Tim Price and Vitali leaped into the lead yesterday. Will they stay there? Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

And so we find ourselves on the final day of this year’s Badminton extravaganza. If you feel like the whole thing’s gone by in a flash, don’t fret – we’ve got your back. Here are all the links you need to catch up on the action thus far:

Dressage Day One:
▶️ Test-by-test blog
▶️ Morning round-up report
▶️ Afternoon round-up report

Dressage Day Two:
▶️ Test-by-test blog
▶️ Morning round-up report
▶️ Afternoon round-up report

Cross Country Day:
▶️ Round-by-round blog
▶️ Round-up report

If you want to follow along with the form as we jump our way through the finale, you’ll be in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.

What a day’s sport we had yesterday. It was a great showing on the world stage and a fitting anniversary celebration for Badminton Horse Trials. In true cross country fashion, yesterday’s competition saw the leaderboard both shaken and stirred – with the speedier rounds making their cross country day climb and unlucky errors seeing a few of the favorites drop out of contention.

There’s an international flair to the top of the scoreboard at this point in the competition, but the margins are tight and we all know just how easily those poles can roll when the pressure’s on. Here’s how things look at the top as we head into the final phase:

1️⃣ 🇳🇿 Clawing his way from third to first with the fourth quickest time of the day – the only rider to have completed all seven of the world’s 5*s (plus the pop-up event at Bicton in 2021) – Tim Price and last year’s seventh place finisher Vitali have been in this position before. He may have joked about his show jumping form (three poles at each of their four 5* runs, and at Tokyo) in the leading rider interviews following the cross country yesterday, but he’s been doing his homework (well, Spain-work) and got in some very good practice on the Sunshine Tour over the winter. Will it all come good for them today? It wasn’t the record-breaking dressage performance we saw them deliver at Burghley last season, but it was mighty impressive nonetheless and slotted them into third place after the first phase on a score of 27.7. They were characteristically quick and brave across the country yesterday, one of few combinations to take on the tricky line out of the water at 17 to the big tree at 18 head on, and made it look easy. Just four time penalties to add for them, leaving them on a two-phase score of 31.7. He’s got three seconds in hand, but not a rail.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Just 1.3 points behind is 14-time 5* winner – ‘will-he-won’t-he’ William Fox-Pitt with Maryland runner-up Grafennacht. William lost a couple of seconds yesterday when he chose to take the longer route and circle before that – perhaps very influential, depending on what happens today – big tree with roots at 18, and still managed to come home with the second fastest round of the day, adding just 2.4 time penalties to his dressage score of 33, jumping him from eighth to second on the clubhouse leaderboard. They’ve got a rail but no more over third place coming into the final phase.

3️⃣ 🇮🇪 We love a leaderboard climb to the top on cross country day, and 5* rookie combination – and ‘amateur’ rider – Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint gave us just that. Streaking up 43 places with the fastest round of the day, just a single second over the optimum time, this combination sure have burst onto the 5* scene with a bang. They started off on a score of 36.8 in the dressage and come into today in a podium place alongside two of eventing’s big stars. They’re 4.2 points behind William and have only two seconds in hand over fourth place.

4️⃣ 🇬🇧 Putting their Badminton bad luck well and truly in the past, Emily King and Valmy Biats were also amongst the fastest around the track yesterday, adding just 8.8 time faults to their dressage score to come into today on 38. Her mom, who’s won Badminton twice, was delighted to see them through the finish flags, for Emily’s first Badminton completion in five starts. There’s just a pole and a handful of seconds between her and the top of the podium – might we see a second-generation win here this afternoon?

5️⃣ 🇮🇪 Irish speed demon Sarah Ennis flew ‘round the course yesterday with Grantstown Jackson and put down the third quickest time of the day, hopping 37 places up the leaderboard as a result. They’re just 2 points behind Emily going into the show jumping and there’s not a fence separating her from the podium.

There are just three poles and a few seconds separating the top-10 (which doesn’t make us think of Vitali’s show jumping record one bit, not at all), and zero fences between 6th and 10th place, just two seconds. We all know eventing’s a sport in which anything can happen and it sure is going to be exciting to see just how Badminton 2024 plays out as the top-20 competitors take to the ring for the final phase of this awesome event. One thing we do know is that the poles were a-flying in the first session of jumping, with no clears in 17 rounds and only three inside the time. It’s all to play for this afternoon!

🇺🇲 If you’re following the North American camp, best of the US after cross country is Grace Taylor and Game Changer who are currently sitting in 17th, up from 31st after the first phase. They jumped clear across the country, adding 19.2 time penalties to their dressage score of 34.5 and go into today on 54.6. Another clear cross country round for the States came courtesy of Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl who were 24th following yesterday’s competition and jumped earlier on. They completed their Badminton on a score of 73. Cosby Green and Copper Beach also delivered a clear round yesterday, finishing up in 29th going into today. They also had their round in the first session and complete on a score of 102.1. Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSFl did not have the day Boyd would have wanted yesterday – there was an unlucky crossing of tracks added to a glance off, resulting in 60 penalties, which Boyd freely admitted were totally errors on his part and “Thomas was a champion”. Boyd is going for a completion in all seven of the world’s 5*s this week, a feat only achieved by one other rider, Tim Price. He jumped earlier today and has, in fact, achieved this elite challenge. They finished on a score of 122.6.
🇨🇦 Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit have been flying the Maple Leaf this week, making their characteristic climb up the cross country leaderboard yesterday to hop from 67th to 30th. An unlucky 11 penalties for activating a frangible device kept them from leaping even higher. They go into the final phase on a score of 72.9, jumping in this morning’s session and completing their Badminton on 98.1.

Click here for the full scoreboard.

Based on EquiRatings’ stats, William’s favorite for the win this afternoon, and there’s no doubt that he would be a popular winner at what he’s teasing may be his last Badminton, 35 years after his first. Tim is second-favorite, surely due to that show jumping form, but if it’s come good at the right time – as Tim hopes it has – then he’ll be a no less popular winner. The stats say that the champion is sitting somewhere in the top-5, but as we know, it’s not over ‘til the final horse has passed through the finish line.

Here’s a look at the stats of the overnight top five:

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I’ll be bringing you live updates of every round, which will begin at 2:55 p.m. BST / 9:55 a.m. EST, so keep this page refreshed, and watch this space! If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it, although, spoiler alert – I will be revealing the winner.

Click here for all of EN’s Badminton content.

US peeps – I know today is not so much of a dragging yourself/jumping excitedly of bed because it’s Badminton kind of start time, but total props to those Stateside ENers who’ve been here for All. Of. It. And everyone, really. Eventing respect to all.

Let’s find out who’ll win Badminton 2024.
Eyes on, and go eventing.

EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

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11:00am ET

What. A. Competition.

After all’s said and done, we have new Badminton champions:

1️⃣ 🇳🇿 All hail Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier who’ve delivered the goods and taken the top spot with a score of 43.2.
2️⃣ 🇮🇪 In second – just 2 points behind – we have Irish 5* debutant Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint. What a showing from them.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 And rounding out the top three, on the same score as Lucy, are Alex Bragg and Quindiva.

Emily King ended up having her first Badminton completion end with a fourth place finish with Valmy Biats.

Tim Price and Vitali ended up in 8th spot, and William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht in 13th.

🇺🇲 Best of the US is Grace Taylor and Game Changer who complete their Badminton in 17th position.

You’ll find the whole scoreboard here.

Truly, these results show what an exciting sport we’re so lucky to be a part of. Fairytale endings for some, disappointment for others, but sportsmanship from start to finish.

And there you have it. Badminton is over, eventing hangovers beckon, and I’m off to rest my now considerably shorter fingers after all this typing. It’s been a blast ENers, thanks for coming along for the ride.

Keep an eye or two out for our full round-up of what’s been a truly magnificent 75th anniversary edition of MARS Badminton Horse Trials. In the meantime, you’ll find all our Badminton blood, sweat and tears right here.

I officially have eventing jet-lag, have eaten nothing but pizza since last Tuesday and can’t remember the last time I wasn’t tapping away at my keyboard. But I’ll do it all over again in a heartbeat. Until next time…

Over and out, and go eventing!

10:58am

Ireland’s Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint have finished 2nd in their first ever 5* on a score of 45.2.

In third is Alex Bragg with Quindiva who has his best 5* finish ever. They land on 45.2.
He’s in third as Lucy was closer to the time on the cross country.

They were also tied after dressage.

More scores/placings coming…

10:55am

She’s had 4 top-10 finishes and has completed at Badminton – now – 17 times.

She’s also taken the trophy at both the British big Bs for Ireland – Burghley in 2010 and Badminton in 2024.

10:54am ET

NEW ZEALAND’S CAROLINE POWELL HAS WON BADMINTON WITH GREENACRES SPECIAL CAVALIER.

10:48am ET

🇳🇿 Tim Price and Vitali

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 7th Badminton, 4th Burghley
2022 – 10th Luhmuhlen, 3rd Burghley

🔥Tokyo 2020, 24th individually

⏩ Tim took over the ride from fellow Kiwi eventer James Avery for the 2021 season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Won 4 of the 5*s and been on the podium two of the three he hasn’t (already) won and top-10 at the other. He’s actually completed at all 7 5*s.
Adelaide – 9th (02)
Kentucky – 2nd & 18th (21) 3rd (19) 2nd (15)
Badminton – 7th (23) 20th (22) 10th (19) 12th (18) 3rd (17) 15th (15) 9th (14)
Bicton – 9th
Luhmuhlen – 9th & 10th (22) 1st (19) 4th (16) 15th (15) 1st (14)
Burghley – 4th (23) 3rd & 17th (22) 5th (19) 1st & 10th (18) 5th & 18th (17) 4th & 21st (16) 2nd (15)
Maryland – 1st (22) 3rd (21)
Pau – 34th (23) 1st (21) 3rd, 13th & 14th (20) 6th (19) 3rd & 29th (15)

🏸 form: Made his Badminton debut in 2004 and has nine starts and nine completions on his record; Armada Dish presented in 2018

🥉 World Championships team and individual bronze 2022; 2018 – 8th individually
🔥Tokyo 2020, 24th individually; Rio 2016

📈 Three poles at each of their four 5* runs, and at Tokyo. He did jump clear last time out though. Can he keep those legs out of the way today? That is the big, Badminton-winning, question.

Score after dressage and XC: 31.7
Place: 1

This is it! The final round of Badminton. Will Vitali (finally) pull it out of the bag? Hold your breath…

Tim’s now got two fences in hand.

He’s over the first, and the second. But he takes the third with his back legs. The fourth stays up, and the fifth. They rattle the first part of the treble, but it stays. Another rub at 7, but it stays. Oh no! The first part of the double’s gone. He’s got nothing in hand now. He’s clear through the wide oxer at 10, but it’s all coming apart for Tim also. 11 goes, then 12 and the last. They’re dropped right out. Oh Vitali. Oh Tim.

Tim Price and Vitali finish their Badminton on a score of 51.7.

10:46am ET

🇬🇧 William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 14th Badminton, 2nd Maryland

Rider:
Ridiculously impressive 5⭐ form: Won 5 of the 7 5*s!
🏆 WINS:
Kentucky – 10, 12, 14
Badminton – 04 & 15
Luhmuhlen – 08
Burghley – 94, 02, 05, 07, 08, 11
Pau – 11 & 13

🏸 form: 24 completions on 16 different horses – made his debut in 1989 – 5 Armada Dishes, 2 wins, 3 2nds, 1 3rd

1️⃣ 4 time World No. 1
🔥 5 time Olympian
🗺️ 4 World Championships

🥇🥈🥉World Championships team bronze 2002, 14th individually; team silver 2006, 15th individually; team gold & individual silver 2010; team silver & individual bronze 2014
🥇🥈🥉 European team gold 1995, 5th individually; team gold & individual silver 1997; team gold 2001, 6th individually; team gold 2003, 8th individually; team gold & individual silver 2005; team gold 2009, 4th individually; team bronze 2011, 7th individually; individual bronze 2013; team silver 2015

📈 They lowered one pole at Maryland on their way to 2nd place last year. They had three poles here. It’s a mixed bag in terms of their form – a clear round is not a given here, but the mare does generally keep it to one pole when she does have penalties.

Score after dressage and XC: 33
Place: 2

‘Will-he-won’t-he’ William’s jumping for a 15th 5* win and third time topping the podium here at Badminton. He needs to keep the poles up to keep the pressure on Tim.

The crowd seems to be holding their breath. There’s a tiny tap at the first but it stays, and then she gives the second space to spare. Oh no! The mare’s not high enough at the third and it comes straight down. He gets her back for the oxer at 4 and the green rails at 5 are fine. But then the first part of the treble goes and then the second part of the double at 9 goes. Oh, it’s coming apart. 10 goes, and 11, then 12 and there’s 0.4 time to add also. Oh, what a shame for William. But that’s eventing.

William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht finish their Badminton on a score of 57.4.

10:43am ET

🇮🇪 Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint

5⭐ rookie combination.

Horse:
Recent form: 4th in the 4*-L at Blair Castle last season; 29th at Burnham Market this year where they added just 8 XC time penalties to their dressage score.

Rider:
🐴 Lucy’s a one-horse rider.

📈 Their last six runs look like this: 0 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 4.

Score after dressage and XC: 37.2
Place: 3

OK, here we go – top-3.

Patron Saint’s got lucky Irish clovers on his quarters, let’s hope they do the trick today.

They’re safely over the first and then careful over the second. They’re a bit quick to the third and drift a little right and it drops. They clear the next two and are ultra careful through the treble at 6. This horse is really trying for her. They’re clear through the Liverpool and then over the double really nicely. They rub the wide oxer but it stays, and then the Liverpool at 11 goes. They clear the final two. That slips them behind Caroline, but they’ll finish no worse than 4th or 5th.

Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint finish their Badminton on a score of 45.2.

10:40am ET

🇬🇧 Emily King and Valmy Biats

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 24th Luhmuhlen, 25th Burghley
2022 – 8th Pau

🏆 Winner of the Grantham Cup at Thoresby this year, retaining their title from 2023. This win put them on EquiRatings’ radar as being in with a shot at Badminton.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 4th on her debut at the level in 2015 at Pau.
Luhmuhlen – 24th (23)
Burghley – 25th (23)
Pau – 8th (21)

🏸 form: Retired on cross country last year in a display of excellent horsemanship – ‘Val’ was going really well but Emily decided that he wasn’t enjoying the very wet going and so walked home. She’s had 4 Badminton starts and is looking for her first completion here this week.

🏆 British Under-25 Champion 2018

📈 Clear at their two FEI runs this season and one pole at Burghley last year – that broke a streak of four clears, including one at Luhmuhlen. ‘Val’ is the fourth most reliable jumper in the top-20 here today.

Score after dressage and XC: 38
Place: 4

C’mon Emily, we all want to see what your mom does when you complete, or perhaps win!

Emily looks to mean business as she comes in and clears the first. They rub the second though and then the third comes down. That’s a shame. They clear the wide oxer and then the Grand Slam rails at 5, but that white rail in the middle of the triple combination comes down. He looks a little flat over some of these fences. They get things back together and clear the rest. Two down for them and 0.4 of a time penalty. But this is a Badminton completion and that it great.

Emily King and Valmy Biats finish their Badminton on a score of 46.4.

10:37am ET

🇮🇪 Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson

Horse:
5⭐ form: 22nd Pau 23

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 32nd (17) 34th (16) 38th (13)
Pau – 22nd (23)

🏸 form: 3 completions

🥈 World Championships team silver 2018, 5th individually
🔥 Tokyo 2020 Olympics; World Championships 2014 & 2018; European Championships 2013, 2017, 2019, 2023

📈 4 penalties in each of their last three FEI runs, including at Pau last season. Based on this gelding’s form, we’re expecting penalties here today, but he’s most likely to keep it to one pole.

Score after dressage and XC: 40
Place: 5

We’re into the top-5 now!

They get their round underway clear over the first and then are careful over the second. They’re a bit keen at 3 but it stays, but they pay the price at the wide oxer at 4, and then the Grand Slam rails comes down. They’re clear through the triple combination at 7, but then have the second part of the double at 9. 11 goes also. They clear the last two. Five down and 0.4 of a time penalty. That’s been an expensive round, a real shame after such a great showing yesterday.

Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson finish their Badminton on a score of 60.4.

10:34am ET

🇳🇿 Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 30th Badminton, 6th Maryland
2022 – 5th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 30th (23) 29th & 31st (18)
Burghley – 20th (19) 31st (18)
Maryland – 6th (23)
Pau – 5th (22)

🏸 form: 16 completions, 3 Armada Dishes, 4 top-10 finishes

🔥 Olympic team bronze London 2012
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2010
🏆 Won Burghley 2010 with the late, great Lenamore

📈 Caroline has the most Badminton show jumping clears since 2010 in today’s field and ‘Cavvy’ is the third most reliable jumper. This pair were clear at Maryland but lowered two poles here last year. There are many, many more clears on their record than penalties.

Score after dressage and XC: 43.2
Place: 6

They clear the first convincingly and the mare is really giving the fences some air as she clears the next few. She’s ultra careful through the treble combination at 6 and then again at the Liverpool at 7. Her ears are pricked and she’s really working hard. She’s superb through the double, which she takes on a long one. They’re not even close to touching anything. They clear the rest, inside the time. No worse than 6th for them.

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier finish their Badminton on a score of 43.2.

10:31am ET

🇨🇭 Felix Vogg and Cartania

5⭐ form: 15th Badminton 23

🗺️14th World Championships 22; 8th European Championships 21 (very nearly finished on their dressage)

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 6th (19)
Badminton – 15th (23)
Luhmuhlen – 1st (22)

🏸 form: Made his Badminton debut last year.

🔥 Tokyo 2020; Rio 2016
🗺️ 14th World Championships 2022; 8th European Championships 2021

📈 Three poles here last season, but that’s the most they’ve had since 2020. They’ve got plenty of clears on their record and more often than not keep it to one pole when they do have penalties.

Score after dressage and XC: 43.4
Place: 7

Felix gets off to a great start with a super shot over the first fence and then the second. The mare doesn’t respect the third and jumps straight through that top rail. They have the first part of the triple combination at 6 as well, and then things seems to fall apart a bit and they have the Liverpool at 7 also. They get back together and are clear through the double, and then the final line gives them no trouble. Three down for them – Alex Bragg is on the climb.

Felix Vogg and Cartania finish their Badminton on a score of 55.4.

10:29am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 5th Badminton
2022 – 16th Badminton, 2nd Burghley

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 5th (23) 16th (22) 35th (19)
Luhmuhlen – 6th (23)
Burghley – 2nd (22)
Pau – 20th (23) 7th (21) 13th & 18th (18)

🏸 form: 5 starts, 4 completions

📈 According to EquiRatings, this is the most reliable show jumper in the field. They’ve had a single pole in twelve FEI runs since 2020.

Score after dressage and XC: 44.4
Place: 8

Ah, this pair have the first down – it’s right by the grandstand. They’re extra careful over the second though and then clear the next couple. The horse is great through the triple combination at 6 and is really giving the fences a lot of space, he’s really trying hard after that early mistake. The double is easy for him and then they’re clear to the final line. 12 is no bother, and they clear the last. One down for them, putting them behind Alex, but they’re top-10.

Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift finish their Badminton on a score of 48.4.

10:26am ET

🇬🇧 Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick

5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last season and finished 11th.

Rider:
Recent(ish) 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 6th & 14th (22) 1st (03)
Badminton – 10th (23) 16th (19) 12th & 23rd (15) 6th (14) 56th (13) 1st (05) 1st & 6th (03) 1st (02) 9th (97)
Bicton – 2nd & 5th (21)
Luhmuhlen – 16th (23)
Burghley – 6th (23) 8th & 16th (22) 1st (19) 13th (18) 16th (13) 28th & 30th (11) 15th (10) 1st (03) 6th (02)
Pau – 11th & 15th (23) 3rd (07)

🏸 form: 3 time winner (19, 05, 02); 23 starts, 2 Armada Dishes, 9 top-20 placings

🔥 Olympic team silver 2000; team silver & individual bronze 2004
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2002; 5th individually 2010
🏆 European Champion 1999 & 2001
🥇🥈🥉 European team gold 1999; team gold 2001; team gold & individual bronze 2003; team silver 2015; team silver 2019

📈 Five down at Pau last season, breaking a streak of five clear rounds. They were clear in their one FEI run this season.

Score after dressage and XC: 45.1
Place: 9

Pippa looks to mean business as she salutes to the judges. They’re very careful over the first and have a huge jump over the second. They make nothing of the tricky line to the third and clear the wide oxer at 4. She clears the Grand Slam fence at 5 and then Pippa rides for everything through the treble at 6. The double’s no trouble for them either. Pippa’s cutting the corners keeping the time in mind, but then have the Liverpool at 11 down and then the planks at 12. They clear the last. That’s two down for them, moving Alex, Jonelle and Tom up.

Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick finish their Badminton on a score of 53.1.

10:23am ET

🇬🇧 Alexander Bragg and Quindiva

5⭐ form: Made her 5* debut here at Badminton last year, but like a lot of the competitors at that wet and wild Badminton edition, Alex pulled up on course when he felt like the mare wasn’t enjoying the ground. They came back out at Burghley and came 15th.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 36th (18)
Luhmuhlen – 3rd (19) 20th (17)
Burghley – 15th (23) 34th (16)
Pau – 29th (23) 18th (21) 4th &32nd (20) 4th (19) 5th (17) 5th (16)

🏸 form: 6 starts since his Badminton debut in 2017.

📈 EquiRatings have ‘Diva’ down as the second most reliable show jumper in the field – there’s nary a pole on her record since 2019.

Score after dressage and XC: 45.2
Place: 10

We’re into the top-10 now!

Alex came into this phase on the same score as Jonelle, but nabbed the final spot in the top-10 because he was slightly quicker yesterday, and therefore picked up less cross country penalties.

Diva looks ready as they canter round towards the first. They’re class over the first and clear the second with a lovely big jump. They’re a little close to three but clear it no problem. He’s good over the green rails at 5 and then he rides brilliantly through the treble at 6. They get a great shot to the triple bar and then balance for the double and clear it. This is a really confident round. Alex is getting his best finishing score – he’s holding on to top-10. He’s delighted. Super clear round for them.

Alexander Bragg and Quindiva finish their Badminton on a score of 45.2.

10:20am ET

🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 1st Pau
2021 – 28th Kentucky

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 18th (22)
Badminton – 11th (22) 1st (18) 10th (16)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (15)
Burghley – 4th (22) 3rd (16) 5th (15)
Maryland – 8th (21)
Pau – 1st (22) 3rd (21)

🏸 form: 8 starts over 20 years, 6 completions – 1 win, Armada Dish presented in 2019

🔥 Olympic team bronze London 2012; individually 12th Tokyo 2020; individually 17th Rio 2016
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2022; 4th individually 2014

📈 Clear on her way to winning Pau in 2022.

Score after dressage and XC: 45.2
Place: 11

Jonelle takes her time to make sure this mare is ready before she sets off. They’re clear over the first three and then make a great turn after the wide oxer at 4. They take the white rails at the middle element of the treble, after clipping the first element but it stayed in the cups. They’re good up to the planks at the second last, which they rub but it stays. They clear the last. Just one rail for them, and they’re just inside the time.

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera finish their Badminton on a score of 49.2.

10:17am ET

🇳🇿 Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last year but was eliminated on the cross country.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 11th (21)
Badminton – 19th (19)
Luhmuhlen – 19th (18)

🏸 form: Completed on his Badminton debut in 2016, returned in 2017 but didn’t complete. Came back in 2019 for a top-20 finish.

🔥Tokyo 2020, 22nd individually

📈 His form’s a bit of a mixed bag, but he for sure can go clear on his day. His last five runs look like this: 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0.

Score after dressage and XC: 46.5
Place: 12

Jesse’s mom must be so happy that she decided to get that last minute flight from New Zealand to see Jesse compete at Badminton in person.

They take a chance at the first but it stays up, and then give the second plenty of space. They’re good over 3 and 4. They come round for the green rails of the Grand Slam fence and then are super through the triple combination. They run slightly into the Liverpool at 7 and take that, then make a real mistake at the wide oxer at 10. They finish up with 3 down, inside the time.

Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte finish their Badminton on a score of 58.5.

10:14am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Rowland and Dreamliner

5⭐ form: 12th Luhmuhlen 22 (with Oliver Townend)

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 19th (23) 46th (22) 36th (19)
Burghley – 27th (18)
Pau – 21st (23)

🏸 form: 3 completions from 3 starts

📈 Two clears thus far this season, and two clears to end last season. Prior to that, a few faults throughout his form.

Score after dressage and XC: 49.3
Place: 13

Tom and ‘Dreamy’ are very high over the first and then make the second look tiny. They’re good for the distance to 3 and he gives a lot of air to the wide oxer at 4. The green rails at 5 don’t bother them and they’re clear through the treble. Dreamy’s really responding to Tom, who’s really riding this positively and accurately. They’re clear up to the planks at the second last, and then clear over the last. Clear jumping and 0.8 time. They’ll be 13th at worst. They get a huge cheer as they finish.

Tom Rowland and Dreamliner finish their Badminton on a score of 50.1.

10:12am ET

🇬🇧 Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance

Horse: Made his 5* debut at Pau last season but retired after a 20 out on cross country.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 12th (23) 25th (19)
Burghley – 5th & 8th (23) 13th (22)

🏸 form: 3 starts, 2 completions

📈 Dropped one pole at Burghley last season. His form in his four runs before that looks like this: 8 | 0 | 8 | 4.

Score after dressage and XC: 51.8
Place: 14

Wills and ‘Mr P’ look good over the first and make a very tidy turn to the second, which he’s really careful over. 3 is no trouble and he puts in another massive jump over the wide oxer at 4. Unfortunately they take the white upright rails in the middle of the treble combination at 7. They jump the Liverpool and then are clear through the double. They’re super down the line through 10 and 11, rub the last, but it stays. One down for them, no time.

Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance finish their Badminton on a score of 55.8.

10:09am ET

🇬🇧 Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau in 2019 but was withdrawn before the second Horse Inspection. Came back out after/during the Covid hiatus and won the pop-up 5* at Bicton in 2021, where they finished on their dressage.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 6th (23) 20th (19) 4th & 22nd (18) 7th (17) 3rd (16) 16th (15)
Bicton – 1st (21)
Burghley – 7th (19) 3rd (17) 5th (14)
Pau – 2nd & 23rd (18)

🏸 form: Made her 5* debut at Badminton in 2007, 8 completions, Armada Dish presented in 2019

📈 Gemma has the second most Badminton show jumping clears since 2010 in today’s field. She’s also no stranger in the pure show jumping ring and has competed in the Hickstead Derby and the Puissance at London International. This horse jumped clear at both of his FEI runs this season, but prior to this year does have a smattering of faults in his form.

Score after dressage and XC: 53.9
Place: 15

Gemma came into this phase on the same score as Bubby, but a place ahead because her overall cross country penalties were a few points less than Bubby’s.

Gemma looks right at home in the show jumping ring. Chilli Knight looks great too. They absolutely leap the first and he’s very careful over the second and third. He’s jumping his socks off over these fences so far. They clear the green rails at 5 and Gemma’s clicking as they make their way through the treble. They veer a little left over the Liverpool at 7 but it stays, but then the first part of the double goes. She brushes the wide oxer but it doesn’t come down and finish up the rest of the course without problem. That drops her behind Bubby, but she’ll finish no worse than 16th.

Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight finish their Badminton on a score of 57.9.

10:06am ET

🇬🇧 Bubby Upton and Cola

Horse:
5⭐ form
2023 – 8th Badminton
2022 – 36th Badminton, 14th Burghley
2021 – 12th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 8th (23) 36th (22)
Burghley – 14t (22)
Pau – 6th (22) 12th (21)

🏸 form: 2 completions – 8th last year

🏆 British Under-25 Champion 21 & 23

📈 Two poles here last year but clear at their season opener in the 4*-S at Kronenberg on the way to 2nd place.

Score after dressage and XC: 53.9
Place: 16

Excuse me a minute while I have a little blub for Bubby. It’s been an emotional comeback for this determined young lady and, although we were hoping for a fairytale podium finish after they danced their way into second after the dressage, we’re all so delighted to see her here, at the top of the sport and completing Badminton.

There’s an extra loud clap for Bubby as she comes into the ring. The bell goes and she gets a perfect shot to the first. Cola’s got his ears pricked as he flies the second and the third and fourth are no problem either. They easily clear the Rolex rails at 5, brush the first part of the treble but it stays, and then sail over the Liverpool at 7. They have a massive jumper over the wide oxer at 10 and Cola really shows he knows his job through the double. The last three are no trouble either and the crowd erupts. Clear inside the time. Bubby’s crying and pointing to Cola. What a horse. And what a girl.

Bubby Upton and Cola finish their Badminton on a score of 53.9.

10:03am ET

🇺🇲 Grace Taylor and Game Changer

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Burghley last season but was withdrawn before the show jumping after jumping clear ‘round the cross country.

Rider: Made her 5* debut alongside Game Changer at Burghley.

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

📈 Generally more faults than clears, although they can keep the poles up on their day. Their last five runs look like this – 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 12.

Score after dressage and XC: 54.6
Place: 17

Grace gets her final phase of Badminton underway. She takes her time circling before she starts and must use all of her time up. It’s worth it as they clear the first really convincingly. There’s a little rub at the second but they manage the tricky distance to the third and clear it. They’re clear through the treble at 6, have another rub at 7 but they’re lucky and it stays up. They’re good through the double but the wide oxer at 10 goes and then the Liverpool at 11 also. That’s two down and no time for them.

Grace Taylor and Game Changer finish their Badminton on a score of 62.6.

10am ET

🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Away Cruising

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 16th Badminton, 27th Burghley
2022 – 29th Badminton
2018 – 16th Badminton, 6th Burghley
2017 – 14th Luhmuhlen, 15th Burghley

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 5th (21)
Badminton – 16th (23) 16th (18) 3rd (14) 10th (09)
Luhmuhlen – 5th (23)
Burghley – 3rd (23) 6th (18) 15th (17)
Maryland – 7th (22)
Pau – 24th (22)

🏸 form: 12 completions, 6 top-20 finishes, 2 Armada Dishes

5️⃣ World No. 5
🥈 World Championships team silver 2014

📈 Clear at Burghley last season but three down here last year.

Score after dressage and XC: 55
Place: 18

Harry and ‘Spot’ start their round off with a tiny tap on the first fence, but it stays and they give the second more space. They don’t manage the difficult distance to the third an it goes. They’re clear through the treble at 6 but make a real mistake at the Liverpool as Spot seems to look into the tray. They have the first part of the double at 9 also. The rest of the course gives them no bother though, although get 0.8 of a time penalty.

Harry Meade and Away Cruising finish their Badminton on a score of 67.8.

9:57am ET

🇬🇧 Zara Tindall and Class Affair

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 15th Kentucky
2021 – 30th Maryland

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 15th (23) 3rd (17)
Badminton – 23rd (16) 16th & 19th (08)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (13)
Maryland – 30th (23)

🏸 form: 8 starts, 4 completions

🏆 World Champion 2006; European Champion 2005
🔥 Olympic team silver London 2012, 8th individually
🥈 World Championship team silver 2014
🥇 European team gold 2005

📈 On a streak of four clears, but there are penalties scattered throughout their show jumping form. ‘Socks’ is still the fifth most reliable show jumper in the top-20 here today.

Score after dressage and XC: 55.6
Place: 19

Zara and Socks clear the first and then the second and the third. The next few are fine but there’s a rub on the first element of the triple combination but it stays. They good over the Liverpool at 7 but then the first part of the double goes. They have another rub at the Liverpool at 11, but they’re lucky again. They clear the final two and finish inside the time.

Zara Tindall and Class Affair finish their Badminton on a score of 59.6.

9:55am ET

🇬🇧 Rosie Bradely Hole and Romantic

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 3rd in the 4*-L at Blair Castle last fall.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 47th Badminton 22

🏸 form: Completed on her debut in 2022.

📈 One fence in eight FEI runs since the fall of 2021.

Score after dressage and XC: 56.4
Place: 20

Getting the afternoon’s sport underway, Rosie and Romantic enter the ring and get their show jumping round off to a great start. They clear the first four very convincingly and the Rolex Grand Slam at 5 is no trouble for them either. Ah, the first part of the treble combination at 6 goes, but they clear the rest. The Liverpool’s fine for them, and they’re clear through the double. They’re good for the second Liverpool at 11, but unfortunately have the second last down. They clear the last and finish inside the time.

Rosie Bradely Hole and Romantic finish their Badminton on a score of 64.4.

9:50am ET

This is it ENers! Buckle up, we’re in for an exciting ride. First horse incoming in around 5 minutes! Don’t forget to keep this page refreshed as we moved through the top-20 rounds.

EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

Just a gigantic tree, with roots, that the horses and riders are going to jump over, off a blind turn – that’s all. Photo via CrossCountryApp.

One (very experienced) rider’s sick to his stomach (with nerves, we think, not dodgy burger or something); another’s very glad she had a trip to Badminton as a spectator last year so she’s not so stagestruck by the sheer amount of people she’ll be performing in front of; stats guy Sam Watson predicts more runouts than usual, and every rider is very, very aware that the middle of the course is very, very intense.

The leader of the pack, Ros Canter, is open-minded about what may or may not transpire when she takes her turn on Eric Winter’s track, given the relative inexperience of her horse, Izilot DHI, despite the gelding already having a 5* win under his cinch. Nothing’s a given when it comes to Badminton. But one thing is for certain – this is not a dressage competition and there is a serious amount of work to be done before anyone can even begin to dream of their Badminton completion.

Last year we were all, very Britishly, talking about the weather – the incessant rain that mucked up everything. This year, the weather’s still very much on the riders’ minds. Yes, we’ve had years (it seems) of neverending downpours which have thoroughly saturated the ground, and yes, it’s still sticky despite the fact that the rain has, in fact, relented in the past couple of weeks (huzzah!). However, it’s forecast to be in the low-20s C / high 60s into the 70s F for cross country day – temperatures we’re just not used to in Britain generally at the best of times, never mind as we come out of a very long winter.

The horses won’t have been working in that kind of heat, and it’s likely to take its toll as they gallop across the country. Add to that the potentially holding ground, and well, that’s a whole other dimension added to an already huge challenge.

Like last year, the riders will have to be smart and sensible, and totally on their game in terms of horsemanship. They did the sport proud twelve months ago on the whole, with top names pulling up when they looked to be going well, using all their feel and relationship with their horses to make the very best decision for them. This is something that is very much on the riders’ minds as they come into tomorrow’s challenge, with the majority noting that horsemanship will 100% come before competition.

I think that’s a positive note for me to end on.

Let’s get the riders’ reactions – in their own words – to the challenge ahead at the 75th Anniversary MARS Badminton Horse Trials…

If you want to see when your favorites will be heading out of the start box, you’ll find the ride times here.

We’ll be bringing you live updates from the whole of today’s cross country – eyes on EN for our live blog – as well as daily reports from each stage of the competition, and SO MUCH MORE! Keep it locked onto EN and click here for all the Badminton content you can handle As if that isn’t enough, we’ve also got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of our team on the ground too @goeventing.

EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

MARS Badminton Horse Trials [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Tickets] [Radio Badminton] [Livestream] [Cross Country Course] [EN’s Coverage]

🇬🇧 Ros Canter – Izilot DHI – 25.3 – 1st

Ros Canter Izilot DHI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Clubhouse leader Ros Canter may be sat on a 5* winner, and she may be in with a shot of retaining her Badminton title from last year (the last person to do that was Pippa Funnell in 2002/03), but she’s keeping a level head and thinking horse-first:

“We’re very open minded about tomorrow. I intend to go out the start box meaning business. We’re here to be competitive if we can, but the length of this course, the ground and everything else, would be a bit of a question mark for this horse. He’s a bit less proven, he’s less blood than Walter [Lordships Graffalo – last year’s champ] anyway. If at any point I think he’s done, we’ll be calling it a day. But up until that point, I’ll be going out, trying to knuckle down and get on with it.”

Are there any particular fences she’s got her eye on?

“The log coming out of that top water, the angled log [Fence 18, which comes after the MARS Sustainability Bay combination]. I think it’s one of those less than a split second things, whether it goes right or wrong. It’s got that big, old stump and roots on it, so it’s even more blind. But it’s big all the way around. I’m not sure there’s one combination that shouts out at me, other than that it’s Badminton and, every time I do the first course walk, I go, ‘Ooh, that’s okay,’ because each individual fence is okay. But then you start to break it down and you go, “Well, that’s a ditch, and then two later, that’s a ditch, and that’s a ditch, and then, that’s a drop, and that’s drop, and that’s a drop,’ and that’s where it starts to become the challenge.”

A lot of ditches and drops then, and that log is on quite a few of the riders’ minds.

🇬🇧 Bubby Upton – Cola – 27.3 – 2nd

 

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It was an emotional moment for everyone when Bubby completed her dressage test on Thursday. It’s wonderful to see her back, doing what she loves, on a horse that she loves. She’s one determined lady, that’s for sure. How does she feel about what she’ll face when she gallops out of the start box with Cola?

“I’ve only had a really brief look at it [when we spoke to her, she’s certainly walked it properly by now!] and it always makes me laugh, asking what do you think of the course – I think I said that a couple of years ago. Of course, it’s absolutely enormous and a lot to be jumped out there. But there’s no horse that I’d rather be sat on on Saturday, so I’m really excited for it.”

🇳🇿 Tim Price – Vitali – 27.7 – 3rd

Tim Price and Vitali. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Tim summed things up very nicely when we asked him what he thought of the course:

“I think it’s really solid, really challenging. The time is going to be really difficult with all the various combinations, and we have to think about our lines. When you’re thinking, you’re usually slowing down a little bit. It’s big and I’m excited to have a go.”
🇺🇲 Boyd Martin – Tsetserleg TSF – 29 – 4th

 

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Boyd’s kinda out of his comfort zone here at Badminton. He has been here once before, in 2016, but he didn’t complete. There’s added pressure this time around: he’s going for a completion in all seven of the world’s 5*s. He’s been top-10 at all six of the top-level events he has completed, it’s just the elusive spring big B that’s eluded him… thus far. He’s in a great spot, on a great horse, who deserves a top-placing just as much as Boyd wants it. Eventing fans should all have their fingers crossed for this pair as they gallop off down the track.

Boyd seems to be feeling the nerves of tackling the unfamiliar, particularly as he’s so familiar with the 5* tracks he’s frequented over recent years:

“I’m sick to my stomach. I haven’t done this one very much – I’ve only done it once, and I didn’t finish. I’m pretty familiar with the Kentuckys and Luhmuhlens and Paus, and even Burghley – I’m quite comfortable there now. I’m going to walk it a couple more times than usual just to really get an understanding of where I want to be. It looks pretty tough to me.”

Are there any parts that are playing on his mind more than others?

“It just looks big – big jumps. And that circle, down the Vicarage Vee area [Fences 22, 23, 24 and 25] – to me that just looks relentless. It’s just tough question after tough question. I feel like if I can get through that and I’ve got a bit of horse left, I should be alright.”

🇬🇧 Emily King – Valmy Biats – 29.2 – 5th

Emily King and Valmy Biats. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

That tricky middle section has caught Emily’s attention on this not just proper, but proper, proper track:

“It’s a proper, proper track. I think Eric [Winter] has done an amazing job. It’s got some big questions: the loop down at the bottom [the Vicarage Vee area Boyd also noted], the pond up there [Fence 17AB MARS Sustainability Bay], and the step down [Fence 26ABCD The Lightsource bp Mound] – all of that.”

Emily’s one of the riders who really impressed last year, when she was going brilliantly, is desperate for the Badminton completion that’s eluded her thus far, but pulled ‘Val’ up on course and walked home. We couldn’t see anything untoward with the horse, and there wasn’t. Emily felt him start to feel like things were just getting a bit too tiring, due to the muddy going, and she heard him and responded accordingly. She’s thinking very much along the same lines this year, with horsemanship at the forefront of her mind:

“There’s a lot happening and I think that [the ground] is drying up, so hopefully it will make a little bit easier for [the horses]. But still, I think they’re going to be feeling the softness there, so [we need] just to look after them, and I think we’ll all have that at the forefront of our minds – that we might need to be a bit steady in places to just get them home and feeling good and safe.”

🇳🇿 Caroline Powell – Greenacres Special Cavalier
30 – 7th / CBI Aldo – 35.6 – =33rd

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

There’s a wee bit of a question mark on the ground for Caroline, but overall, she’s just going to give it a darn good ride:

“I think it’s a nice course. I think there’s a lot to jump at the end, a lot that can go wrong. There’s no one piece in particular that I’m thinking, ‘Oh, that’s a bit unjumpable,’ but there’s so much happening. We’ve also got the ground, which is going to be a wee bit undecided how it’s going to ride. It is drying out all the time. I think the course is a good course, as good a course as I’ve seen for a while, and I think everything’s there in front of you to jump, you’ve just got to give it a good ride and hopefully we will do.”

🇬🇧 William Fox-Pitt – Grafennacht – 30.6 – =8th

William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Eventing legend William Fox-Pitt walked the course with eventing king Yogi Breisner. He’s won five of the seven 5*s and has completed here at Badminton 24 times on 16 different horses – he’s been the champ twice and has graced the other two podium spots with his long, long frame on multiple occasions. He didn’t even seem to notice the jumps out there:

“I’m very excited to have been able to walk the course with Yogi Breisner – he had some good ideas about it. I think it looks good – it’s a decent track, isn’t it? I think it will be holding in parts, particularly in the second half, and I think it’ll ride well until the Lake [Fence 10ABCD] – that’s pretty damn good ground, to be honest. Round the back it’s mucky in bits, and it varies a bit, and it’s going to get harder – it’ll walk good underfoot, but it’s pudding for a long way down because it’s rained for the last six months. There’s no firmness there. It’ll be hard work – some will go well in that. It’s very different to last year, which was quite slippy and slidey, and maybe felt a bit uncomfortable, but the horses weren’t having to work so hard as maybe they’ll have to work here.”

This is William’s 20th time at the Badminton estate. What’s he learned over his two decades of competing here?

“You never know what’s going to happen. Since 1998, it’s changed quite a lot: it’s short, it’s technical, it’s high-powered, but it’s a lot less time on horseback. We were riding, in the old days, for nearly an hour and a half on cross-country day, and now we’re on for ten minutes. It’s just so different, and it’s exciting, because it’s maybe more demanding and more competitive, with trickier lines, angles, and turns, but you do need a different apparatus to do it with.”

🇬🇧 Gemma Stevens – Chilli Knight – 31.7 – =10th

 

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Gemma’s got a long wait ahead of her before she gets her Badminton cross country underway, which is a blessing and a curse, really. She noticed the big fences during her course walk, and the question after question. She’s under no illusions – she’s definitely at a 5*:

“I mean, Jesus, it’s Badminton. It’s serious. Down in the Vicarage area, it’s so intense – big fence after big fence, after question after question. [Eric’s] used every single bit of the ground. The second water, [Fences 17AB and 18 MARS Sustainability Bay], that is five-star ten out of ten question. I think that’s going to cause trouble and as yet, I don’t have a plan for that one fence, but I have a plan for everything else and that is straight.

That is a benefit of going near the end, although it’s a long day. It’s terrible for the nerves, but actually it is nice to learn a bit about the course. It’s really tough going out first round these five-stars when you’re just not sure how they’re gonna jump it, but listen, it’s a tough track. Probably [at] Fence Five you’re at five-star, you’re at Badminton, and it means it.”

🇬🇧 Pippa Funnell – MCS Maverick – 31.9 – 12th

Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Pippa’s won this whole dang thing three times, and, as ever, has delightfully clear opinions about what’s out there on track. And she really Does. Not. Like. that tree stump. Not. A. Bit:

“It’s beautifully presented, very clever. Lots of questions all the way through, really. We’ll be glad to get through Huntsman’s Close [Fence 7ABCD] – that’s a tough ask early on. Then it all comes – The Lake [10ABCD], the Vicarage [Fences 15ABCD and then Fences 24 and 25] – it seems very intense all the way. It seems as though we’re longer out there. I think it’s a bit deceiving when you’ve been here so many times, you think you come out and you’ve got a long way to go home, but you’ve actually got longer in that Vicarage loop with plenty of drops, plenty of big drops. If I’m honest, the fence I really don’t like is that tree stump out of that water [Fence 18, which comes after the MARS Sustainability Bay combination that Ros also noted]. It’s an ugly thing, you can’t see it and it’s got the roots of the tree and I don’t like that.”

She’s sitting in a good place with her relatively inexperienced at the level MCS Maverick, who showed a whole bunch of character and then some at the First Horse Inspection eliciting a big “Wooooo” from the crowd. But he was settled and attentive in the Main Arena for his dressage, which has got to have Pippa feeling really good about getting out there on him:

“I’ve had some really good rides on him cross country. He gave me a fantastic ride at Pau [for his 5* debut, where he finished 11th] and at Bramham. But listen, this is Badminton and it’s different. He’s got all the ability to jump around: he’s got scope, he’s got gallop, he’s got all that. He’s got to concentrate on me and concentrate on what he’s got in front of him to jump.”

Pippa went for a hack/to scout out the ground. It’s a concern, particularly as she’ll be last to go:

I personally thought the ground is still a concern. I think it’s softer than we all think. It’s important that I didn’t want to override the horse at all, so I went for a lovely hack this morning and I was surprised at how wet it was, so we’ll see [what it’s like] at the end of the day.”

🇨🇭 Felix Vogg – Cartania – 32.6 – =15th

 

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Swiss rider Felix Vogg won Luhmuhlen on his birthday in 2022. It’s not his birthday here at Badminton, but I’m really not sure that the stars aligning is a formal a prerequisite for a Swiss man to win a 5*. He’s right in line to push up the leaderboard tomorrow with his World Championships partner, Cartania, but he’s feeling like there might be two courses out there:

“[It’s] a totally different course again than last year. A lot of questions as well, especially in the middle part – it seems a bit like a small, short four-star format in the middle part. I think there’s a lot to do and will be interesting.”

🇺🇲 Cosby Green – Copper Beach – 33.7 – 18th

 

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Cosby Green’s feeling a little stagestruck at her first Badminton, but she’s in attack-mode:

“It is stunning. I cannot wait to get out there. The jumps are massive and it seems like they’re not possible, but I believe it is and I’ll just go out there and give my horse the ride he deserves and attack it. I did come [last year as a spectator], which I’m so glad I did because otherwise I would have been in shock yesterday, just seeing the people at the [First Horse Inspection]. I was really nervous just for the number of people, so I’m glad I have a little bit more expectation of what to expect on Saturday with the crowds.”

🇬🇧 Kylie Roddy – SRS Kan Do – 34 – 20th

Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Kylie is particularly concerned about the weather, and the ground:

“It’s not really a day look forward to here is it? [I think that depends on whether you’re riding or spectating with a glass of something fizzy, perhaps. I digress, back to Kylie.] But it is a day where the gauntlet is laid and I truly believe that the ground is going to be a massive influencing factor with the temperature. We’ve got some softer going at the moment, which could go a bit sticky. I think we’ve got about 23 degree heat [Centigrade] on Saturday. When you think about the winter that these horses have had – they’ve probably not even galloped anywhere near that heat. So there’ll be a fatigue factor that kicks in and it’ll be efficiency in the way you ride your lines. Efficient cross country riding, I’m sure will pay dividends on Saturday.”

🇬🇧 Laura Collett – Hester – 34.1 – 21st

 

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Laura’s a previous Badminton champion, but she’s here this year with a 5* debutant. She’s got experience on her side when it comes to formulating a plan in terms of how she’ll ride the course, and her plan for Hester is purely about having a good experience:

“I think it’s a really decent cross country track. I think it’s built beautifully. There’s not one fence in particular that stands out; I think it is from start to finish a test. The Vicarage area [Fences 15ABCD and then Fences 24 and 25] is seriously intense, and we’ve learned over the years that that really takes it out of them mentally as well as physically, so just have to bear that in mind. This this week for [Hester] is all about giving her a good experience. She has been a fantastic cross country horse, but she has lower mileage and we’ll see what happens tomorrow, but I’m looking forward to it.”

🇳🇿 Jonelle Price – Grappa Nera – 34.4 – =22nd

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Jonelle’s been coming to Badminton for two decades, and won the thing in 2018 with Classic Moet. She’s in no doubt that she’s at Badminton, but she does have doubts about the ground:

“I think it’s a true five-star track – it is a true Badminton track. It’ll be interesting how much the ground proves a bit holding. Obviously with the heat – we haven’t had any hot weather this year, so I think that’s going to hit the horses quite hard. It’ll be interesting to see how they come home and it’s big all the way home. I think you’ll need some sensible riding and the accumulation effect: I think it’s really important you keep them confident, and jumping healthily all the way around.”

🇬🇧 Felicity Collins – RHS Contend OR – 34.5 – 24th

 

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Felicity’s plan is to have one, but really, it’s all about what happens when you get out there:

“[Eric’s] built a very good track, but there’s a lot of areas where you can have a problem and I think my main feeling from it is, it’s about knowing your horse, knowing what you’re sat on. I think you’ve just got to ride your lines and prepare your horse in the right way, and then they’ve got to decide where they want to take off from. I don’t think it’s going to be the easiest course to plan for – I think it’s going to be a bit about getting out there and seeing seeing what you’ve got, really.”

Will she watch what’s going on to help with that?

“I am someone who does like to watch when you’ve got the opportunity to, so I’ll try and pick some good jumping horses, some nice scopey horses, and some good riders to watch and hopefully get some confidence, and they’ll make it look really easy.”

And is she as focused on the ground as many other riders are? For sure:

“We won’t know until a few horses have gone round. I don’t think it’s as much as last year – I don’t think anything could be this like that. But yes, obviously it’s gonna be a hotter day and it’s whether the ground is a bit tacky as it’s drying. And you’ve got hot weather and maybe tired horses because of that.”

🇬🇧 Tom Rowland – Dreamliner – 34.9 – 29th / KND Steel Pulse – 36.9 – 47th

 

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‘Dermot’ be nimble, Dreamer be quick, horseys jump over.. the jumps. I clearly didn’t think this through when I set out down this path. Anyhoo… Tom’s hoping his two rides – ‘Dermot’ AKA HND Steel Pulse, and ‘Dreamer’, clearly Dreamliner – will be nimble enough to make those very, very tight acute turns he’s spotted out there:

“I think it’s quite different in the sense that obviously, it’s very big and brave and you’ve got big jumps – a lot of big jumps – but I think you will also need quite a nimble horse, maybe more so than in recent years. [There are] a lot more skinnies and some really very, very tight acute turns. Obviously we do have that, but there seems to be even more of an emphasis on this – you really want that nimble horse.”

🇬🇧 Alice Casburn – Topspin – 35.3 – 30th

Alice Casburn and Topspin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Youngest rider in the field for three years running, Alice is here with second generation homebred Topspin, and has got two top-20 placings under her belt, as well as two top-10s at Burghley. She’s walked the course with her mom, who owns, bred and used to ride Topspin. Alice can really go out there in the confidence that her horse has been here, seen that, and knows what he’s doing by now:

“If I have a stop before the unfinished bridge [Fence 13], I probably won’t carry on because [Topspin] should really know what he’s doing now. But then when you hit that – I said to mum, ‘I’ve got brain ache!’. And that’s what mum always says about five-stars; she said, ‘If you put one of those questions in a four-star, it’d probably be alright,’ – but it’s the accumulation – big fence after big fence. I’d like to think he knows what he’s doing by now, but with horses, that’s the excitement of it! You never know.”

🇺🇲 Alexandra Knowles – Morswood – 35.6 – =33rd

Alexandra Knowles and Morswood. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Allie and ‘Ginge’ are here from the States for their first trip to Badminton. How does she think he’ll take to the British track?

“[Morswood’s] a cross country machine. It doesn’t look easy, by any means, but I would rather do it on this horse than any other horse, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s a beautiful track, a lot of different questions and we’ll see how we get on.”

🇦🇺 Sammi Birch – Finduss PB – 36.2 – =39th

 

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There’s no place Sammi’d rather be than sat on Finduss PB (rhyme intended) – on Saturday at Badminton:

“Certainly doesn’t look [like anything’s] unjumpable, but I think the ground’s going to play a big factor. And it’s the cumulative effect really, isn’t it, at Badminton? so that’s exciting. And to be honest, I don’t want to be sat on anything else on Saturday. Fingers crossed, I can do him justice.”

🇬🇧 Kristina Hall-Jackson – CMS Google – 36.2 – =39th

 

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Kristina is really, really hoping for the clear round that’s eluded her thus far at her three attempts at the British 5*s – this is her second Badminton. She knows Google’s got it in her, it’s just a case of getting all their ducks in a row on the day:

“It’s a very big, bold track. Compared to last year, it’s a lot tougher out there and I’m just hoping it suits us. She’s a big galloping machine, and hopefully, it’s not going to be a dressage competition.”

🇬🇧 Wills Oakden – A Class Cooley – 36.2 – =39th / Arklow Puissance – 39.4 – 61st

 

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Wills will be making his way out of the start box twice on cross country day. What’s his plan for his guys?

“I think you just take it each time as it comes and just see what’s there, and take each ride as it comes. You just hope that they come out the start box feeling as strong as I think they are. At the end of the day, if they’re not, you bring them home safe and well and look after them, and go again.”

🇬🇧 Alexander Bragg – Quindiva – 37.6 – 51st

Alex Bragg and Quindiva. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Alex is one of the riders that pulled up on course last year, showing great horsemanship when he felt his mare wasn’t enjoying the ground. What does he think of the going this time around?

“I know [we’ve had] the sunshine – it looks fantastic on top, but it is going to be tacky in places, really tacky. I’ve got a late draw, whether that’s good or bad I find out tomorrow, but I shall be picking different bits of ground and watching how the horses are traveling and jumping out of certain areas as well.”

But is he more optimistic than last year? Yes:

“It’s a really good course actually. I like the fact, when you come over from the intense area at the back [The Vicarage Vee area], you come up that draw uphill back towards the lake, which is always heavy going. It’s a nice finish from there and it’s much shorter than it has been. I think that’s great for the horses and we should see lots more finishes than last year coming over that MARS fence in the main arena, and hopefully lots more happy people that can jump on the Sunday.”

🇬🇧 Tom Crisp – Liberty and Glory – 38 – =54th

Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tom is famous for taking a long drink from the lake last year, following it up with a couple of widths of doggy paddle. He’s obviously hoping for a drier round this time, but what does he think of the course?

“It felt a bit stronger this year, but you can often walk a course and it walks difficult but it rides quite well, and then it can be the other way around. The the ground is going to add a dynamic to it. Hopefully people will have learned from last year – we might get a few fitter horses. I think [Eric’s] been quite fair to finish the last minute and a half on the flat, so the tired horses won’t look so bad coming over the finish line. It does feel more technical, but it is a real strong patch in the middle. I think it starts early on and doesn’t really let up, does it? Until you’re on the way home.”

🇬🇧 Rosie Bradley-Hole – Romantic – 38 – =54th

 

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Rosie is succinct in what she thinks of the course – basically big:

“It looks big. It looks like an Eric course, but [Romantic’s] very honest and genuine so if I can get my lines, she will try her best for me.”

🇬🇧 Helen Bates – Carpe Diem – 38.5 – 58th

 

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Helen is much preferring the weather this year to last. She’s also noticed that the course is big. And Badminton:

“I think there’s enough to do. There’s quite a lot of combinations. I don’t think there’s going to be that much let up. And it’s big – it’s Badminton – but I’m really excited to get out there. Definitely since Wednesday, it’s drying out all the time. The sun is really, really helping. I think there’ll still be a couple of soft patches but it’s definitely better than when it’s raining.”

🇮🇪 Sam Watson – SAP Talisman – 39.1 – 60th

Sam Watson and SAP Talisman. Photo by Tilly Berendt

Hoping for the luck of the Irish, stats geek Sam thinks the course is brilliant. And of course he can’t help himself, and makes a prediction or two:

“It’s brilliant. There’s more chance of runouts than Eric normally builds, but it has all his normal features of slowing you down – using terrain, using every lump and bump. I’ve never known the Vicarage Vee – and there’s pretty much two of them – to be Fence 25 on course, and it’s pretty much a direct run home. I don’t think the Vicarage Vee has ever been so close to the finish line or ever will be again, with the route he’s done. It’s going to be different to see how horses are at that stage because the ground is dead. There’s a lot of jumping to do, a lot of concentration and they’re going to have to hold it all the way to the end.”

He’s found himself a little down the order going into the cross country, but he’s on a great guy for the job and is sure to be one of the speedier combinations, based on past form. He has another prediction for us, some life advice, and a whole lotta love for this awesome sport:

“I’d love to have been on a 35 – it gives you an extra four penalties, an extra 10 seconds. But look, we’re there. I think it’s going to be a very disruptive and very influential Saturday, and that’s what the sport should be, and that’s, of course what this horse should thrive on. It keeps me sharp as a rider and keeps me feeling alive about how great this sport is. It’s tough, it’s challenging. I’m out of my comfort zone 100%, but that’s a good place to be.”

And there you have it, straight from the horses’ mouths, so to speak.
Go eventing!

EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

MARS Badminton Horse Trials [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Tickets] [Radio Badminton] [Livestream] [Cross Country Course] [EN’s Coverage]

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF are flying the Stars and Stripes in second overnight. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

We’re back at the Main Arena for another day’s dressage at Badminton and… it’s still not raining. Not a drop. We are being blessed and we are grateful.

First up, a brief look at the (especially exciting if you’re shouting for the States) top-3 as things stand after yesterday’s competition:

1️⃣ In pole position after the first day’s dressage is Great Britain’s comeback queen – Bubby Upton brought the house down with Cola and is sitting in the lead overnight on a score of 27.3.
2️⃣ 1.7 points behind, flying the flag for the US, are Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF on 29.
3️⃣ And rounding out the top three, just 0.8 behind, we have another one for the Stars and Stripes – Tiana Coudray with Cancaras Girl who are on 29.8.

Click here for the full scoreboard.

It really was a great day’s sport, with some emotional performances and some disappointments, but overall, what stood out were the many examples of horses and riders working together, of truly masterful riding, and harmonious partnerships demonstrating all the years of training that go into producing horses to this level, no matter where they ended up on the scoreboard.

Missed out yesterday? Don’t fret. Catch up with every step from Dressage Day One with the live blog – which you’ll find right here.
You’ll find our round-up reports of the day’s dressage here ▶️ [Morning] [Afternoon]

Today we’ll see the second half of the field have their turn between the white boards. Here’s a taster of what’s to come:

🇺🇲 The remaining two US combinations will take to the stage, with two Badminton debutant pairs coming up the center line: Grace Taylor and Game Changer are due to go at 10:48am BST / 5:48am ET / 11:48am CEST, and Alexandra Knowles and Morswood will enter the ring at 11:40am BST / 6:40am ET / 12:40pm CEST.

🇬🇧 There are even more heavy hitters from the home camp getting their Badminton campaigns underway today:

💎 Last year’s winner and Burghley runner-up, reigning European Champion, former World Champion and current World No. 2 Ros Canter brings 5* winner on his debut at the level Izilot DHI forward at 10:32am BST / 5:32am ET / 11:32am CEST.

💎 EquiRatings’ ones to watch after winning the Grantham Cup for a second year running, Emily King and Valmy Biats will come up the center line at 11:48am BST / 6:48am ET / 12:48pm CEST.

💎 Olympic team gold medalist and three-time 5* winner, including here in 2022, Laura Collett brings forward Hester for the mare’s first attempt at the level – they go at 3:03pm BST / 9:03am ET / 4:03pm CEST.

💎 Tom Jackson will be hoping the stats hold up as he comes back into the ring with his second ride, one of the best dressage horses in the field according to EquiRatings, Burghley runner-up Capels Hollow Drift – they go at 4pm BST / 11am ET / 5pm CEST.

💎 Everyone’s favorite video game star, three-time Badminton champion, Olympic silver medalist and former European Champion Pippa Funnell comes into the ring for a second go, today with MCS Maverick – they go at 4:08pm BST / 11:08am ET / 5:08pm CEST.

💎 And World No. 5 Harry Meade will come up the center line for a third time – the only rider to have three Badminton entries for as long as anyone can remember. He’ll finish up the dressage phase with Red Kite at 4:16pm BST / 11:16am ET / 5:16pm CEST.

🇮🇪 The remaining two Irish pairs will have their say today – 5* rookie combination Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint will go at 10:16am BST / 5:16am ET / 11:16am CEST, and Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro will make their first trip up the Badminton center line at 12:20pm BST / 7:20am ET / 1:20pm CEST.

🇫🇷 We’ll see three French combinations between the white boards today:

💎 Arthur Marx brings forward family homebred Church’ile at 9:16am BST / 4:16am ET / 10:16am CEST.

💎 Finishing just outside the top-10 here last year and hoping to scoot up higher this time around, Luc Château and Viens du Mont go at 9:40am BST / 4:40am ET / 10:40am CEST.

💎 And Arthur Duffort will wrap things up for the French with five-time 5* finisher Toronto d’Aurois at 12:12pm BST / 7:12am ET / 1:12pm CEST.

🇳🇿 The Kiwis come forward in force today, including:

💎 Previous Badminton winner, Olympic and World Championships medalist Jonelle Price who brings Pau winner Grappa Nera into the ring at 9:24am BST / 4:24am ET / 10:24am CEST.

💎 World Championship medalist and three-time 5* winner Tim Price is here with Burghley dressage record-breaker Vitali – eyes on this pair as they canter up the center line at 12:04pm BST / 7:04am ET / 1:04pm CEST.

💎 And Olympic medalist and Burghley winner Caroline Powell brings Pau 5th place finisher and Maryland 6th placer Greenacres Special Cavalier forward at 3:52pm BST / 10:52am ET / 4:52pm CEST.

There is SO MUCH to be excited about for today’s competition, and I obviously didn’t have space here for all the stars – so here’s the full list of entries.

If you just can’t get enough info about this year’s competitors, then you’re in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.

Getting the action going today is Britain’s Louise Harwood with Native Spirit – they’ll enter the ring at 9am BST / 4am ET / 10am CEST.

Have a look at all the ride times here.

If your appetite for all things Badminton is as insatiable as ours, I have good news for you – we’ve got your back with all the content from the 75th edition of the event you can handle. There’ll be live blogs from every phase, bringing you every minute of action from the dressage, cross country, and show jumping finale, and we’ll be summing the whole thing up in daily reports from every stage of the competition; we’ve got an in-depth cross country course preview, and the riders’ thoughts on what’s to come on Saturday coming your way. Keep it locked on to EN and click here for all things Badminton. As if that isn’t enough, we’ve got great IG content happening too @goeventing.

I’ll be bringing you live updates from the Main Arena throughout the day, so keep this page refreshed, and watch this space! If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

With all that said, it’s time to turn our attention to the center line as the second day of the 75th anniversary edition of MARS Badminton Horse Trials commences.

Take me to church, and go eventing!

EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

MARS Badminton Horse Trials [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Tickets] [Radio Badminton] [Livestream] [Cross Country Course] [EN’s Coverage]

11:25am ET

And that’s a wrap on dressage at the 75th anniversary edition of MARS Badminton Horse Trials.

The clubhouse leaderboard as we head into cross country looks like this:

1️⃣ Leader of the pack after dressage is EquiRatings’ favorite for the win – Great Britain’s Ros Canter with Izilot DHI on a score of 25.5.
2️⃣ 2 points behind, also representing Britain is Thursday’s overnight leader Bubby Upton and Cola on 27.5.
3️⃣ And topping off the podium places after the first phase, for New Zealand, is Tim Price with Vitali on 27.7, just 0.2 behind.
4️⃣ The best of the US, Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF are right up there in 4th – they’re on a score of 29.
5️⃣ Just behind is Britain’s Emily King with Valmy Biats – on 29.2.
6️⃣ Another American sits right on their tails – Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl are on 29.8.

Click here for the full scoreboard.

And now we turn our attention to the best day – cross country day. Esteemed EN boss lady Sally and I’ll be live blogging our fingers off at 11:30am BST / 6:30am ET / 12:30pm CEST with up-to-the-minute updates of everything that transpires out on course – don’t miss it!

We’ll have a full round-up of this afternoon’s competition for you – Tilly’s fingers are flying across the keys as we speak – eyes on EN. If you want to catch up on yesterday, here are your links:

▶️ [Test-by-test live blog]
▶️ [Morning round-up]
▶️ [Afternoon round-up]

You’ll find the Friday morning round-up right here.

In the meantime, click here for all the Badminton content you can handle.

Once more, a shout-out to the eventing superfans in the States who chose dressage over sleep – One. Of. Us…

One more sleep ‘til cross country day! Go eventing!

11:08am ET

🇬🇧 Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last season and finished 11th.

⏩ This is a relatively new ride for Pippa, having only been in the irons for the 2023 season.

Rider:
Recent(ish) 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 6th & 14th (22) 1st (03)
Badminton – 10th (23) 16th (19) 12th & 23rd (15) 6th (14) 56th (13) 1st (05) 1st & 6th (03) 1st (02) 9th (97)
Bicton – 2nd & 5th (21)
Luhmuhlen – 16th (23)
Burghley – 6th (23) 8th & 16th (22) 1st (19) 13th (18) 16th (13) 28th & 30th (11) 15th (10) 1st (03) 6th (02)
Pau – 11th & 15th (23) 3rd (07)

🏸 form: 3 time winner (19, 05, 02); 23 starts, 2 Armada Dishes, 9 top-20 placings

🔥 Olympic team silver 2000; team silver & individual bronze 2004
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2002; 5th individually 2010
🏆 European Champion 1999 & 2001
🥇🥈🥉 European team gold 1999; team gold 2001; team gold & individual bronze 2003; team silver 2015; team silver 2019

💵 Pippa was the first (and only in the long format) winner of the Rolex Grand Slam.
👑 She’s been awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for her services to equestrianism.
📚 She’s also a children’s author…
🎮 … and video game star.

📋 This gelding put down a 26.4 on his 5* debut last season and came back out this year with another score in the mid-20s. Eyes on for sub-30 👀

Winning the 4*-L at Bramham last season:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

This is our last rider of the day – and the first phase – as Harry Meade has withdrawn Red Kite.

Safe to say, MCS Maverick was a tad excited at the First Horse Inspection, giving a full on wave to the crowd and eliciting a massive “Wooooooo”. Let’s hope the lid is firmly on that for today, particularly as Pippa’s first ride, yesterday, did not go to plan with Majas Hope, who was also very excited to be at Badminton and unfortunately showed that in full during his test.

Pippa has a lead up the chute, apparently she’s been having a little trouble getting him down there for the familiarization. Maverick looks to be nicely with her and Pippa’s smiling, so that’s a good sign.

They start off with a very square halt which scores two 7s and a 7.5. Maverick looks to be very much on side. They get off into trot and show a lot of quality in the movements – lots of 7s and 7.5s coming in for them. There’s a lovely cadence to the trot and Maverick is in a very nice frame. Pippa’s really getting a tune out of this tricky ride.

They make the transition into walk and Maverick is still relaxed. He’s picking his head up every now and then, losing the contact, but he’s walking and is being very good and sensible. There’s a 7 for the extended.

The halt is very immobile, but it’s not square, and the reinback is very sticky – that scores 4s across the board and will be expensive. They get off into canter and there’s more of the same lovely quality as the trot work. He’s in a nice outline and there’s pleasing rhythm – lots of 7s and 7.5s coming in. The changes are all very good, no lower that 6.5 in any of the marks for them so far, and a few 7s. The extended canter scores an 8 from the judge at B and the stretch canter scores two 7s. There is a lot of very nice work happening and Pippa will be delighted with Maverick, for sure.

Huge strokes for Maverick and Pippa looks proud. What a good boy. He’s been in the Main Arena at Badminton in all the atmosphere of the Friday afternoon and stayed right with her the whole time. Superb riding, of course, and a horse showing lots of his potential. They go into 12th overnight.

Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick score 31.9.

11am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 5th Badminton
2022 – 16th Badminton, 2nd Burghley

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 5th (23) 16th (22) 35th (19)
Luhmuhlen – 6th (23)
Burghley – 2nd (22)
Pau – 20th (23) 7th (21) 13th & 18th (18)

🏸 form: 5 starts, 4 completions

🤩 Tom trains with Pippa Funnell.
👖 His mom was a dressage rider and his dad’s a farrier.

📋 This pair put down a 28 here last season and a 28.9 at Burghley in 2022 – EquiRatings has ‘Walshy’ down as being amongst the best dressage horses in the field. Eyes on this one for a sub-30 score in this phase 👀

Ones to watch between the white boards:

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Today’s Test:

Walshy looks really impressive as he canters ’round the arena before entering the ring. Tom means business. The first halt is dead square for 7s across the board. They get off into trot and it’s clear that Tom’s riding for top marks. The medium trot is expressive but there’s a little wobble, that’s because they’re trying so hard. The scores are consistently in the 7s in the early stages of the test – 7s across the board for the extended.

Ah, another one to spook at the unmanned camera in the flower box. That’s a real shame. But Tom is very quick to get Walshy back, and when they get to the walk it’s very relaxed. Walshy is attentive to Tom and stepping out really nicely – there’s an 8 for the extended walk. Ah, that corner, there’s a ghost there somewhere. But again, Tom moves straight on and they score an 8 for the halt.

They move into canter and the scores are a mixed bag – an 8, 7 and 5. Tom adds a bit of bend in that corner to keep Walshy’s eye off that camera, but the first change isn’t quite right and it’s 4s across the board. The second one is much better. Tom pushes for the extended canter and scores two 7s for that, and there’s a 7.5 in the scores for the stretch circle. Tom can’t really ride as bravely as he was at the beginning, he’s had to adapt to the horse underneath him today. That flower box has been very expensive, although they finish up with an 8 and a 7.5 for the halt.

That was a shame for them, and Tom looks pensive. Lots of lovely highlights though, just a lot of atmosphere here today, and a very annoying camera in a flower box.

Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift score 34.4

10:52am ET

🇳🇿 Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 30th Badminton, 6th Maryland
2022 – 5th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 30th (23) 29th & 31st (18)
Burghley – 20th (19) 31st (18)
Maryland – 6th (23)
Pau – 5th (22)

🏸 form: 16 completions, 3 Armada Dishes, 4 top-10 finishes

🔥 Olympic team bronze London 2012
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2010
🏆 Won Burghley 2010 with the late, great Lenamore

🤩 Caroline groomed for top-level eventer, turned commentator, turned course builder Ian Stark at the Atlanta Games in 1996.

📋 ‘Cav’ put down a 29 in the first phase at Maryland last fall and a 27.4 here at Badminton. Eyes on this one for a potential sub-30 score 👀

Cav’s back at Badminton after a successful debut last year:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Cav was really showing off at the First Horse Inspection with lots of bouncy trot steps – although it was while Caroline wanted him to stand for the judges. He was clearly excited to be back at Badminton. He looks to be relaxed and happy in the arena as he comes forward for his test.

The halt is very good and scores a 7 from the judge at B, but there’s a canter stride on the way out when it should be trot. Caroline is straight on it though and they settle into the trot work. Cav really has got a lovely presence as she shows off her trot – lots of 7s coming in for them. She’s supple and expressive and obviously, Caroline’s riding a very positive test – 7.5s coming in for the later work.

Cav is really nicely uphill and moves in a very nice balance. This is a picture of a horse and rider in complete harmony. They drop into trot and very annoyingly a little jiggy jog happens in the extended walk, which drops the marks down to 6.5s and 6s. The halt is very good for two 7s and the reinback is very, very good for a 7.5. They get off into canter and there’s more lovely balance and rhythm on show. Boy, this pair have got their changes in order – there’s an 8 for the second one and all 7s and 7.5s for the rest. There’s 8s creeping in now. She pushes for the extended is rewarded with an 8.5 and an 8. Caroline can really ride this horse, and go for the great marks.

Caroline is delighted. So many pats for Cav and a big kiss. Lots of high marks scattered through this test, with scores getting even better as they went along. This really was lovely to watch. A great partnership and a horse who’s very happy in her work. So many pats as they’re walking out. They go into 7th.

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier score 30.

10:44am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Rowland and KND Steel Pulse

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last year and finished 21st.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 19th (23) 46th (22) 36th (19)
Burghley – 27th (18)
Pau – 21st (23)

🏸 form: 3 completions from 3 starts

👶 Tom first came to Badminton when he was just 11 months old! (As a spectator, not to ride.)
🤩 After leaving school, he spent two years as a working pupil with Mike and Angela Tucker. He’s been mentored by Pippa Funnell since 2000.
🤓 He can name every Badminton winner.

📋 ‘Dermot’ put down a 35.3 in the first phase on his debut at the level at Pau last season. He’s generally high-ish 30s at 4*.

Dermot makes his debut at the top of the sport:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Rowland (@treventing)

Today’s Test:

Dermot is a lovely powerful looking horse and seems to be relaxed as he makes his way around the arena. The bell rings and they make their way up the center line. Tom’s ridden that very positively and the first halt is square. There’s a wobble on the way out but Dermot quickly picks up his rhythm and they make their way round for their trot work. Tom gives the judge at C a huge smile as he passes the box 🙂 And he should be very happy with Dermot so far, he’s trying hard and everything is happening accurately. It’s not pulling in huge marks, but it’s for sure a clear round.

They transition into walk and Dermot gets a little fussy in the contact. He’s nodding a little. It’s affecting the balance and frame in the walk work and the marks drop slightly. They manage a 7 from the judge at H for the medium though.

They halt at C, not quite square, and the reinback’s not straight and there are six steps not five. Scores in the 6s for those movements. They manage a clean change though and the canter work looks rideable and the horse is with him. The second change is better for 6.5s across the board, and so is the third. This pair are doing their best in the ring today, that’s very clear, although the highest marks aren’t really available to them at this point. They finish up with an excellent halt though for a 7.5 and 7.

Tom looks a bit disappointed, but overall Dermot stayed with him and worked hard. They made a nice picture of a good partnership. The crowd laughs as Dermot stops for a bite of Badminton grass. He deserves it.

Tom Rowland and KND Steel Pulse score 36.9.

10:36am ET

🇬🇧 Wills Oakden and A Class Cooley

Facts and Form:

Horse: Made his 5* debut at Pau last season but retired after a 20 out on cross country.
Recent form: Won the 4*-L at Blair Castle last year and was runner-up in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk earlier that season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 12th (23) 25th (19)
Burghley – 5th & 8th (23) 13th (22)

🏸 form: 3 starts, 2 completions

👚 Wills loves to do the laundry and is in total charge of the washing machine at home.
🥒 He also enjoys pickleball (sounds delicious).

📋 ‘Felix’ put down a 31.9 at Pau. At 4* his first phase scores are consistently low-30s.

Wills and Felix not playing Pickleball:

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A post shared by Wills Oakden (@willsoakden)

Today’s Test:

We’re into our two horse riders now as we get back underway for the final session. We’ve got news in that Harry Meade has withdrawn Red Kite. That means there’s just five combinations to go now until we’ll know for sure who’ll be leading the pack as we turn our attention to tomorrow’s cross country.

Onto Wils and Felix, who are making their way ’round the ring waiting for the bell to ring to signal the start of their Badminton. This is another very elegant looking horse. She looks to be well on side with Wills as they wait for their turn in the ring.

They set off up the center line and start off in a very good square halt. They continue on in trot and Felix looks to be very rideable and attentive. Her steps are nice and rhythmical and clean – they score 7s across the board for the medium. She doesn’t have the biggest movement which means the scores are massive, but everything is very accurate thus far. The extended trot scores 7s across the board. There’s a little spook by that pesky flower box and a loss of rhythm, but Wills gets Felix quickly back.

They transition into walk and Felix is calm, there’s not the big steps needed for the best marks. Felix gets a little tense towards the end of the walk but halts square for two 7s and then performs the rein back accurately for two 6.5s. They set off into canter and Felix seems to settle a bit. The first change scores a 6 a 5 and a 5.5. The canter looks very rideable and the horse is obviously trying hard, but there’s a bit of a bobble in the next change, which scores a 3. There’s another moment in the corner but again, Wills gets Felix back with him very quickly. The final change is very good and scores a 7 and two 6.5s. They finish up with a square halt and there’s a cheer from the crowd.

Wills looks a little disappointed but overall that was a very nice test, just a couple of bobbles in the changes which were expensive. Felix was rideable and tried hard and seemed to be well within himself in everything asked of him.

Wills Oakden and A Class Cooley score 36.2.

10:11am ET

We’re heading into a short break now. No change to the top of the leaderboard.

Back in around 25 minutes – at 10:36am ET / 4:36pm CEST when we’ll wrap up the dressage at the 75th Anniversary MARS Badminton Horse Trials.

10:03am ET

🇬🇧 Laura Collett and Hester

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: She’s come out this season with two 7th place finishes at 4*-S, adding just a smidge of XC time to her dressage score in each event.

⏩ Hester was first produced by Jonelle Price before fellow Badminton competitor Alex Bragg took the reins in 2019. Laura took to the irons for the 2021 season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: There may not be a ton of 5*s on her card, but she’s won 3 of them.
Badminton – 1st (22) 8th (11)
Luhmuhlen – 1st (23) 2nd (18)
Pau – 1st & 16th (20)

🏸 form: 5 completions – Armada dish presented in 2023

🔥Olympic team gold Tokyo 2020; 9th individually
🥇 European team gold 2023

👑 Laura was awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for her services to equestrianism.
1️⃣ She’s currently tied for the top of the BE leaderboard for the highest number of wins so far this season.

📋 This mare came out in 2024 with a 28.9 at 4*, but she’s more generally low-30s.

Ready to step it up to 5*:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Laura Collett MBE (@laura_collett)

Today’s Test:

Hester caught my eye at the First Horse Inspection as looking like a real sweet mare and my opinion is certainly not changed as she works around the outside of the ring waiting for the bell. She looks very rideable.

Laura chooses to enter up the center line in counter canter – that can help with straightness and balance. Laura obviously has total confidence in this lovely mare. The halt is super and scores highly and then the medium trot is very expressive – there’s an 8 in the scores for that. Hester really looks to enjoy her work and has a lot of quality in her movement – there’s another 8 for the 8m circle and two 8s and a 7 for the extended trot. The next circle gets an 8.5. What a brilliant start they’re making to this test.

They go into the walk section and the elegant picture continues. Hester is relaxed and totally with Laura and there are two 7s for the extended walk – there’s nice expression and suppleness through her body. The halt and reinback are accurate and they set off into canter.

Hester is just as rideable in the canter work. She’s working really nicely. But then she’s late behind in the first change and scores 4s across the board. The sweet mare doesn’t like to make a mistake and starts blowing through her nose. She’s trying too hard now, really and the second change scores a 2, 3 and 4. The third change is 4s across the board. These are expensive mistakes in what is otherwise a very, very well produced test. There’s an 8 in the scores for the extended canter. The only blip in all of this is the changes, but Laura will for sure have those sorted. She looks delighted with Hester at the end of the test. Wow, this is one to watch for the future – you heard it here first! They’ll be shooting to the top of leaderboards one day based on this, at her first 5*. Lots of very exciting work with some expensive changes.

Laura Collett and Hester score 34.1.

9:55am ET

🇬🇧 Alexander Bragg and Quindiva

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made her 5* debut here at Badminton last year, but like a lot of the competitors at that wet and wild Badminton edition, Alex pulled up on course when he felt like the mare wasn’t enjoying the ground. They came back out at Burghley and came 15th.

💃 As her barn name suggests, this mare is a bit of a ‘Diva’, but we all know that with great talent comes big personality!

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 36th (18)
Luhmuhlen – 3rd (19) 20th (17)
Burghley – 15th (23) 34th (16)
Pau – 29th (23) 18th (21) 4th &32nd (20) 4th (19) 5th (17) 5th (16)

🏸 form: 6 starts since his Badminton debut in 2017.

⏩ Alex was a farrier before he became a full-time eventer.
👖 As a kid, Alex competed in Pony Club mounted games – Alex’s three daughters are all keen Pony Clubbers too.

📋 This mare put down a 39.7 in the first phase at Burghley last year and a 34.3 here at Badminton. She came out this season with a score in the low-30s.

Tickled pink at Burghley:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Alex was rocking the pink look on the jog strip on Wednesday – if he borrowed Harry’s pants (or Harry borrowed Alex’s jacket), then would have the full suit and would only be missing the cowboy hat to go full-on Ken/Will Faudree.

Diva looks to be ever so slightly on her toes as they come up the center line. There’s a good halt to start for a 7 from the judge at H, but we can see that she’s playing with the contact. They move into trot and she runs slightly through the medium, he head comes up and we can see there’s tension brewing. The extended trot is more secure but then she spooks at the unmanned camera in the flower box, as a few horses have today. Alex is sitting very quiet, giving the mare confidence and pressing her forward.

The come down into walk and Diva’s looking around a little. She thinks about jiggy jogging but listens to Alex when he says please walk. He manages that very long trot section really, really well.

Diva is very square and stable in the halt and they’re rewarded with 7s across the board. They move off into canter but there’s still obvious excitement bubbling. It comes out in the first change which scores 4s across the board – expensive. The second change is very good and scores a 7 and two 6.5s. Alex is brave in the extended canter on this hot horse and scores a 7 from the judge at B. He can’t go for the stretch today but he does maintain a rhythmical canter. They finish up with a very good final change and another lovely square halt which scores 7s across the board.

This was really well held together by Alex and Diva was obviously trying hard for him. There were some very nice parts but tension creeping in today.

Alexander Bragg and Quindiva score 37.6.

9:47am ET

🇬🇧 Libby Seed and Heartbreaker Star Quality

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made her 5* debut at Badminton in 2022 and finished 28th. Came back for another go at the level at Pau last year and finished 14th.

🐴 Libby has an embryo transfer out of Heartbreaker Star Quality, a 5-year-old whose grand-sire is William Fox Pitt’s former 5* ride and Badminton winner Chilli Morning. That means he shares bloodlines with Gemma Stevens’ ride here, Chilli Knight.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 28th (22)
Pau – 14th (23) 33rd (17)

🏸 form: Made her Badminton debut in 2022 and finished 28th.

🎓 Libby studied Medical Sciences at University and works full-time as an account manager. As an amateur eventer, she has just one horse in her string.
👶 She joined the Pony Club when she was just five years old and competed at Pau when she was 20.

📋 At Pau last year they put down a 33 in the first phase; at Badminton in 2022 it was a 33.4. At 4* they’re generally low- to mid-30s.

Flying off the broken footbridge on their way to a Badminton completion last year:

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A post shared by Libby Seed (@libbyseed)

Today’s Test:

Goodness this horse looked beautiful on the jog strip on Wednesday – full props to all the grooms, but these white guys, kudos. I have a white horse and he not even the tiniest patch of him is ever even a little bit as white as Heartbreaker Star Quality. She’s a real picture again in the Main Arena today.

They get their Badminton underway with a very stable halt and move off into their trot work. There’s a little loss of balance and rhythm n the medium trot, which brings in a mixed bag of scores, but the mare is quickly back with Libby and the scores pick up as they settle into their work. There’s a nice expression in the extended trot which scores 7s across the board – a little shake of her head at the end will have lowered those scores slightly.

They move into walk and Heartbreaker Star Quality is relaxed and steps out nicely, there’s lots of purpose in her walk. They halt at C and score two 7s and a 6.5. The transition to canter is smooth and this pair really look to be working as one.

The canter work shows the same elegant quality as the trot and the changes are obviously well established – there’s a 7 for the first one. The second one’s not so good and scores two 4s and a 3.5, it was a bit muddled. Libby asks for the extended canter and the mare responds and then she lowers her neck nicely in the circle when Libby asks. The third change was expensive and then so is the fourth – 4s across the board, due to the fact they were late.

They finish up their test and Libby looks very pleased with her mare. They really did show up as a nice partnership who know each other really well. Some very nice highlights and a couple of expensive mistakes.

Libby Seed and Heartbreaker Star Quality score 37.3.

9:39am ET

🇬🇧 Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau in 2019 but was withdrawn before the second Horse Inspection. Came back out after/during the Covid hiatus and won the pop-up 5* at Bicton in 2021, where they finished on their dressage.

🧬 Chilli Knight’s sire is the former William Fox-Pitt 5* ride Chilli Morning, who was the first stallion to win a European top-level event when he became Badminton champ in 2015. He’s still the only stallion to have won here.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 6th (23) 20th (19) 4th & 22nd (18) 7th (17) 3rd (16) 16th (15)
Bicton – 1st (21)
Burghley – 7th (19) 3rd (17) 5th (14)
Pau – 2nd & 23rd (18)

🏸 form: Made her 5* debut at Badminton in 2007, 8 completions, Armada Dish presented in 2019

🥇 World Championships team gold 2018
🔥 Rio 2016

🧱 Gemma also competes on the international 5* show jumping circuit. This brave lady took on the big red wall in the Puissance class at London International in December. She’s also braved the enormous Hickstead bank when competing in the derby there.

📋 Chilli Knight is amongst the best dressage horses in field according to EquiRatings. They put down a 27.9 at Bicton on their way to the win in 2021, finishing on their dressage score.

Clear inside the time at 5* and finishing on their dressage to take the win:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

There’s the potential for a second-generation horse winner of Badminton here with Chilli Knight! Gemma looks to be going for it as she comes up the center line – two 7s and a 7.5 for the halt. She’s so accurate in her riding and will be throwing no marks away. Chilli Knight has a very rhythmical trot which has a nice cadence to it. It’s not the biggest or most expressive but it’s very accurate and is scoring 6.5s consistently with quite a few 7s.

They move into walk. The extended scores two 5s and a 4 as Chilli Knight tries his luck with a big of jiggy joggy. But the medium is much better. Then the halt is great – a 9 from the judge at B, very confident. They go into caner and the scores have crept up – there’s an 8 for the transition and two 7s for the first change.

Gemma’s really presenting this test beautifully. The canter work looks very easy for this horse and Gemma’s really showing him off. They go for the extended canter and are rewarded with two 7s and an 8 and there’s really good stretch in the circle as Gemma lowers her hands and asks Chilli Knight to take the contact and he responds very nicely.

It’s another great change to finish and then an 8 for the final halt. Gemma’s delighted. This horse really tried for her, was totally on her side. Overall this really showed what a great test rider Gemma is, and how well her horses go for her. They go into the top-10, in 9th.

Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight score 31.7.

9:31am ET

🇳🇿 Lauren Innes and Global Fision M

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 24th Badminton, 24th Burghley
2022 – 37th Badminton

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 24th (23) 37th (22)
Burghley – 24th (23)

🏸 form: Made her Badminton debut in 2022 with Global Fision M and has completed on both her previous attempts.

🧮 In her other life Lauren’s a full-time accountant – ‘Flipper’, Lauren’s only upper-level horse, spends his days in the field while Lauren’s at work.
⏩ You may think you’ve seen Lauren down as a British rider in the past, and you’d be right – last season, she swapped nationality, taking on her father’s Kiwi status.

📋 Potential fireworks alert 🎆 Flipper’s a bit of a quirky horse and can get hot, hot, hot. They put down a 45.3 at Burghley in the first phase and a 46.4 at Badminton last season. They were as high as 52.7 at Thoresby in 2023, when they found themselves warming up in an empty arena and Flipper got quite upset; it was a 50.9 there this year. They’ve been in the low-30s at 4* when Flipper puts his best hoof forward.

Flipper making sure everyone’s seen Lauren’s dressed for the occasion at the Coronation edition of Badminton last year:

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A post shared by Lauren Innes Eventing 🦄 (@lauren_innes_eventing)

Today’s Test:

Flipper was very bouncy at the Horse Inspection on Wednesday, having a very good look at the crowds. Let’s hope he’s had his fill of all that and focuses for Lauren in the ring.

It turns out, not so much. He’s very difficult for Lauren as he makes his way ’round the ring waiting for bell. There’s a wave to the crowds. Lauren does a great job getting him on board and they canter up the center line. Unfortunately the first halt is a bit too much for Flipper and his head comes up – it’s a 4 and a 3 for that. But he settles a bit better as he goes into trot. He is listening to Lauren, but here’s a bit of snorting and playing with the contact. He scores 7s across the board for the extended trot, showing what he’s capable of. He’s really go very nice paces, it’s just the tension – you can see it bubbling away.

They transition into walk and Flipper is very good at the beginning. It’s kind of speedy, and there’s still the head bobbing going on, but the quality of his paces means he scores a 7 and two 6.5s for the extended and two 7s and a 6.5 for the medium. There’s a bit of resistance in the reinback, which scores 4s across the board – the tension really shows there. But when he gets into caner he’s a little more settled. There’s still such quality in the work, despite the tension, although the changes really are difficult and show the tension up – a 2 and a 3 for the first one. But Lauren knows what she’s dealing with and is really riding the horse that’s underneath her on the day.

The final change is the best by far but then there’s a spook in the corner before they turn up the center line. They halt, Lauren breathes, the crowd claps and Flipper’s off again. He’s waving and spinning round and goes sideways out of the arena. Wow, Lauren really does ride this tricky horse sympathetically. The quality’s there, and the training, it’s just the excitement of the occasion.

Lauren Innes and Global Fision M score 41.1.

9:23am ET

🇬🇧 Selina Milnes and Gelmer

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last season but was withdrawn before the show jumping.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 24th Badminton 2022 and 8th Pau 2021

🏸 form: 3 starts, 1 completion

🐴 Selina is married to an equine vet and her brother is farrier to Team GB.

📋 They put down a 41.6 at Pau last year. At 4* their scores in the first phase range from the mid-30s to a hoof into the 40s.

Gelmer looks like a sweet kinda guy:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Gelmer was very much up on his toes at the First Horse Inspection, hopefully he’s had plenty of time to settle into the Badminton atmosphere by now.

He does look to be attentive to Helen as they go around the ring, despite the atmosphere in the Main Arena that’s really buzzy now. They make a nice entry and score a 7 and two 6s to get their Badminton underway. Gelmer is really in a nice, uphill frame and hit trot work is elegant. There’s a lot of 7s coming in for them in the early stages of their test. Gelmer’s really working his socks off for Selina. There are some 7.5s coming in for the later lateral work.

They make the transition to walk and Gelmer gets to show off clear paces with a good overtrack in the extended – that scores a 7 from the judge at B. He really stays with Selina throughout the walk work and scores two 7s for the medium. The halt isn’t quite square which affects the reinback a little, but the marks are still solidly 6.5s and a couple of 7s.

Gelmer shows off his uphill frame again in the canter work and the first change is really good for a 7.5 and a 7. There’s an 8 for their half-pass left. This work really is very rhythmical and clean. Gelmer’s very expressive in his action and looks to have a lot of potential in this phase. The extended canter scores an 8, 7.5 and 7. He comes inward a bit in the stretch circle, rather than taking his nose forward and that scores a mixed bag. The final change is expensive – there’s a 2 in there. There are some discrepancies in a couple of those later marks, which will be reviewed so their overall score will be provisional – I’ll update it once it’s confirmed.

Overall, this gelding was really impressive with some excellent highlights. It was a shame about those expensive movements right at the end because this test really showed a lot of potential and a horse very comfortable with the movements.

Selina Milnes and Gelmer score 32.5.

9:15am ET

🇬🇧 Helen Bates and Carpe Diem

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last season, finishing 23rd and adding only XC time to his dressage score.

👿 In the barn, Carpe Diem is affectionately known as ‘Diego’, although also ‘Demon’ as he tried to dump her not once but twice when she first sat on him as a four-year-old!

Rider: Made her 5* debut at Pau alongside Diego.

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut this week.

👟 Helen has competed at Blenheim sans horse! She did a triathlon there in 2021.

📋 They put down a 37.7 at Pau last year on their debut at the level. At 4* they’re generally low- to mid-30s.

Seizing the day at their first 5* despite the downpour:

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A post shared by Helen Bates Eventing (@helen_bates_eventing)

Today’s Test:

We’re back with the final two sessions of dressage from MARS Badminton Horse Trials. Getting us back underway after the lunch break is Helen with Diego.

We saw some cool pants on Alice Casburn at the First Horse Inspection on Wednesday, but Helen sure was giving Alice a run for her money with some pink floral flares. Groovy, baby.

The bell has rung for the afternoon’s session and we are on. Helen doesn’t rush into the ring following the bell, choosing to use her time. She comes up the centerline really positively and they halt nicely square for a 7 from the judge at H. Diego looked up slightly but Helen got his attention straight back on her and they set off in trot. There’s really nice cadence in this horse’s trot work. Helen’s able to push for the extended and gets 7s across the board. Diego’s nice and expressive, really elegant. There’s a little dropping back behind the content sometimes, which is keeping their marks mainly in the 6s and 6.5s.

The drop into walk and Diego starts to show a little tense. He’s got lovely swing through his back but the problems with the contact continue. There’s a little spook in the corner before the halt at C, which scores 6s across the board. The reinback is clean but not straight.

They set off into canter and Helen looks to be riding very tactically. The first change is tentative and scores two 4s and a 6. Diego is staying settled though, but very much looks to have a lot of excitement bubbling under there, and it’s coming out in the changes especially. He’s looking round in the extended canter, although shows a whole load of scope – that’ll be fun to play with on Saturday. The final change gets 4s across the board, Diego’s a little inattentive. They come round the corner and halt nicely.

Overall there was a lot of potential on show in this pair. They look to really know each other and there were some nice highlights at points throughout the test.

Helen Bates and Carpe Diem score 38.5.

7:28am ET

We’re heading into the lunch (breakfast if you’re Stateside) break now.

We’ve had some changes to the top of the leaderboard:

1st – Ros Canter and Izilot DHI on 25.3
2nd – Bubby Upton on 27.3
3rd – Tim Price and Vitali 27.2
4th – Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF on 29

Back in around 1 hour 45 minutes – at 9:15am ET / 3:15pm CEST.

7:20am ET

🇮🇪 Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last season where an unlucky tumble for Daragh means they’re looking for their first completion at the level this week.
Recent form: 4th in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk last fall, a competition they won twelve months earlier. Most recently 17th in the 4*-S at the same venue this spring.

😍 Daragh and his dad bought ‘Kilcannon’ as an unbroken three-year-old from the Goresbridge sales. Daragh’s dad has never missed a competition and Daragh says the horse is his dad’s “pride and joy”.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut alongside Kilcannon at Pau last year.

🏸 form: Making his Badminton debut this week.

⚽ When he’s not eventing, Daragh enjoys Gaelic football.

📋 They put down a 38.1 at Pau on their debut at the level. At 4* their form in the first phase is generally mid-30s.

I’m guessing Daragh’s dad may have taken this pic of his “pride and joy” (the horse, also Daragh, but mostly the horse):

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A post shared by Daragh Byrne (@daraghb122)

Today’s Test:

This horse really is a lovely type, he’s got such a powerful looking bum on him, which I’m sure he’ll put to good use as he takes on tomorrow’s fences. They make their way up the centerline for their first Badminton. They get off to a good start with a square halt. They set off into trot and that powerful backend really comes into play, the trot work is really active and expressive. It’s not always totally balanced though, which affects the marks, and there could be more bend in the lateral work for higher scores there. Consistently 6s and 6.5s so far, with some 7s.

There really is a lot of potential on show here. It’s only their second 5* so there’s still growing to do. They transition into walk and again, the stride is impressive – they score two 7s for the extended. The picture’s not quite all together for the higher marks. The halt is solid and the reinback is clean for 6.5s across the board.

They get a smooth transition into canter and the first change is very good for a 7 and two 6.5s – very solid work. The canter is very rhythmical and his back end comes through well, but there’s not the suppleness on show for top marks. This horse is really trying hard for Daragh, he’s listening and rideable and they look to be a real nice partnership. The bump the boards on the turn up the center line but they halt for two 7s and their Badminton is well and truly underway.

Overall this was a clear round for them, a really solid partnership on show and a horse who tried his best for his rider.

Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro score 34.7.

7:12am ET

We’re just hearing that Arthur Duffort has withdrawn Toronto D’Aurois. They were meant to go next. It’s likely we’ll be having a short break as the next rider has their allotted time and is well within their right to stick to it. Just one more to go before the lunch break.

7:04am ET

🇳🇿 Tim Price and Vitali

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 7th Badminton, 4th Burghley
2022 – 10th Luhmuhlen, 3rd Burghley

🔥Tokyo 2020, 24th individually

⏩ Tim took over the ride from fellow Kiwi eventer James Avery for the 2021 season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Won 4 of the 5*s and been on the podium two of the three he hasn’t (already) won and top-10 at the other. He’s actually completed at all 7 5*s.
Adelaide – 9th (02)
Kentucky – 2nd & 18th (21) 3rd (19) 2nd (15)
Badminton – 7th (23) 20th (22) 10th (19) 12th (18) 3rd (17) 15th (15) 9th (14)
Bicton – 9th
Luhmuhlen – 9th & 10th (22) 1st (19) 4th (16) 15th (15) 1st (14)
Burghley – 4th (23) 3rd & 17th (22) 5th (19) 1st & 10th (18) 5th & 18th (17) 4th & 21st (16) 2nd (15)
Maryland – 1st (22) 3rd (21)
Pau – 34th (23) 1st (21) 3rd, 13th & 14th (20) 6th (19) 3rd & 29th (15)

🏸 form: Made his Badminton debut in 2004 and has nine starts and nine completions on his record; Armada Dish presented in 2018

🥉 World Championships team and individual bronze 2022; 2018 – 8th individually
🔥Tokyo 2020, 24th individually; Rio 2016

👩‍❤️‍👨 Tim is part of eventing super couple Team Price, competing against his wife, Jonelle, here this week.

📋 Vitali is ranked as the best dressage horse in the field by EquiRatings. He put down a record-breaking 18.7 at Burghley last year, the first sub-20 dressage score in the history of the event. He’s regularly in the low-20s and really is one to watch between the white boards. Eyes on this one 👀

Dancing their way into the record books:

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Today’s Test:

Vitali sure looked keen and fit for the competition at the Horse Inspection on Wednesday. He was allowed to trot up out of order and go first down the jog strip in an effort to keep a lid on things, but he was obviously very excited to be at Badminton.

Are we about to see a challenge for the top of the leaderboard? Perhaps a record-breaking performance?

They come confidently into the ring and nail the first halt for an 8 from the judge at C. There’s an 8, 9 and 8.5 for the medium trot. He’s going for gold. This is being so positively ridden from Tim, he’s totally secure in the knowledge that he’s on a dressage star. Oh, the extended trot is marvelous – so expressive – an 8 and and 8.5 for that. There are 8s running right throughout these early scores.

Vitali really is shining. He’s so soft and supple and obedient – with Tim’s super accurate riding that makes for a very polished test. They transition to walk and score an 8 and two 7s for the extended. Vitali really does have a smart walk. The halt is perfectly square, for two 8s, but the reinback is a little sticky and it’s 6.5s for that.

They go off into canter and things pick straight back up. This horse is so solid in all of his work – the changes are 7.5s. Vitali’s really light on his feet and very elegant in his steps. There are 8s for the third change. The extended canter is great, and scores another 8. The final change didn’t quite happen for them, an expensive mistake that scores 5s and a 4. The final halt isn’t held either for 6s across the board.

But this really has been a beautiful test, performed beautifully and showing beautiful training. Those last mistakes will have made a big difference to the score.

It goes into 3rd, knocking Boyd off the podium as things stand and slotting in behind Bubby.

Tim Price and Vitali score 27.7.

6:56am ET

🇬🇧 Holly Richardson and Bally Louis

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 22nd at Burghley last year on his debut at the level.

😍 She describes the gelding as “a proper good boy” who would never do anything naughty.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made her debut alongside Louis at Burghley last year.

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

🎓 Holly has a postgraduate degree in Equine Research.

📋 They put down a 36.9 at Burghley in the first phase. Louis can get tense between the white boards with scores ranging from the mid-30s to sometimes into the 40s at 4*.

Good boy Louis jumped clear cross country on his first attempt at 5*:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Holly was right at the top end of the arena when the bell went and she has to go all the way back down to enter the ring. Louis gets a little excited but she gets him back before they come up the center line. They set off into trot and Louis seems happy and is really listening to Holly. The scores are consistently in the 6.5s with some 7s coming in, as they do for that very tricky, tiny 8 m circle. There’s such a lovely harmony between horse and rider, they’re obviously a very nice match.

They transition to walk and there sounds to be a plane going over. A little tension creeps in and there’s a loss of contact – they score a 4, 5 and 5.5 because of that. The medium walk is very nice though and gets a 7, and it’s 7s across the board for a nice square halt.

The get off into canter and there’s definitely more and more tension. It’s showing up in the changes which drop the marks – the third one gets a 2 and a 3. Louis’s kind of sneezing a little, but Holly’s staying calm and riding really sympathetically. He’s clipped the board a couple of times. He’s still listening to Holly, but is finding it hard to focus in this big atmosphere.

Overall there were some very nice moments, but some expensive mistakes and tension creeping in towards the end. The whole way through we saw very sympathetic riding from Holly and a nice picture of a horse and rider partnership.

Holly Richardson and Bally Louis score 37.7.

6:48am ET

🇬🇧 Emily King and Valmy Biats

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 24th Luhmuhlen, 25th Burghley
2022 – 8th Pau

🏆 Winner of the Grantham Cup at Thoresby this year, retaining their title from 2023. This win put them on EquiRatings’ radar as being in with a shot at Badminton.
✨ The gelding is on the World Class Podium Potential program.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 4th on her debut at the level in 2015 at Pau.
Luhmuhlen – 24th (23)
Burghley – 25th (23)
Pau – 8th (21)

🏸 form: Retired on cross country last year in a display of excellent horsemanship – ‘Val’ was going really well but Emily decided that he wasn’t enjoying the very wet going and so walked home. She’s had 4 Badminton starts and is looking for her first completion here this week.

🏆 British Under-25 Champion 2018

🏃 Emily’s hot to trot – she ran the London Marathon last year, raising money for The Brain and Spine Foundation.

📋 They put down a 30 in the first phase at Burghley last season and a 28.4 at Luhmuhlen; here at Badminton it was a 31.3. At 4* this pair are regularly low- to mid-30s.

In Emily’s words, Val’s been “pretty dayumn epic” on his run up to Badminton:

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Today’s Test:

Emily truly has had a run of bad Badminton luck so we’re all rooting for it to come good for her and the lovely Val this time around.

Emily sure looks like she means business – a very professional entry and an halt which scores an 8.5 from one judge – such balance and cadence. Val has such a lovely way of going, he’s so uphill and supple, which he’s really showing off in his trot work. This is being very deliberately by Emily and is pulling in big marks – 7s, 7.5s and some 8s.

There are more 8s coming in for some of the later lateral work and then a very nice transition into walk. Val is relaxed and stepping cleaning and there are more 7s and 7.5s coming their way. There was a tiny bit of tension momentarily before the halt, but it scores two 7s. The reinback is affected though and the scores drop. They shoot back up as this pair go into canter.

The canter is a very nice rhythm and Emily really is riding for every single mark, and getting them – 7s, 7.5s and a some 8s. The first change is great and then the extended canter scores a 9, 8 and 7 – she really went for that.

There’s not the stretch needed for the big scores in the circle, but they come up the center line and finish up with an 8.5 and 8 for the final halt. Val’s ears have been so soft and relaxed throughout this test really. He’s been so happy in his work and Emily really rode the best I’ve ever seen her – so purposeful, she’s in it to win it.

They go into 4th on the leaderboard, just behind Boyd Martin.

Emily King and Valmy Biats score 29.2.

6:40am ET

🇺🇲 Alexandra Knowles and Morswood

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 18th Pau
2022 – 8th Maryland
2021 – 11th Maryland

🫚 ‘Ginge’ was originally produced by Piggy March, before Ireland’s Susie Berry took over the reins. He’s been with Allie since 2018 and she’s brought him up up from 2* to the top of his sport.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made her 5* debut at Kentucky in 2013 and had her first completion in 2016.
Maryland – 8th (22) 11th (21)
Pau – 18th (23) 21st (17)

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

🤩 Allie trains with Ian Stark.

📋 They put down a 33.3 at Pau last season and a 35.8 at Kentucky before being eliminated out on cross country. He’s been sub-30 at 5* with a 28.8 at Maryland in 2022.

Ginge is crossing the Pond to make his Badminton debut:

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A post shared by Allie Knowles (@akeventing)

Today’s Test:

Allie and Ginge come into the ring and their Badminton has begun. They’re dead straight up the line and start off with a lovely straight halt, for a 7. They set off into a really well-balanced trot and show good expression in the medium for 7s across the board. Everything looks very smooth as they move between the different elements – lots of 7s for them so far.

There’s a tiny loss of rhythm at the beginning of the extended trot, which affects their mark a little. But the marks are straight back up and there’s an 8 for the transition to walk. Ginge starts off nice a relaxed, he doesn’t have the biggest walk for the big scores, but gets a 7 for the medium. He shifts slightly in the halt and gets a 4 from one judge, but the reinback is solid and scores 6s across the board. They transition smoothly to canter.

Ginge has such a solid first change and scores a 7 from one of the judges but the second is late behind and gets 4s across the board – same for the next one. Allie opens him up for the extended but he doesn’t have the biggest scope, really, but he does enjoy the stretch circle and gets two 7s for that.

This is a real clear round kind of test. Ginge looked well within himself and secure in his work on the whole. He seems to be enjoying Badminton, he’s having a good look ’round and appreciating the applause.

Alexandra Knowles and Morswood score 35.6.

🇳🇿 Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last year but was eliminated on the cross country.
Recent form: 4th in the 4*-S at Thoresby this season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 11th (21)
Badminton – 19th (19)
Luhmuhlen – 19th (18)

🏸 form: Completed on his Badminton debut in 2016, returned in 2017 but didn’t complete. Came back in 2019 for a top-20 finish.

🔥Tokyo 2020, 22nd individually

⚡ When he was 21, Jesse was one of nine event riders selected for the New Zealand Eventing High Performance Squad to be based in the UK. He was the youngest rider selected. Mark Todd was also on the squad.
🤩 He trained with Mark Todd and worked for Andrew Nicholson before setting up his own yard.

📋 The gelding put down a 39.5 at Pau on his debut at the level last season. He can go mid-30s at 4* but can also have a hoof in the 40s.

Game face on and go:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

We’re back with the final session before the lunch – breakfast if you’re Stateside – break. Before we get going, Good Morning America (now it’s a reasonable time to be getting up).

Jesse and Cooley Lafitte are just making their way around the ring as they wait for the bell. Apparently Jesse’s mom was going to watch from home in New Zealand, but decided at the last second she just had to be there to see him at Badminton and got straight on a flight and has made it just in time!

Jesse and Cooley Lafitte come straight up the center line and stands very square, but there’s a bit of a loss of attention as the gelding’s head comes up and there’s a big tail swish. Jesse quickly gets him back and they set off into trot. It starts out really nicely for 7s across the board for the medium, but then there’s a little spook in that corner and that really affects the 20m circle, which Jesse does incredibly well to rescue. They’re back on track quickly and Cooley Lafitte looks to settle by the end of the trot work.

They transition down into walk and the gelding really is staying very relaxed considering how excited he seems underneath. Jess really does a great job, he obviously knows his horse. There’s some tension in the halt and reinback, but they’re both accurate enough for 6s in the scores. They set off into canter and the marks improve. This horse really has a lovely rhythm and there are 7s coming in for them in this part of their test. The second change gets 7s across the board. Jesse’s able to push for the extended, although there’s still some tail swirling happening out back. Cooley Lafitte comes back nicely for Jesse and then he produces another great change.

They finish up and Jesse lets out a big breath. You can see just how hot Cooley Lafitte is as he looks ’round after his test finishes. Jesse rode brilliantly and sympathetically and there was some very secure work on show, not least in the changes, which we all know are tricky.

Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte score 35.7.

6:12am ET

We’re heading into a short break now. There’s been a change at the top of the leaderboard – Ros Canter and Izilot DHI have gone into the lead on a score of 25.3.

Back in around 20 minutes – at 6:32am ET / 12:32pm CEST.

6:04am ET

🇬🇧 Gubby Leach and Royal Harvest

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 22nd in the 4*-S at Burnham Market last month, adding just a smidge of time to his dressage score.

😍 Gubby says he would trust Royal Harvest to give his kids pony rides.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 2 Burghley completions (2016 & 2017)

🏸 form: Made his Badminton debut in 2017, looking for his first completion.

🎁 Gubby was given a foal by his godfather for his 10th birthday, which he produced up to 3*.
🤩 He’s trained with Richard Meade (Harry Meade’s dad) and Pippa and William Funnell.

📋 He’s generally a mid-30s kind of guy, sometimes putting a hoof a bit higher. But come the jumping phases, he rarely puts a hoof wrong and regularly finishes on his dressage score.

5* ready:

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Today’s Test:

This is our last combination before the break.

They come into the ring and have a bit of a stutter in the halt – but it’s scored well with a 7 from the judge at B. They set off into a safe kind of trot, there’s nice balance and rhythm but this horse isn’t a really big mover. They’re off the line in the shoulder-in and score 6s across the board. There’s not the push for big scores in the extended. The scores have been consistently in the 6s for the trot work.

Aside – EN’s epic form guide is getting a shout-on from the commentary box!

The walk is settled and the steps are clean, but there’s not the big movement for higher marks, although the medium scores a 7. They get a very square halt at C, which Gubby’s really brave to correct to make it so, but the reinback’s a little sticky. They transition to canter smoothly.

The canter is similar to the other work – secure and clean, well within the horse, but not extravagant. The changes are clean. There are a couple of 7s for some movements, like the extended canter, but on the whole this is mostly 6s.

Gubby looks really pleased at the ed of his test – and it’s a great end with an 9 and two 7s for the halt. Overall this was a very secure clear round in the dressage and a very pleasing picture of a horse and rider working really well together.

Gubby Leach and Royal Harvest score 36.5. (Provisional, there was a discrepancy in at least one of the movement marks, so that’ll be reviewed. I’ll update once the score’s confirmed.) Update: Still showing as 36.5.

5:56am ET

🇬🇧 Harry Mutch and HD Bronze

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Completed on his 5* debut at Badminton in 2019 and was 18th at Bicton in 2021.

🌟 Since Harry took on the ride on ‘Fernando’ in 2015, they’ve been placed at every level except 5*.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 56th (19)
Bicton – 18th (21)
Burghley – 28th (23)

🏸 form: Completed on his debut at the level here in 2019.

🚗 Harry started riding aged 13 by accident. There was a broken down car and a riding lesson booked for his dad, which Harry went to, and the rest is, well, history.
🏉 Harry played rugby as a kid and wasn’t interested in horses at all.
👖 Harry’s great uncle completed Badminton a number of times.

📋 Put down a 32.1 at Burghley last season before retiring out on cross country. This pair are generally low- to mid-30s in the first phase at 4 and 5*.

So much better than rugby:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

They come straight up the center line and they start off in a square halt for a 9 an 8 and a 7.5 – super start for them! There’s a lot of swing in the trot work and it’s elegant and soft. The lateral work doesn’t have the bend for the top marks, and it’s a little wobbly, but the scores come back up to 7s for the extended. There’s a break in pace in the 8 m circle – 4, 5 and 5.5 for that – a shame and an expensive mistake in what’s been a solid test so far.

They transition to walk and Fernando looks relaxed and attentive. Harry’s able to really ride him. But then the halt shows the excitement under the surface and the reinback is really difficult. They strike off into canter and things settle down again.

The scores come back up on the whole for the canter work – lots of 7s and some 6s coming in. The changes are super secure and scoring 7s. They’ve really settled in to a lovely rhythm and score 7s across the board for the extended. There’s a real quality of movement for a lot of this work. There’s an 8 for the final halt.

Overall this was a very polished test. We can see that Fernando’s fit and excited for the cross country as he canters out of the arena. Harry clearly did a fantastic job disguising that during his test. Great riding and a horse who is very secure in his work. They go into the top-10 as things stand.

Harry Mutch and HD Bronze score 32.6.

5:48am ET

🇺🇲 Grace Taylor and Game Changer

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Burghley last season but was withdrawn before the show jumping after jumping clear ‘round the cross country.
Recent form: 9th in the 4*-L at Bramham last season, adding just a smidge of XC time to his dressage score.

Rider: Made her 5* debut alongside Game Changer at Burghley.

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

👖 Grace is the daughter of two top-level eventers. Her mom represented the US at the 1988 Olympics and was later team selector and chef d’equipe for USEF; her dad represented Britain at the European and World Championships the same year and is currently on the British team selection committee. Both her mom and dad competed at Badminton and Burghley.
🤩 Grace has worked for Oliver Townend as well as Karen O’Connor and Marilyn Little.

📋 They put down a PB of 28.9 at Burghley on their first time at the level. Eyes on this one for a potential sub-30 score 👀

Going for a first 5* completion here this week:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Grace takes her time to circle a couple of times before she enters the ring after the bell’s run. They show really impressive immobility in a square halt for a solid start. They set off into trot but there’s a bit of a break in the medium trot – there’s a 4 in the scores for that. Game Changer seems to settle into things quickly though. This horse does look to be feeling the atmosphere, but he’s listening to Grace and everything’s accurate. They’re not pulling in the big marks for big movements, but they’re steady and working nicely together.

The walk work is very good – there’s two 7s for the extended. There’s a really nice quality to the steps and Game Changer is relaxed and stepping through. The halt and reinback are accurate and they strike off into canter smoothly. Grace is really riding this test for every mark she can get – it’s so correct, and it really shows up in the changes – the preparation is so accurate and there are 7s in the marks. They score a 7 and a 7.5 for the extended canter and more 7s for the stretch circle.

They finish up with a very good halt for 7s across the board. This test grew into itself as it went along. Lots of potential on show here and a real picture of a horse and rider working together in harmony, and a horse who’s very settled and secure in his work.

Grace Taylor and Game Changer score 35.4.

5:40am ET

🇬🇧 Felicity Collins and RHS Contend OR

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 21st Badminton
2021 – 10th Bicton

👻 ‘Mickey’ is notoriously spooky and Felicity describes him as like “riding an eel”.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 21st (22)
Bicton – 10th (21)

🏸 form: Made her Badminton debut in 2022; eliminated last year after a tumble on cross country.

📋 They put down a 34.4 here last year and a 33.3 at Burghley in 2022. They’ve been consistently low-30s in the first phase over the last season.

👖 Felicity’s mom competed to 5* in the 1990s.

Sitting back and kicking on:

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A post shared by Felicity Collins (@felicity_collins_eventing)

Today’s Test:

This is another beautiful, bold bay gelding. It won’t have been easy coming in after Ros, when the crowd was lit up. But Felicity’s giving Mickey confidence and they get off to a good start with three 7s for the halt. They set off into the trot work and this horse really does look rideable. They’re scoring consistently 7s. Felicity pushes for the extended – 7s across the board – but then there’s a little spook at the flowerpot in the corner. Felicity gets him back on board and they continue on.

The walk work is settled but there’s not much punch to the steps and there’s a little problem with the contact, he just drops back from it every now and then – that’s keeping the marks in the 6s, but there is a 7 for the medium.

The halt at C scores 7s across the board and the reinback is very clean – there’s a 7.5 for that. They get a smooth transition into canter and some tail swishing is creeping in, indicating a little tension perhaps. The marks are creeping into some 7s for the canter work, but the changes drop the scores slightly. Felicity’s really riding the horse that’s underneath her in this test. It’s basically a clear round so far. She’s brave in the extended for two 7s. They come back up the center line and halt square – there’s an 8 for that from the judge at B. There’s a big clap from the crowd and it looks like Felicity’s boot’s come undone.

Overall, there was some nice work in this test and the horse looked to be trying hard for Felicity.

Felicity Collins and RHS Contend OR score 34.5.

5:32am ET

🇬🇧 Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Won Pau last season on his debut at the level.

👻 ‘Isaac’ is known to be spooky and Ros sometimes has to ghostbust as they gallop ‘round the cross country.
🌶️ Comin’ in hot! This guy has 9 wins under his cinch from 21 FEI competitions. Last season, in 6 starts he picked up 3 wins, a 2nd and a 4th. He’s understandably EquiRatings’ favorite for the win here this week.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 1st & 9th (23) 2nd & 12th (22) 3rd (18) 5th (17)
Bicton – 4th (21)
Luhmuhlen – 3rd (18) 9th (17)
Burghley – 11th (22)
Pau – 1st & 24th (23) 17th (20) 5th (19) 5th (18) 7th (17)

🏸 form: Reigning champ with three podium finishes.

2️⃣ World No. 2
🏆World Champion 2018
🏆European Champion 2022
🥇 European team gold 2022 & 2021
🗺️ World Championships 2022, individually 4th
🔥 Olympic traveling reserve for Tokyo 2020

📋 This dude can seriously dance! At 4* he’s been as low as 18 in the first phase. At Pau he put down a 24.3 and added just a smidge of time across the competition on his way to the win. Eyes on this one 👀 He’s the second best dressage horse in the field according to EquiRatings.

When you come out and win your first 5*:

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Today’s Test:

Now, we know this guy can be spooky, but he took to the jog strip on Wednesday like an old pro. Fingers crossed for more of that today please Isaac. He certainly looks settled as they make their way ’round the arena. William FP predicts that we’re watching our Badminton winner here.

They start up with a dead straight entry and a perfect square halt for 7s across the board. Isaac’s so attentive to Ros, totally with her. The medium trot scores an 8 and two 7.5s and they nail the first 8m circle for another 8. This horse has got such a lovely presence and cadence. There are more 8s for the shoulder-in and another one for the extended trot. Lots of high marks coming in – and there’s an 8.5 for the hall-pass right – the highest score I can remember seeing so far this year.

They go into the walk work and Isaac is so free moving, and responsive. They score 7s across the board for the extended (William FP would have given it 8s!). There’s a tiny spook in the medium but then a brilliant halt for 8s across the board. The reinback also scores an 8 and there’s a 9 for the canters.

There’s just so much quality to this guy’s movements, everything so soft and willing and Ros, of course is riding superbly. There’s an 8 and two 7.5s for the first change, and then the second – probably the best changes we’ve seen so far this year. The extended canter scores a 8 and two 8s – so impressive, bold and scopey. He has a little spook in the corner but he turns straight up the center line and halts totally square.

The crowd knows this is good, there’s a cheer and a massive clap. Such a treat to see such quality. William FP is not happy with the marks – he thinks they should have been higher. Two 8s in the collectives. They’re going into the lead, for sure.

Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI score 25.3.

5:24am ET

🇬🇧 Emma Thomas and Icarus

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: ‘Stix’ made his 5* debut at Burghley last season and finished 18th.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made her top-level debut alongside Stix at Burghley.

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

🤩 Emma was inspired to go eventing when she watched Nicola Wilson’s Opposition Buzz going cross country at Badminton.
🎹 As well as eventing, Emma’s also a whizz on the piano.

📋 This guy’s known for being a difficult ride, particularly on the flat – they put down a 38.5 at Burghley last year; at their FEI runs since then they’ve been in the 40s.

This pair leapt up to 5* last season and added just XC time to their dressage score:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emma Thomas Eventing (@emmathomaseventing)

Today’s Test:

Best footwear on the jog strip on Wednesday was for sure Emma’s floral biker boots – very cool choice, Emma.

Stix looks very lit up as they come forward to circle the Main Arena. His head’s up and he’s jiggy jogging – William FP in the commentary box thinks Stix really wants to be going into the start box. Hopefully he’ll settle once they get properly underway. Emma takes her time entering the arena after the bell rings. She’s using up every second. In fact, it seems like she took a little too long.

She canters up the center line and they trot for a few strides into the halt. Stix has his head up and doesn’t really stand – it’s 4s for that. They set off into trot and Emma does seem to have got his attention. There are moments when he loses it, which affects the balanced. He’s griding his teeth, showing tension. The scores are consistently in the 5s and 6s for the trot work.

The drop into walk and actually, Stix does really well. His head’s up but he does walk the first part. There’s a jiggy jog starting, but Emma does a great job and he shows a bit more walk, then a bit more jog.

The halt is very difficult – a 4, 2 and 1 for that – and the reinback goes off into the middle of the ring – two 4s and a 3 for that. Unfortunately things get more tense in the canter – there’s lots of breaks of pace and the head carriage is a bit of a problem. But Emma does a great job to get him going for parts and she’s actually very brave in the extended, and Stix comes back to her actually quite nicely. She obviously can’t drop her reins for the circle. They come back up the center line and Emma can breathe a sigh of relief that there weren’t fireworks happening – she did a very sympathetic job on this very hot horse.

They leave the arena sideways and backwards and we see the result of all that hotness in their score.

Emma Thomas and Icarus score 51.2.

5:16am ET

🇮🇪 Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint

Facts and Form:

5⭐ rookie combination

Horse:
Recent form: 4th in the 4*-L at Blair Castle last season; 29th at Burnham Market this year where they added just 8 XC time penalties to their dressage score.

🧬 RCA Patron Saint is by Grafenstolz – the sire of William Fox-Pitt’s ride here, Grafennacht, and last year’s Badminton winner, Ros Canter’s Lordships Graffalo.

Rider:
🐴 Lucy’s a one-horse rider.
👖Lucy’s granddad competed at Badminton and Burghley and her cousin has completed Badminton four times. Another cousin, Robert Powell, won the English Grand National in 2007.

📋 This combination trend low- to mid-30s at 4*.

Lucy’s got bravery, fortitude and grit in her genes:

Photo via Hands and Heels.

Today’s Test:

We’re back from the break with a rookie horse and rider combination – their first 5* at Badminton, how exciting for Lucy.

RCA Patron Saint looks as picture as he makes his way ’round the arena. He’s a bold, powerful type of a guy. They halt to begin and the gelding picks his head right up for a really good look round – two 5s and a 4 for that. Hopefully he’ll settle as they move into their trot work.

And he does. There’s 7 for the medium trot. There could be more bend for higher marks in the lateral work but Lucy pushes for the extended which is balanced an scopey – that scores a 7 and two 6.5s. The 8m circles are a little big but overall the trot work showed a nice picture of a horse and rider working together.

They set off into the walk section and this horse really does have a nice walk. There’s lots of quality on display and the medium pulls in more 7s. The halt is much better at C and there’s another 7 for that and the reinback is clean. The canter transition is smooth and Lucy shows a good difference in the canters. The first change is great – two 7s and a 6.5.

Again, the lateral work could show a little more ben for higher marks. The second and third changes aren’t quite as good as the first, a little late behind, but they still pull in 6s and 6.5s on the whole. There is some stretch in the circle, but it’s down rather than down and out. The final change is clean and they halt on the center line for big pats and a proud moment as they complete the first phase at their first 5*.

Lots of potential on show from this pair.

Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint score 36.8.

4:56am ET

We’re heading into a short break now. No changes at the top of the leaderboard so far.
Back in around 20 minutes – at 5:16am ET / 11:16am CEST.

4:48am ET

🇬🇧 Francis Whittington and DHI Purple Rain

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 22nd Badminton, 19th Burghley
2021 – Bicton 14th

💜 DHI Purple Rain’s barn name is, of course, ‘Prince’.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 22nd (23) 21st (16) 15th (09)
Bicton – 14th (21)
Burghley – 19th (23)

🏸 form: 7 completions, Armada Dish presented in 2016

🔥 Olympic reserve Beijing 2008 & London 2012

🦷 Francis worked in equine dentistry before becoming a full-time eventer.
👖 Francis’ sister has competed at 4* and his son show jumps and events.

📋 Prince can get quite worked up between the white boards – he kept his cool at Burghley last season and posted a 34.1 in the first phase; at Badminton, not so much – it was a 41 here last year. He made up for it on the cross country though, eating up the muddy ground and looking to thoroughly enjoy himself.

Could this be the most beautiful horse in the world?:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

We’re on our last combination before the first break now.

Prince did not disappoint the crowd at the Horse Inspection on Wednesday. Francis had to convince him to even go up the jog strip, then he danced round on his toes showing off his very fancy footwork and extravagant action. Let’s hope that wasn’t indicative of how he’s feeling today.

Prince starts off by spooking at the cross country fence in the arena as they make their way ’round to come up the center line. He looks hot and has a good look ’round in the first halt, although it’s nice and square and scores a 7 and a 7.5. They set off into trot and have such lovely cadence in his steps – the medium scores an 8, 7 and 7.5. Keep it up Prince, you’re doing great! It’s so nice to see his potential coming out and he’s being rewarded with scores consistently in the 7s and 7.5s. Francis is doing a great job here – a real riding lesson for us all. He has to be so artful with this horse, and he’s riding for every single mark. There’s an 8 for the transition to walk.

So far, Prince is very good in the walk and scores two 8s and a 7.5 for the extended – really showing free movement through the shoulders. Francis does a great job keeping the halt and reinback under control – there’s a 7.5. for that. They strike off into canter and there’s more lovely quality of movement. But the changes are expensive historically for this guy and it’s no different today – 4s across the board for the first one. Francis is really pushing this horse’s highlights and limiting the damage in the tricky bits – that’s knowing your horse.

The third change scores two 2s and a 3. Those expensive changes really are a shame because all the other marks have been consistently high – 7s, 7.5s and a smattering of 8s. You can hear Francis saying ‘Woah’ as he turns back up the center line. They halt, he can take a breath, and be delighted with Prince, I’m sure. That’s probably the best I’ve seen him bar the changes – it’s so nice to see him show off his potential.

He’s hot on the way out, but he can look forward to cross country now.

Francis Whittington and DHI Purple Rain score 36.1.

4:40am ET

🇫🇷 Luc Château and Viens du Mont

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 11th Badminton
2022 – 9th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 11th (23)
Luhmuhlen – 4th (21)
Pau – 9th (22) 19th (20)

🏸 form: Just outside the top-10 on his debut last year.

🧬 Luc and his wife run a breeding program at home in France where they welcomed a foal out of Michael Jung’s superstar mare FischerRocana last year. Luc competed the stallion at the center of the enterprise, Propriano de l’Ebat, until 2018.

📋 They put down a 42.2 at Burghley last year before retiring out on cross country. At Badminton they scored 37 in the first phase.

Top-10 at your home 5* on your horse’s debut at the level’s gotta feel good:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Luc takes his time to come into the arena after the bell rings, making the most of his allocated time. This is such a smart horse, so powerful and strong. He raises his head a little in the first halt, but Luc gets him back with him and they set off into trot. Viens is very light on his feet in his trot, but it’s a bit precarious in places and then, the excitement comes out and he breaks into canter for a couple of strides. Luc’s doing a great job of sitting quiet and supporting Viens.

They come down to walk and again, it all looks a bit tentative. There’s not quite a jiggy jog, but almost. Scores so far have consistently been in the 6s with some 5s. It’s a mixed bag for the extended walk – a 7, 6 and 5 for that. The reinback is a little sticky, but they strike off into canter smoothly.

Viens is getting more hot as this test goes on. He’s trying really hard to listen and Arthur’s doing a marvelous job of keeping a lid on things, but every now and then it breaks out. He’s brave to go for the extended canter but he can’t really let him stretch for the circle. We are used to seeing a test like this from Viens – he does get hot in the ring, but they’ll be leaderboard climbers tomorrow on the cross country, for sure. There’s a big sigh of relief from Luc on the way out.

Luc Château and Viens du Mont score 43.1.

4:32am ET

🇬🇧 Richard Jones and Alfies Clover

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022: 10th Badminton, 7th Burghley
2021 – 6th Bicton
2018 – 7th Burghley
2017 – 22nd Burghley

Rider’s recent 5⭐ form: 7th Burghley 22; 10th Badminton 22; 6th Bicton 21; 7th Burghley 18; 22nd Burghley 17

🏸 form: 3 completions

🍪 Richard lost his finger when he slipped in his lorry and caught his wedding ring. He was on track to deliver a career best finish when it happened. Three months after that, he was 22nd at Burghley.

📋 They put down a 32.8 at Badminton last year before retiring out on cross country in a display of horsemanship that had us all impressed – they were going really well but Richard thought the tough conditions (it was super wet last year) were taking their toll and he decided to save Alfies Clover for another day. We’re hoping for low-30s in the first phase at the level, but their scores can creep up to the mid-30s.

This guy’s a fan favorite at British 5*s:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Richard and Victoria Jones (@team.jones.equestrian)

Today’s Test:

Alfies Clover looked characteristically grumpy on the jog strip on Wednesday. This guy has a huge fan following, but seriously, he’d bite you as soon as look at you! Boy does he look stunning in the Badminton sunshine. They start off in a nice square halt, but it’s slightly off the line – it scores two 7s. They set off into a balanced and workmanlike trot, the steps are clean and it’s very clear that this 17-year-old really knows his job. There’s not the big movement and expression for the big marks, but everything’s accurate and they’re on a clear round so far. This guy does dressage because he loves cross country, and he’s being a very good boy about the whole thing. Scores are consistently in the 6s.

The walk is very similar in style and consistency as the trot throughout. The reinback is very polite and clean – there’s a 7 in the scores for that. They have a very smooth strike off into canter. It’s more of the same picture for this part of the test too. The changes are clean and there are some 7s creeping into the scores now. Everything about this test is economical – for sure a clear round. There’s another 7 for the extended canter and then Alfies Clover really stretches in the circle but it’s not really got the self carriage for the higher marks – there’s a 5 in the scores for that. The final change is clean and they come back up the center line and slide into halt.

The crowd appreciates this long-time campaigner and Richard gives him a big pat. Alfies Clover walks very calmly out – job done, clear round, onto the best bit.

Richard Jones and Alfies Clover score 36.7.

4:24am ET

🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 1st Pau
2021 – 28th Kentucky

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 18th (22)
Badminton – 11th (22) 1st (18) 10th (16)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (15)
Burghley – 4th (22) 3rd (16) 5th (15)
Maryland – 8th (21)
Pau – 1st (22) 3rd (21)

🏸 form: 8 starts over 20 years, 6 completions – 1 win, Armada Dish presented in 2019

🔥 Olympic team bronze London 2012; individually 12th Tokyo 2020; individually 17th Rio 2016
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2022; 4th individually 2014

👩‍❤️‍👨 Jonelle is part of eventing super couple Team Price, competing against her husband, Tim, here this week.

📋 This mare put down a PB of 30.1 at Pau in 2022, adding just 1.2 XC to take the win. Her most recent form is at 4* this season where she scored 37 in the first phase.

Pulling out the win in the mare’s 5* debut:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

There are cheers from the crowd as Jonelle canters ’round the outside of the ring. Jonelle does a little passage to show off her dressage skills. Even outside the arena this pair look impressive. The bell rings and they get going with two 7s and a 6 for the first halt. They set off into a lovely, rhythmical trot and there’s such a quality to the steps from this horse. Scores are consistently in the 7s with a few 6s creeping in. The extended gets two 7s.

Everything looks to be very controlled and precise and Grappa Nera is relaxed in the ring – she really shows that off in the extended walk, taking the contact right forward – two more 7s for that. Jonelle is very obviously riding for every single mark. There’s an 8 and two 7s for the medium walk, and then another 8 for the halt at C. They were stood for what seemed like ages, really showing excellent immobility. The reinback is also scored well – two 7s for that.

The canter work is really of an excellent quality and there are lots of 7s coming in. The first change is clean, but the scores drop slightly and then there’s an expensive miscommunication in the second one which scores a 3, a 4 and a 2. The third one is much better.

The extended canter is very good with two 7.5s and a 7 for that, and Grappa Nera comes back really nicely for the stretch circle. The final change scores 4s across the board. Jonelle shows the same very impressive immobility in the final halt, and Grappa Nera’s straight down for some Badminton grass. It’s well deserved, she did a great job.

Overall this had the makings of being a really high scoring test, but the mistakes in the changes were very expensive.

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera score 34.4.

4:16am ET

🇫🇷 Arthur Marx and Church’ile

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 23rd Pau 22

🧬 ‘Pumba’ – as he’s known in the barn – is by Grafenstolz – the sire of William Fox-Pitt’s ride here, Grafennacht, and last year’s Badminton winner, Ros Canter’s Lordships Graffalo.
🔗 He’s a family homebred – Arthur’s dad rode both his dam and grand-dam.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 23rd Pau 22

🏸 form: Made his debut last year but an unfortunate parting of company on the XC means he’s looking for his first completion.

🗞️ Arthur works in a stationery shop in the mornings as well as running his own barn.

📋 Put down a 35.7 at Pau last season where they picked up a technical elimination out on cross country. They scored 34.7 here last year, and a 37.7 at Pau in 2022.

I’d love a thought cloud above Arthur and Pumba’s heads here:

Arthur Marx and Church’Ile. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Pumba really is a beautiful stamp of the horse, so impressive looking, particularly with the sun shining off his coat. This pair look nice and relaxed as they enter the ring and get their test underway. The trot is very relaxed and supple, and shows a nice rhythm. There could be more bend for higher marks in the lateral work – scores drop down to 5s for that. There’s a little loss of connection in the bridle every now and then, Arthur’s being delicate with Pumba to support him. That’s affecting the marks. All the movements are accurate though and scores are consistently in the 6s.

They drop into walk and it’s the same kind of picture. Pumba looks a little distracted every now and hen. But Arthur’s sitting quiet and Pumba’s trying hard for him. The halt and reinback are clean enough and the scores stay consistent – 5s and 6s.

They set off into canter and the first change is clean – that gets a 7 from the judge at C. There’s a lack of bend in the half-pass and then Pumba didn’t really get the change – two 4s and a 2 for that one. Arthur puts it behind him and rides forward and the scores improve for the extended canter. The wobbles in the contact continue in the stretch circle which scores a 5, 6 and 6.5. The final change is very good for two 6s and a 6.5.

Arthur looks very happy with Pumba at the end of his test. Pumba stretches right out and then enjoys a bite or two of the Badminton grass. There’s a cheer for them as they leave the arena for a clear enough round in the dressage.

Arthur Marx and Church’lle score 43.

4:08am ET

🇬🇧 Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made her 5* debut at Pau last season but was eliminated on the cross country.
Recent form: 20th in the 4*-S at Kronenberg last month, adding just XC time to her score.

🚀 Opposition Heraldik Girl is known as ‘Rocket’ in the barn.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 19th (24) 21st (23)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (22)
Pau – 6th (23) 22nd (22) 24th (19)

🏸 form: 3 starts, 1 completion

👖 Kirsty’s dad ‘rode round Badminton and her mom competed in Grand Prix dressage.

📋 They put down a 37.4 at Pau on the mare’s debut at the level, with a couple of costly changes dropping them down the order slightly. They have some low-30s scores at 4* on their card.

Rocket stepping up at her first 5* at Pau last season:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kirsty Chabert (@kirsty_chabert_eventing)

Today’s Test:

Rocket sure looked fit at the First Horse Inspection on Wednesday – she kicked out a little at the judges, who scattered accordingly. Let’s hope that’s all well and truly out of her system for today.

Rocket canters up the center line and halts square – there’s a 7.5 from one judge. They quickly get into trot and Rocket really does have a lovely cadence to her steps. She’s in a really good frame and shows a lot of scope in the extended. Kirsty’s really presenting this mare well. She looks very happy in her job and well within herself, despite the atmosphere in the Main Arena a Badminton.

They settle into the walk work and Rocket stays very relax. Kirsty supports Rocket to keep her rhythm and they make it through this difficult part of the test within incident. The halt and reinback are clean, but don’t pull in top marks.

Rocket’s canter work is kind of similar to her trot work, it’s balanced and accurate. Kirsty’s really working hard to keep this mare with her, and Rocket’s listening. The second change is very good for two 7s and the extended gets 7s across the board. There’s another clean change before they turn back up the center line and halt square for a 7 and a 7.5.

There’s a massive cheer from the crowd and a lot of pats, scratches and neck rubs for Rocket. This was a very good test overall, really showing great riding and a horse who’s very happy in her work.

Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl score 32.4.

4am ET

🇬🇧 Louise Harwood and Native Spirit

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 2 starts – Burghley 23 & Pau 22
Recent form: Clear XC jumping in the 4*-L at Blenheim last season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 45th (19) 44th (17)
Luhmuhlen – 8th (16)
Burghley – 25th (18) 20th (17)
Pau – 35th (17)

🏸 form: 7 completions, Armada Dish presented in 2017

🏇 Louise won the St Michael’s Charity flat race at Hereford in 2019, helping to raise £30,000 for charity.

📋 They put down a 32.4 at Burghley last season before retiring out on cross country.

Opposites attract:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Goooooooood Morning ENers! We’re back at Badminton and enjoying the sunshine as we kick off the second day.
Starting off the day’s dressage we have Louise and Native Spirit coming up the center line.

Native Spirit has a little spook when he spots his reflection in the window of the judge’s booth, but he’s settled as he canters into the ring. They start up in a lovely square halt and their Badminton is underway. They score two 7.5s and a 7 for that – great start. There’s a really nice rhythm in the trot work, although there could be a little more bend for the higher marks in the lateral work. She shows a real difference between the medium and extended trot – it’s two 7s for that, but then Native Spirit has a little spook and breaks pace, Louise gets him straight back though.

They move into the walk section of the test and Native Spirit looks a little more relaxed now. The steps are even but there could be more push for higher marks. The halt at C is excellent and scores an 8 and the reinback is clean for two 7s. They get a good strike off into canter.

This horse is really working nicely for Louise, he’s obviously trying hard and is performing all of the movements accurately. He snorts a little as he travels across the arena in the half-pass, but his changes have been clean thus far, albeit not quite on the aids. The stretch circle is balanced and scores a 7 from the judge at C, but a 5 from B. They come back up the center line and finish up their Badminton dressage test.

Overall this was a really nice test, the horse was obviously well within himself and happy in his work and they seem to make a very nice partnership.

Louise Harwood and Native Spirit score 35.6.

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The Class of 2024. Photo via Badminton Horse Trials.

Here we go ENers, it’s the first day of dressage at the Great British spring 5* offering and I have some BREAKING NEWS for you… It’s not raining. Not even a light drizzle. I can’t promise it’ll stay that way, but the clouds are keeping their moisture under wraps as we get going up the center line and that’s surely worth a huzzah or two.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of this great event, the Badminton estate sure has seen some special and sparkling eventing moments over the past seven decades, and there’ll be more to come this week as a whole bunch of the world’s best horses and riders show up to shine like diamonds as they take part in this iconic event.

Coming up over the next two days we’ll see 69 competitors from eight different nations dressaging ‘til they can’t dressage no more as they make their play in the Main Arena, vying to head out out onto Saturday’s cross country as leader of the pack. The Badminton entry list is always stacked to the brim with the bold, the brave and the super talented and we’re in for a dang ol’ competition – you know it!

Here’s a taste of what we’ve got to look forward to today:

🇺🇲 There are six US combinations in the field, with four taking to the stage today:

💎 World No. 3 and going for a completion in all seven of the world’s 5*s, Boyd Martin will be first up the center line for the Stars and Stripes with Tsetserleg TSF – they go at 9:40am BST / 4:40am ET / 10:40am CEST.

💎 Also in the mix for the States today is Meghan O’Donoghue with eighteen-year-old Thoroughbred Palm Crescent – they go at 12:04am BST / 6:04am ET / 1:04pm CEST.

💎 British-based American Tiana Coudray will have her turn in the Main Arena this afternoon with Cancaras Girl – they go at 3:36pm BST / 10:36am ET / 4:36pm CEST.

💎 And last season’s Pond-hopper Cosby Green will be making her Badminton debut with Copper Beach – they go at 4pm BST / 11am ET / 5pm CEST.

🇨🇦 Jessie Phoenix is the only rider flying the Maple Leaf at this year’s Badminton. She brings Wabbit forward at 2:39pm BST / 9:39am ET / 3:39pm CEST.

🇬🇧 Obviously a huge British contingent has descended on the Badminton estate. Here’s some highlights:

💎 World No. 5 Harry Meade is making history with three Badminton entries this year. He’ll bring Burghley third-placer Cavalier Crystal into the ring first – they go at 9:16am BST / 4:16am ET / 10:16am CEST. Harry’ll be back with us at 4:16pm BST / 11:16am ET / 5:16pm CEST with 5* stalwart Away Cruising.

💎 Everyone’s favorite video game star, three-time Badminton champion, Olympic silver medalist and former European Champion Pippa Funnell has two shots at another win this year; she’ll canter up the center line today with Majas Hope at 9:48am BST / 4:48am ET / 10:48am CEST.

💎 Former World and European Champion and Olympic silver medalist Zara Tindall missed out on Badminton last year as she was busy at her uncle’s Coronation; she’s here this year with Class Affair – they go at 10:48am BST / 5:48am ET / 11:48am CEST.

💎 Two-time British U25 Champion Bubby Upton’s back after a serious injury last year; she comes forward with Cola, who she finished 8th on last season – they go at 10:56am BST / 5:56am ET / 11:56am CEST.

💎 Finish-on-their-dressage specialists David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed were runners-up at Burghley and sixth here last year – they go at 11:48am BST / 6:48am ET / 12:48pm CEST.

💎 Youngest rider in the field for three years running, Alice Casburn brings second generation homebred Topspin forward at 12:12pm BST / 6:12am ET / 1:12pm CEST.

💎 Multi-Olympic, World Championship and European medalist and winner of five of the seven 5*s William Fox-Pitt is here with Maryland runner-up Grafennacht – they go at 3:03pm BST / 10:03am ET / 4:03m CEST.

🇮🇪 Hoping for the luck of the Irish, five horse and rider combinations from the Emerald Isle are joining us for this year’s Badminton. Today we’ll see EquiRatings’ stats geek and World Championships silver medalist Sam Watson with SAP Talisman at 10:24am BST / 5:24am ET / 11:24am CEST; Georgie Goss brings forward 5* first-timer Feloupe at 11:56am BST / 6:56am ET / 12:56pm CEST; and Irish top team member and World Championships silver medalist Sarah Ennis enters the ring with Grantstown Jackson at 2:31pm BST / 9:31am ET / 3:31pm CEST.

🇫🇷 There are five Frenchmen in the field. Having their turn between the white boards today are European medalist and fellow with French flair to spare Gaspard Maksud with one of the smallest and youngest horses in the field Kan-Do 2 – they go at 2:23pm BST / 9:23am ET / 2:23pm CEST; and amateur rider and full-time farrier Florian Ganneval brings Badminton debutant Blue Bird De Beaufour forward at 2:47pm BST / 9:47am ET / 3:47pm CEST.

🇦🇺 Both Aussie Badminton entries will get their campaigns underway today. Adelaide 5* runner-up and third place finisher Sammi Birch will come up the center line with Finduss PB at 11:32am BST / 6:32am ET / 12:32pm CEST; and eventing veteran and World Championships rider Bill Levett brings Huberthus AC forward at 2:15pm BST / 9:13am ET / 3:15pm CEST.

🇳🇿 There are six riders in the Kiwi camp this year, all of whom we’ll see tomorrow, including Olympic medalist and Burghley winner Caroline Powell who has two rides here, so will go today also. She’s second into the ring with 5* first-timer CBI Aldo at 9:08am BST / 4:08am ET / 10:08am CEST.

🇨🇭 Sole Swiss representative, Olympian and birthday boy Luhmuhlen winner, Felix Vogg is here with his World and European Championships partner Cartania – they go at 10:32am BST / 5:32am ET / 11:32am CEST.

Phew! If you were doubting the strength of this field before, I will just say, I informed you thusly.

I clearly couldn’t highlight everyone, even though they’re obviously all awesome, so here’s the full list of entries.

If you’re yearning for even more insight into the combinations who’ll be cantering up the center line as we get the 75th edition of Badminton underway, then you’re in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.

Paving the way for all his fellow Badminton competitors will be Britain’s Tom Jackson with the first of his two rides Farndon – they’ll enter the ring at 9am BST / 4am ET / 10am CEST.

If you want to see when your favorites are going, you’ll find the ride times here.

As you know, here at EN we’re true eventing geeks, happy to wear our fingers down to stumps in order to bring you all the content you can handle. This week, we’ve got you covered with live blogs following every single step the runners and riders take in the dressage, cross country and the finale of the show jumping, and we’ll be wrangling together daily reports from every stage of the competition, cluing you up with a cross country course preview and giving you the low-down on what the riders think of the fences they’ll be facing when they leave the start box on Saturday. Keep it locked on to EN and click here for all of our blood, sweat and tears – go on eventing nerds, you know you want to. As if that isn’t enough, we’ve got great IG content happening too @goeventing.

I’ll be bringing you live updates from the Main Arena throughout the day, so keep this page refreshed, and watch this space! If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

With all that said, let’s kick on and get the 75th anniversary edition of MARS Badminton Horse Trials underway.

Let’s get wild with the wonder as our stars shine bright at Badminton, and go eventing!

EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

MARS Badminton Horse Trials [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Tickets] [Radio Badminton] [Livestream] [Cross Country Course] [EN’s Coverage]

The 75th edition of MARS Badminton Horse Trials is underway and we have good news for our Stateside fans in terms of the overnight leaderboard:

1️⃣ Heading the charge and in the lead overnight is Great Britain’s Bubby Upton with Cola on a score of 27.3.
2️⃣ Not quite 2 points behind is the USA’s – Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg on 29.
3️⃣ And 0.8 behind, rounding out the top three as things stand, we have another US rider – Tiana Coudray with Cancaras Girl on 29.8.

Click here for the full scoreboard.

I’ve had tears and cheers (and a sob or two), a dead mouse to deal with (although last year I had a live one running ‘round my living room while I had my feet up on the couch – and kept typing)… and we’ve seen so much exciting dressage. What a sport. What a first day. Bring on the next!

I’ll see you right back here tomorrow (well, on a new post, make sure you click on tomorrow’s live blog unless you’re into having a Groundhog Day, then by all means have at this one again, and again…) – set your reminder for 9am BST / 4am ET / 10am CEST.

We’ll have a round-up of all that went down between the white boards today for you very soon – eyes on EN.

Also coming up, we’ll be back with live updates from Saturday’s cross country and the finale of Sunday’s show jumping, and there’ll be daily round-up reports, well, daily. Keep it locked onto EN and in the meantime, click here for all the Badminton content you can handle.

Before we go I have to salute the eventing die-hards in the States who’ve been here for the whole damn dressage day and got up basically in the middle of the night – all hail the eventing nerds!

Until tomorrow ENers, go eventing!

11:24am ET

🇬🇧 Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 20th Burghley
2019 – 18th Badminton, 27th Burghley
2018 – 20th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 18th (19)
Burghley – 20th (23) 27th (19)
Pau – 20 (18)

🏸 form: 2 starts, 1 completion – WD after XC in 2022

🎓 Nicky has a degree in Biology and Sport Science.
⛷️ She’s a keen skier and climber.

📋 They put down a 36.8 at Burghley last season and a 35.8 at Badminton.

‘Bing’ has wings:

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A post shared by nicky hill (@nickyhilleventing)

Today’s Test:

Nicky and Bingo Boy canter up the center line to wrap up today’s dressage at Badminton. They get off to a confident start and that really comes out in the medium trot for an 8 and a 7. This early work is soft and fluid and Bingo Boy really looks to have a very nice trot. But she goes for the extended and they break into canter – it’s 4s across the board for that. Nicky’s really riding positively and sometimes that risk means there may be a mistake, but without it, the top scores aren’t available to you.

Nicky doesn’t let it put her off and she continues to ride bravely in the walk, encouraging Bingo Boy forward. They’re a little abrupt into the halt, which scores two 6s and a 5, and the reinback is slightly sticky. But they get a good strike off into canter.

Bingo Boy is very on Nicky’s aids for the first change. There could be a little more bend in the lateral work, but Bingo Boy is clearly working hard for Nicky and everything is happening accurately. She pushes forward for the extended canter but it could have had a little more push for higher marks. The final change is accurate and they make their way up the center line to finish up the day.

There’s some sideways galloping when the crowd cheers but that doesn’t matter. Overall there’s been a lot to like in this test. They were a picture of a horse and rider working together and delivering a clear round on the whole.

Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy score 37.8.

11:16am ET

🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Away Cruising

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 16th Badminton, 27th Burghley
2022 – 29th Badminton
2018 – 16th Badminton, 6th Burghley
2017 – 14th Luhmuhlen, 15th Burghley

⚫ Away Cruising is known as ‘Spot’ in the barn.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 5th (21)
Badminton – 16th (23) 16th (18) 3rd (14) 10th (09)
Luhmuhlen – 5th (23)
Burghley – 3rd (23) 6th (18) 15th (17)
Maryland – 7th (22)
Pau – 24th (22)

🏸 form: 12 completions, 6 top-20 finishes, 2 Armada Dishes

5️⃣ World No. 5
🥈 World Championships team silver 2014

🎓 Harry has a degree in Art History.
💍 He proposed to his wife during a Badminton course walk.

📋 He posted a 36 at Burghley last season and a 29 at Badminton, a PB at the level.

Spot doing his best kite impression:

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A post shared by Harry Meade Eventing (@harrymeadeeventing)

Today’s Test:

Away Cruising wondered whether to give the crowd a wave at the Horse Inspection yesterday, let’s hope he keeps all four feet on the ground for his test today.

They come up the center line and get off to a great start with an 8, 7 and 7.5 for an excellent square halt. They get off in trot and show Spot really flicks his toes out in the medium – he’s really expressive. There’s huge movement in the front legs but not so much push through from the back, which does keep his marks from being super high. He looks lovely and soft though and very rideable. There is some teeth grinding going on, showing a little tension, and that does show up a bit as they move into walk.

The extended walk scores 6.5s across the board, which is kind of how they’ve consistently been scoring. Spot steps back slightly in the halt at C but they get a good strike off into canter. The canter is lovely and balanced and the first change is very clean and gets a 7 from the judge at B. The second change is similar. Spot seems to be getting tighter as this test goes on, but he’s still listening to Harry and looks to be very confident in his work. The extended canter shows off his scope with a 7.5 and 7 in the scores for that, and there’s good stretch in the circle for two 7s. All the changes have been accurate and clean, just as the whole test has been – a clear round.

There’s a cheer for this popular pair at the end of their test and Harry gives Spot a big pat. He kind of looks disappointed, knowing this won’t be the best of their scores, but overall this was a display of great dressage riding and a lovely horse who tried hard for Harry.

Harry Meade and Away Cruising score 34.6.

11:08am ET

🇬🇧 Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 29th Badminton, 21st Burghley
2022 – 25th Burghley

🎁 Google is officially the best Christmas present ever!
👻 This quirky mare is scared of the dark.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 29th (23)
Burghley – 21st (23) 25th (22)

🏸 form: 1 start and 1 completion – 29th Badminton 23

👶 Kristina’s been riding since she was 18 months old.
🤩 She was part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation under the mentorship of Pippa Funnell and now trains with Badminton winner and British Eventing High Performance Coach Christopher Bartle.

📋 They put down a 32.4 at Burghley last season and a PB of 30.9 at Badminton.

Big pats for a Badminton debut cross country completion:

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A post shared by Kristina Hall-Jackson (@kristinahalljackson)

Today’s Test:

Google was characteristically looky as she made her way down the jog strip yesterday. Hopefully she’s seen everything she was looking for and looks where she’s going in the ring today. She sure looks a picture as she canters ’round the ring waiting for the bell. Kristina gives the judges a smile as she passes them.

The bell rings and they make their way up the center line. Google is dead straight down the mown line, but then the halt is slightly crooked, she popped her head up and didn’t quite bring her hind leg through. They set off into trot and Google is really very expressive – it’s two 7s and a 7.5 for the medium. This mare really does have a lovely way of going, she’s very balanced and supple looking. This pair really do know each other so well and we’re clearly seeing a relationship that’s harmonious.

They transition to walk and Google starts off reasonably relaxed, it’s a bit tentative though. For higher marks it would really need to be more purposeful, but Kristina obviously knows her girl and how much she can ask for. She opts not to push for the extended, probably a smart decision as we see how excited Google is under the surface when she braces in the halt and then rushes through the reinback.

Kristina will be glad to get into canter. Google seems to relax some once she gets going and there is a nice quality to her work. Here ears are forward and she looks happy. Unfortunately she breaks momentarily, just a tiny, tiny moment, almost like she caught her toe, but she’s very quickly back on track. They score two 7s for the extended canter and then the stretch circle is very helpful to Kristina as an opportunity to rebalance before the final change. They come up the center line and halt and there’s a big clap for them. Google really does show she was excited as she jiggy jogs her way out and Kristina visibly gives a sigh of relief.

Overall this was a really nice test that showed just what a special partnership this pair have. There were a couple of expensive moments, but a lot of great work and lots of potential on show.

Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google score 36.2.

11am ET

🇺🇲 Cosby Green and Copper Beach

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 16th Pau
2018 – 10th Kentucky (with Buck Davidson)
2017 – 27th Pau (with Buck)
2016 – 20th Kentucky (with Buck)

⏩ Copper Beach is a former Buck Davidson ride, Cosby took over the reins in 2020.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 16th Pau 23

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

🤩 Cosby made the trip from the US to the UK with three of her horses last season to be based with fellow Badminton competitors Tim and Jonelle Price. She’s also trained with another Badminton competitor and fellow US rider, Allie Knowles.

📋 At Pau they put down a 35.1 in the first phase; at 4* they’re generally low- to mid-30s.

Cosby’s jumping at the chance to train with her idols:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Copper Beach took to the jog strip like the old pro that he is yesterday. Let’s hope he’s such a good boy between the white boards today.

This is the third 18-year-old horse we’re seeing in a row – what a testament it is to everyone who works with these horses that they can come out at this stage in their careers, at the top level, looking fit and well and totally up for the challenge.

They get off to a solid start but there’s a little crossing of Copper Beach’s legs in the halt. They set off in trot and the horse looks rideable and in a good rhythm. Everything’s very smooth and flowing and they pull in two 7s for the first 8m circle. The scores are creeping up. Cosby really shows a difference in the extended trot and Copper Beach is keeping a very good frame throughout all of these first movements.

Copper Beach relaxes nicely into the contact through the extended walk, although there is a lot of tail swishing going on. They score two 7s and a 6.5 for that. He’s really stepping out nicely in the walk, and the halt at C is very good for another two 7s. The reinback starts off slightly out of sequence, which is picked up with a 5.5 by the judge at C; two 7s from the other judges.

The canter work is very similar to the trot work – it’s clean and accurate and Copper Beach is really working with Cosby. She pushes for the extended canter which scores two 7s and then Copper Beach happily stretches for her when she asks for the circle. The final change is another clean one and the halt at the end is very square.

Cosby looks very pleased with what’s been a solid clear round in the first phase for her. There’s massive pats for Copper Beach and a big smile on her face. Copper Beach is relaxed walking out after a job very well done. They go into the top ten as things stand. A great Badminton start for this exciting young talent, and her experienced ride.

Cosby Green and Copper Beach score 33.7.

10:52am ET

🇬🇧 Georgia Bartlett and Spano de Nazca

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his debut at the level at Badminton last year – looking for his first completion here this week.
Recent form: 16th in the 4*-L at Blenheim last season where he was clear inside the time.

🪜 This partnership has been together for 9 years and Georgia has produced ‘Nono’ from BE100 all the way to 5*. At 23 Georgia’s one of the youngest riders in the field, and at 18 Nono’s one of the oldest horses.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made her debut at Badminton last year.

🏸 form: 2023 – retired on XC

👖 Georgia’s parents met at a British Junior team training camp.

📋 This pair put down a PB at 4 & 5* of 31.2 in the first phase last year.

What a time to break out your best score:

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A post shared by Georgia Bartlett (@georgiabartlett_eventing)

Today’s Test:

Georgia gets her Badminton underway with a very good square halt. Nono is working nicely for her at the start of their test and is trotting in a very nice rhythm. There’s a bit of tail swishing hinting at underlying excitement, but he’s listening and trying his best for Georgia. His ears are relaxed and forward but he drops behind the leg a little in the second 8m circle and a bit of a wobble in the shoulder-in, but so far this test is very accurate and the horse looks nicely rideable.

We’ve lost the individual movement scores again sorry.

He’s relaxed enough in the walk but it’s a bit tentative, almost like he’s holding his breath. He’s very still in the halt and the reinback is accurate. They set off into canter and he brings his quarters in a little at the end of the medium canter – a little tension creeping in perhaps. He’s still listening though and working hard. This pair are obviously a really nice partnership.

There are a couple of mistakes creeping in, with his quarters leading slightly in the half-pass and then again at the end of the extended canter, which leads to a break in the canter at the start of the stretch circle and a couple of trot steps. It’s really well rescued by Georgia though.

They finish up in a lovely square halt and Georgia looks to be very happy with Nono, who’s her youth championships horse. They made a really nice picture as they worked together in the Main Arena, a very solid partnership and a horse and rider who obviously know each other inside and out.

We’re waiting on their score, I’ll update as soon as possible.

Georgia Bartlett and Spano de Nazca score 37.4. (Updated)

10:44am ET

🇬🇧 Helen Martin and Andreas

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Badminton last year but an unlucky rider fall means he’s looking for his first completion.
Recent form: 19th in the 4*-L at Blenheim last season; 1st in the 4*-L at Kronenberg in 2022.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made her 5* debut at Badminton last season.

🍃 Helen’s based on the family farm just 30 minutes down the road from Badminton – ‘Alfie’ can smell the turf on the Badminton cross country course when the wind’s blowing the right way.

📋 He put down a 32.8 at Badminton on his debut at the level. He’s generally low- to mid-30s at 4*.

Making dreams come true at Badminton last year, and hopefully more this week:

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A post shared by Helen Martin Eventing (@helenmartineventing)

Today’s Test:

Oh dear, the crowd’s applause for the previous rider has really upset Alfie. There’s a real struggle going on for Helen outside the ring. This is really not ideal. He’s very, very upset.

She gets him into the ring and Alfie is still very worked up by all the excitement. Poor Helen is having a real job. Such a shame at the start of their test, but Helen’s a pro and really does get Alfie settled in as quickly as she can.

As he settles into his work, Alfie is starting to pull in some nice marks for his trot. This really is a striking horse, with so much presence and potential to spare. They end up with some 7s in the later trot work. This is very impressive after such a difficult start.

Alfie is surprisingly relaxed in the walk work and pulls in 7s across the board for the extended. He looks absolutely beautiful with his very pretty quarter marks shining in the sun. Unfortunately the halt at C is not a happy moment for them and the reinback isn’t really backwards, more sideways, and not accurate – 2s and 3s for that. But they go off into canter and you can clearly see that all the training is there, and the capability. The lower marks really are a product of circumstance. They score 7s across the board for the second change and for the half-pass right. Helen obviously can’t push for the extended canter but the quality of this horse’s paces means there’s still a 7 in the scores. There is some nice stretch in the circle and then a very accurate flying change to finish which scores a 7 and a 7.5.

Alfie’s going sideways as the crowd claps as they halt. What a disappointment for Helen. A total shame, but Helen really delivered an excellent performance and Alfie really did show off what a super dressage test he could do, just not with the atmosphere he found himself in at the start of his test. Onward to the cross country.

Helen Martin and Andreas score 38.2.

10:36am ET

🇺🇲 Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: This mare made her 5* debut at Burghley last year but was eliminated on the cross country after Tiana’s air jacket went off following a mishap – and save of the day – early on course. She tried to continue but have you tried breathing in one of those things once it’s inflated?!

Recent form: 19th in the 4*-S in Kronenberg this season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Burghley 2023 was her first time at the level since 2014.

🏸 form: 25th 2014; 17th 2013

🔥 Represented Team USA at London 2012.

💃 As a teenager, Tiana competed at 5 Irish Dancing World Championships.

📋 This mare put down a PB of 32.1 at Burghley last year. Generally, her form at 4* is low- to mid-30s.

Tiana’s looking for redemption at Badminton:

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A post shared by Tiana Coudray (@tianacoudrayeventing)

Today’s Test:

And we’re back underway with the final session of today’s dressage from Badminton. I can report that the sun is still shining at Badminton. Onto Tiana and Cancaras Girl’s test…

Cancaras Girl gave the crowd a little wave at the Horse Inspection yesterday. Hopefully she got that out of her system for today.

Cancaras Girl looks nicely relaxed as she makes her way around the ring. There’s a tiny distraction as they turn into the arena and the mare loses her rhythm slightly but Tiana gets her straight back ad they score an 8, 7 and 7.5 for the halt. This horse has a very expressive trot and are rewarded in the medium with a 7.5 and two 7s. There’s so much flow in her trot steps, and she’s clearly very supple, which she shows off in the lateral work. There’s a 7.5 and two 7s for the extended. The early part of this test has been very impressive.

They transition into walk and Cancaras Girl stretches forward in the extended and shows lots of overtrack – that gets two 7s. The mare is nice and relaxed in the walk although the tension starts to creep in towards the end and the scores drop slightly for the medium. There was slight anticipation into the halt but the reinback is accurate and they set off in canter.

The first change is super accurate for two 7.5s and a 7 and the second one is better with an 8 from the judge at C. The canter work is very smooth and uphill and Tiana really goes for the extended – two 7s and a 7.5 for that. Cancaras Girl comes back nicely but doesn’t really want to stretch in the first part of the circle, Tiana encourages her though and it finishes up very nicely. The final change is excellent is gets two 8s and a 7. There’s a massive cheer from the crowd as they halt which spooks Cancaras Girl. She’s trotting off, showing just what a lovely job Tiana did keeping her relaxed throughout that test when she’s obviously feeling the atmosphere. There are still big cheers going on. A really great start to their Badminton.

Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl score 29.8.

10:11am ET

We’re heading into a short break now. Back in around 25 minutes – at 10:36am ET / 4:36pm CEST.

10:03am ET

🇬🇧 William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 14th Badminton, 2nd Maryland

😂 William describes ‘Lillie’ as a “tough old wench”. Safe to say, that’s 100% a compliment when you’re talking about a 5* event horse!

Rider:
Ridiculously impressive 5⭐ form: Won 5 of the 7 5*s!
🏆 WINS:
Kentucky – 10, 12, 14
Badminton – 04 & 15
Luhmuhlen – 08
Burghley – 94, 02, 05, 07, 08, 11
Pau – 11 & 13

🏸 form: 24 completions on 16 different horses – made his debut in 1989 – 5 Armada Dishes, 2 wins, 3 2nds, 1 3rd

1️⃣ 4 time World No. 1
🔥 5 time Olympian
🗺️ 4 World Championships

🥇🥈🥉World Championships team bronze 2002, 14th individually; team silver 2006, 15th individually; team gold & individual silver 2010; team silver & individual bronze 2014
🥇🥈🥉 European team gold 1995, 5th individually; team gold & individual silver 1997; team gold 2001, 6th individually; team gold 2003, 8th individually; team gold & individual silver 2005; team gold 2009, 4th individually; team bronze 2011, 7th individually; individual bronze 2013; team silver 2015

🐣 William’s hobby outside horses is breeding chickens.

📋 They put down a 26.1 at Maryland last season on their way to 2nd place; it was a 25.8 in the first phase at Badminton. Eyes on this one 👀 Lillie’s amongst the best dressage horses in field according to EquiRatings.

Lillie wondering what the serious face is for:

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Today’s Test:

William will take us into a short break. He’s certainly taking his time coming into the ring and Boyd Martin in the commentary box is a little concerned – but he enters with 1 second to spare, total pro.

They have a perfect square halt but then Lillie looks up and steps back – that scores 5s across the board. Of course William puts it straight behind him, gets off in trot and pulls out two 7.5s for the medium. Lillie looks a bit up on her toes but William is a master and the work is of such a great quality that it’s pulling in 7s and 7.5s. William’s giving away nothing and riding totally accurately for every mark.

Lillie continues to look a little unsettled in the walk, there a bobble of the head every now and then. They score 7s across the board for the extended walk. Lillie makes up for the first halt in the second, but then there’s an extra step in the reinback. William will be glad to get into canter.

Lillie definitely looks happier in the canter, she’s settling into the test now. There’s a 7.5 for the first change. The lateral work is really very subtle and the marks are creeping up and up, there’s an 8 for the half-pass right. They get two 7s and a 7.5 for the extended and it’s the best stretch circle we’ve seen according to Boyd – an 8 from H, 7 from B and 6.5 from C.

They finish up in a very square halt after a final change which scored two 7s. The final halt gets an 8 and two 7s. Lots of very good scores in this test, but a few that will have dropped them down. William obviously looks cool, calm, and collected. As always. They go into equal third as things stand.

William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht score 30.6.

9:55am ET

🇬🇧 Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 17th in the 4*-L at Blenheim last season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 23rd Luhmuhlen 23

🏸 form: Making his Badminton debut.

📋 At 4* Ballycoog Breaker Boy is proving himself to be a low-30s kind of guy.

Best foot forward:

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A post shared by WILL RAWLIN (@willrawlin)

Today’s Test:

Here’s Will and ‘William’. (Yes, Ballycoog Breaker Boy’s barn name is William.)

Will bravely showed a fair bit of mankle on the jog strip at yesterday’s Horse Inspection – it’s rather chilly for that kind of thing over here in Britain, so props to him.

William gets off to a great start with two 7s and a 7.5 for the halt. More great marks come in as they get their trot work underway – two 8s come in for the medium that really was brave and bold. But then, there’s a real problem in the extended – Wills pushes for it and William breaks into canter, he struggles to get it back and it doesn’t end up happening – that scores 2, 2, 1 and the following transition is expensive also. Such a shame as this had started off brilliantly – but there was a lot of risk taken by Wills, which is obviously the way to go for the big marks, it doesn’t unfortunately always pay off though.

Everything does start to settle down though and they’re back together for the walk work, which is surprisingly relaxed. The canter work gets off to a good start and the scores are back up, but as it goes on you can see that William’s a bit on his toes. Wills is really holding everything together masterfully though and the movements are accurate. The extended canter pulls in two 7s and a 6.5. The final change is expensive – 4s across the board – but they finish up in a square halt for two 7s.

There’s a massive clap and cheer from the crowd in appreciation of Wills’ brilliant riding. There is so much potential in this horse, the early work really was beautiful, just the atmosphere was a bit tricky today for him.

Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy score 36.1.

9:47am ET

🇫🇷 Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird De Beaufour

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 26th Luhmuhlen, 17th Pau
2021 – 24th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Luhmuhlen – 26th (23)
Pau – 17th (23) 24th (21)

🏸 form: Making his Badminton debut.

🔗 Florian’s dad runs the barn at home and also grooms for Florian at competitions.

🐴 In real life, Florian’s a full-time farrier.

📋 He posted a 33.7 at Pau last season, and a 36.3 at Luhmuhlen. It was a 36.1 at Pau in 2022 and 33.4 on his debut at the level.

Let’s do this thing:

Florian Ganneval with Blue Bird de Beaufour. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

They make a very confident entry up the center line and, although it takes a little step, deliver a square halt. The relationship between this two is very clear from the outset, they really are a picture of a pair working together. There’s a very nice rhythm and balance to this horse’s trot work and it’s pulling in some 7s. Blue Bird really does look rideable and correct, he’s in a good frame and is really listening to Florian.

They transition to walk and Blue Bird is very relaxed. He takes the contact forward in the extended but there’s not really the push for the high marks – it scores a 6.5 and 6s. There’s the hint of a jog going into the halt but Florian checks it and the actual halt is good enough for two 7s. The reinback isn’t so smooth but they set off into canter.

The first change is late behind but the scores are OK – there’s a 6, 5 and 5.5. Blue Bird is a little unsettled in some of the canter work, but he’s delivering clean changes and the extended canter is very bold – Florian really went for it, two 7s for that. Blue Bird really loves the stretch in the circle, he reaches right down and then comes back neatly to finish up the next couple of movements to end his test.

Florian looks very happy with that, and so he should. Blue Bird was relaxed and very comfortable in his work, well within himself. A very solid start to their Badminton.

Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird De Beaufour score 34.7.

9:38am ET

🇨🇦 Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 19th Kentucky, 11th Burghley
2022 – 19th Maryland

🏇 Wabbit is a full Thoroughbred – he earned $2200 in five racing starts, but clearly he was made for eventing.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 19th (23) 21st (22) 15th (19) 17th (17)
Burghley – 11th (23)
Maryland – 19th (22) 21st (21)

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

🥇🥈 Pan-Ams individual gold & team silver 2011; individual silver & team bronze 2015; team bronze 2019
🔥 London 2012; Rio 2016
🗺️ World Championships 2010, 2014, 2018

📋 They put down a 34.9 at Burghley last year, and a 39.4 at Kentucky. Wabbit’s got speed and power to spare, it’s just a case of containing that between the white boards before it’s unleashed on Saturday.

Run Wabbit, Run:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Props to Wabbit’s groom, he was white as white at the Horse Inspection. (How do they keep the 💩 out of his tail? I could do with some tips.) And he looks just as stunning in the Badminton sunshine today.

This guy looks to be relaxed as he canters ’round the ring waiting for the bell. They come straight up the center line, there’s the hint of a walk step into the halt, but they get off cleanly into trot. Wabbit’s really flicking his toes as he trots ’round the Main Arena, he’s obviously excited for Saturday but he’s being a really good boy and keeping it under wraps thus far. He could have a little more bend and show more suppleness for the bigger marks in the lateral work, but he’s scoring consistently in the 6s and 6.5s at this point in the test.

The transition to walk is smooth and Wabbit’s trying really hard to stay calm, but every now and then we can see that’s he could pop at any point. Jessie’s managing to keep him in walk though, no jiggy jogging is going on, but it’s obviously tricky – a lot of 5s for the walk. The halt is also tricky and the reinback scores 4s across the board as it wasn’t really straight. They get off on the wrong lead, but Jessie fixes it. They’re off into canter though now and Wabbit seems to be settling.

Jessie’s doing a great job of sitting calm and supporting Wabbit. The canter work is accurate but she obviously can’t push in the extended, although it scores a 7, 6.5 and 6 – she’s going for a clear round. They come back up the center line and kind of dribble into the halt slightly, Wabbit’s not sure about standing still, he knows it’s cross country time for him now. Jessie’s smiling though.

This was a really great showing from Jessie, she kept a horse that was clearly up on his toes very much on the job for his dressage test. He’s properly jiggy jogging on the way out and very excited for what’s to come.

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit score 40.3.

9:31am ET

🇮🇪 Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 22nd Pau 23

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 32nd (17) 34th (16) 38th (13)
Pau – 22nd (23)

🏸 form: 3 completions

🥈 World Championships team silver 2018, 5th individually
🔥 Tokyo 2020 Olympics; World Championships 2014 & 2018; European Championships 2013, 2017, 2019, 2023

🤿 Water jumps won’t phase Sarah – when she’s not on horseback she loves to sail and is a qualified Dive Master.

📋 They put down a 36.9 at Pau. He’s generally a mid- to high-30s kind of guy, but he’s not averse to dipping a hoof in the 40s.

Flying the flag for Ireland:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Sarah and Grantstown Jackson come into the ring and get off to a good start. He’s a little curled up, showing a bit of tension in the huge atmosphere, but he relaxes as he gets into his trot work and scores 7s across the board for the extended. He’s showing nice bend and suppleness in the lateral work for more 7s.

They make the transition into walk and the gelding looks to be slightly on his toes, but he’s trying to keep it under wraps. Sarah can’t push for the biggest marks in the extended but it scores two 7s. The halt is square and the reinback really clean – that scores two 7s as well.

They get off into canter and Grantstown Jackson seems very comfortable in his work. The first change is slightly past the center line but it’s clean. The second change isn’t quite as good and there are a couple of 5s in the scores there. The extended canter is a clear difference and scores a 7. The change before it is a bit of a miss though and pulled the marks down a bit – there was a 4 and a 2 in the marks for that. The final one is much better though for 6s and a 6.5.

They finish up with a good halt for two 7s and there’s a clap from the crowd and bum pats for Grantstown Jackson. Overall that was a clear round in the dressage for them and now they get to think about cross country, where this horse is truly one that’ll shine.

Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson score 36.4.

9:23am ET

🇫🇷 Gaspard Maksud and Kan-Do 2

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 28th Pau 23

👶 Kan-Do 2 is one of the smallest and youngest horses in the field – he’s 15.2 an 10-years-old.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut alongside Kan-Do 2 at Pau last season.

🏸 form: Making his Badminton debut.

🥉 European Championships team bronze 2023, 8th individually
🗺️ World Championships – 6th individually 2022 with Zaragoza, finishing on their dressage score

🤩 Gaspard made the move to Britain in 2013 and based himself with Andrew Nicholson before going on to work with Sam Griffiths the following year.

🏉 He had other sporting dreams, before eventing – he wanted to play rugby however… “I didn’t really have the size and when the other players started to think I was the ball, it was time for me to change sports!”. Rugby’s loss is for sure eventing’s gain Gaspard!

📋 They put down a 37.1 at Pau last season, and aren’t averse to dipping a hoof in the 40s at 4*.

Gaspard brings a bit of fun and French flair to the Horse Inspection:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Gaspard did not disappoint yesterday at the Horse Inspection with his frog beret – whimsy and wit all in one hat.

Gaspard looks to mean business as he enters the ring, but a slight step back in the first halt means two 5s and a 6 to get them started. Kan-Do looks a little tight as they get off into his trot work, but seems to be relaxing as things go on and the marks are creeping up to 6s and 6.5s. This horse is clearly very powerful and doesn’t look the easiest to balance.

They go into walk and Kan-Do is nice and relaxed. They get two 7s for the extended walk, a reward for the impressive overstep that Kan-Do shows. He’s really got a very good walk, this horse. The halt gets a 7.5 from one of the judges and the reinback is accurate.

They get off into canter and there are some conversations happening between Gaspard and the gelding. His head comes up every now and then, but he is still performing all of the movements accurately. Gaspard can’t really push in the extended, Kan-Do’s looking a little like he’d much rather be on the cross country. There’s a lot of horse here to balance in the ring and Gaspard’s really showing us how to manage a bit of a tricky horse in this phase.

There’s a whole bunch of French flair in the salute and a big pat for Kan-Do. Overall, this was a solid kind of test, everything happened and nothing went wrong but there’s some things to work on as this young horse continues his education. Kan-Do 2 looks incredibly pleased with himself as the crowd cheers as they leave the arena.

Gaspard Maksud and Kan-Do 2 score 38.1.

9:15am ET

🇦🇺 William Levett and Huberthus AC

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – Badminton – Retired after a 20 out on course in the tricky conditions; Luhmuhlen – EL XC

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 15th (19) 18th (15)
Luhmuhlen – 6th & 13th (16)

🏸 form: 7 completions, best place 7th in 2010.

🗺️ Bill has represented Australia at the World Championships twice, in 1990 and 2014.

👖 Bill is dad to 19-year-old twins who are both equestrians in their own right – his son competes in eventing and his daughter in vaulting.

📋 ‘Bart’ put down a 30.1 in the first phase at Luhmuhlen last season and a 32.5 here.

Back at Badminton hoping for better weather:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Bill and Bart are getting us back underway after the lunch break at Badminton (some satisfying alliteration to start us off).

Bart looks nice and relaxed as they wait for the bell. Bill takes his time before cantering up the center line. They have a very elegant entry and finish up with a square halt, with just a tiny jiggle. Bart really is light on his feet in the trot work, really working on the top of the ground. He looks relaxed and rideable and very soft. There’s a bit of tail swishing but it seems like that’s just his way based on the relaxation through his body. They’ve got off to a very accurate start.

They make the transition into walk and Bill really lets his reins loosen in the extended walk – very brave. Bart does take the contact forward, but there’s a tiny wiggle through his body, a little unstable. But he’s really very relaxed in the Main Arena.

The halt and reinback are accurate. I’m really sorry but we’ve lost the individual movement scores from the feed. But this horse and rider really are making a lovely picture of harmony and Bart seems very comfortable in his work.

There really hasn’t been anything wrong with this test. The canter is very much like the trot work – it looks rideable and clean. There could be a little more stretch forward in the circle, Bart does stretch but curls in the neck slightly rather than out – the scores are back and it’s 6s across the board for that. The final change gets a 5, 6 and 7. The final halt is fine and there’s a big clap from the afternoon crowd.

Overall this was a solid kind of test, rideable and a pleasure to watch a horse and rider working very nicely together.

William Levett and Huberthus AC score 35.8. (Updated)

7:28am ET

We’re heading into the lunch/breakfast if you’re Stateside break now.

We’ve got two sub-30 scores leading the way and three nations represented in the top-3 thus far.

Here’s how things stand:

In the lead is Bubby Upton and Cola for Great Britain – they’re on a score of 27.3.
Taking second spot is Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg for the USA – they’re on 29.
And rounding out the top three is Ireland’s Georgie Goss with Feloupe – they’re on 30.6.

Enjoy your lunch / breakfast depending on where you are in the world.
Back in around 1 hour 45 minutes – at 9:15am ET / 3:15pam CEST.

7:20am ET

🇬🇧 Rosie Bradley-Hole and Romantic

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 3rd in the 4*-L at Blair Castle last fall.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 47th Badminton 22

🏸 form: Completed on her debut in 2022.

🎓 As well as being a top-level eventer, Rosie has a law degree.

📋 Their form is generally mid-30s at 4*, although they sometimes have a hoof in the 40s.

Prepping for the big B and keeping her fingers crossed:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rosie Bradley-Hole (@rosiefry)

Today’s Test:

This is our last combination before the lunch break.

Rosie was successfully rocking the cowgirl look with boots and a hat at yesterday’s Horse Inspection – she got her Badminton off with a win on the jog strip, taking one of the best dressed awards.

Romantic looks to be a very nice stamp of a horse as he makes his way around the outside of the ring – so strong and powerful, real solid looking. They make their way straight up the center line and get their Badminton underway with a square halt. There’s a little wobble in the move off but Rosie puts it behind her and they get off into their trot work.

This horse looks secure in everything that’s being asked of him – he doesn’t have the biggest movement and there are tiny losses of rhythm every now and then, but overall he’s performing everything accurately. The marks are consistently 6s and 6.5s with a few 7s coming in also.

They make the transition into walk and look to be relaxed. Again, there’s no big movements, so the scores are in the 6s on the whole, but there’s nothing going wrong either. The halt is very secure at C and Romantic is very clearly happy and confident in the reinback. They strike off into canter with a smooth transition.

The canter work is similar to what’s gone before it – everything is clean and accurate and scores in the 6s. The first change is very good but there’s a bit of a muddle in the preparation for the second one; the third is more clearer.

The extended canter gets a 7 from the judge at B but there’s not a lot of stretch in the circle. The final change is really affected by the unbalance in the preparation for it and scores a 2, 3 and 4. They end up with a 7 for the final halt though.

There was a mixed bag of scores here, but overall this horse looked to be trying really hard and delivered a clear round. There’s a cheer from the crowd and a big pat for Romantic.

Rosie Bradley-Hole and Romantic score 38.

7:12am ET

🇬🇧 Alice Casburn and Topspin

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 18th Badminton, 7th Burghley
2022 – 19th Badminton, 5th Burghley, 19th Pau

🌱 ‘Spinach’ is a second generation homebred who still lives in the same stall he was born in. Alice’s mom competed his grandmother.
🎾 All the Casburn homebreds have tennis-related names.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 18th (23) 19th (22)
Burghley – 7th (23) 5th (22)
Pau – 19th (21)

🏸 form: Alice and Topspin finished in the top 20 in 2022; she was the highest-placed under-25, and the pair made the biggest climb up the leaderboard.

👶 This is the third year running that Alice has been the youngest competitor.

📋 They put down a 35.8 in the first phase at both Badminton and Burghley last season.

All smiles as they win team gold and individual bronze at the Young Rider European Championships in 2022:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alice Casburn (@alice_casburn)

Today’s Test:

Alice was rocking the leopard print look at the Horse Inspection yesterday with some very cool pants. She’s more traditionally dressed today in white breeches. I’m kind of disappointed.

They make their way up the center line perfectly straight but there’s a bobble in the halt and Spinach puts his hind foot right out, which shows up in the marks – two 5.5s and a 6 to start for them. They put it behind them though and set off in trot.

Spinach seems a little excited which shows up in the contact slightly, but he’s keeping it mostly under wraps. The 8m circle is obviously very tight for this big horse. He does seem to be settling as the test goes on though and the scores are consistently 6s and 6.5s.

They make their transition into walk and Spinach is still a tiny bit fussy in his mouth. But he’s stepping out nicely for Alice, she just can’t really push for the big marks. The halt at C is better than the first but isn’t quite square. The reinback is very good though and scores two 7s. We see this horse’s scope and power as he strikes off into canter and he seems more settled at this part of the test.

The changes are accurate and true and look to be no bother for this experienced guy. Alice doesn’t quite let me out for the extended canter – she’d be at the finish line of the cross country if she did – but she shows a clear change of pace and is rewarded with two 7s.

The final halt is rather wonky, with the other back leg stuck out this time. But there’s a nice smile from Alice at the end of the test and Spinach looks pleased with his efforts. Overall this showed what a special relationship this pair have, clearly a rider who knows her horse inside out. Onto cross country for them now.

Alice Casburn and Topspin score 35.3.

7:04am ET

🇺🇲 Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 11th Kentucky, 24th Burghley
2021 – 23rd Kentucky, 17th Maryland

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 11th (22) 23rd (21)
Burghley – 24th (22)
Maryland – 17th (21)

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

👖Meghan comes from an eventing background with both her parents having competed in the sport.

📋 They put down a 29.6 at Burghley in 2022 and a 39.7 at Kentucky in 2023 before withdrawing after the cross country.

Excited to be Badminton bound:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meghan O'Donoghue (@meghan_odonoghue_eventing)

Today’s Test:

Palmer is showing none of the fact that he’s one of the older horses in the field, he looks so fit and well and totally ready for his first Badminton.

They get their competition underway with a solid entrance and set off into trot. Palmer doesn’t have the biggest trot, but he’s got great rhythm and balance as he makes his way ’round the ring. Everything is accurate which is showing up as 6s, 6.5s and a few 7s.

They have a smooth transition into walk and Palmer really does seem relaxed and happy, which is great to see. He has a little look around but strides out nicely in the extended for two 7s and a 6.5. The marks are creeping up now. The medium also scores two 7s.

The reinback is accurate and they strike off into canter, but there’s a little loss of balance and connection coming out of the medium canter. Meghan support Palmer though and the first change is very accurate. The second one shows some anticipation and Meghan has to work hard but it turns out to be a clean change.

There’s better balance through the extended canter and the transition back is better this time around. The stretch circle is very nice and scores two 7s – it was relaxed and Palmer really does look to be very happy in his work.

They score an 8 from one judge for the final halt and Palmer gets a nice pat. A job well done and their first Badminton underway.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent score 34.7.

6:56am ET

🇮🇪 Georgie Goss and Feloupe

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 3rd in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk last season.

⏩ Georgie took over the ride on the mare from Australia’s Benjamin Leahy in 2021.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 40th (19) 21st & 23rd (18)
Burghley – 20th (18)

🏸 form: 8 completions – made her Badminton debut in 2008 aged 19; in 2009 was the only rider to have two rides inside the time.

📋 This pair went sub-30 at Ballindenisk in the 4*-L last season, putting down a 29. More recently they’ve been low-30s.

Feloupe’s flying into her first 5*:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Feloupe canters directly up the center line and shows a square halt to begin her test. They set off into trot and look to be very relaxed in the Main Arena at Badminton. The trot work is rhythmical and supple and the medium scores 7.5s across the board. This mare has a lovely uphill tendency and the lateral work is very good for 7s across the board in most cases. The extended is very fluid and scores 7s also.

The transition into walk is extra smooth and Feloupe is relaxed. There’s a lovely swing in her walk, which is expressive and scores 7s across the board for the extended and an 8 and two 7s for the medium.

The halt is a little impatient but the reinback is accurate and gets a 7.5 from one judge. They set off into canter and show the same quality in this work too. This mare looks super rideable and therefore everything is accurate and polished, and well within the horse. The scores have been consistently 7s and above throughout, with a few 6s here and there. The changes are particularly confident and the second one scores an 8 from the judge at C.

The extended canter scores two 8s and a 7.5. It really way forward and brave.

They halt at the end and Georgie looks delighted. Lots of great marks in this test, rewarding the polish and accuracy. A great picture of a horse and rider on the same page.

Georgie Goss and Feloupe score 30.6.

6:48am ET

🇬🇧 David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 8th Kentucky (finished on dressage), 2nd Burghley (finished on dressage)
2022 – 6th Badminton, 4th Pau
2021 – 15th Pau

1️⃣ ‘Galileo’ is the highest ranked horse in the field according to EquiRatings.

🌶️ Comin’ in hot! This gelding finished on his dressage score at every FEI event he contested last season and added just 0.4 SJ time in the 4*-S at Kronenberg this season on his way to 4th place.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 8th (23)
Badminton – 6th (22) 23rd (19)
Luhmuhlen – 13th (23) 10th & 12th (21)
Burghley – 2nd (23)
Pau – 4th & 20th (22) 15th & 26th (21) 22nd & 27th (20) 33rd (18)

🏸 form: 6th on debut in 2022, the highest-placed Badminton first-timer.

🍦 In his spare time, David works with his dad at their ice-cream company.

📋 At Burghley last year he put down a 33.7, and at Kentucky a 35.6. His best at the level came at Pau in 2021, where he went sub-30 – 29.7 to be precise. But this guy is a finish on his dressage specialist don’t forget.

David and ‘Galileo’ won the Avebury Trophy at Burghley last year for the best cross country round of the day:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Defender Burghley Horse Trials (@burghleyhorsetrials)

Today’s Test:

This horse is my pick of the entry list for EN’s team picks, and seeing him on the jog strip yesterday did not change that. He looked so fit, and so ready, for the big one.

They come straight up the center line looking to mean business here today. Galileo goes to look up in the halt but David is straight on that and they continue on in trot. This horse is so elegant in his work, really free flowing. He could show a little more suppleness through his back for higher marks, but everything is accurate and he looks to be very rideable.

David really is riding this test accurately and Galileo’s doing as he’s asked. They transition down into walk and Galileo looks relaxed and steps out cleaning. There’s not the extension for the big marks in the extended which scores 6.5s across the board, but there’s no tension either. The halt is very good for two 7s and the reinback is excellent – two 8s and a 7.5 for that.

Galileo is happier in canter and the scores are higher than for the earlier work. He performs the first change really well for two 7s but then there’s a little disagreement in the second one and Galileo kicks out a little and the scores drop. The third one is better though and gets another .

David pushes for the extended and is rewarded with a 7.5 and a 7, and Galileo takes the contact forward well in the circle for two 7s. He’s not super happy to stand at the end of the test, but David looks very pleased with his performance and Galileo gets a good pat. He really looks very relaxed to be at Badminton.

Overall this was a well-performed test by a horse that is happy in his work and well within himself delivering these difficult movements.

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed score 33.9.

6:4am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 14th Burghley
2022 – 9th Burghley
2019 – 41st Badminton
2018 – 6th Pau, 27th Luhmuhlen

🪜 At Pau in 2018, this feisty mare climbed 54 places on the leaderboard to finish 6th.
🇺🇲 ‘Lori’ was born on the 4th of July, hence the name Liberty and Glory.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 41st (19) 19th (18)
Luhmuhlen – 27th (18)
Burghley – 14th (23) 9th (22) 21st (18) 16th (17)
Pau – 6th (18)

🏸 form: 7 starts, 2 completions

🔗 Lori is out of a Thoroughbred mare who Tom’s wife, Sophie, competed. She was bred by Sophie’s parents.

🚒 In his other life, Tom is a fireman.
🏊 He also proved his swimming skills after taking a dive into Badminton lake in the spring, and showed off his sportsmanship and sense of humor with some antics for the crowds. His fire crew rewarded him with a ‘swimming the width of Badminton lake’ certificate.

📋 At Burghley last season this eighteen-year-old mare put down a 33.9 on her way to 14th place. At Badminton she scored 36 in the first phase.

Before the ducking – Tom’ll be hoping for a drier Badminton this year than last:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Tom was wearing some very distinctive white sunglasses at the Horse Inspection yesterday – for a minute I thought they were swimming goggles!

Tom posts to the trot around the arena while he waits for the bell, really showing that he knows his horse and what’s best for him as he prepares for his test.

They come dead straight up the center line and Lori looks absolutely beautiful as she shines in the sun. They set off into trot with a lovely balance and rhythm. They really show a change for the extended trot and then Lori comes back nicely for Tom. All the marks are consistent here for what looks to be a very settled and rideable horse.

They set off into walk and Lori is very extravagant at the beginning, there’s obviously a little tension creeping in which she’s showing through her back. The extended walk is kind of tentative and then the medium breaks – that scores two 4s. The halt is tricky also and then the reinback is affected – 4s in the scores for those last few movements. Some expensive mistakes, hopefully that they’ll put behind them for the canter.

Which they do. Lori looks much more settled in the canter. The first two changes are accurate and Tom’s riding really well, showing a lot of empathy for the horse that’s underneath him. He’s able to push a bit in the extended canter and is rewarded with a 7, 6 and 6.5. They turn back up the center line and finish up with a very square halt for two 7s.

It was a shame that they had those expensive mistakes as the rest of the test really showed what a lovely partnership this pair have and how hard Lori works for Tom.

Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory score 38.

6:32am ET

🇦🇺 Sammi Birch and Finduss PB

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 25th Badminton
2021 – 11th Bicton

⏩ Finduss PFB was brought up to 3* by Britain’s Holly Woodhead before Sammi took over the reins in 2019. New Zealand’s James Avery campaigned the gelding for most of the 2023 season while Sammi was on maternity leave, with her coming back into the plate last fall.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 25th (22)
Bicton – 11th (21)

🏸 form: 7th on Badminton debut in 1999.

🌏 Sammi was runner-up at Adelaide 5* in 2004 and 3rd in 2003.
🗺️ She represented Australia at the World Championships in 2000.

📋 They put down a 35.7 at Burghley in 2022 before being eliminated out on XC; at Badminton it was a 38.7 and at Bicton a 39.

Finduss PFB is affectionately known as ‘Loopy Louis’ at home:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Good morning to our Stateside followers, now that it’s kind of an acceptable time to be up.

We’re getting back underway for the final session before the lunch break with Sammi and Finduss. (I affectionately call my equine pal Findus when he’s got his scumbag head on – nothing to do with this lovely horse!)

Anyway, the bell has rung and Sammi brings her gorgeous chestnut up the center line. They halt nice and square but not quite straight on the center line. This guy really has so much presence in the ring – he’s big and beautiful and works in a lovely frame. He drops a little behind Sammi in the tiny circle, but that’s a lot of horse to get round there. Sammi’s squeezing him forward though and so far this test is accurate. Everything’s a little tight, without the bend needed for higher marks, but it’s been very consistent scores-wise throughout the trot work – around the 6 mark.

Finduss doesn’t lower his head and neck and stretch through the extended walk and scores 6s across the board. The walk work is similar to the trot – it’s all happening accurately but it’s not really big enough for the top marks.

The halt and reinback show more accuracy and they strike off into canter. There’s a fair bit of tail swishing going on as Finduss canters around the arena, but the scores are creeping up. The first change gets two 7s. This horse looks really rideable and to be trying his best. There could be more push in the extended canter and more stretch in the circle, but he’s doing everything that’s asked of him in a settled and workmanlike way. Overall, he’s really been a good boy.

Finduss gets a big pat at the end of his test from Sammi for a job well done. Overall this was really a lovely picture of a horse who’s happy in his work and tries his best for Sammi.

Sammi Birch and Finduss PB score 36.

6:12am ET

We’re heading into a short break now. Back in around 20 minutes – at 6:32am ET / 12:32pm CEST.

6:04am ET

🇬🇧 Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 5th Pau
2022 – 6th Luhmuhlen
2021 – 11th Pau

📺 ‘George’ is owned by Downton Abbey actor Michael C. Fox and family.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Luhmuhlen – 6th (22)
Pau – 5th (23) 28th (22) 11th (21) – 5* debut

🏸 form: 2 starts, WD last year due to the ground, looking for first completion.

🔨 When Kylie’s not busy with horses, she’s making them – saddle horses that is, which she create from upcycled furniture.

📋 They put down a 31.7 at Pau on their way to 5th place; at Luhmuhlen it was 31.4. They scored a PB at Pau in 2021 – 29.4, and matched it at Badminton in 2022 before retiring out on XC due to a lost shoe.

Clear inside the time at Luhmuhlen and delighted:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Kylie comes confidently into the ring as she gets her Badminton underway. She was dressed for the British springtime at the Horse Inspection yesterday – in a winter coat.

They get off into trot in with the same kind of confidence and Kylie looks to be riding her socks off. She shows a real difference between the extended and medium trot and SRS Kan Do is working in a nice rhythm and is being very obedient to Kylie’s aids. A consistent and safe start to their test.

The walk work is equally relaxed, it could be more forward really, but Kan Do looks to be calm and attentive to Kylie. The halt and reinback are very good with 7s across the board.

They get a good transition into canter and then a super accurate change for two 7s and a 6.5. The scores are creeping up now they’re into the canter work. The second change is slightly better for 7s across the board. Kylie pushes for the extended canter and is rewarded with two 7s. Kan Do could show more stretch in the circle, but he’s trying for Kylie and they clearly have a very good partnership.

The final change is another good one and Kylie waves to the crowd as they cheer at the end of the test. Kylie looks very happy with Kan Do, who looks very pleased with himself. Overall this test has been solid and confident and this pair obviously have a really great relationship with one another. A nice picture.

Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do score 34.

5:56am ET

🇬🇧 Bubby Upton and Cola

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form
2023 – 8th Badminton
2022 – 36th Badminton, 14th Burghley
2021 – 12th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 8th (23) 36th (22)
Burghley – 14t (22)
Pau – 6th (22) 12th (21)

🏸 form: 2 completions – 8th last year

🏆 British Under-25 Champion 21 & 23

🎓 Alongside her career as an event rider, Bubby studied BSc Sports Management and got a First Class degree.
🍪 Bubby is coming back to the top-level after having a serious fall whilst training last season.

📋 They put down a 31.4 here last year and a 30.4 in 2022; it was 28.3 at Burghley that year and 28.5 at Pau in 2021.

Badminton redemption last season when Bubby and Cola laid to rest the ghost of their heartbreaking run out at the final fence the previous year:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bubby Upton (@bubbyupton)

Today’s Test:

Bubby looked stunning in her classic tea dress at the Horse Inspection yesterday and was such a welcome sight after the ordeal she’s been through.

It’s really quite emotional seeing Bubby come up the center line. What a special moment for her, and for all of us who have followed her re-hab over the last months. She starts off showing great confidence – two 8s and a 7.5 for the first halt. A lovely moment.

Cola really shows great athleticism in his trot work, he’s so powerful and really pushes from behind. This great work is being rewarded with lots of 7s, 7.5s and some 8s. It’s so solid, smart and confident and Cola looks to be well within himself and really focused on Bubby.

More 8s are coming through as they transition into walk. There’s 7.5s across the board for the extended. Cola really is a picture of strength and athleticism as he walks round the arena. The halt is secure and then they get off into canter with more 8s for the transition.

Bubby rides the first change really accurately and Cola answers – the judges can’t do anything but score 7s and above. The extended canter is bold and brave and rewarded with two 8s and a 7.5 Wow, this test is confident and so polished. What a comeback for Bubby, and what a great horse Cola is.

Bubby is delighted at the end of her test – I’m pretty sure there are tears. She gets a huge cheer and Cola gets a massive hug and so many pats. What a performance from this young rider and her horse. They’re going into the lead. I need to get my tears in check before we carry on. What a sport this is.

Bubby Upton and Cola score 27.3.

5:48am ET

🇬🇧 Zara Tindall and Class Affair

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 15th Kentucky
2021 – 30th Maryland
3 Burghley starts

🧦 A more perfect barn name will not be found, although Zara affectionately refers to ‘Socks’ as “the mad guy”.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 15th (23) 3rd (17)
Badminton – 23rd (16) 16th & 19th (08)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (13)
Maryland – 30th (23)

🏸 form: 8 starts, 4 completions

🏆 World Champion 2006; European Champion 2005
🔥 Olympic team silver London 2012, 8th individually
🥈 World Championship team silver 2014
🥇 European team gold 2005

👑 Zara’s been awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for her services to equestrianism.
📺 She was voted Sports Personality of the Year in 2006 – an exciting win for eventing breaking into the mainstream.
👖Both her mom and dad have won Burghley.

📋 They posted a personal best of 28.4 in the first phase at Burghley in 2022. They haven’t managed sub-30 since, but the highest they’ve been at the level is 33.3.

The perfect barn name:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Props to Zara for wearing sneakers on the jog strip yesterday.

Well Socks’ socks are super white – another shout out to all the grooms, what a top job they do turning out these horses just so beautifully.

Socks comes up the center line and halts nicely, looking to be nicely settled at the beginning of his test. His trot starts off really well – he’s balanced and supple and working really nicely for Zara. Lots of 7s coming in at the start of this test. His work is so fluid and there’s a lovely flow to the movements. The lateral work could have a little more bend for the real top marks, but he’s being very obedient and really trying hard.

The walk transition is very good and Socks seems happy in his work. They score a 7 for the extended, but then the tension creeps in and there’s a break. It affects the halt, which gets a 4 from one judge. Zara gets him back for the reinback which is accurate, and Zara will be happy to get into canter.

The canter work starts off well, but that tension becomes very clear. He’s not on the aids in the first change which scores a 4 and two 3s, but is much better in the second on for two 6.5s and a 6. He seems to be settling as the canter progresses. The final change is accurate and scores a 7 from one judge. They halt and Zara looks pleased. They get 7s across the board for the final halt. Zara gives socks a really big pat. Overall this test has really shown how well Zara knows her horse – a good picture of a horse and rider with a lovely relationship.

Zara Tindall and Class Affair score 37.2.

5:40am ET

🇬🇧 India Wishart and Diamond Sundance

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 27th Pau
2020 – 30th Pau (with Rosa Onslow)

⏩ ‘Sunny’ has had a few pilots at he’s moved up through the levels, including Great Britain’s Emily Orpwood and Rosa Onslow, China’s Alex Hua Tian and Australian Lissa Green. India took over the irons for the 2022 season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 27th Pau 23

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

🤩 India based herself with Pippa Funnell at The Billy Stud in 2020 to pursue a career as a full-time eventer.
🎓 She was part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation program in 2020/2021.

📋 The gelding put down a 35.1 at Pau last season.

Picture perfect:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by India Wishart Eventing (@indiawisharteventing)

Today’s Test:

India and Sunny come boldly through the arch and seem very ready for their Badminton. They use all of their allocated time working ’round the outside of the ring before making their way up the center line.

The first halt is kind of brief, not really immobile for long enough and that carries on into the trot work – the medium scores 4 across the board. Hopefully Sunny will settle into this test quickly. India really holds her nerve and soon gets this 18-year-old gelding into a nice trot rhythm. They don’t show the difference in the paces in the extended for the highest marks, but it’s good to see Sunny settled into his work now.

The transition into walk is good, but there’s definitely some Badminton excitement showing. India can’t really push for the extended and it scores 5s and a 6. The halt is a little tricky, Sunny wanted to go straight into the reinback. India will be glad to get into canter.

Sunny definitely seems happier in canter, although there’s definitely tension showing in his frame, he’s nodding a little. The work is accurate though and he’s performing all of the movements nicely. India’s super confident in the extended canter and is rewarded with a 7.5. And then Sunny comes back to her really obediently. There’s not a lot of stretch in the circle, probably due to Sunny’s excitement, but they finish up with a good halt for a 7 and two 7.5s.

India really rode this test so well – a few bobbles but she kept her cool and must be so excited to go cross country with this horse on Saturday, it looks like it’ll be a really fun ride.

India Wishart and Diamond Sundance score 38.8.

5:32am ET

🇨🇭 Felix Vogg and Cartania

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 15th Badminton 23

🌠 14th World Championships 22; 8th European Championships 21 (very nearly finished on their dressage)

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 6th (19)
Badminton – 15th (23)
Luhmuhlen – 1st (22)

🏸 form: Made his Badminton debut last year.

🔥 Tokyo 2020; Rio 2016
🗺️ 14th World Championships 2022; 8th European Championships 2021

🥳 Felix won Luhmuhlen on his birthday!
🤩 He’s been mentored by Michael Jung and trains with Bettina Hoy – watch out for some of that German brilliance shining through in this phase.
👖 Felix’s brother is also an Olympic eventer and their grandfather competed at the 1956 Games.

📋 This mare put down a 33.1 here last year.

Last year Cartania was the first horse to complete at Badminton under a Swiss rider in 47 years:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Felix Vogg (@felixvogg)

Today’s Test:

This pair look very confident as they make their way around the arena. They come in up the center line and look a real picture together – so elegant. They set off into trot and are very balanced and correct. The horse is obviously supple and pulls in very good marks through the lateral work – 7s and some 8s. There could have been a little more push in the extended for the top marks.

Cartania slightly anticipates the walk transition but is settled once they get there. The extended scores two 7s and a 6.5 and so does the medium. The halt at C is square and the reinback is settled – Cartania briefly thinks about putting another step in, but doesn’t and it scores two 7s and a 6.5. This test is very consistent and accurate and they seem to make a really good team.

The first change is great – 7s across the board for that – and then a 7.5 for the next one. The canter work is very balanced and the horse seems super happy in his work.

But then there’s a blip in the corner at the end of the extended and the scores drop to two 4s and a 5. Cartania seems to lose focus slightly. But Felix gets him right back and the final change is solid for 7s across the board.

Overall this test has shown a lovely picture of a horse and rider with a sound relationship, working together and in harmony.

Felix Vogg and Cartania score 32.6.

5:24am ET

🇮🇪 Sam Watson and SAP Talisman

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 13th Burghley 23

🌠 ‘Podge’ is Sam’s World Championships ride from Pratoni, where they were pathfinders for the Irish team, coming home fast and clear cross country.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 34th (15) 22nd (13) 13th (10)
Luhmuhlen – 12th (19) 6th & 24th (18)
Burghley – 13th (23)

🏸 form: 4 Badminton completions

🥈 World Championships team silver 2018
🔥 Tokyo 2020

🧮 Sam is one-half of the brains behind stats gurus EquiRatings.

📋 They posted a 35.4 at Burghley last season. They’re generally a mid-30s pair but had a hoof in the 40s at Ballindenisk this season.

Shod by Tim Price and accessorized by Tom McEwen (after some slap-dash Burghley packing):

Photo by Tilly Berendt

Today’s Test:

Sam looks serious as he canters up the center line. He used all of his allocated time outside the arena. Podge has a look round in the halt to check we’re watching, but it scores two 7s – a good start for them.

They set off into a lovely balanced trot, but then Podge breaks in the corner – a tricky moment for them. He loses the balance and there are a few canter strides. This affects the scores for the next few movements as Podge continues to be a little unbalanced. He seems to settle down a little as they progress but this isn’t an easy ride for Sam thus far.

They transition to walk and Sam has to ride tactfully. He can’t really push and so can’t go for the big scores. I’s a 5.5, 6 and 6.5 for the extended. You can hear Podge grinding his teeth, he’s ready for cross country. They don’t manage to establish the halt at all and there’s a 1, 3 and 0 for that (unconfirmed). Sam’ll be pleased to set off into canter.

Podge is definitely happier now he’s cantering. The first change is very good and the scores are creeping up. There’s 7s coming in for the half passes, and another one for the change – the earlier changes were 6s and 6.5s. The extended canter showed good scope for two 7s. Sam can’t really ask for the full stretch in the circle, but it’s accurate, as is the final change which gets a 7 and two 6.5s.

They halt on the center line and Podge does some sideways steps afterwards before jiggy jogging off, showing just how much excitement Sam was containing throughout that test. Overall there was some very nice work here, and some brilliant riding, but some expensive mistakes.

Sam Watson and SAP Talisman score 39.1.

5:16am ET

🇬🇧 Max Warburton and Monbeg Exclusive

Facts and Form:

5⭐ rookie combination

Horse:
Recent form: 5th in the 4*-L at Blair castle last season.

⏩ This is a former Andrew Nicholson ride.

Rider:
🏸 form: Making his 5* debut.

🎓 Max was part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation program.

📋 Recent 4* form in the first phase is low-30s.

Looking forward to their first 5*:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

We’re back with one of our 5* rookie combinations. What an exciting moment for Max.

Monbeg Exclusive sure looked fit at the Horse Inspection yesterday, really on his toes and having a good look around. Let’s hope he liked what he saw and is settled today.

They look like old hands as they canter up the center line. There’s a tiny walk stride into the halt, but it’s lovely a square when they get there and Max’s Badminton is underway.

The trot is a little unsettled in places, breaking in the corners and in the medium trot. But Max puts those early mistakes behind him and they settle into the test. There’s a really good rhythm in the extended trot which scores 7s across the board and the lateral work is very consistent and is rewarded with a 7.5. He makes a smooth transition into walk for 7s across the board. This is all looking much better.

Monbeg Exclusive settles nicely into the walk and there are two 7s for the extended and two 7s and a 7.5 for the medium. The halt at C is nice and square and there’s a lovely flow between the movements through the reinback and into the canter. This gelding is really listening to Max and they’re a picture of a pair working together.

The flying change is very secure for 7s across the board and the lateral work in canter is pulling in the same. They’re really coming into their own during this part of the test and both horse and rider look confident. They get 7.5s across the board for the extended canter. The final change gets two 7.5s and a 7.

This really has been a lovely test with so much potential on show. They really worked well together and made a great picture of a horse and rider relationship. A shame about the early mistakes but brilliantly pulled back by Max.

Max Warburton and Monbeg Exclusive score 31.7.

4:56am ET

We’re heading into a short break now. Back in around 20 minutes – at 5:16am ET / 11:16am CEST.

4:48am ET

🇬🇧 Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 10th Badminton, 6th Burghley
2022 – 14th Kentucky, 16th Burghley
2021 – 5th Bicton
2019 – 16th Badminton
2018 – 13th Burghley

🥈 European Championships team silver 2019

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 6th & 14th (22)
Badminton – 10th (23) 16th (19)
Bicton – 2nd & 5th (21)
Luhmuhlen – 16th (23)
Burghley – 6th (23) 8th & 16th (22) 1st (19) 13th (18)
Pau – 11th & 15th (23)

🏸 form: 3 time winner (19, 05, 02); 23 starts, 2 Armada Dishes, 9 top-20 placings

🔥 Olympic team silver 2000; team silver & individual bronze 2004
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2002; 5th individually 2010
🏆 European Champion 1999 & 2001
🥇🥈🥉 European team gold 1999; team gold 2001; team gold & individual bronze 2003; team silver 2015; team silver 2019

💵 Pippa was the first (and only in the long format) winner of the Rolex Grand Slam.
👑 She’s been awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for her services to equestrianism.
📚 She’s also a children’s author…
🎮 … and video game star.

📋 This gelding put down a 29.6 at Burghley last season on his way to 6th place; it was a 32.6 at Badminton. He’s been as low as 27.4 at 5*. Eyes on for sub-30 👀

A stylish pairing:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Pippa’s smiling as the bell rings, but boy does she have her game face on as she comes up the center line. Majas Hope showed a little bit of tension as he went ’round the Main Arena. He looks very keen to get on with the job and Pippa’s having to hold him steady. The scores are mixed as they get on with their trot work, there’s obviously quite a bit of excitement bubbling under the surface, which comes out every now and then. But Pippa’s riding for every mark. She’s having to keep this gelding’s mind on the job when it’s very tempted to be securely on the cross country. The scores improve for the lateral work and there are 7s and 7.5s coming in.

The walk is tentative, and then the excitement bubbles over. There’s a 5, 6 and 5.5 for the extended. It falls apart a bit really, and Pippa has to try and sit quiet.

Oh no, the halt and reinback were just too much – 2s for the halt and the reinback really is Majas Hope galloping sideways across the arena. But boy does Pippa showcase every ounce of her talent to get him back. Wow.

The canter is much better, and Pippa manages to keep everything together for the first change. The scores are much better now, with 7s and 6.5s for a lot of the canter work. There’s really not much stretch in the circle, which is totally understandable, and then Majas Hope sees the crowd and starts to get excited again – it’s 4s across the board for the final change.

What a tough ride this was, but Pippa sat relaxed and really gave everyone watching a riding lesson. What a star she is, and we’re so lucky to have such awesome riders in our sport for us to learn from. A difficult start for this pair but the best bits are to come.

Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope score 40.8.

4:40am ET

🇺🇲 Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 25th Luhmuhlen, 9th Burghley
2022 – 4th Kentucky
2019 – 2nd Kentucky
2018 – 11th Kentucky

🥇 Pan-Ams individual and team gold 2019 – finished on his dressage score of 25.6
🥈World Championships team silver 2022
🔥Top-20 in Tokyo 2020

Rider:
Recent(ish) 5⭐ form: Top-10 finishes at 6 of the 7 5*s.
Adelaide – 5th (00) 17th &18th (01) 5th (02) 1st & 18th (03) 8th (05)
Kentucky – (19 completions) 14th (23) 4th (22) 4th (21) 2nd (19) 11th (18) 7th (17) 6th, 12th & 42nd (16) 7th & 25th (15) 3rd & 8th (12) 7th (11) 4th, 11th & 12th (10) 9th (08) 11th (06)
Luhmuhlen – 4th , 8th & 25th (23) 10th (16) 3rd & 15th (14)
Burghley – 9th (23) 10th (17) 7th (11)
Maryland – 1st (21)
Pau – 8th (23) 13th (16) 7th (10)

🏸 form: Came here in 2016 and looking for his first completion this year. If/when he manages that feat, he’ll have completed at all 7 of the world’s 5*s – in fact, he’s been top-10 at all the others.

🔥3 Olympics
🗺️ 4 World Championships
3️⃣ World No. 3

🛀 It’s no secret that Boyd is partial to a nippy dip, but have you ever wondered where his love of ice baths comes from? Perhaps it’s in the genes 👖 Boyd’s parents met at the Winter Olympics – his mom competed in speed skating ⛸️ and his dad in cross-country skiing ⛷️ So that’s why he’s so speedy across the country!

📋 At Burghley last year they put down a 28.1 in the first phase; it was 31.1 at Luhmuhlen and 28.3 at Kentucky. They finished on their dressage of 27.9 on their way to 2nd place at Kentucky in 2019.

Thomas has clear opinions on that suit, although he didn’t seem to mind Boyd’s Stars and Stripes tie at the Badminton Horse Inspection so much:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Boyd Martin (@boydmartineventing)

Today’s Test:

If you’re watching along, you may be thinking that Boyd looks kinda tall and Thomas looks kinda small, and you’d be right. Boyd’s a tall guy on a not so tall horse.

Thomas sure is shining bright like a diamond in the Badminton sunshine. No bias here, of course, but go Thomas! They make a really balanced entry and a very good halt for 7s and a 7.5. Thomas looks very happy in his trot work, he’s in a lovely frame and the steps are all rhythmical and accurate. Lots of 7s and 7.5s coming in for the lateral work, which is supple and flowing. There’s such a lovely expression to this gelding’s work – in the way he moves but also on his face, his ears are pricked and he just looks so happy. The scores are creeping into the 8s for the transitions.

There’s another 8 for the extended walk, which also gets a 7.5 and a 7. And there’s a 9 and two 8s for the medium walk. This is such a pleasure to watch so far. A real picture of a horse who loves his job – and is very good at it.

There’s a little step in the halt at C but the reinback is accurate and they make a smooth transition to canter. Boyd’s riding really accurately, and there’s an 8 for the second change, which is very expressive and clean. In fact, all the changes have scored highly.

Thomas looks so settled, really like an old pro, so confident. There’s an 8 and a 7.5 for the extended canter.

They finish up and there’s a huge cheer from the crowd for a very polished test. This is a super start for Boyd and Thomas, really excellent. Thomas has a big scratch of his nose and looks to be very pleased with himself. Good boy Thomas!

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF score 29.

4:32am ET

🇬🇧 Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 8th Burghley 23

⏩ ‘Mr P’ is another former Oliver Townend ride.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 12th (23) 25th (19)
Burghley – 5th & 8th (23) 13th (22)

🏸 form: 3 starts, 2 completions

👚 Wills loves to do the laundry and is in total charge of the washing machine at home.
🥒 He also enjoys pickleball (sounds delicious).

📋 They posted a 34 in the first phase here last year before being eliminated on the XC.

Mr P flew ‘round Burghley last season to finish 8th:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Last year’s trailblazer, Wills has had a little more breathing room before he gets his Badminton underway this time around. They come dead straight up the center line and halt square, but there’s the hint of a walk stride into the trot – just a hint. The trot work is very supple and relaxed, although he falls in slightly in the 8m circle and that causes a little wobble in the shoulder-in. Lots of 6.5s coming in so far. The second circle is better and they make a smooth transition into walk for two 7s.

The walk is relaxed enough but it does look like Wills can’t really push, so the marks are middling. The halt is fine but there’s a miscommunication in the reinback and it scores a 4.5 and a 5. They settle very quickly into the canter and the first change is very good. The scores are staring to creep into the 7s, but then there’s another little moment and the second change scores 1s (unconfirmed). Wills really does a great job to rescue things and they’re back on track incredibly quickly. The stretch circle is really nice and scores 7s.

This has been such a mixed test. Mr P anticipates the final halt and scores range from 3.5 to 5.

There was a lot of nice work on show here, and for sure a lot of potential. But it didn’t all come together for them today. Some expensive mistakes and some lovely moments.

Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance score 39.4.

4:24am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Rowland and Dreamliner

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 12th Luhmuhlen 22 (with Oliver Townend)

⏩ Dreamliner has previously been piloted by Oliver Townend and Irish eventers Padraig McCarthy and Jonty Evans.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 19th (23) 46th (22) 36th (19)
Burghley – 27th (18)
Pau – 21st (23)

🏸 form: 3 completions from 3 starts

👶 Tom first came to Badminton when he was just 11 months old! (As a spectator, not to ride.)
🤩 After leaving school, Tom spent two years as a working pupil with Mike and Angela Tucker. He’s been mentored by Pippa Funnell since 2000.
🤓 Tom can name every Badminton winner.

📋 The gelding posted a 29.6 at Luhmuhlen with Oliver. More recently we’re looking at low-30s at 4*.

Dreaming of Badminton:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Rowland (@treventing)

Today’s Test:

Wow, Dreamliner looks beautiful in the Badminton sunshine – props to all the grooms. This pair make a really positive entrance down the center line. The halt is a little abrupt, but Dreamliner moves off smoothly into trot.

Tom gives the judge at C a little smile 🙂 He looks to be working very hard, really concentrating. Dreamliner looks to have a little tension creeping in, we see it in the shoulder-in before the walk – there’s two 5s for that. There’s some snorting from Dreamliner too, showing that he’s keen to get on to Saturday. They make a lovely transition to walk though for a 7 and there’s another 7 for the extended. Tom did a great job of keeping Dreamliner soft in that walk. The halt at C is excellent and scores two 8s and a 7.5.

Dreamliner looks to be a little more relaxed in the canter work, but that excitement comes through in the first change for 4s. The second one is much better though and there’s an 8.5 for the half-pass right. This test is definitely growing in confidence. There’s a 7.5 for their third change. The extended canter is also very good and is rewarded with 7s. The final halt is also very good, and Dreamliner shakes his head as he’s given a big pat.

Overall, this test got better and better as it went along and the scores really showed it with some high marks coming in.

Tom Rowland and Dreamliner score 34.9.

4:16am ET

🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 3rd Burghley 23 on her debut at the level

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 5th (21)
Badminton – 16th (23) 16th (18) 3rd (14) 10th (09)
Luhmuhlen – 5th (23)
Burghley – 3rd (23) 6th (18) 15th (17)
Maryland – 7th (22)
Pau – 24th (22)

🏸 form: 12 completions, 6 top-20 finishes, 2 Armada Dishes

5️⃣ World No. 5
🥈 World Championships team silver 2014

🎖️ In 2009 Harry became the youngest person ever to receive an Armada Dish for 5 Badminton completions.
👖 Harry’s dad was a three-time Olympic gold medalist as well as winning Badminton twice and Burghley once.
🎓 Harry has a degree in Art History.
💍 He proposed to his wife during a Badminton course walk.

📋 This mare posted a 32.2 at Burghley on her way to 3rd place.

The perpetually nattily dressed Mr Meade with Cavalier Crystal at Burghley:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Harry Meade Eventing (@harrymeadeeventing)

Today’s Test:

Harry is, famously, color blind, which sure showed in his choice of baby pink pants for the Horse Inspection yesterday. He just needed a cowboy hat to give Will Faudree a run for his Barbie money (see EN’s Kentucky Golden Chinch Awards for a treat if you don’t really know what I’m going on about). His colorful twist on the classics was rewarded with one of the best dressed awards.

Cavalier Crystal looked very settled outside the arena but definitely has a sense of the occasion as she comes up the center line. There’s a bobble of her head in the first halt, but Harry gets her attention back. As they set off in trot it’s clear that this mare is feeling the excitement. Harry’s doing a masterful job at keeping things under wraps. There are little moments when she’s unbalanced in the trot, but when she comes back the work is lovely. This looks like a tricky test to ride for Harry and he’s, of course, doing brilliantly.

The walk is very settled really, and the extended is rewarded with a 7 from the judge at C. There’s a little bit of fussiness in the mouth, definitely showing Cavalier Crystal’s excitement. The halt at C is very good for two 7s, an the reinback is clean, but there’s a pause before the canter transition.

The contact issues continue in the canter, which is a real shame. This mare is ready for cross country, although she’s not blowing her lid, so she’s obviously trying hard for Harry. The canter work is getting better as it goes along, and she shows a lot of scope in the extended canter for two 7s. She’s willing to stretch in the circle for two more 7s. This has been a bit of a mixed bag of scores overall. They finish up with a nice halt and Harry’s got the first of his three Badminton rides underway.

This was a great display of a rider managing the horse that’s underneath him on the day.

Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal score 36.7.

4:08am ET

🇳🇿 Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 4th in the 4*-S at North Holland Horse Trials last month.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 30th (23) 29th & 31st (18)
Burghley – 20th (19) 31st (18)
Maryland – 6th (23)
Pau – 5th (22)

🏸 form: 16 completions, 3 Armada Dishes, 4 top-10 finishes

🔥 Olympic team bronze London 2012
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2010
🏆 Won Burghley 2010 with the late, great Lenamore

🔥 Caroline groomed for top-level eventer, turned commentator, turned course builder Ian Stark at the Atlanta Games in 1996.

📋 This gelding put down a 31.6 in the 4*-S at the North Holland Horse Trials this season on the way to 4th place. His form is low- to mid-30s at the 4* level.

In the ribbons in Holland:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Caroline Powell (@carolinepowelleventing)

Today’s Test:

This 9-year-old was having a bit of a conversation with Caroline on the jog strip, let’s hope he’s listening to her today. He looks nice and settled as they make their way around the Main Arena waiting for the bell.

They make a very smart picture as they canter up the center line. Aldo puts his head up a little in the halt, and there are a couple of steps, but it’s the horse’s first 5* and he obviously wanted a look around. Caroline gets him back and they move off nicely into trot. This horse looks very rideable and to be trying hard for Caroline. There could be a little more bend and suppleness in the lateral work, although the later movements score higher. There’s lovely expression in the extended trot, which scores two 7s. Caroline’s really riding positively.

Aldo’s settled in the walk, Caroline’s not pushing him, obviously trying to keep a lid on any excitement bubbling under the surface. Lots of 6s coming in for the walk. The halt at C is excellent – 2 8s for that. The reinback was also very clean with 7s and a 7.5 as reward.

You can hear Aldo grinding his teeth a little, perhaps a little tension showing. The first flying change is a bit tricky and score 4s across the board, but the second one is ridden exceptionally by Caroline and pulls in 6s and a 6.5. She’s really riding accurately and going for every mark she can get. There’s another accurate, clean change for the final one, which scores two 7s and they finish up in a lovely halt.

Lots of pats for Aldo – Caroline looks delighted with him. He really tried hard for her and did a great job.

Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo score 35.6.

4am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Jackson and Farndon

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 6th Luhmuhlen (finished on dressage), 20th Pau

⏩ Farndon was brought through 3* by fellow Brit and Badminton competitor Francis Whittington before Tom took to the tack for the 2021 season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 5th (23) 16th (22) 35th (19)
Luhmuhlen – 6th (23)
Burghley – 2nd (22)
Pau – 20th (23) 7th (21) 13th & 18th (18)

🏸 form: 5 starts, 4 completions

🤩 Tom trains with Pippa Funnell.
👖 His mom was a dressage rider and his dad’s a farrier.

📋 Finished on their dressage score of 34.9 at Luhmuhlen for 6th place and put down a 33.2 at Pau last season.

First 5* ✅ Finish on dressage score ✅:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

This is it ENers! Badminton is here and we’re off up the center line with Tom and Farndon!

Tom dressed for the British springtime in a black overcoat at the Horse Inspection.

The bell’s rung for the first horse and rider of Badminton! They make a beautiful straight entry and have a good, solid halt to start. Farndon’s got his ears pricked and looks to be very ready for Badminton. He’s starting in a really nice balance and rhythm in the trot work and is supple and free moving. He’s got a lovely uphill frame and everything so far looks soft and easy for him. This is a great start.

There’s a bit of a stutter in the transition to walk, but Tom squeezes on. Farndon seemed to think he was halting there and anticipated it. He continues on in a nice enough walk, but as it goes on he gets a little wobbly in the contact, showing his excitement to be there. The halt is very nice and square and the reinback is accurate and Farndon’s very willing. They get a smooth transition into canter.

The first change is clean and the canter work starts off accurately. Tom seems to have to be working a little harder at this point in the test, Farndon’s a little bobbly in the contact – a little tension creeping in perhaps. The stretch canter could have a little more stretch for the higher marks – it scores 7s and a 7.5. The end of his canter work isn’t quite as balanced as the beginning but they finish up with a lovely square halt.

What a lovely start to Badminton 2024. A very clean and solid test that looked to be very much within the horse’s comfort zone. A lovely picture.

Tom Jackson and Farndon score 33.

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