Mark and Ben
Here are all the Badminton notes and links we are keeping our eyes on this afternoon:
1) Both Horse & Country and the FEI are reporting that arilifted rider Elizabeth Power of Ireland is recovering well and should be fine. With that news I think we can all start to breathe easier and feel like this Badminton is about the great performances today rather than hoping everyone is ok, although we are still awaiting word on Elizabeth’s fellow Irish rider Camilla Spiers, who was taken to the hospital in an ambulance after a less severe fall. [FEI Press Release via Horsetalk]
Update: Irish Team Manager Ginny Eliott is quoted by Horse Sport Ireland as saying Sunday evening “[Elizabeth] was taken to hospital and is being kept in overnight for observation while Camilla was taken to hospital as a precaution but is due to be released tonight.” [Horse Sport Ireland]
2) It was a tough day for Canada and the US, but it’s important to put things in perspective. Other than Mandiba’s broken rib, which he should easily recover from, everyone walked away from today safe and sound. Canada came here with the goal of getting educated and prepared for London and, if nothing else, I’ll bet Hawley, Steph, and Selena all feel like they learned a lot today that will help them moving forward.
For the US, Buck had a very good ride to get Reggie around a tough course. Karen and Mandiba certainly took a step back today after taking a huge step forward at the WEGs and looking great all spring. Jennifer and Pooh looked really good up until the Lake, and it looked like Pooh got spooked by the first attempt. So, overall a bad day, but I have seen a heck of a lot worse days.
3) A few interesting notes about the leader board: Mark Todd is riding the youngest horse in the top 10 and he is also the oldest rider at 55 years old. The oldest horse is the 18 year-old Lennamore. Toddy’s last appearance at a 4* press conference was 12 years ago before he finished second at Badminton. 26 of 67 starters had issues on course. Mark Todd has won Badminton 3 times before. Toddy first won Badminton in 1980, 10 years before Laura Collett was born. [via @FranJurga and FEI Press Release]
Pippa withdrew her remaining before the XC, as did 6 other riders
The Horse and Hound’s XC recap
Laura Collett has won more three-days at her age than anyone else in history
Crowning the ultimate eventing mastermind
Video of the BE100 Grassroots Championship winner
Gewendolen Fer’s epic save:
Rider interviews after the XC:
Go eventing.
