Mulry's Error basks in the attention after his dressage test at Badminton. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Although, rather unusually, we saw a lot of the heavy hitters go early this year at Badminton on Thursday, we still have plenty to get excited about on Friday. Team GB stalwart Tina Cook starts the day off with her WEG team silver medalist De Novo News. There’s tons of buzz about Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob, and not just from the number crunchers (if you’re not following Equiratings already, get on it!) but one of the most popular riders on the circuit I doubt anyone would be upset if she were the first German to take the Badminton title home. Chilli Morning has been the bookies’ favourite (and mine) practically since entries opened, and before I just start naming half the drawn order today, let’s just say we could well be in for a shake-up of the leaderboard by the end of the day.
Tina Cook and De Novo News will get Friday’s dressage action started. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Bill Levett works Shannondale Titan on the flat. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Izzy Taylor was the only rider to bring two horses home clear cross country at last year’s Badminton. She brings both horses back this year, and credits hunting for some of their cross country success. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Caroline Powell has this lovely chestnut looking spot on — strong and fit and ready to go! Photo by Samantha Clark.
Oliver Townend stretches Armada’s legs — they do their dressage straight after the lunch break on Friday. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Sam Griffiths and his experienced partner Happy Times are back at Badminton and do their dressage Friday afternoon. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Dag Albert gives Tubber Rebel a jump Thursday ahead of his late Friday morning dressage test. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Caption this in the comments below! The best one, as decided by the chinches will win a Badminton souvenir! Photo by Samantha Clark.
Emily King walks up to the arena to watch mum Mary do her dressage on King’s Temptress. Photo by Samantha Clark.
King Eider (stable name Duck) relaxes after his dressage test while rider Louisa Milne Home talks to the media. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Aoife Clark and Vaguely North are second to go in the arena Friday morning, following Tina Cook. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Francis Whittington and Hasty Imp will be in the last group of dressage Friday afternoon. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Aoife Clark and Vaguely North do their dressage Friday morning, second to go after Tina Cook. Photo by Samantha Clark.
You can keep up with all the live action from Badminton thanks to our friends at Horse and Hound and their fantastic live blog, or the equally entertaining and informative Radio Badminton. The link to the scores is here, and the times are here. Go Friday and Go Eventing!
#MMBHT: Website, Order of Go, Live Scores, Schedule, Course Preview, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, @samanthalclark
