but lost her footing as she entered the water and went down, soaking herself and Michael.

William Fox-Pitt was having a great round with the young Pimms, but the pair were held before Thomson’s Wall (fence 23) because the back of the fence was broken.

When they restarted, William decided to take the long route at Discovery Valley, fence 24ab. He jumped the chest at 24a, then set off along the track to the Elephant Trap at fence 25. But he suddenly realised his error, turned round and galloped back to Discovery Valley to jump fence 24b.

William could have been 14sec over the time and held his lead, but 51sec was expensive and his 20.4 time-faults dropped him to 13th overnight.

Late problems

At the end of the day, both Sam Griffiths (third after dressage) and Oliver Townend (fifth) could have taken the lead, but they made late errors on course.

Sam ran out at the second hedge at Discovery Valley (fence 24b) with Happy Times, while Oliver had 20 penalties at the sculpted hedge oxer in the Land Rover Trout Hatchery with Armada.

Earlier in the day, Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen, fourth after dressage, had a fall at Capability’s Cutting (fences 9 and 10).

H&H bloggers update

Two of H&H’s bloggers had great jumping clears. Nana Dalton and Elite Syncopation finished with 44.8 time-faults for 43rd place. And Simon Grieve incurred 46.8 time-penalties on Cornacrew for 47th.

Our third blogger, Coral Keen with Wellshead Fare Opposition, fell at the Cottesmore Leap. She was taken to hospital for precautionary X-rays.

Re-live today’s action with H&H Live

Full report from Burghley in next week’s H&H, out Thursday, 10 September — 17 pages of photos and analysis, including columns from Ruth Edge, Lucy Wiegersma and Mark Phillips.

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

William Fox-Pitt’s young horse Fernhill Pimms performed brilliantly today at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials for equal first place after dressage.

The 11-year-old by Ard VDL Douglas, who belongs to Carol Gee and Catherine Witt, scored 34.2 and he is sharing pole position with last night’s leaders, Germany’s Michael Jung and the Kentucky winner FischerRocana FST.

Pimms’ scores were only marred by a mistake in the first flying change; otherwise his test was spot on.

“It’s his first time doing the four-star test in a competitive arena and it’s a big step up, so you have to admire a horse who takes that challenge and handles it so well,” said William.

He added that he does not necessarily expect the horse to go clear inside the time over Mark Phillips’ cross-country course tomorrow.

“It’s a big step up and I think he is ready, but you never really know until you ask the question,” he said. “I just want him to go well and show me he’s a good horse for the future.”

William said course-designer Mark Phillips “has been very brave”.

“I’ve looked at all the long routes, but don’t plan to take any at the moment,” he said. “Pimms is a brave horse and very able, but he’s green and can be cheeky. The first three fences are the only nice ones as far as I’m concerned. If a tricky fence comes early, Pimms can be exuberant and have his own opinions.”

Australians hold third and fourth. Andrew Hoy, second last night on Rutherglen, now sits in fourth, while Sam Griffiths was the best rider in the final session today to claim third with the seasoned campaigner Happy Times on 36.8.

The 16-year-old happy Times, by Heraldik, belongs to Sam, Dinah Posford and Juliet Donald.

“He’s always been very consistent, but he really pulled out all the stops today,” said Sam. “I always knew he could get that sort of mark and I’m glad he was able to do it today.”

Sam agreed with William’s assessment that the course is difficult.

“It’s one of the toughest I’ve seen for a long time,” he said.

Oliver Townend has bagged another top-six place for Britain with equal fifth on Armada, whose marks only dropped down in the walk section.

Oliver shares the spot with New Zealand’s Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy, who presented an elegant test to be best of this morning’s combinations.

The top nine scores are all in the 30s. Michael Jung’s test today was not quite what he might have hoped for with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW, although he claimed to be pleased — the horse was late behind in the first flying change and seemed reluctant to rein-back.

He is equal seventh on 39.2, while fellow German Niklas Bschorer (Tom Tom Go 3), who was third overnight, shares that score.

France’s Cedric Lyard is ninth with Cadeau Du Roi, while Rosalind Canter sits 10th on Allstar B.

Coral Keen is winning the battle of the H&H bloggers, sitting 45th on 51.7. But she had a disappointing time when Wellshead Fare Opposition was tense in the arena and she couldn’t ride for the maximum marks they are capable of scoring.

By contrast Nana Dalton was over the moon with Elite Syncopation (51st on 53.6). Simon Grieve, who rode yesterday, now holds 60th on 55.4.

Tomorrow’s cross-country starts at 11am.

Set a reminder for H&H Live for tomorrow’s cross-country

Video interviews with riders about the course

Times and scores

Full report from Burghley in next week’s H&H, out Thursday, 10 September — 17 pages of photos and analysis, including columns from Ruth Edge, Lucy Wiegersma and Mark Phillips.

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

Sam Griffiths’ advanced ride Favorit Z was put down after he broke a leg on the cross-country while competing in The Irish Field CCI3* at Horse Sport Ireland Tattersalls on Saturday (30 May).

Sue Brendish’s 10-year-old, by the thoroughbred Favoritas, led the dressage on a score of 36.1. But on cross-country day he had a run-out at the corner in the water at fence 9 and then broke a leg three fences later at the trakehner on the mound and had to be put down

“Today was a very sad day for us all, our beautiful Frodo (Favorit Z) broke his leg on the cross-country at Tattersalls and had to be put to sleep,” said Sam in a statement.

“We are all devastated. He was the most exceptional horse — incredibly talented, stunningly beautiful and above all the nicest person, so gentle and kind. Today we lost a dear friend and we are left with a huge hole in our hearts.”

Sam was not seriously injured in the accident.

Belgian-bred Favorit Z was out of a mare called Galve Z, by Gotspe Z. He started his eventing career with Belgian rider Constantin van Rijckevorsel in 2010. He completed one event with Constantin that autumn, plus one with another Belgian rider, Marc Laffineuse. He then competed throughout 2011 with Constantin.

After Favorit Z had contested two events with Constantin in 2012 Sam took over the ride. The horse first started to show his real potential in 2013, when he won two intermediates at Aston-le-Walls (4) and Gatcombe (2) and finished eighth in the autumn CCI2* at Osberton.

Last year Favorit Z had an open intermediate win, at Aston-le-Walls (2) in May, and he also finished fifth in the eight- and nine-year-old CIC3* at Blenheim in September.

Tattersalls was Favorit Z’s fifth event in 2015. His season highlight so far was a win in the advanced intermediate at Bicton Arena (1) in April.

For full Tattersalls report don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H, out Thursday 4 June.

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Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh (pictured) return to the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials this year (7-10 May) to defend their title.

Eight other riders who have previously won the event are also among the entries released today, but only one, Jock Paget, is riding the horse on which he won (Clifton Promise).

The other past winners entered are Mary King (Kings Temptress), Pippa Funnell (Redesigned and Second Supreme), Andrew Hoy (Rutherglen and Lanfranco), Mark Todd (Leonidas II and Oloa), Paul Tapner (Kilronan and Indian Mill), Oliver Townend (2014 runner-up Armada) and William Fox-Pitt.

William has four horses on the list, but his first choices are Parklane Hawk and Chilli Morning, who many will consider the ante-post favourite.

Parklane Hawk is one of 10 horses entered who have previously won four-stars. The others are Kings Temptress (2011 Kentucky), Clifton Promise (Badminton 2013), Wesko (Luhmühlen 2014), Nereo (Pau 2012), Avebury (Burghley 2012, 2013 and 2014), Cool Mountain (Kentucky 2010), TS Jamaimo (Adelaide 2013) and Paulank Brockagh (Badminton 2014).

Badminton final scores

Six British first-timers have thrown their hat in the ring: Rose Carnegie (Landine), Tom Crisp (Coolys Luxury), Nana Dalton (Absolut Opposition), Matthew Heath (The Lion), Michael Jackson (Kangasong) and Ben Way (Galley Light). Ben competed in the Grassroots Championship at Badminton in 2011.

Reigning Olympic champion Michael Jung — whose plans were up in the air between Kentucky and Badminton — has not entered. But four Germans do appear on the list, headed by Pau winners Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob.

The following horses appear on the Badminton entries list, but are more likely to compete at Kentucky: Bay My Hero (William Fox-Pitt), High Kingdom (Zara Phillips), Wesko (Tim Price), Easy Target (Francis Whittington) and Annie Clover (Nicola Wilson).

Small entry

A total of 104 horses from 12 nationalities were entered for Badminton this year, considerably fewer than the 141 who were originally in the mix last year. This is Badminton’s smallest entry for some years, perhaps because the tough cross-country set last year by new course-designer Giuseppe della Chiesa has made riders consider whether they are really ready for the test.

Fourteen horses are on the wait list. 90 horses have been accepted, but a maximum of 85 will start — the extras take into account that four riders have more than two horses accepted, but they can only start on two.

Horses are accepted into Badminton on the basis of which have won the most FEI points at three- and four-star level in the past two years, so the horses with most points are accepted and then the others are wait listed in points order.

Since this system was brought in in 2008, between 15 (in 2013) and 43 horses (in 2009) have been accepted from the wait list into the competition, so it is likely that this year all those who have entered will be able to compete. Last year 19 horses made it into the event from the wait list.

Curiously, the 2011 Kentucky winner Kings Temptress is 13th on the wait-list initially as she has been out of the competitive fray due to injury. She had her first run since the middle of 2013 at Aldon last weekend, jumping a double clear.

The wait-listed entries will replace horses which are withdrawn up until 2pm on Sunday, 3 May.

View the full list of entries here: www.badminton-horse.co.uk/2015-entries/

Keep up-to-date with all of H&H’s Badminton news here: www.horseandhound/badminton

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How many times have you collected your test sheet and felt robbed of several marks? Do you truly understand what the dressage judge is looking for?

During a demonstration with Sam Griffiths and his CCI2* mount On The Brash at the International Eventing Forum, which took place at Hartpury College on Monday, 2 February, FEI dressage and eventing judge Christoph Hess revealed five things you must do in the warm up to set your horse up for high marks — whether you ride at grassroots level or the very top.

1. Make the horse use its neck as much as possible

Christoph refers to the throatlatch — where the head and neck connect — a lot. He says the neck must be open in order for the horse to be working correctly, and not dropping behind the vertical.

“It’s important the horse is using his neck as much as possible because it balances the whole body and lets the hindleg come under his centre of gravity,” says Christoph. “A lot of riders ride their horses short in the neck, but that goes against the nature of a horse. When they canter across a field they use their neck to balance.”

2. The horse’s back is a bridge between his front and back, and it should be swinging

How you warm up will help with this.

“Always start in rising trot so that your weight is off the horse’s back,” says Christoph, who says that On The Brash needs to learn to swing more.

“He needs more impulsion, but his back is still quite weak so Sam is doing the right thing [by working the horse on a longer contact so that he is stretching down].”

3. Consider how you are sitting

Christoph asks Sam to canter in a two-point seat, rather than a true dressage seat.

“The two-point canter position is like rising trot. The more you do it the more possibility the horse has to use its back and stretch more.”

4. Settle into a rhythm and monitor the tempo

“Sometimes when riders collect a horse’s stride the three-beat rhythm isn’t clear,” explains Christoph. “The tempo is also important. A lot of riders are fast on the long sides and slow on the short sides, but it should be consistent.”

5. Transitions — think “go” rather than “whoa”

“The idea isn’t to finish the canter but start the trot,” says Christoph. “That way it’s something you do with driving aids, not the reins, and it is a forward movement with the horse stepping forward into it.”

Christoph Hess is Head of Instruction for Germany’s DOKR, and was awarded the title Professional Riding Instructor by the German National Federation. He is also an examiner of judges and trainers at the highest levels of both dressage and eventing.

• Next year’s International Eventing Forum will take place at Hartpury College on 1 February 2016

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This year’s Badminton winner, Sam Griffiths has teamed up with Zebra Products Ltd in a sponsorship deal that sees him supported by Italian saddle brand Amerigo, Uvex riding helmets, and Cavallo clothing and boots collection.

“Quite simply I feel the competitive advantage when riding in Amerigo,” said Sam. “The dressage saddles allow the horse to move freely and the jumping saddles give me security.”

The BETA Business Awards has announced Leeds-based Blacks Solicitors is to support the Trade Supplier of the Year Award for the third consecutive year. This popular category is presented to the manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best customer service, delivery, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements.

“It gives us great pleasure to sponsor this award,” said Chris Allen, managing partner at Blacks Solicitors.

Tuffa Footwear is to support of international showjumper Tim Stockdale and his team, increasing the company’s previous support, as Tuffa will now sponsor the whole of Team Stockdale.

“Tuffa has been my preferred choice of footwear for both style and performance for years,” said Tim. “This sponsorship is a great boost for my whole team, meaning that we can all, literally, put our best foot forward.”

Bucas, the premium Irish rug company, is delighted to announce it will be supporting Carl Hester MBE and his stable.

Carl is already well acquainted with the rugs as his protégé Charlotte Dujardin has been dressing her horses (and dogs) in Bucas for the past two years.

Albion Saddlemakers and Amerigo Saddles have both confirmed their support of the forthcoming Saddle Research Trust International Conference.

Anne Bondi, Saddle Research Trust director said: “This valuable support will help further the cause of welfare beyond independent commercial interests and product development.”

Cowdray Park Polo Club has announced that Jaeger-LeCoultre will become the title sponsor of the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship in 2015 with a long term commitment to the club and the tournament.

Cowdray Park Polo Club chairman Peter Barfoot said: “Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to polo is unquestionable and the brand has established a solid reputation throughout all levels of the sport. We feel privileged that Jaeger-LeCoultre has chosen the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park as the means to take its support to the very highest level.”

Equine surface manufacturer, Equestrian Direct, is delighted to announce the sponsorship of three up and coming event riders — Ben Way, Colina Pickles and Bonnie Fishburn.

Jocelyn Riley, of Equestrian Direct Surfaces, said: “We are proud to be able to support these talented event riders to progress in their chosen equestrian discipline and very much enjoying supporting and working alongside them.”

Sandown Park Racecourse has annouced that bookmaker bet365 has extended its sponsorship of the two day bet365 meeting for a further three years. Taking place at the end of April each year, the festival features the Grade 1 bet365 Celebration Chase and Grade 3 bet365 Gold Cup Steeple Chase.

Rupert Trevelyan, London regional director of The Jockey Club, said: “We are delighted to announce that we will be working with bet365 for a further three years on a fantastic meeting that both launches Sandown Park’s Flat season, and celebrates the official end of the jump season.”

Dodson & Horrell will once again be sponsoring its hugely popular series of point-to-point races for novice riders this season. The Dodson & Horrell Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association (PPORA) Novice Riders Series, which is made up of 12 qualifiers hosted around the country, culminates in a prestigious end of season final held at The Knutsford Races Club in Tabley, Cheshire on Sunday 17 May 2015.

Last season’s Dodson & Horrell PPORA Novice Riders Series winner was Megan Nicholls, daughter of National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls. Megan said: “Winning the series final at Tabley was a fantastic end to the 2014 season. Thanks to the continued support from Dodson & Horrell more young, novice riders can have the chance to aim for a final right at the start of their career.”

Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s (TBA) is to continue its support of point-to-point mares’ only races as part of its mandate to improve race opportunities for mares.

Clare Hazell, of the Point-to-Point Association (PPA) commented: “We are very pleased that the TBA has decided to build upon our successful partnership by continuing as a national sponsor.”

A new national series in point-to-pointing, the Subaru Restricted Series, has been unveiled. Supporting races for horses that have not won any race under the rules of any recognised racing authority other than a maiden or hunt members race, the series will run across 26 national qualifiers, culminating with a grand final over 2m 7f at Stratford-on-Avon on 29 May 2015.

Chairman of the Point-to-Point Authority, Simon Claisse, said: “This is great news for the amateur division of the sport. Restricted horses are the stars of tomorrow, and the Subaru Restricted Point-to-Point Series gives this division a clear path through the season and a significant prize to aim toward.”

Haddon Training has announced its sponsorship of the British Grooms Awards. Last presented in 2009, these two awards (the Haddon Training British Grooms Award and the Haddon Training Team GBR Grooms Award) have been revitalised with fantastic prizes for the winning grooms, and presentations being made at the prestigious British Breeders’ Awards Dinner early in January next year.

Jan Rogers, BEF head of equine development said: “The British Grooms Awards always used to play an integral part in the presentation and with Haddon Training’s generous support we are thrilled to have been able to reinstate them to recognise these extremely dedicated and hardworking people whose contribution is so valuable.”

The organisers of Rockingham Castle International Horse Trials have announced that Robert Loomes & Co is again offering a fabulous hand-made watch as a prize at next year’s event. Last year Ireland’s Austin O’Connor took home a beautiful Robin watch, a prize which would normally come with a price tag of £7,500.

Event organiser Andrew Norman said: “Events such as ours are hugely enhanced by the involvement of sponsorship, and for Robert to have once more generously offered this wonderful prize is outstanding.”

Leading National Hunt jockey Tom Scudamore has secured a three year sponsorship deal with Knight Frank.

Tom said: “With an exciting season ahead, I am very much looking forward to having a long and prosperous relationship with Knight Frank and be supported by this well-respected global firm.”

Cheltenham Racecourse has announced Coral is to extend its sponsorship of the Coral Cup at The Festival for at least another five years. The Coral Cup is one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the entire season and frequently attracts a maximum field.

Ian Renton, regional director of the Jockey Club Racecourse South West, said: “Coral has sponsored the Coral Cup since the race was first run so I am thrilled that the firm have decided to renew the partnership with Cheltenham for at least another five years.”

Lexvet Supplements has recently signed a sponsorship deal with young Irish showjumper Michael Duffy who is now based in the UK with Duncan Inglis.

This year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials winner Sam Griffiths has had to undergo an emergency appendix operation.

The Australian event rider, who also finished third at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this year (4-7 September), is still recovering in hospital and will not be able to compete in the last four-star of the year in Adelaide, Australia.

“The horses are now all on holiday and Sam is making good progress but he is not yet fit to travel such a long distance,” said a spokesman for Team Griffiths.

As well as success at Badminton and Burghley, Sam also helped Australia to finish fifth at the World Equestrian Games in August. Sam finished eighth in the British Eventing end of season rankings having amassed 746 points.

“Sam and everyone at Team Griffiths would like to thank all our incredible owners, sponsors and supporters who have made this year possible. We couldn’t have done it without you,” the spokesman added.

Badminton final scores

Sam was still competing until earlier this month and finished with two horses in the top-ten at Larkhill (18 October). He had three horses entered for Aldon last weekend (23 October) but withdrew.

Sam’s fans have taken to his Facebook page to send him their best wishes.

“Poor Sam — get better soon. Look forward to following your 2015 season,” said Lauren Hyde Was Leete.

“Wish Sam a speedy recovery. And many congratulations to team Griffiths for an outstanding year — awesome,” added Denise Long.

Find out more about Sam Griffiths

Badminton 2014 winner Sam Griffiths in pictures

To celebrate Sam Griffiths’ impressive victory at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, H&H looks back at highlights of the Australian eventer’s career through pictures from our archives

9 things you need to know about the Badminton 2014 winner Sam Griffiths

Australia’s Sam Griffiths climbed from 25th after the dressage at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials to claim the 2014 title. Find out more about eventing’s latest star

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

Royal Salute Scotch Whisky has announced a new partnership with polo lifestyle brand, La Martina, to create a limited edition collection of polo clothing and equipment to be worn by Royal Salute team members at a series of Royal Salute sponsored polo events around the world.

Malcolm Borwick, polo ambassador to both Royal Salute and La Martina, said: “This is the perfect partnership. Royal Salute embodies style, quality and excellence, mirroring the values of La Martina.”

South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) will be continuing as the title sponsor of the British Showjumping Winter Novice Championships.

This announcement marks SEIB’s second year of involvement with the series and the championship final will be held during the Longines Royal International Horse Show (28 July – 2 August 2015).

Nicolina MacKenzie, marketing manager at SEIB, said “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of these superb championships which give riders something to aim for through the winter months with their novice horses and the excitement of competing in the main ring at Hickstead in the summer.”

TREC GB has appointed the RS-tor rider safety aid as the sponsor of its winter series of indoor TREC competitions.

The winter league will run nationwide from 1 October until 31 March 2015.

RS-tor’s inventor George Gorman said: “The RS-tor is designed as a fall prevention aid and to boost rider confidence on an unpredictable or spooky horse, it is ideal for TREC enthusiasts, and may be used at all levels of the discipline.”

Cam Hardie is the latest jockey to join the stable of Al Basti Equiworld.

Cam, who won the first ever race to be staged in the UK on Good Friday this year, joins Richard Hughes, Ryan Moore, Pat Dobbs and Pat Smullen as a brand ambassador for the UAE distributor of horse feeds, nutritional supplements and equine veterinary products.

Cam said: “I am thrilled to have been chosen to represent Al Basti Equiworld and to have secured an important sponsorship so early in my career.”

Mirrors for Training is now sponsoring 2014 Badminton Horse Trials winner, Sam Griffiths.

“We’re delighted to be working with Sam,” said Andrea Miles from Mirrors for Training. “We can’t wait to see how Sam and his team perform throughout the rest of the season and hope that our mirrors will help Sam stay at the top of his game for many seasons to come.”

Childéric Saddles UK will continue to support Little Downham Horse Trials (4-8 October) at the Ely Eventing Centre in Cambridgeshire.

Tricia Bracegirdle of Childéric UK said: “We are delighted to be involved with Downham once again and visibility at this event means that Childéric UK is seen by riders of all levels, from grass roots up through to top international event riders, encompassing our Childéric clientele’

Cheltenham Racecourse has announced that Glenfarclas has renewed its association with Cross Country racing at the venue for a further three years.

John Grant, chairman of Glenfarclas, said: “We are delighted to renew our contract to sponsor the three Cross Country races at Cheltenham.

“We have been sponsoring these races now for six years and the results have been very gratifying.

“Hopefully, by the end of the nine years, we will have finally persuaded people to refer to ‘The Glenfarclas’ as they do with other longstanding race sponsorships.”

Plevin, manufacturers of equestrian bedding, has signed a 12 month deal to support eventer Angus Smales. Angus’ string of horses will now be stabled on Snowflake Supreme wood shavings bedding.

Angus said, “I’m delighted to be partnering with Plevin. When running a stable of competition horses it is essential to find a bedding which is warm, comfortable and absorbent. Plevin’s Snowflake Supreme has ticked all the boxes and is proving very easy for my team and I to manage”.

International showjumper Spencer Roe is the latest member to join Team HorseHage and his string of horses will be supported with HorseHage dust-free bagged forage.

Chris Tar of HorseHage said: “We are very pleased to be able to sponsor Spencer – he is a young rider, rising fast in the BSJA rankings, and we hope that this exciting partnership will be a great success.”

Endurance rider Catriona Moon is a new brand ambassador for Dengie.

We couldn’t find a more perfect endorsement for our products,” said Dengie marketing manager Lisa Wilson.

“Endurance is a demanding discipline and it is essential that the horse is really firing on all cylinders, with a healthy digestive system and enough energy to complete long rides over challenging terrains.”

“Catriona is an extremely talented rider and completely switched on to the importance of nutrition. We are delighted to have her on board!”

Dodson & Horrell is to support American rider Lauren Hough. Lauren has represented Team USA at both Olympic and World Equestrian Games (WEG), is a Pan American gold medal winner and is currently ranked in the World Top 50.

Sam Horrell, marketing director for Dodson & Horrell said: “This is an exciting new arena for Dodson & Horrell. We aim to establish our brand around the globe and the association with Lauren will enable us to reach the international market through showjumping”.

Two Australian riders lead the way at Blenheim Horse Trials following two days of dressage. Andrew Hoy heads the CCI3* on Cheeky Calimbo (pictured top), while Badminton winner Sam Griffiths is out in front in the eight/nine-year-old CIC3* aboard Favorit Z.

“I’ve set the benchmark and to win this event I have to finish on that score,” said Andrew. He earnt a mark of 34 from the dressage judges on the 12-year-old who won Luhmühlen’s CIC3* in June.

“Tomorrow’s [cross-country course] is going to be a big test. There’s a lot of jumping to do and there are some big fences out there,” he added. “People think [the terrain at] Blenheim is flat but it’s not, so it will be difficult to get the time.”

Emily King occupies the runner-up spot with Brookleigh (Brook) on 35.4. This is their first outing since the pair suffered a rotational fall at the Junior European Championships last month.

“He’s fine [after that] and I’m fine,” confirmed Emily. “Brook felt on the button in the [dressage] warm-up. If anything being in an atmosphere helps him because it gives him extra spark.”

Emily is competing at this level for the first time and her mother, five-time British Olympian Mary King, is her groom for the weekend.

William Fox-Pitt is 0.4 of a penalty behind in third place on Fernhill Pimms, the winner of last year’s CIC***, while Francis Whittington lies fourth on his Badminton ride Easy Target. William also occupies fifth riding Freddie Mac.

The cross-country phase for this class starts at 9.30am tomorrow, Saturday 13 September.

Eight/nine-year-old CIC***

In the eight/nine-year-old class, Sam Griffiths has a 2.7pens lead over Tim Lips (Bayro), who was a part of the bronze medal-winning Dutch team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

France’s Thomas Carlile lies third on Sirocco Du Gers.

Nicola Wilson is currently best placed of the Brits in fifth with Ngong Hills, a fraction behind Aussie Brook Staples and Doonaveeragh O Six. Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class share ninth place with Jock Paget (Clifton Signature) and Kevin McNab (Caspereli).

The showjumping for this class takes place tomorrow afternoon, with the first horse jumping at 4pm. The final cross-country phase will happen on Sunday.

Stay up to date with the action with daily reports on HorseandHound.co.uk and don’t miss our full report in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 18 September

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

Sam Griffiths tops the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials leader board after the first day of dressage. The Australian rider produced a polished test on his experienced 15-year-old Happy Times to score 40.2pen. The medium and extended trots were particular highlights with the overall quality of the work being reflected by the judges’ high marks.

Sam said: “Happy Times is feeling as good as ever. We’ve had a great preparation for Burghley and a very good warm up for today’s dressage test. I rode into the arena feeling very confident and was really able to ride him in there.”

Fellow Aussie Andrew Hoy is in second with Rutherglen on 40.8pen. Rutherglen’s expressive paces were appreciated by the judges, with his extended canter earning the first nine of the competition. Unfortunately a few minor mistakes kept him from breaking the 40 barrier.

Andrew has scored a dressage mark of 34 before with this horse, but he was pleased with the horse’s relaxation today after a disappointing performance at Luhmühlen.

“Rutherglen tries very hard and he can get anxious if he thinks he has made a mistake. There was a lot of good work today that we can build on. It was a very good performance for him mentally,” said Andrew.

The international flavour of the top five continues with America’s Allison Springer and Arthur in third on 41.2pen.

Alison described her test as the best Arthur has produced at Burghley. “He was relaxed and very obedient. It’s a shame we only managed four-and-a-half steps in the rein back. I took my leg off as he can rush, but he stopped with his leg in mid air! We also missed the first change, which is an uncharacteristic error.”

The highest placed British rider at this stage is Piggy French with Westwood Mariner on 45.8. Their test divided the judges with the judges at E and C awarding 72% and 71% respectively, but judge C giving 65%.

“He can be a bit like Marmite,” Piggy told H&H. “He has not got the best conformation. He is very difficult to get his neck and his nose truly out.”

Tomorrow’s riders include last year’s disqualified Burghley winner Jock Paget with Clifton Promise, Andrew Nicholson and Avebury, who are aiming for a third consecutive win, and world number one William Fox-Pitt with Bay My Hero. They will all be aiming to knock this year’s Badminton winner, and live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, off the top of the leader board.

View the full Burghley results

More from Burghley

Burghley Horse Trials 2014: H&H Live

Stay in touch with all the action from the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials via H&H Live

Burghley trot-up: horses behaving badly [VIDEO]

Watch some of the more eventful highlights from the first horse inspection at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Walk the Burghley cross-country course [PICS]

Check out all the fences on the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2014 cross-country course

Coral Keen’s Burghley first-timer blog: trot-up day

We caught up with our Burghley first-timer after the trot-up on Wednesday to see how things were going

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

Zara Phillips scored 54.5 to get Great Britain off to a slightly disappointing start in the eventing dressage at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

“I’m a bit annoyed — obviously I’d have liked to have been in the 40s,” she said after her test on Trevor Hemmings’ High Kingdom (pictured).

High Kingdom broke at the start of the medium trot and having trended around 70% (which would give a final penalty score of 45) before this, her marks never really rose to such heights again.

“You would hope at a championship you wouldn’t be punished for a mistake if another movement is good afterwards,” said Zara. “He actually did everything I asked — he does some nice work, although he’s not a flashy horse. He went so much better than in Aachen, but got a worse score.”

However, all the riders today are emphasising that this will not be a dressage competition. Heavy rain showers continue today at Haras du Pin and the going is already soft on the long cross-country course. View pictures of cross-country fences.

“Perhaps my mark is the price of going early, but hopefully that’ll be a benefit on Saturday — I hope it keeps raining!” added Zara. “It’s a tough track; I felt like I’d walked Burghley yesterday.”

Germany’s Michael Jung lies in pole position after the first tranche of team riders, despite riding reserve horse FischerRocana FST after his 2010 world champion La Biosthetique-Sam FBW had to be withdrawn last week. He scored 40.7 with a relaxed, soft performance.

Although the going in the arena is sloppy, competitors say it is riding well.

“It’s not slippery,” confirmed Michael. “At the beginning the horses look at the ground because of the water splashing up, but the going is ok.”

Buck Davidson — trailblazer for the USA and for the whole competition — lies second with 48.7 on Ballynoe Castle RM, who performed a smooth test.

Mark Todd is in third for New Zealand after a mark of 49.2 with Leonidas II.

“Some bits he did really well, but there were a couple of stupid mistakes,” said Mark. “I’m not disappointed with him, but for a horse who can get distracted there’s a lot going on in there.”

American individual Sinead Halpin had a “blonde moment” with an error of course in the canter, but sits in fourth with 50.8 on Manoir De Carneville.

“There were moments where the arena and the crowd picked him up and I actually started to have bit of fun in there,” she said.

Australian team member Sam Griffiths holds fifth (53.3) with Paulank Brockagh.

“We made a couple of mistakes at the end in the flying changes, but apart from that she couldn’t have gone better, though I’m a bit disappointed with the mark,” said Sam.

The pair won Badminton this spring in similar conditions to those here and Sam said other riders are joking that the weather is playing into his hands.

“It’s going to be a tough track and taxing for the horses, but if any horse can handle it, my mare can,” added Sam.

Britain’s second team rider, William Fox-Pitt (Chilli Morning) performs at 3.36pm local time (2.36pm British time), while British individual Nicola Wilson (Annie Clover) goes at 4.40pm local time (3.40pm British time).

Live scores

Full report on the WEG eventing in H&H magazine, out Thursday, 4 September.

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One hundred horses from 11 nations have been entered to compete for the £62,000 first prize at this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September)

New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson and Avebury are one of the favorite combinations.They will be aiming for an unprecedented three victories in a row at this year’s event.

However, despite some top combinations not being available due to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games taking place the week before, Andrew will still face stiff competition.

Team GB WEG teammates William Fox-Pitt and Oliver Townend both have strong entries. William will ride Kentucky winner Bay My Hero and 2011 Burghley winner Parklane Hawk. Oliver will ride Badminton runner-up Armada.

Sam Griffiths’ Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh will be at WEG, but he has entered his experienced four-star ride Happy Times to try to claim the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of eventing.

Burghley will also see the return of Piggy French’s four-star ride Jakata. The gelding was second at Badminton in 2011, but has not competed at a four-star since due to injury problems.

Event director Elizabeth Inman said: “The standard of entries is as high as ever this year and we look forward to welcoming some, if not all, of the WEG medallists to Lincolnshire this autumn.

“As always Mark Philips’ cross-country course will provide riders and horses with a true four-star challenge. With Andrew Nicholson and Avebury aiming for an as yet unachieved treble and Sam Griffiths focusing on the elusive Rolex Grand Slam, there is all to play for.”

Mark Phillips said: “The course follows the same track as last year, but all the combinations have a new look. People asked after Badminton [which had a particularly tough course this year] if I’d be changing Burghley, but the answer was no.

“As usual though, I think it’ll be a strong track and the time will be difficult to get.”

Don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine’s exclusive 24-page pull-out guide featuring the form of every horse and rider taking part, on sale 28 August. This issue of the magazine will also include expert insight into the challenges of this year’s cross-country course from former Burghley winner Caroline Powell.

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To celebrate Sam Griffiths‘ impressive victory at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials yesterday (11 May 2014), H&H takes a look back at some of the Australian eventer’s career highlights in pictures.

Catch up on all the news from this year’s Badminton Horse Trials

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Australian rider Sam Griffiths rose up from 5th place overnight to win the 2014 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

In a final showjumping phase which saw no one jump clear inside the time, Paulank Brockagh jumped one of the most stylish rounds of the day with just the fence going into the double (8a) hitting the floor.

One by one each of the riders ahead of Sam dropped by the wayside, leaving the UK-based Aussie to claim his first 4-star win courtesy of the 11-year-old Irish-bred mare by Touchdown. Sam’s best previous result at Badminton was 3rd with Happy Times in 2009.

“I never would have believed it. It’s always been my ultimate dream to win Badminton.” said Sam. “She tried her heart out for me in there and really helped me out.”

Badminton final scores

Oliver Townend finished 2nd with 15-year-old Armada, who has now completed a remarkable 12 4-star events during his career.

They had 2 fences down in the final phase, but rose up from =34th after dressage with an excellent cross-country performance.

A delighted Oliver said: “I think the showjumping [result] reflected what we all did yesterday. While it’s not great not to have any SJ clears, I don’t think it was an unfair test today. I’m fairly speechless about it [finishing second].”

In an incredible story, Harry Meade, who shattered both his elbows last year and was told he was unlikely to ever ride again, finished in 3rd place with Wild Lone. They came up from 8th place overnight into 3rd with the just first element of the 3-part combination at fence 12 falling.

Leader after cross-country Paul Tapner entered the arena with 2 fences in hand, but the attractive grey Kilronan had 4 rails down dropping him to 4th place.

The only jumping clear came from Wendy Schaeffer riding Koyuna Sun Dancer, but she didn’t make the time, picking up 3pens to finish on 86.7 in 12th place.

Problems were spread around Kelvin Bywater’s course with the 2nd fence and 3-part combination at fence 12 both claiming numerous scalps.

Final Badminton Horse Trials results

Don’t miss H&H full 24-page magazine report bringing you full analysis and insight into all the action from Badminton, on sale Thursday 15 May

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A short video review of the influential final day of showjumping at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials from H&H eventing editor Pippa Roome:

Don’t miss H&H full 24-page magazine report bringing you full analysis and insight into all the action from Badminton, on sale Thursday 15 May

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