Ros Canter and Allstar B leap into the lake in 2017. Photo by Kit Houghton/Mitsubishi Motors.
Heading to the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials this week? If so, there are few things more exciting than getting up-close-and-personal with the colossal fences on this world-famous course. And what better way to do so than with the wisdom of a top rider to guide you? We’ve gathered all the information about the various coursewalks going on throughout the week – no matter which day you go, you’ll have a chance to get a preview of Saturday’s action.
(Oh, and if you think those combinations will look less intimidating once the technique is explained, let me assure you that they don’t – in fact, they look worse. Bring a hip flask full of something potent.)
Course designer Eric Winter in front of one of the Huntsman’s Close fences. Photo by Kit Houghton/Mitsubishi Motors.
A little PSA: This year, due to the heavy rainfall in the lead-up to the event, all coursewalks will take place outside the ropes in order to ensure that take-offs and landings are well-preserved for Saturday. Only those with armbands – riders and their trainers – will be able to walk on the course itself, so if you’re joining in on a coursewalk or planning to walk the course on your own, please be sure to stay outside the ropes.
WEDNESDAY
- 12:30pm: Alex Peternell. British-based South African event rider Alex has competed at Badminton, Burghley, the World Equestrian Games, and the London Olympics. He’s not, however, competing at this year’s Badminton – which means he has plenty of time to delve into the ins-and-outs of the course, as well as share some of his funniest, wildest, and most exhilarating stories from his whirlwind life as an international eventer.
- Cost: £10 for adults, kids go free. All proceeds will be donated to the British Horse Society.
- Meet at: Fence two.
- How to book:
- 2:00pm: Yogi Breisner, brought to you by the British Horse Society. Swedish trainer Yogi was formerly the chef d’equipe of the British eventing team, and now helps out the Irish team – and he’s kept seriously busy training some of the world’s top riders. Find out what he thinks of the course, and how the competitors will have to ride each of the difficult combinations in order to stay in the plate and shave off the seconds.
- Cost: £10, which goes towards the BHS’ vital work improving the lives of horses and their people in the UK.
- How to book: Give Eleanor Hashim a call on 02476 840548 or email her on [email protected] to reserve your spot.
THURSDAY
- 11:00am: Blyth Tait, brought to you by ReadySupp and The Eventing Club. Kiwi eventing legend Blyth Tait barely needs an introduction – he’s been one of the poster boys of the sport for decades now, and is still going strong. He’s not competing at Badminton this year, but his insight into Eric Winter’s tricky course will be almost unparalleled – alongside competing at the world’s top events, he also designs courses, and is at the helm of the revamped Barbury Horse Trials this summer. You’ll hardly notice the rain as perennially sunny Blyth shares a glimpse into the life of a living legend.
- Cost: £10 for members of The Eventing Club, £20 for their guests. All participants will receive a voucher for 20% off ReadySupp’s line of products.
- How to book: Fill out this form.
Blyth Tait (NZL) and Bear Necessity V. Photo by Rachael Horrocks/Purple Patch Photography Ltd.
- 11:00am: Jane Holderness-Roddam MBE, brought to you by the British Horse Society. Jane is one of the pioneering women of eventing, lifting the Badminton trophy herself in 1968 (Our Nobby) and 1978 (Warrior). She won Burghley, too, in 1968, and helped her team to gold at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. She was the first British woman to ever compete at the Olympics in eventing. She’s received the Queen’s Award for Equestrianism and quite rightly earned a quiet retirement, but Jane isn’t keen on slowing down – these days, she’s Vice President of the BHS, owner of West Kington Stud, which stands top stallions including Chilli Morning and Cevin Z, a British Eventing steward and trainer, FEI technical delegate and judge, and a prolific author, to boot. Learn masses and involve yourself with a bit of eventing history 50 years after Jane’s first win at the event.
- Cost: £10, with proceeds going towards the BHS’ work.
- How to book: Give Eleanor Hashim a call on 02476 840548 or email her on [email protected] to reserve your spot.
- 3:00pm: Nick Gauntlett FBHS, brought to you by the British Horse Society. Nick is one of the country’s foremost trainers, but he’s an exceptional rider and competitor in his own right, too – he produced the great stallion Chilli Morning and campaigns horses through to 4* level. The amount of knowledge he’s hoarded over the years is pretty incredible, but what’s even better is that he’s among the very best in the world at imparting it, too. Funny, likeable, and charismatic, Nick will teach and entertain you all at once.
- Cost: £10, which goes towards the BHS’ vital work improving the lives of horses and their people in the UK.
- How to book: Give Eleanor Hashim a call on 02476 840548 or email her on [email protected] to reserve your spot.
FRIDAY
- 11:00am: William Fox-Pitt, brought to you by The Eventing Club. Former winner William is no stranger to the Badminton course, and with his erudite manner and ease with public speaking – he has often been the rider’s representative at major three-days – he’s the perfect candidate for a course walk. Prepare to learn loads, and bring suitable footwear – with his 6’5 frame and loping stride, you’ll be working double-time to keep up. Perfect for those who fancy giving the gym a miss while they’re enjoying their Badminton break.
- Cost: £10 for members of The Eventing Club, £20 for their guests.
- How to book: Fill out this form.
William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning. Photo by Samantha Clark.
- 12:30pm: Lucinda Green, brought to you by Back on Track. Sporting legends don’t come much better than six-time winner Lucinda, whose daughter Lissa will be riding at the competition for the second time. Bonkers in the best way, Lucinda doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to imparting knowledge, so you’ll learn loads and set the world to rights, too. Sure to be a brilliant walk with much hilarity ensuing – and the eternally glamorous Lucinda will almost certainly allow a few selfies, too.
- Cost: £15 per person.
- Meet at: Fence three, at 12.15.
- How to book: Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis – so arrive early to the meeting spot to guarantee yours.
- 1:00pm: Imogen Murray. One of Britain’s finest up-and-coming talents, Imogen and her top horse Ivar Gooden were one of only two combinations to go clear at both Badminton and Burghley last year. Imogen might be tough, gritty, and determined, but she’s also one of the most likable riders on the circuit, and, having ridden her dressage test that morning, will be happy to discuss exactly what it’s like to ride into the main arena at the world’s biggest event. You’re guaranteed to find yourself cheering her on come Saturday.
- Cost: Free
- Meet at: The Quarry Fence at 4AB.
- How to book: Just turn up – easy-peasy!
Imogen Murray and Ivar Gooden. Image courtesy of Tim Wilkinson.
- Evening: Cross-country preview with Ginny Elliot, Tina Cook and Harry Meade, brought to you by the Horse Trials Support Group. Fancy something a bit different, or prefer your course analysis with a cheeky glass of vino? Look no further than the HTSG marquee, where some of the best in the business will be discussing Eric Winter’s sophomore effort. Compered by commentator extraordinaire Spencer Sturmey, and featuring a presentation to HTSG scholars Alex Bragg and Laura Collett, the evening promises to be a fun one – perfect for anyone who’s spending a couple of days at Badminton.
- Cost: £10, which includes a glass of wine or a soft drink.
- Meet at: The HTSG Marquee.
- How to book: Email [email protected] to book your tickets. You must be a member of the HTSG to book.
SATURDAY
- 9:00am: Mini coursewalk with Ben Way, brought to you by Equestrian Direct Ltd. Four-star eventer Ben Way will be doing a question and answer session and mini course-walk, which focuses on the part of the course around the lake. This section is chock full of some of the most dastardly combinations on course and Ben, who competed here last year, will explain just how the competitors will be planning to tackle them. A great way to whet the appetite before a full day of cross country action.
- Cost: Free
- Meet at: The EQD stand, which is number 65, on Swangrove Street, and situated behind the water complex.
- How to book: Click attending and comment on the Facebook event to secure your spot.
Planning to walk the course by yourself? Don’t forget to use the CrossCountry app (free Lite version available for iPhone) to download the full course map, with insight and commentary from course designer Eric Winter and six-time winner Lucinda Green.
Know of any more course walks taking place at Badminton? Leave us a comment below to add it to the list.
Go eventing!
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