View this post on Instagram
It’s here! It’s Badminton week! I am still so jetlagged from Kentucky but I could do a little wee with the excitement of it all! Today, the historic stone stables at the world’s first five-star officially open for their equine residents to move in and I, too, am heading over to sunny Gloucestershire to set my boots on that hallowed turf, ready for a busy week reporting for EN. We’ve got so much content coming your way: before any of the reporting gets started, we’ve got a packed form guide, At-A-Glance visual round-ups of the field, an Ultimate Guide packed with all the information you need, an embarrassingly enormous course preview, and peeks back into the annals of history, too. I can’t wait to tell you all the stories that unfold this week – and if you see me out and about at the event, be sure to say hi! I might make you pose with Chinch for a photo, so prepare yourself.
Events Opening Today: Valinor Farm H.T., Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T., Round Top H.T., Stable View Summer H.T., Midsouth Pony Club H.T., Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T.
Events Closing Today: USEA MDHT YEH/NEH Qualifier, Flora Lea Spring H.T., Willow Draw Charity Show, Woodside Spring H.T., Spring Coconino Horse Trials, Virginia Horse Center Eventing
Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:
Meghan O’Donoghue is one of the US representatives lining up at Badminton this week, and her debut at this special event has been a long time coming and seriously well-earned. COTH caught up with her to find out more about her journey to the top, and her partnership with ex-racehorse Palm Crescent, ahead of their week of a lifetime in sunny (? maybe?) England. Read the full story here.
We might be heading into one of the best weeks of the year, but we’re still not over the one we just wrapped. If you’re also missing Kentucky, you definitely don’t want to miss the latest episode of the US Eventing Podcast, which sees interim host Rosie Russell sit down for a DMC (that’s a deep, meaningful chat, natch) with newly-minted National Champ Lauren Nicholson. Give it a listen here. Bug 4 Prez.
On the hunt for a fun, horsey job? Ecogold is looking for an Equestrian Sales and Marketing Assistant – and they want someone who’s really passionate about equestrian sport. This sounds like a great entry-level role, and while they’re based in Montreal, they’ll consider remote work for the right person. I’d be willing to be that there’s probably some travel to shows involved with this, and I think you’ll get to meet and work alongside some really cool people, so definitely chuck your hat in the ring if you’re looking for a role!
Hey, breeders and bloodline aficionados, listen up, because this is important: the Marbach DSP Eventers Auction, which will take place on Saturday, has just added a really, really cool lot – the very last frozen straw from the legendary Heraldik. The late Thoroughbred stallion is, arguably, the most influential sire in top-level eventing, and over the last number of years, we’ve seen huge demand for his lines, with several sons fighting for the title of heir apparent. But there’s nothing quite like the real deal, and I’d love to see an EN reader with an eye for matchmaking get their hands on this – I’m already imagining following the story from sperm to superstar, which is the kind of sentence I really can’t say in polite, non-horsey company, but it does thrill me nonetheless. Here’s a little glimpse at how cool Heraldik is, from Marbach:
“The thoroughbred sire of the century from the Birkhof Stud has influenced German and world horse breeding with his offspring like no other. Heraldik, by Caramel xx, born in Slovakia in 1982, was successful in show jumping up to 1.50m level after a short stint on the racetrack. He started his breeding career with the Casper family at the Birkhof stud. Due to his extraordinary charisma, he had many fans right from the beginning and was also widely used beyond the borders of Baden-Württemberg. He has more than rewarded the breeders trust in his hereditary power. While the foals and youngsters were stunning types and great movers, the first “Heraldiks” under saddle were really impressive.
Among his many successful offspring, the Olympic champions Butts Abraxxas (Ingrid Klimke) and Butts Leon (Andreas Dibowski) as well as the individual European champion FBW Halunke (Michael Jung) stand out in eventing. Other 4* and 5* horses by Heraldik xx include Butts Avedon (Andreas Dibowski), TSF Karascada (Kai Steffen Maier), Happy Times (Shane Rose/AUS), Tabasco (Marylin Little/USA), Hamilton (Josefa Sommer/GER), Harry Belfonte (Thierry van Reine/NED), Hilton (Patrizia Attinger/AUT) and Henri Z (Ralf Kooremans/BEL). A total of six of his offspring jumped at 1.60m level, including the licensed Herald (Markus Beerbaum/GER, Eric Lamaze/CAN) and Hoyo de Monterey (Stein Endresen). In the dressage arena there were four Heraldik’s xx at Grand Prix level, the most successful being H-Ekwador, which took part in the Olympic and World Equestrian Games several times under Katarzyna Milczarek. Last but not least, Stan the Man xx’s son LaBiostetique Sam FBW must be mentioned. Michael Jung’s double Olympic champion was bred from a dam by Heraldik xx! No other thoroughbred sire in recent breeding history has produced so many championship horses. Heraldik xx was ranked in the top ten of the WBFSH world rankings for more than ten years, including top spot five times!”
Phew. What a boy. If you’re interested in registering for the auction, and want to see what else is up for grabs, head over to my wishlist.
Joe Meyer and Harbin. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Sponsor Corner: Joe Meyer’s Harbin has officially proved himself as a 5* horse! The Defender Kentucky Three Day Event was the gray OTTB’s first time moving up to the level. After Sunday’s show jumping phase, he earned a very impressive 14th place. Sally caught up with Joe to discuss Harbin’s past, present, and future. Coverage sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products.
Watch This:
Badminton Grassroots competitors Evie and Donut have made their final preparations and headed to Gloucestershire – here’s how they got those last boxes ticked:
