Because if Michael Jung can joke about a fence this big, so can we. Photo via Michael on Facebook.
Welcome to cross country day at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials! I sincerely hope there are some other early birds out there who plan to join me watching cross country today, because let me tell you: I went to Starbucks last night, got a Venti iced coffee, hold the ice, and kept it in my fridge since even the Starbucks here isn’t open this early.
Here’s all the info on how to watch live.
Without further ado, let’s get this party started! Here are your U.S. ride times for today:
- Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo: 11:30 a.m. BST/6:30 a.m. EST: RETIRED
- Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot: 12:06 p.m. BST/7 a.m. EST: RETIRED
- Katherine Coleman and Longwood: 1:26 p.m. BST/8:26 a.m. EST: FALL (both OK)
- Lynn Symansky and Donner: 1:58 p.m. BST/8:58 a.m. EST: CLEAR with 30.8 time!
- Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless: 2:30 p.m. BST/9:30 a.m. EST: FALL (both OK)
- Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee: 2:46 p.m. BST/9:46 a.m. EST: FALL (both OK)
- Lauren Kieffer and Veronica: 4:22 p.m. BST/11:22 a.m. EST: CLEAR with 31.2 time
Keep refreshing this page for the latest and greatest! Safe, clear and fast rides to all!
#MMBHT Links: Website, Entries, Order of Go, Schedule, Live Scores, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, Watch Live, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram
12:08 p.m.: And what a finish! Here is your top 10 after a very, very intense day of cross country. Stay tuned for the full report!
12:06 p.m.: 6 seconds for a 40.4 for Andrew, who did everything he possibly could to make that time. What an ending to this nail biter of a day!! Andrew will go into third behind Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam.
12:04 p.m.: Andrew cuts to the far right of the galloping lane to save ground on his final big gallop. He really wants that time!
12:02 p.m: Showing us how to save time by riding efficiently. Andrew turns in the air and kicks away from the Mirage Pond:
12:00 p.m.: Nereo slips once on the approach and again on landing for the Footbridge. Nailbiting! “This is vintage Nicholson” comes from the commentators.
11:59 a.m.: An all out push for the finish for Oliver, who moves from 47th into 6th at the moment with 13 seconds of time!
11:58 a.m.: Andrew and Nereo really shows his experience, getting out of Nereo’s way after a big jump into The Lake. Oliver Townend is really kicking for the time on ODT Ghareeb.
11:57 a.m.: Nereo is just so fun to watch. So keen yet quirky.
11:56 a.m.:
11:55 a.m.: And Andrew Nicholson is underway!
11:54 a.m.: Tim Price ROCKETS up the board with the second double clear ride – he was in 34th after dressage! Literally almost bang on the optimum. It’s about time Tim had some good luck come his way!
11:52 a.m.: Louise Harwood and Mt Potts hit the second upright gate:
11:51 a.m.:
11:51 a.m.: Wilberry the Wonder Pony is getting lots of rides today! The latest is Tim Price.
11:50 a.m.: ODT Ghareeb loses his balance a bit after rubbing the big rail into The Lake but Oliver Townend gets himself righted and makes it out over B and C.
11:48 a.m.: Louise Harwood takes the long route at the Joules Corners with Mr Potts.
11:44 a.m.: “I am very proud of Bobby! He was a bit strong sometimes … but he saw the line, he right away jumped and was fluid and was pure fun, really,” Ingrid says.
11:40 a.m.: #*$#@*$#&$&#*@! Chris has a runout at the Hilden Water!
11:39 a.m.:
11:39 a.m.:
11:38 a.m.: Chris Burton shows us why he is the undisputed Speed King with a gutsy ride through The Lake.
11L35 a.m.: Not quite the blazing fast round we were hoping for from Lauren, but most importantly she made smart decisions and got her horse home absolutely full of gas in the tank for tomorrow. Well done ladies!!
11:35 a.m.: Burto is away! Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen pick up a runout at the Corral.
11:34 a.m.: Lauren and Veronica still clear! Speed king Chris Burton is ready to go on Graf Liberty.
11:32 a.m.: Another “Good Girl” from Lauren through the Joules Corners. Veronica is really hunting these fences, ears pricked and still full of run.
11:31 a.m.: A lovely, straight trip through the Corral for Lauren and Veronica.
11:30 a.m.: A true master ride from Mark Todd to come home about 18 seconds over with NZB Campino.
11:29 a.m.: Lauren elects to be safe and take the long route at the very troublesome Hildon Water at 15.
11:29 a.m.: One of the more forward rides of the day between the two upright gates for Mark Todd and NZB Campino.
11:27 a.m.: A “Good girl!” from Lauren over the massive KBIS Footbridge.
11:26 a.m.: A split second to take a better look at the C of The Lake for Lauren and Veronica but they’re through!
11:25 a.m.: Lauren and Veronica are clear through the Staircase.
11:24 a.m.: It looks like they have taken Ingrid’s 11 away!
11:23 a.m.: Mark Todd is living a bit dangerously with NZB Campino, but if anyone can do it it’s Toddy!
11:23 a.m. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica are away!
11:21 a.m: Another hung leg and a fall for Caroline Chadelat and Kadessia. They’re both up right away.
11:20 a.m.:
11:18 a.m: Getting ready to see Mark Todd and NZB Campino!
11:18 a.m.: Just a few to go before our final US rider, Lauren Kieffer and Veronica.
11:17 a.m.:
11:11 a.m.:
11:09 a.m.: Ingrid has been given 11 for activating a pin! We’re not sure where, and the replay they did show it doesn’t look like she hit one. She will most definitely be challenging this.
11:07 a.m.: And Ingrid takes the lead! She comes home just over the time but within her 9 second cushion to go into the lead on a 39.6. Just one second of time more and she would have tied or been behind Michael, to show how close this is!
11:06 a.m.: Relieved to hear that Paul Tapner and Bonza King of Rouges are ok.
11:05 a.m.: Horseware Hale Bob is still jumping really well for Ingrid.
11:02 a.m.: Ingrid takes the long route at the Mirage Pond. We will see how that affects her clock. She has about nine seconds of time to play with to stay ahead of Michael Jung.
11:01 a.m.: Ingrid and Horseware Hale Bob are clear and fast through the Hildon Water at 15!
11:00 a.m.: Jonty Evans misses the last corner in the triple. Bummer! That takes another off of Michael’s tail.
10:58 a.m.: A knockout ride through The Lake for Ingrid!
10:57 a.m.: Horseware Hale Bob is a bit stuck getting down the double banks at the Staircase but they’re clear!
10:55 a.m.:
10:55 a.m.: One pair who can really give Michael Jung a run for his money: Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob. They’re on course!
10:53 a.m.:
10:52 a.m.: We will see if the fence judges give this one to Sam and Paulank Brockagh. Very close if he gets the 50 penalties.
10:51 a.m.: Lots of riders hitting the MIM pins at the upright gates and looking back to see if they’ve activated them.
10:50 a.m.: Sam and Paulank Brockaugh get it done at The Lake!
10:48 a.m.: Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockaugh are on course If you remember, this scrappy pair won Badminton in terrible conditions back in 2014.
10:48 a.m.:
10:46 a.m.: Sarah Bullimore and Reve du Rouet slip coming to the bench and have an awkward jump but really show their athleticism to make it happen:
10:45 a.m.: Meanwhile, in Jung land:
10:43 a.m.:
10:42 a.m.:
10:41 a.m.: Another runout, this time at the Bench, for Tom Crisp, who puts his hand up.
10:40 a.m.: Tom Crisp has a runout at the final element of the Staircase with Coolys Luxury.
10:39 a.m.: Helene Vattier and Quito de Baliere fall after angling the upright gates. They are both on their feet and walking off.
10:35 a.m.:
10:34 a.m.: Sidney Dufresne and Reliquaire have a sliding stop at the Staircase and call it a day.
10:32 a.m.:
10:31 a.m.: Helene Vattier and Quito de Baliere have a runout at 8C at The Lake.
10:29 a.m.:
10:27 a.m.: Tom Jackson has another runout at the triple corners and almost goes into the crowd.
10:26 a.m.:
10:25 a.m.:
10:25 a.m.:
10:17 a.m.:
10:16 a.m.: Laine Ashker is walking Simply Priceless out in the cooling area.
10:16 a.m.: Bonza King of Rouges looks to be walking comfortably after his fall.
10:13 a.m.: Yikes. Paul Tapner and Bonza King of Rouges rotate over the C element of the Lake, but thankfully they’re both on their feet right away. James Sommerville also falls from Talent at the upright gates.
10:10 a.m.:
10:05 a.m.:
10:04 a.m.: Arianna Schivo pops off of Quefira de L’Ormeau after he stumbles on landing of the second fence. How awful!
10:01 a.m.: A little too much in the water for Danielle Dunn and Zocarla BLH and their day comes to grief early:
9:58 a.m.:
9:56 a.m.: Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee sadly slip in between fences and fall to end their day early. I apologize for not knowing who this is but the frangible pin goes here:
9:54 a.m.: Johnny was very tired coming home for Elisa and they just couldn’t get the last jump done and Elisa falls just before the finish. Very disappointing for her.
9:51 a.m.: Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee are our next North American pair on course!
9:49 a.m.: Elisa is riding her tail off and Johnny is trying his heart out for her at the triple corners!
9:47 a.m.: Elisa clear through 19!
9:46 a.m.: The direct line through the Hildon Water at 15 and looking awesome!
9:45 a.m.: Elisa getting the job done! Go Johnny go!
9:43 a.m.: We finally see Elisa and she looks determined and fierce through the Hollow!
9:43 a.m.:
9:43 a.m.: Blyth Tait pulls up before the Mirage Pond. PLEASE SHOW ELISA!
9:41 a.m.: This is absolutely infuriating.
9:40 a.m.: Have yet to see Elisa on the live stream…
9:38 a.m.: Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless are on course!
9:37 a.m.: A collective sigh of relief for frangible pins as Izzy Taylor and KBIS Briarlands Matilda have a scary looking fall at the Footbridge.
9:36 a.m.:
9:35 a.m.:
9:33 a.m.: Two rides away from Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless!
9:31 a.m.:
9:31 a.m.:
9:30 a.m.: Karin Donckers has called it a day.
9:30 a.m.:
9:29 a.m.: Donner! Donner! Donner!
9:29 a.m.: Karin has a runout at 8C at The Lake.
9:28 a.m.: Karin Donckers is living VERY dangerously early on with Fletcha Van T Verahof.
9:27 a.m.:
9:26 a.m.:
9:24 a.m.: Woohoo!
9:23 a.m.: Still trying to find out Lynn’s results. Stay tuned.
9:22 a.m.: Please keep Emily in your thoughts:
9:21 a.m.:
9:21 a.m.:
9:20 a.m.: Hairy moment for Lynn and Donner but they make it work:
9:19 a.m.: BIG jumps for Sarah Ennis and Stellor Rebound!
9:16 a.m.: Hardly any shots of Lynn and Donner so far. Frustrating. We hear they took the long route at 15 but I think they’re clear.
9:16 a.m.:
9:14 a.m.: Neatly through The Lake for Lynn and Donner. That’s got to give them a big confidence boost, given how tough that combination has been riding all day.
9:13 a.m.: Michael Ryan and Dunlough Striker has a runout at the Shogun Hollow.
9:13 a.m.:
9:12 a.m.:
9:10 a.m.: Claas Romeike runs into trouble again with Cato 60. He has now retired.
9:07 a.m.:
9:05 a.m.:
9:01 a.m.:
8:58 a.m.: Imogen Murray and Ivar Gooden are on course now and clear through the Staircase at 4.
8:55 a.m.: Emily Gilruth fell from Topwood Beau at fence 3, which caused the hold. Will update as we receive more information.
8:53 a.m.: Katherine Coleman and Longwood are ok after their fall.
8:53 a.m.: We have a delay on course but not sure why at the moment.
8:52 a.m.:
8:50 a.m.: Lucinda Green expresses how proud she was to see her daughter, Lissa, out there dominating her first four-star. So cute and what a legend to have as a mother!
8:46 a.m.: Joseph Murphy has given Sportsfield Othello a great ride and he just comes in 23 seconds over the time. Very smooth from this pair.
8:46 a.m.:
8:45 a.m.: Look at that smile from Pietro Sandei! Thrilled for this completion for him.
8:44 a.m.:
8:43 a.m.:
8:41 a.m.: When asked how many riders he thinks will go on to finish inside the time: “I hope not very many!”
8:39 a.m.: Michael says Sam was quite strong in the beginning, until the first water. This time, Michael says he got an “amazing feeling”! He says Sam got a little tired after 21 but that he is still fast and that he knows not to push him for the time because he can make it without pushing too hard.
8:39 a.m.: Lots of hanging legs at 15A, another save this time by Pietro Sandei and Mouse:
8:36 a.m.:
8:35 a.m.: A fall for Kathrine Coleman and Longwood at the Offset Oxer at 9. We didn’t see it, so we’ll update you when we know more. Bummer of a day so far for North America, let’s cheer hard for our remaining riders!
8:34 a.m.:
8:33 a.m.:
8:30 a.m.: Katherine Coleman is on course.
8:30 a.m.: Sam rattles one of the upright gates at 22 but they’re still in a perfect rhythm. Wilberry is having the ride of his life!
8:27 a.m.: Guys, I’m in tears right now. Sam is FLYING.
8:26 a.m.: Gwendolyn Fer and Romantic Love have an early stop at the Staircase. She has retired after another.
8:25 a.m.: A stutter step/half-halt after the log into 15 and Michael is showing us a masterclass as usual.
8:23 a.m.: Camila Spears has retired Portersize Just a Jiff at 15 after a stop at the log.
8:23 a.m.:
8:22 a.m. One of the more accurate rides we’ve seen through The Lake from Michi:
8:21 a.m.: Michael is wearing Wilberry the Wonder Pony in his vest. Feels.
8:20 a.m.: Yikes! Quing Du Briot gets away with it and uses up a life:
8:19 a.m.: SAM IS ON COURSE. I REPEAT, SAM IS ON COURSE.
8:18 a.m.: Clare Abbott and Euro Prince had a blasting round and might be one of the quickest so far! Just a couple of seconds over.
8:16 a.m.: Thibaut and Quing Du Briot are the latest victims of The Lake:
8:14 a.m.: Whew!! Thibaut Vallette and Quing Du Briot live dangerously at the Staircase!
8:13 a.m.:
8:12 a.m.: Jim Newsam nursing Magennis home through the Wall combination:
8:10 a.m.:
8:10 a.m.: Jim Newsam also hit the pin on the Footbridge, which is now undergoing repairs.
8:08 a.m.: Not pretty for Jim Newsam and Magennis at 15A. They’ve gone the long route.
8:06 a.m.: Bettina Hoy retires Designer 10 at the Bench, fence 6, after a runout. He looked to never really lock on properly.
8:05 a.m.:
7:59 a.m.: Really impressed with Austin O’Connor’s tactful ride on his horse, who is making his four-star debut. Confidence building! Mark Todd commented earlier that the horse was learning a lot as he went around.
7:58 a.m.:
7:56 a.m.: Austin O’Connor and Kilpatrick Knight take the long route at the Corners. Harry Meade now joins the booth for commentating!
7:55 a.m.:
7:55 a.m.:
7:54 a.m.: Lydia Hannon’s 20 has been removed! There was a question of presentation at The Lake (we think that might happen a few times today!) and she’s relieved! So thrilled for her.
7:53 a.m.: Unfortunately Sarah Parkes has fallen at fence 19, the big upright Corral. Some less than ideal distances throughout but a hung leg here made for an early end to their day:
7:51 a.m.: Mark Todd says watching and guest commentating is making him nervous for his next ride!
7:50 a.m.:
7:50 a.m.: NERVES. I CAN’T.
7:48 a.m.: Sarah Parkes gives Balladeer Durban Hills big pats after getting to some chopping distances:
7:45 a.m.: Jesse Campbell and Kaapachino have a runout at the double corners after a sketchy jump over the A element:
7:43 a.m.: Lydia Hannon had one of my favorite rides so far through the triple Corners with My Royal Touch. She’s home with a big smile on her face!
7:43 a.m.:
7:42 a.m.: Bummer. Willa has fallen from Chance Remark after he hung a leg at 15A. Both appear to be ok:
7:40 a.m.: Time will tell of this was a good enough effort to count at The Lake for Willa Newton:
7:39 a.m.: Willa Newton and Chance Remark live on the edge at The Hollow early on in course:
7:38 a.m.: The free live stream is back up! Click here to access.
7:36 a.m.: They have called it a day after some trouble:
7:33 a.m.:
7:33 a.m.: Tina Cook says “I was properly worried this morning,” of this tough Eric Winter course.
7:31 a.m.: Shane Rose’s fall:
7:28 a.m.: Nicola Wilson retires Annie Clover at The Lake. Shane Rose falls from Shanghai Joe at fence 19 and is on his feet. Shanghai Joe jumped the line and peaced out. #shanghaijoeout
7:27 a.m.: Shane Rose is living quite dangerously, which seems to be the theme of the day:
7:25 a.m.: Dan Jocelyn and Dassett Cool Touch have a hairy moment but they’re making it work!
7:24 a.m.: Annie Clover and Nicola Wilson are on course!
7:23 a.m.: #9livesforNicolas
7:23 a.m.:
7:22 a.m.:
7:21 a.m.: Astier Nicolas is really making our hearts race today, and not in a Maxime Livio way:
7:18 a.m.: Andrew Nicholson has his kids with him for his post-ride interview. We saw him shaking his head a lot on course, and he explains that the muscles in his neck get a bit stiff on course. Well, Andrew, I think that’s a pretty valid excuse considering what you’ve been through. #warriorstatus
7:18 a.m.:
7:18 a.m.:
7:17 a.m.: Astier Nicolas had a nutty save at The Lake; Piaf de b’Neville really took the wheel on that one! #piaftakethewheel
7:14 a.m.:
7:12 a.m.: Hannah Sue has retired after a stop at The Lake. It looked as if there was a moment of hesitation from Hannah in the water and she subsequently had a runout after choosing the left option. She jumped the option and then put her hand up. Bummed.
7:07 a.m.: Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot are on course! Clear through the Staircase at 5. Tina Cook and Calvino II give us a masterful ride at the Corners:
7:07 a.m.:
7:06 a.m.: Andrew Nicholson and Qwanza are away, Oliver Townend and Samuel Thomas II has finished, the quickest so far even with a 20 on course. Just 6.8 time for him.
7:04 a.m.: Louise Harwood calls it a day after a stop at the Bullfinch out of the water at fence 22.
7:03 a.m.: Alex Bragg for the win!
7:00 a.m.: Blast! Andrew Hoy has a fall at fence 21:
7:00 a.m.: Oliver runs into trouble at the second of the double corners at fence 10, the Shogun Hollow. Clear on the second attempt:
6:59 a.m.:
6:58 a.m.: Oliver Townend has a huge jump into The Lake with Samuel Thomas II, who stumbles but recovers. Oliver is quick to reroute to the option on the way out.
6:56 a.m.:
6:55 a.m.: Can we get a cross country edition of this picture??
6:54 a.m.: Mark Todd has been giving a 20 for crossing his paths. In his post-ride interview, he said he will most likely be appealing.
6:53 a.m.: French rider Cedric Lyard and Cadeau du Roi have retired after a stop at fence 5, Savills Staircase.
6:52 a.m.:
6:51 a.m.: Louise Harwood tries to get the job done at the Mirage Pond:
6:49 a.m.: Louise Harwood and Whitson are living dangerously early on:
6:47 a.m.: Mark gets about 37 seconds of time but he showed us all how it’s done! Not the smoothest everywhere but these two really showed their experience to get around what is going to be a tough course.
6:44 a.m.:
6:44 a.m.:
6:43 a.m.:
6:42 a.m.: Mark Todd and Leonidas are showing us how it’s done, and they’re joined by Alexander Bragg and Zagreb on course.
6:40 a.m.:
6:38 a.m.:
6:37 a.m.:
6:36 a.m.:
6:34 a.m.: Bear with me as I get my FEI TV bugs worked out!
6:34 a.m.:
