Libby, Boyd, and Buck walking the Badminton Course. Photo courtesy of Boyd "All Around Good Bloke" Martin
Just when we thought the whirlwind of eventing madness had settled down, it’s time for cross country at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. That’s right, we’re spoiled with so much top-class action just one week after Rolex!
Leslie Wylie is our eyes on the ground this weekend, and she’s currently out and about on course soaking it all in (perhaps with a beer in hand — if you see her, give her a cheers!) and will be bringing us the full report at day’s end.
In the meantime, I’ll be handling up to the minute updates right here on EN thanks to this incredible live stream from FEI TV. If you aren’t sure how to follow along this weekend, click here for the full guide.
The first horse due out on course this morning is Armada, piloted by Great Britain’s own Oliver Townend. They lie in equal 24th position on a dressage score of 46.2. This pair will set off at 11:30 a.m. GMT / 6:30 a.m. EST. Our North American pairs will ride at the following times:
- 12:34 p.m. GMT / 7:34 a.m. EST: Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee (CAN)
- 1:40 p.m. GMT / 8:40 a.m. EST: Libby Head and Sir Rockstar
- 3:44 p.m. GMT / 10:44 a.m. EST: Buck Davidson and The Apprentice
- 4:14 p.m. GMT / 11:14 a.m. EST: Boyd Martin and Cracker Jack
Overnight leaders Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam will jet out of the start box at 12:46 p.m. GMT / 7:46 a.m. EST. It’s set to be a thrilling day, so keep it locked right here on EN for the latest and greatest from #MMBHT! Go Eventing!
#MMBHT: Website, Entry List, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Radio Badminton, Free Live Stream, Guide to Watching Live, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage,Instagram
12:17 p.m. EST: That’s a wrap on a very dramatic cross country day at Badminton. Will wee see history made tomorrow? Wylie will have your full report soon, here are your top 12 after today:
12:17 p.m. EST:
Libby Head & Sir Rockstar finish the day as the HEROES of U.S. #eventing at #MMBHT. Moving up 40 spots on leaderboard to 33rd
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
12:14 p.m. EST: And our last pair is safely home. Wow, what a day!
12:14 p.m. EST:
A photo posted by Horseware (@horseware) on
12:09 p.m. EST: Our last on course, Joseph Murphy, takes the long route at the Vee.
12:07 p.m. EST: We’ve received confirmation that both Boyd Martin and Cracker Jack are ok after their fall. Joseph Murphy has a runout at the Mirage Pond.
12:07 p.m. EST: Michael Jung has two fences in hand for tomorrow’s show jumping.
12:06 p.m. EST: “A giant, slaying day,” says commentator John Kyle after Chris has a shocking fall at the Hollow. He’s on his feet and Nobilis 18 trotted off.
12:05 p.m. EST: Chris Burton was 16 seconds up coming to the Vicarage Vee and he elected to go long. Wise.
12:01 p.m. EST: Doggy-cam!
11:57 a.m. EST: Chris Burton and Joseph Murphy will close out the day. Two pros, this should be a treat!
11:56 a.m. EST:
A real horsemanship decision from Oliver Townend. Immediately hopped off the horse and patting him after retiring #MMBHT #eventing
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
11:55 a.m. EST: Oliver yells “Not presenting!” at the second silver birch but can’t quite get Black Tie up for the attempt. He makes a horsemanship decision to walk home.
11:54 a.m. EST: The first problem at the Huntsmans Close for Jodi Amos, who has decided to retire.
11:53 a.m. EST:
11:52 a.m. EST: Another decision to go long at the Vee from Oliver. Sticky on the way out but clear.
11:50 a.m. EST:
My goodness — Allercombe Ellie is so tidy with her hind end. Definitely getting her out of some trouble so far #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
11:49 a.m. EST: Big and quick for Oliver Townend and Black Tie.
11:48 a.m. EST: Izzy Taylor wisely elects to take the long route at the Vicarage Vee. Allercombe Ellie looking a bit peeky today. Oliver Townend has returned to the course with his second ride, Black Tie.
11:47 a.m. EST:
Germany’s Michael Jung could win this Grandslam trophy and £240,000 bonus tomorrow. He leads @bhorsetrials. #MMBHT pic.twitter.com/M8IraMcdL6
— Luke Reddy (@LukeReddy) May 7, 2016
11:45 a.m. EST: Oh man. More trouble at the Vee, this time for Dani Evans.
11:42 a.m. EST:
@1izzytaylor and Allercombe Ellie are out of start box and on course
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) May 7, 2016
11:40 a.m. EST: One complex that is riding really well, the Huntsmans Close. Dani Evans and Raphael II demonstrate:
11:37 a.m. EST: Just 6 more to cross the flags today.
11:33 a.m. EST: Louise Harwood and Mr Pots have been restarted.
11:31 a.m. EST:
PHEW – scenes of Jeanette awake and lifting her own head on a stretcher- and horse js happily walking also. #eventing
— Lissa Green Eventing (@LissaGreen88) May 7, 2016
11:30 a.m. EST: Jeanette’s horse is shown being walked out and appears to be ok, it seems that Jeanette is getting attention from the medics.
11:27 a.m. EST: To clarify, the hold appears to be for repairs to the Vicarage Vee.
11:26 a.m. EST: Hold on course now.
Jeanette Brakewell reported to be sitting up and talking #Badminton2016
— Horse & Country TV (@HorseAndCountry) May 7, 2016
11:21 a.m. EST: Boyd and Cracker’s day sadly comes to a heartbreaking end at the Vicarage Vee. Boyd stayed down holding his knee for a bit but he’s on his feet now. What a gutting day for the USA. Libby will be the sole representative tomorrow.
11:19 a.m. EST: Boyd and Cracker Jack a bit sticky through the Mound.
11:17 a.m. EST: Reports coming in that Jeanette and Lets Dance are on their feet. It almost looked as if the mare was afraid to strep on Jeanette if she tried to get up right away.
11:15 a.m. EST:
Boyd Martin and Cracker Jack will be next out of the start box. Go USA! #MMBHT #eventing
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
11:14 a.m. EST: Oh god. Jeanette Brakewell has a nasty fall at the second last with Lets Dance. Both were still on the ground at last shot.
11:13 a.m. EST: Gemma Tattersall is our 10th inside the time!
11:11 a.m. EST:
2nd weekend in a row, 2nd 4* that thoroughbreds, and OTTBs are looking so useful at the very highest level of eventing #MMBHT
— samantha clark (@samanthalclark) May 7, 2016
11:10 a.m. EST:
11:09 a.m. EST: Gemma looking fighting fit over the Devoucoux Keepers Brush:
11:04 a.m. EST:
We’re about three away from Boyd Martin setting out with Cracker Jack. Go Crackers! #MMBHT #eventing
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
11:03 a.m. EST: Just my observation, but this type of course seems to play really well into the hands (hooves?) of the lighter, handier type horses. Example: Portersize Just a Jiff.
11:03 a.m. EST:
Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul are a BLAST to watch! #MMBHT #eventing
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
11:01 a.m. EST: Buck pulls up at the Alexanders Silver Birch. Not Dirk’s day, so he’s going to save the legs. Horseman’s decision.
11:00 a.m. EST: Andrew Heffernan puts his hand up after a stop at the Mirage Pond.
10:59 a.m. EST: The Apprentice is looking unsure through the SHogun Hollow and has a glance off.
10:56 a.m. EST: The Apprentice hits a bit better of a rhythm as he goes. They’ve chosen to go long at the Vicarage Vee. Great decision after a sticky start.
10:55 a.m. EST: Finally we see him! Buck uses all of his experience to get The Apprentice over the Swindon Mound but they’re through.
10:54 a.m. EST: We have yet to see BDJ on the stream. Come on, FEI TV!
10:53 a.m. EST: Yikes, probably the hardest fall we’ve seen today from Lucy Jackson and Bosun. They’re both on their feet.
10:50 a.m. EST: Buck should be on his way!
10:49 a.m. EST: French rider Helene Vattier picks up her third stop on course and have been eliminated.
10:46 a.m. EST:
Can we all make a collective wish for better luck for Tim Price? First Wesko’s injury, then falling from Bango at Rolex, now this … #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
10:46 a.m. EST:
@TapnerEventing rides for his life over the oxer at the Gatehouse New Pond but jumps the rough corner easy
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) May 7, 2016
10:43 a.m. EST:
Go Beanie! Our 10th double clear as she finishes well inside the time with Lebowski even with an option at the Hollow #MMBHT #eventing
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
10:41 a.m. EST: Oh NO. Poor Tim falls from Ringwood Sky Boy at the Vicarage Vee. Poor guy, so gutted.
10:40 a.m. EST:
Beanie Sturgis missed her stride at the step out the lake, finds a 5th leg and kicks on #MMBHT
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) May 7, 2016
10:40 a.m. EST:
Hear what Andreas Ostolt had to say about his 2016 #MMBHT experience so far https://t.co/vMOvso6H76
— Badm1nton H Trials (@bhorsetrials) May 7, 2016
10:39 a.m. EST: We’re all riding along with Tim Price today – he’s had a rough last couple of weeks and we’ve got our fingers crossed for him with Ringwood Sky Boy!
10:36 a.m. EST: We’re four away from Buck Davidson and The Apprentice!
10:31 a.m. EST: “I tried, Mom!”
10:30 a.m. EST:
My new sounds: Jonathan Paget Cross Country https://t.co/3MAbYbBT8c on #SoundCloud
— BHT Radio (@BHTRadio) May 7, 2016
10:26 a.m. EST: Beanie Sturgis and Lebowski have been pulled up while the oxer is being put back together.
10:25 a.m. EST: The French are having themselves a DAY here at Badminton!
RODOLPHE SCHERER HOME is joining the mad French celebrations tonight as yet another frog does a cracking xc round #eventing
— Lissa Green Eventing (@LissaGreen88) May 7, 2016
10:25 a.m. EST: Fixing the oxer:
10:24 a.m. EST:
So proud of Libby and Rocky jumping clear around badminton! I’ve been so lucky to be part of this journey l would… https://t.co/mvoAQm3IP0
— Kyle & Jen Carter (@CarterEventing) May 7, 2016
10:22 a.m. EST: Holy cow, Nicola Wilson and One Two Many live dangerously at the big double oxer and have the back rail down. She made an incredible save but she’s decided to retire.
10:20 a.m. EST: Jonelle is home 12 seconds under with Classic Moet! Hubby Tim will tackle the course soon with Ringwood Sky Boy.
10:16 a.m. EST: Jonelle Price and Classic Moet are looking on point at the double gates. Bettina Hoy and Designer 10 are home with a few time, she pumps the air in elation.
10:11 a.m. EST: Bettina gives Designer 10 lots of verbal encouragement to get Designer 10 over the Vee and they’ve got it done.
10:10 a.m. EST:
Even Mother Nature is sad for Emily King … here comes the rain at #MMBHT #eventing
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
10:09 a.m. EST:
Andreas Dibowski and FRH Butts Avedon clear and 16 seconds over #MMBHT #eventing
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
10:09 a.m. EST:
Libby Head and Sir Rockstar rock ‘n’ roll around Badminton cross country: https://t.co/wgSM5GAB1h pic.twitter.com/GHOnrDJQkh
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
10:04 a.m. EST:
Andreas Dibowski and FRH Butts Avedon go long at the Vicarage Vee but aren’t that far off the time. About 15 seconds #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
10:04 a.m. EST:
The highs and lows of #eventing … we’ve seen it all today and there’s still much more to come #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
10:03 a.m. EST:
We think Rolex will be getting their chequebook out tomorrow #Badminton2016
— Horse & Country TV (@HorseAndCountry) May 7, 2016
10:00 a.m. EST: NOOO!! Emily King falls at the second to last with Brookleigh. SO gutted. She was having one of the most beautiful rounds of the day. Oh man.
9:55 a.m. EST: A spectacular ride through the Vee for Emily King and Brookleigh. What a class ride from this protege!
9:52 a.m. EST: Bill Levett calls it a day with Improvise after trouble at the Shogun Hollow.
9:50 a.m. EST: Emily taking her time so far on course but looks sharp through the Quarry:
9:48 a.m. EST: Emily King and Brookleigh are away to HUGE cheers from the stands!
9:47 a.m. EST: Laura Collett and Grand Manoeuvre make quick work of the Outlander Bank.
9:44 a.m. EST: Here’s a look at the board as of now. Emily King is just about to go with Brookleigh.
9:43 a.m. EST: Nicely over the Vicarage Vee for Kerry Varley and Bluestone Luke.
9:42 a.m. EST:
Kerry Varley and Bluestone Luke crawl over first house at Mirage Pond but get it done #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
9:41 a.m. EST:
Clear and 15 seconds over for Zara and High Kingdom #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
9:36 a.m. EST:
Zara Tindall & High Kingdom also scrap through the second brush at the Shogun Hollow but they are getting it done & not far off time #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
9:34 a.m. EST: Zara and High Kingdom put their big girl (and boy) britches on for this hairy moment at the Vee. Wow!
9:33 a.m. EST:
We’re about five away from Emily King and Brookleigh leaving the start box. They sit second overnight on 36.8 #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
9:32 a.m. EST:
Fabulous shot of @chiefchemopony – read more about his ride at #MMBHT here https://t.co/q963L2Wkgq https://t.co/EibChVZncv
— Badm1nton H Trials (@bhorsetrials) May 7, 2016
9:32 a.m. EST:
Oh DAMN Alex Hua Tian horse still on the bit and never saw part B of the shogun hollow and runs out
— Lissa Green Eventing (@LissaGreen88) May 7, 2016
9:31 a.m. EST: Zara Tindall and High Kingdom look solid so far, here at the Jack Wills Garden:
9:30 a.m. EST:
“I was determined not to fall off” says @MTEventing #MMBHT pic.twitter.com/kdhWnJ1RFA
— An Eventful Life (@eventfulifebook) May 7, 2016
9:30 a.m. EST:
Boyd Martin @WindurraUSA & Cracker Jack getting ready for #crosscountry @bhorsetrials! pic.twitter.com/Uwl5mkMutP
— USEF (@USEquestrian) May 7, 2016
9:29 a.m. EST: Blyth Tait has joined John Kyle on the FEI TV stream, how lucky are we to get such top notch commentating?
9:29 a.m. EST:
Michael Jung & La Biosthetique-Sam FBW clear on XC @bhorsetrials in pursuit of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing! pic.twitter.com/8c9jKPyI6J
— USEF (@USEquestrian) May 7, 2016
9:28 a.m. EST: Fernhill Present says no to Alice Dundson at the Mirage Pond, ending their day early.
9:26 a.m. EST: Tina Cook logs the fastest time so far, 18 seconds under the time with Star Witness.
9:25 a.m. EST:
No! Fernhill Present refuses and slips with Alice Dunsdon at the Lower Lake. They’re clear on sticky second attempt. C’mon Alice! #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
9:20 a.m. EST:
Massive congrats to Libby Head and Sir Rockstar, who just jumped clear around @bhorsetrials xc! #MMBHT pic.twitter.com/iUxeZ5MJuU
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
9:18 a.m. EST: Mark Todd becomes our fifth double clear with Leonidas II to put him into third. What a masterful round.
9:17 a.m. EST: Ok, this is just too much for my emotions today. Ben Hobday has me reduced to tears for the second time today, sigh.
9:15 a.m. EST: MR. STICKABILITY.
9:15 a.m. EST:
Mark Todd eats fences like Vicarage Vee for breakfast. Not literally. #Badminton2016
— Horse & Country TV (@HorseAndCountry) May 7, 2016
9:14 a.m. EST:
OH MY GOD! Ben Hobday and Mulrys Error through the direct route at Vicarage Vee and CLEAR! Stuff of legends! #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
9:13 a.m. EST: We spy Willberry Wonder Pony hitching a ride with Ben Hobday!
9:11 a.m. EST:
Here’s a snippet of Camilla Speirs and Portersize Just a Jif(ISH) in action today at Badminton!! They make this… https://t.co/AAU0qqewLP
— Team IRL Equestrian (@TeamIRLEq) May 7, 2016
9:11 a.m. EST:
Ben Hobday’s horse stumbles going into the Gatehouse New Pond, but Ben remains in the saddle and redirects to the long route #Badminton2016
— Horse & Country TV (@HorseAndCountry) May 7, 2016
9:09 a.m. EST: Francis Whittington has to go to his stick coming to the final water. Mark Todd is working on a master class aboard Leonidas.
9:06 a.m. EST: Francis elects to go the long route with Hasty Imp. Jock Paget and Clifton Lush are working on a close round – he’s double clear!
9:05 a.m. EST:
@BenHobday has a special passenger on cross country with @chiefchemopony
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) May 7, 2016
9:04 a.m. EST: Francis Whittington and Hasty Imp are trying to be the top British pair with a fast round, clear so far!
9:02 a.m. EST: Nicely through the direct for the Vicarage Vee for Jock Paget and Clifton Lush.
9:01 a.m. EST:
Pathfinder @Oliver_Townend (GBR) talks to Badminton TV https://t.co/bOThNmdsuS #MMBHT
— Badm1nton H Trials (@bhorsetrials) May 7, 2016
9:00 a.m. EST: Giovanni Ugolotti and Oplitas pick up a stop at the Hollow after an awkward jump over the A.
8:58 a.m. EST:
Bradeley Law wanted to carry on by himself and just jumped backwards through the white oxers early on course! He’s been caught now #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
8:56 a.m. EST: Just time for Libby and Sir Rockstar! What a round, wish we could have seen more!
8:55 a.m. EST: Michael Owen has a heartbreaking fall from Bradeley Law at the Vee.
8:53 a.m. EST: Looking great, Rocky!
8:52 a.m. EST: We’ve barely seen Libby on the live stream but she’s looked spot on everywhere we have seen her.
8:50 a.m. EST:
You blow our minds Hey Mickey Michael Jung #Olympic #Eventing media superstar #MMBHT pic.twitter.com/5t051UDj4q
— The FEI (@myfei_home) May 7, 2016
8:49 a.m. EST: Sir Rockstar is the oldest horse here this weekend at 18, but he doesn’t look it!
8:46 a.m. EST: We’ve just glimpsed Libby and Rocky through the Huntsmans Close, he gets a “Good boy!” from his pilot. Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation make quick work of the Vicarage Vee.
8:43 a.m. EST: Libby is away!
8:42 a.m. EST: Sadly, Joao Duarte Silva and Xaft end their day with three refusals at the first of the Mirage Pond.
8:41 a.m. EST:
Emily Gilruth and Topwood Beau home with 1:22 over the time and she is ELATED! Tears and hugs all around for her family #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
8:40 a.m. EST: We’re just a couple out from our American trailblazers, Libby Head and Sir Rockstar.
8:37 a.m. EST: Wow! Andreas Ostholt sits up and lets So Is Et figure it out after a hangup at the Vee. He was bold and took the direct and almost paid dearly for it.
8:34 a.m. EST:
Andreas Ostholt on course with So Is Et and wearing “his pirate shirt” according to @JohnKyleSpeaks #MMBHT #Arghhhhhh
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
8:34 a.m. EST: So sad we didn’t see more of Camila Spears but she’s home just over the time clear!
8:31 a.m. EST: We’ve had four inside the time: Oliver Townend, Gwendolen Fer, Pascal Leroy and Michael Jung.
Ben Way ONE ONE HUNDREDTH of a second over. Geeze. Finishes though! Congrats!
— StreamHorseTV (@StreamHorseTV) May 7, 2016
8:30 a.m. EST: JUST barely outside the time for Ben Way and Galley Light after a lovely round.
8:30 a.m. EST:
Agree. Think we’re going to see a lot more of that now #MMBHT https://t.co/9jUB3dvsTF
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
8:29 a.m. EST: One of my favorite horses to watch on cross country: Portersize Just a Jiff. Camila Spears takes the long way round at the Vee.
8:23 a.m. EST:
Glad to say both ok. Cooly giving me a cracking ride up to that point, a fraction off at the vicarage V. Such a shame. Nail it next year!
— Tom Crisp (@TCEventing) May 7, 2016
8:22 a.m. EST: Blyth nurses a tired Bear Necessity home.
8:21 a.m. EST:
Dutch rider Alice Naber-Lozeman has a refusal at the Mirage Pond. It’s catching quite a few people out #Badminton2016
— Horse & Country TV (@HorseAndCountry) May 7, 2016
8:19 a.m. EST: Blyth Tait and Bear Necessity V had just one hairy moment so far but are doing a handy job.
8:12 a.m. EST:
Home and 1:31 over the time for first-timers Kirsty Johnson and Opposition Detective #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
8:11 a.m. EST: Blyth Tait will be held while repairs are being made to the oxer that Vittoria fell over.
8:11 a.m. EST:
Retweeted Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS):
Michael Jung says Sam knew what he had to do and he is very proud of him
— EventingItaly (@Eventing_Italy) May 7, 2016
8:10 a.m. EST:
Michael Jung looks a little unsure at @Piggy_French‘s serenade after his incredible round @bhorsetrials #MMBHT pic.twitter.com/758jbUzv1h
— BHT Radio (@BHTRadio) May 7, 2016
8:09 a.m. EST:
Current Leaderboard @bhorsetrials #MMBHT #eventing pic.twitter.com/ywY7iib7TS
— German Eventing (@luhmuehlen2016) May 7, 2016
8:08 a.m. EST: NO! Vittoria Pannizon and Borough Pennyz have a nasty fall at the open oxer at Jacks Mill Gates. They both are up and appear to be ok.
8:06 a.m. EST: Can we talk about the French for a second? Two inside the time, one just one second over the time. #killinit
8:04 a.m. EST:
A glance off at the C element of Outlet Mound for Kirsty Johnson and Opposition Detective. That tree is so tough! #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
8:04 a.m. EST:
Gwendolen Fer is 3rd French woman to jump clear around Badminton this century, but first to complete inside the optimum time @EquiRatings
— Badm1nton H Trials (@bhorsetrials) May 7, 2016
8:01 a.m. EST: Olivia Wilmot having to really encourage Cool Dancer around after a stop at the Mirage Pond.
8:01 a.m. EST:
Pascal Leroy and Minos de Petra finished clear with 4.3 time penalties while Michael and Sam were on their way to making history #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
8:00 a.m. EST:
The Grand Slam is ON!!!! World class Michi! #Legend
— Craig Barr (@c_barreventing) May 7, 2016
7:59 a.m. EST: A very hairy moment at the Vee for Jesse Campbell and Kaapachino.
7:58 a.m. EST: You guys, I’m literally choked up right now. That was beautiful. Michael is clear INSIDE the time with Sam.
7:53 a.m. EST: This is insane. Michael is just not human, that has to be it. He’s 5 seconds under his time at last check too.
7:49 a.m. EST:
Let’s see … dry conditions and Michael’s leg isn’t broken, so he and Sam should skip around, right? #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
7:48 a.m. EST: Woohoo! Kathryn Robinson looks elated to finish! She got a 20 at the Vicarage Vee but she looks so thrilled.
7:45 a.m. EST: Simon Grieve is home! Michael Jung is in the startbox.
7:44 a.m. EST: Wow, Paulanck Brockagh picks up the first runout of her career with Sam Griffiths. This pair won the muddiest Badminton ever in 2013.
7:42 a.m. EST: Simon is riding his ass off trying to get home with Cornacrew. He’ll be pleased to get this round done with!
7:41 a.m. EST:
Sarah Ennis and BLM Diamond Delux home with 20 jumping and 1:15 over the time. Big pats for the horse #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
7:40 a.m. EST: Canadian rider Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee are away! #CAMERICA
7:40 a.m. EST: Simon electing to take the long routes carrying two refusals in an effort to complete.
7:37 a.m. EST: Another stop at the Mirage Pond for Simon Grieve.
7:36 a.m. EST: Cornacrew and Simon Grieve have quite the disagreement at the Swindon Designer Outlet Mound:
7:32 a.m. EST: A refusal at the out of the Mirage Pond for Sarah Ennis and BLM Diamond Delux:
7:29 a.m. EST: YIKES! Coolys Luxury lands right in the ditch after the Vee, pitching Tom Crisp off to the side. Bummer.
7:26 a.m. EST: Eeeeeee. A hairy moment for Gwendolen Fer and Romantic Love, but they’re through and still full of run.
7:23 a.m. EST: Just three are home without jump penalties so far. Badminton is claiming its victims!
7:22 a.m. EST: Dan Jocelyn has called it a day on Beaucatcher after trouble at that damn Vicarage Vee.
7:22 a.m. EST:
Dan thinks quickly and goes long at the new pond….opts to not jump the highest open corner as he turned and saw no stride #quickthinking
— Lissa Green Eventing (@LissaGreen88) May 7, 2016
7:20 a.m. EST: Beaucatcher stops with Dan Jocelyn at the Mirage Pond, seems to be a green moment for the horse:
7:17 a.m. EST:
A spot of horseplay @bhorsetrials #bestviewinthehouse #themuckypheasant – swing by for a drink at Fence no.9 pic.twitter.com/c7ag1We47W
— Jack Wills (@JackWills) May 7, 2016
7:16 a.m. EST:
Jean Teulere and Matelot du Grand Val clear with just 1 time penalty to finish cross country on 47.9. Go France! #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
7:13 a.m. EST:
Bummer. Two more stops at the Mirage Pond for Megan Heath and St. Daniel to eliminate them #MMBHT
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) May 7, 2016
7:12 a.m. EST:
Andrew Nicholson debriefs Oliver Townend after his ride on Armada #MMBHT pic.twitter.com/M514esWm0K
— Badm1nton H Trials (@bhorsetrials) May 7, 2016
7:11 a.m. EST: Megan Heath and St. Daniel pick up an early 20 at the hanging log into the water at 8:
7:07 a.m. EST: Here’s an idea of the Swindon Designer Outlet Mound, as shown by France’s Jean Teulere and Matelot du Grand Val:
7:05 a.m. EST:
We’re hearing reports that Oliver Townend has said that this will be Armada’s last Badminton #Badminton2016
— Horse & Country TV (@HorseAndCountry) May 7, 2016
7:04 a.m. EST: On man. Sarah Bullimore and Valentino V have a fall at the open oxer:
7:02 a.m. EST: Beautiful for Dani through the Vicarage Vee!
6:59 a.m. EST: Dani Evans and four-star first timer Smart Time make the Jack Wills Garden look easy, but then she picks up a stop at the C element of the Swindon Designer Outlet Mound.
6:56 a.m. EST:
Louise Harwood stops at final element at outland mound combination and retired #MMBHT
— Lissa Green Eventing (@LissaGreen88) May 7, 2016
6:56 a.m. EST:
Fab quote from @WindurraUSA in #10minbox when talking about Vicarage V “you’re better off missing at speed” (rather than hooking) #hero
— Lissa Green Eventing (@LissaGreen88) May 7, 2016
6:55 a.m. EST: Joseph Murphy goes the long way at The Hollow:
6:53 a.m. EST: Woohoo! Joseph Murphy and DHI Topstory make it through the Vicarage Vee!
6:49 a.m. EST: Ballylynch Adventure doesn’t read the Vicarage Vee either and hopes off to the right of the flag. Michael Ryan forced to take the long route, a shame are they were having a cracking round.
6:45 a.m. EST: That Vicarage Vee is proving to be influential already. Jodie Amos takes a tumble from Figaro Van Het Broekhof.
6:42 a.m. EST: A MASTERFUL double clear for Oliver Townend and Armada. They’ve just completed their fifth Badminton cross country, no big deal.
6:41 a.m. EST: Oh no! Izzy Taylor has retired KBIS Briarlands Matilda after they had a fumble at the Vicarage Vee. Sad day.
6:40 a.m. EST:
Even tho’ @Oliver_Townend was unhappy about going first again, he’s doing a damn good job being #MMBHT 2016 XC pathfinder #classride #Armada
— samantha clark (@samanthalclark) May 7, 2016
6:39 a.m. EST: Oliver makes short work of fence 24:
6:36 a.m. EST: You can find today’s ride times here and live scores here.
6:34 a.m. EST: Izzy Taylor and KBIS Briarland’s Matilda are on course. Oliver is clear so far on Armada. This pair was 15th here last year.
6:34 a.m. EST:
Armada and @Oliver_Townend make nothing of the Quarry and Huntsmans Close, showing everyone how to do it! #MMBHT #eventing
— e-Venting (@e_Venting) May 7, 2016
6:30 a.m. EST: And we’re off! Oliver Townend and Armada are away and over the first.
6:29 a.m. EST: Big shout-out to the globetrotting John Kyle, who is providing commentary today on FEI TV. Sam Watson has joined him for the morning.
6:27 a.m. EST: Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
If you want to keep #eventing at the @Olympics then our sport needs your help! However you watch #MMBHT let’s get #eventing trending!!
— Bruce Haskell (@kiwieventer) May 7, 2016
6:25 a.m. EST: Here is a great interview with William Fox-Pitt, who we can’t wait to see back at this level!
