Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Cealy Tetley.
Our first CCI5* entry list of the year has gone live today, and it’s the stalwart roster we’ve come to anticipate for this year’s MARS Badminton Horse Trials, which has 79 entries and no waitlisted riders listed as of publication. Twelve nations will be represented amongst this year’s entry list.
Highlights from the list include two-time reigning champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who will set a record if they can pick up a third consecutive victory of the premier English 5*, alongside an ever-strong contingent of British entries. These include 2024 Kentucky winner Cooley Rosalent with Oliver Townend, Harry Meade with five entries (many of which are also likely double-entered at Defender Kentucky) in Annaghmore Valoner, Cavalier Crystal, Et Hop du Matz, Grafennacht and Superstition.
Boyd Martin and Miks Master C. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
For the U.S., there are six entries, inclusive of one rider based in the States who’ll be making the trip over. US Equestrian Open champions Boyd Martin and Miks Master C have entered both Badminton and Kentucky, though it sounds to us like Boyd’s leaning pretty hard towards Badminton. He’ll be joined by UK-based riders like Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre, who are one pair to watch ahead of this year’s inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championships at Millstreet in July. Additional UK-based Americans on the list include Tiana Coundray and Cancaras Girl, Cosby Green with Highly Suspicious and Jos UFO de Quidam, and Grace Taylor with Game Changer.
Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue. Photo by Sally Spickard.
An 11-strong Irish roster signals booming times for the squad as they continue to build towards this year’s World Championships, next year’s European Championships and, of course, the 2028 Olympics. Featuring on the Irish squad are 2023 Maryland 5 Star winners and two-time Badminton podium finishers Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue.
Just one horse each for the Price pair, with Tim Price bringing forward his Paris Olympic and Pau winner Falco, while Jonelle has entered Chilli’s Midnight Star by the great Chilli Morning, a horse U.S.-based fans may recognize for his top-10 performance in his 5* debut at Maryland last fall.
Felix Vogg and Cartania. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott
Other notables on the list include 2025 Maryland winners Felix Vogg (SUI) and Cartania, Belgium team rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville, Olympian for China Alex Hua Tian with Chicko, 2025 European Champion Laura Collett with Bling, and many more.
You can view the full MARS Badminton entry list here.
