This year’s Badminton cross country day was about as wild and woolly as we’ve ever seen it. When the going gets tough, however, eventers rise to the occasion, and we saw some amazing displays of bravery and grit on Saturday.
Rachael Horrocks, a British photographer whose stunning work can be found at Purple Patch Photography, was in the field at Badminton, capturing the action via her lens. She kindly shared some of her photos with EN, which we thought truly captured the essence of the day. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Purple Patch’s website and Facebook page!
We loved seeing Wilbury Wonder Pony out again this year, hitching rides on the backs of eventing legends like Michael Jung (GER). Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
Badminton rewards scrappy horses and riders who kick on when the chips are down. Exhibit A: Astier Nicolas (FRA) and Piaf de B’Neville, who recovered from this sticky moment to jump around clear with time and finish 15th overall. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
Not the sort of jump you want to look down into. Pictured is Blyth Tait (NZL) and Bear Necessity V. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
Just when we thought Mark Todd (NZL) was a goner, he bounced back into the tack, finishing 6th overall with Leonidas II, shown here, and 4th with his second ride of the day on NZB Campino. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
Some ‘Man from Snowy River’ action from Hélène Vattier (FRA) and Quito de Baliere. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
In the sport of eventing, fortunes can turn overnight and it’s never over until it’s over! Cross country leaders Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Horseware Hale Bob OLD, shown here landing from the final fence and sprinting toward the finish, had their dreams for a win dashed on the show jumping course. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
It was a day of mixed fortunes for the North American contingent, but horses and riders alike will come away better for the experience! Shown here, Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo, who braved being the first on course. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
Massive jumps against dramatic backdrops — shown here, Dan Jocelyn (NZL) and Dassett Cool Touch. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
The “look of the eagles” in Samuel Thomas II’s eye as he tackles Badminton with Oliver Townend … what it’s all about. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
Coming through the finish flags Jonty Evans (IRE) gives all the credit to his horse, Cooley Rorkes Drift. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
Check out a recap of all of EN’s Badminton coverage here. Go Eventing!
