Classic Eventing Nation

What’s Happening at the May Virginia Horse Trials

By on May 10, 2024 10:30 am -

Laine Ashker and Lovedance. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Tucked away in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find a little slice of horse heaven. The Virginia Horse Center is located on 600 acres in Lexington and features a 4000 seat coliseum, campgrounds, and eight different barns. On May 23rd, eventers will gather to compete up to the CCI3*-S level in the Virginia Horse Trials, presented by Capital Square, taking advantage of the Attwood footing in the Dee Dee Arena and newly resurfaced stalls and stall mats.

In preparation for the event, the horse center has worked hard to create an amazing experience for eventers, including updating the Oak Hill cross country course, which now features new obstacles for all levels, including a new coffin and updated water jumps. Local eventer Sydney Hagaman experienced the venue firsthand when she won the 3* at the May Virginia Horse Trials riding her German Sport Horse, Charmeur.

“I’ve been going there for quite a few years and try to get there as much as possible. I’ve taken young horses, I’ve done the 3* and the 2*-L on the same horse that I won the 3* on last year. So, we know the Virginia Horse Center pretty well and I loved running that event,” Sydney said. “It felt great there and they did a really good job with the footing, which was hard to do last year, we didn’t get much rain and they did the best they could so that was greatly appreciated on the riders part, we really enjoyed that.”

Designed by FEI cross country course designer Jay Hambly, Sydney said that the courses were challenging and up to level, making the event a great way to prepare both horse and rider for larger events like Tryon and even the Kentucky Three Day Event. Particularly difficult was the show jumping course, designed by Michael Vaillancourt.

“The showjumping course was quite difficult. And as an FEI course, that’s kind of what it’s meant for, to prep you for the next level. On the cross country course, the jumps were appropriate for the level and the questions were right for the level. I thought they did a really good job. They had it all set up well, and the course is really fun.” said Sydney. “It really preps you for when you have to go away and stable your horses and lets you get a feel of what they would be like outside of the state that we normally compete in. It does have a bigger atmosphere because it is a big center. It’s a good prep for if you have to go to Tryon or the Kentucky Horse Park or another big FEI.”

Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Even the dressage last year was particularly educational in Sydney’s eyes, as you were able to ride in front of a foreign judge. “I think she was a Pan Am’s judge. And I thought that was really cool, getting to ride in front of a foreign judge. I was like, ‘Ooh, this is cool,’” Sydney said.

Note: This year’s FEI judges include Olympic judges Jane Hamlin (2020) and Robert Stevenson (2024), as well as Sara Leary and Amanda Miller.

This year, the event has gone above and beyond in catering to eventers, who like to work hard– and play hard. The presenting sponsor, Capital Square, will be hosting an adult rider welcome party on Friday evening with special adult rider swag. Beverages (wink wink) will also be served throughout the weekend.

Sydney attended the rider’s party last year and would highly recommend making the time to go. “The rider party was fun, like they had a lot of good food. It’s really fun to see everybody at the bonfire. It was super fun. I actually really liked the food. There’s a lot of options. I really do think they did a really good job, the whole keeping us entertained and making sure that we’re all happy.”

May’s Virginia Horse Trials also include the opportunity to compete in the Adult Team Challenge. Teams of four riders will compete for prizes provided by Area 2 Adult Riders. Teams can be formed from mixed levels and– if you don’t have anyone to join your team– the show organizers will do their best to help you create a team. All teams are stabled together, so you can get to know your teammates before you compete. Awards will be presented after the last team member finishes their ride on Sunday with some great prizes for the top three teams from event sponsors. More info on how to sign up for the Adult Team Challenge here.

All in all, if you’re looking for a horse trial that offers you the chance to compete in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with top-notch facilities in a gorgeous setting, you can’t go wrong with the Virginia Horse Center. This year, Eventing Nation will be bringing you all the action right from the event, which has seen a full roster of entries resulting in a hefty waitlist. Keep an eye on EN so you don’t miss out!

And don’t forget, support your local events– they need you to enter, volunteer, and participate however you can now more than ever.

VHC Eventing May Horse Trials: [Website] [Volunteer Opportunities] [Show Center]

Reigning Champ Ros Canter Takes Friday Morning Badminton Lead

By on May 10, 2024 9:05 am -

Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

We’ve got a new leader in the clubhouse today at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials, which felt like a given with a couple of serious heavy-hitters on this morning’s roster – the only question, really, was whether it would be Burghley dressage record-breakers Tim Price and Vitali or 2023 Pau champions Ros Canter and Izilot DHI, both of whom are perfectly capable of going sub-20, that would swing the lead.

In the end, it would go the way of Ros and ‘Isaac’ – though neither she nor Tim and Vitali would ultimately flirt with the teens. Which is, in hindsight, one heck of a way to put that, but look: I’ve got a full dressage report to write in a reasonably short lunch break, so I’m going to commit to it and delight in the fact that my words won’t throw either rider into a Kendrick and Drake-style diss-track battle. A relief!

Anyway – back to the safe ground of the dressage arena, where it’s also been a relief to see that yesterday’s standard of judging has continued today. It won’t be a Badminton in which we see records broken, perhaps, because our ground jury are hard to please this week, but when that stringency remains in place across both days of dressage, it does at least create a level playing field, with less risk of bias towards Friday riders.

For Ros, at least, a score of 25.3 is well in the mix for what could realistically be expected from the eleven-year-old Izilot DHI; he put a 24.3 on the board at Pau last year en route to the win, and while he’s exceptionally capable in this phase, he’s also a quirky-brained horse who’s prone to quite a spectacular spook. At Pau, we saw that tendency writ large as Ros struggled to get him around the outside of the ring thanks to an evidently terrifying cameraman, but the moment he entered at A, he focused wholly on his job. Today, his focus was in place earlier, without any moments of panic before, during, or after his test, save for a couple of tiny bobbles near A when something caught his eye.

The difference now, though, Ros explains, is that as he grows up and matures, he’s learning to have his look at whatever’s surprised him and then get back to business.

“I’m absolutely delighted with him,” she says. “He’s been doing some really good work this week, although he did have a little spook in there – it was a camera, and while he didn’t mind it from the left rein, but he didn’t like it from the right rein. But that’s him – and the fact that now, he can have a little spook and then come back to the quality of work he had before it is great.”

Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Age, experience, and mileage are three of the key components in Isaac’s ongoing development, she continues – but just as essential is compromise and creative thinking.

“He’s eleven now, so he’s getting better and better,” she says. “But also, I’ve done a lot less schooling, and actually just hacked a lot more at home. I think part of it is I’m learning to ride him and to know him and react less myself. If I think he’s going to spook, I almost drop the reins now instead of trying to help him away from it. I think it’s definitely a trust thing, and he doesn’t cope that well with pressure, this horse, when he’s feeling spooky. So it’s my job to interpret what he’s thinking and how much pressure [he can handle], and when and where to put it on.”

There’s still an afternoon of dressage yet to unfold, but it’s looking likely that Ros, who won here last year on Lordships Graffalo, will go into tomorrow’s tough cross-country test as the head of the pack. But even in that exalted position, her goals and expectations are a little different this year than they were with her 2023 champion, who’s sitting out this year’s competition in preparation for a bid for Olympic selection.

“We’re very open-minded about tomorrow,” says Ros. “I intend to go out of the start box meaning business, and we’re here to be competitive if we can, but the length of this course, and the ground and everything else, would be a bit of a question mark for this horse. He’s a bit less proven, and he’s less blood than [Lordships Graffalo], so 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.”

With her own set of aims, and her understanding of her horse’s capabilities and potential limitations at the forefront of her priorities, Ros isn’t letting the pressure of anyone else’s expectations affect her mindset for the weekend.

“Plenty have people have told me [I’m the favourite], but I’m not particularly bothered this year,” she admits with a smile. “I’m the favourite when it comes to statistics, but I know my horse; I know how unproven he is around this length with the stamina and endurance. So I’m very open-minded that [being favourite] hasn’t really impacted me.”

Tim Price and Vitali. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Thursday leaders Bubby Upton and Cola, who made just about everyone cry yesterday on their return to five-star, now sit second as of the lunch break on their score of 27.3, just 0.4 penalties, or one second tomorrow, ahead of Kiwi duo Tim Price and Vitali on a 27.7.

Hopes were high for this test, particularly after last year’s Burghley, where they put an eye-wateringly good 18.7 on the board – but it wasn’t to be today. Vitali’s excellent trot work put them in good stead early on, with their medium trot earning them a 9 from judge Christian Steiner at B, but the walk work looked less settled and the 14-year-old gelding began to bobble on the contact midway through. They very nearly had a perfect halt just after this, though a fidgety step marred the immobility of the movement, and their subsequent reinback suffered from some rushing, at which point it was achingly clear that Vitali would really just like to get on with the canter segment.

There was lots to like there: Vitali is a horse with a well-established, neat change, and two-and-a-half of the four were just that. But just before the right canter half-pass, the gelding did an almost imperceptibly quick lead swap, and back again, behind, which looked to drain the flying changes bank account ahead of the last, where each leg tried something a little bit different and the resultant change was significantly late.

Tim Price and Vitali. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

A test of two halves, or four quarters, then, perhaps, but pragmatic Tim, who’s often found himself in the lead with this horse and then lost out in the final phase, is looking on the bright side: “Maybe I’ll do a conventional result here, where he’s somewhere near the top [in this phase] and then just gets better through the next few phases – I’ll take that happily,” he laughs. “We all know how capable he is, so you could, on one hand be a bit disappointed – but you never know [with horses]. It’s a big unknown every time you take a horse into an arena like that.”

His preparation this week, he says, has gone very smoothly – and that, in a funny sort of way, could be part of the reason we didn’t see him replicate his Burghley brilliance.

“He’s been getting better and better with every ride, but that’s just such a different approach to Burghley, and it’s something for me to take on board and think about going forward. Today he just really wasn’t quite the same. At Burghley, he he was sitting and I was able to ride forward into a balance that wasn’t speeding up. But here every time I went to do that he just wanted to go a bit faster,” he says. But then, “at Burghley it was madness in the last final ten minutes of the warm-up — he was mucking around and I just had to go in and just go for it a little bit with his blood up. But then, [getting their blood up is] not really me either, although he had such a good result there. Here, he’s been relaxed, and had a lovely warm-up, and then he just got a little bit on edge and took away his focus. He’s a horse who misses a change one time in a hundred, and I think he missed one and a half out here today! I’ve got to stay in contact with him, otherwise his mind would go, so you’ve just got to take your medicine in places – but I’m happy enough.”

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

Overnight runners-up Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg move down to provisional fourth place at this stage on their score of 29. They’re joined in the top five by Emily King and Valmy Biats, who looked on excellent form while delivering a very nearly clear-round test for 29.2.

“I’m really pleased — he was so rideable,” says Emily, who comes to Badminton off a second consecutive victory in Thoresby’s hotly-contested Grantham Cup CCI4*-S with the French-bred gelding. “He’s very, very sensitive; he’s quite a hot horse and constantly thinks about everything, so it’s really about tuning him in and getting him to take a breath. He felt just the same in there as he did in the warm up, which was probably one of the first times he’s felt as consistent.”

Getting that clear round, she explains, was priority number one: “I was conscious to try and do a really mistake-free test, and maybe taking a little bit of a flare out but trying to be really precise, and he really felt like that happened. We had a little jig somewhere but generally, he was so with me and listening. In my canter stretch he was quite keen to get out on the cross country and I was like, ‘we’re going to exit the arena!’, so we had to end a little bit early for that — but I’m super pleased; he felt fab.”

Valmy, who is part-owned by the Event Horse Owners’ Syndicate microsyndicate programme, is fifteen this year – but, Emily explains, she’s constantly finding new depths of strength and progress in him in this phase.

“He’s working so much more uphill [this year],” she says. “He’s a horse that has so much power, and he has a lot of knee action, but he would be quite low in his carriage when he first came [to me]. [At the start] it felt like it was there, but he really needed to learn to sit and work uphill, and then just open his stride up a bit more and that’s something that he’s been getting better and better with and he’s understanding more. He’s getting stronger, so he can hold that for longer.”

That progression has been aided by the help of several seriously good dressage coaches: “Ian Woodhead and Ferdi Eilberg helped me a lot, and Kyra Kirkland – there’s a bunch of them that have all helped his his career,” says Emily. “He’s 15 this year, but whenever we go out and he’s really fit and really pushed and strengthened up in places, he keeps feeling just better. He’s going to be the best 20 year old event horse in the dressage!”

Last year, Emily and Valmy made a great start to their bid around Badminton’s tough track, but commendably, the rider opted to pull her horse up when she felt him begin to tire in the tricky conditions – a decision that initially baffled onlookers, to whom the horse looked full of running. But horsemanship wins out – or it should, anyway – and this year, Emily hopes that Valmy’s day-to-day exposure to soft going at home will help him see the course, which she describes as a “proper, proper track”, through.

“It’s drying up, so hopefully it’ll make a little bit easier for them – but still, I think they’re going to be feeling the softness there, so we just have 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,” she says. “He’s had three runs this year and two of them had been on the soft going — and Thoresby was very soft. But he lives out in the field in the very soft ground and he gallops on the grass at home, which has obviously been very soft this spring, so I’m hoping he’ll be as prepped as possible physically with his joints, his limbs, and fitness-wise, for the going – but still, you’d be mindful of how he feels.”

Tiana Coudray now sits sixth with Cancaras Girl (and if you haven’t read their emotional story, you should catch up on it here!), while Georgie Goss and William Fox-Pitt move down to equal seventh, and Max Warburton is now in ninth.

Just one further rider cracked the top ten in this morning’s session: Britain’s Kirsty Chabert, fresh off a trip to Kentucky with her top horse, Classic VI, posted a smart 32.4 with the very-nearly-pony-sized Opposition Heraldik Girl to move into tenth place provisionally.

Grace Taylor and Game Changer. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

We also saw the last two of our strong US contingent in the ring: British-based Grace Taylor, who has dual citizenship thanks to her mother, US Olympian Ann Sutton, was disappointed to post a 35.4 with Game Changer after cracking the sub-30s, and the top ten, at Burghley last year: “I’m disappointed with the test but it is what it is – I would say probably we deserved the mark we got,” she says. She sits 25th currently, while Allie Knowles and Morswood sit equal 27th, tied with New Zealand’s Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo on a score of 35.6.

While Allie might have hoped for a score closer to the 28.8 they received at Maryland in 2022, she’s not planning to dwell on the numbers – because just being here is the culmination of a long-held dream.

“I’m relatively [pleased] – I think he can do better, but it’s a lot of atmosphere in there and it’s a massive deal just to be in there, so I’m not too disappointed,” she says. “Being here is just amazing – it was my childhood dream. This was the event I wanted to make it to. So I’m trying really hard not to be disappointed with any part of the experience because we can move up from here – but at least we made it!”

Allie Knowles and Morswood. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

The early formation of that Badminton dream, she explains, kick-started everything that’s led her to this moment.

“I was nine and I had Thrills and Spills on on a VHS tape, and I watched it until it didn’t work anymore,” she laughs. “Ian [Stark] coaches me now, and he’s been telling me stories from throughout the years, and I’m like, ‘I know what you’re talking about – I watched every year from the nine years old on!’ Obviously Burghley is a dream as well, but for me, it was always Badminton. Maybe it’s just because it was the first VHS I had, I don’t know, but it’s always seemed like the most prestigious event.”

Allie has made it here once before, but in a very different capacity: “I groomed here, almost 15 years ago now, for Hawley Bennett – she was my first job as a working student. This is the first time I’ve been back. I was like a deer in headlights back then, so I only remember bits of it. Probably the scariest bits, when i did wrong grooming! It’s like a whole different thing now.”

Allie Knowles and Morswood. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

And how does the reality of the place stack up to the dream of Badminton that’s been so well-architected in her head?

“It’s not all that dissimilar! I think the main ring was bigger than I pictured it,” she muses. “On video, it doesn’t look as big and I was like, ‘oh, no, this is really big!’ But I walked [the course] for the first time and I was like, ‘Ian, are those the Beaufort steps?!’ I know where everywhere is – I watched it so many times.”

Take heed, keen live-stream aficionados – we know you’re probably not wearing out VHS tapes these days, but you, too, could be making it all happen for yourself here one day.

We’ll be back in action shortly with the last couple of sections of dressage, starting at 14.15 BST/9.15 a.m. EST with Helen Bates and Carpe Diem first up to bat. Keep up to date with all the action as it happens – or catch up on all the nitty-gritty of this morning’s tests – with Cheg’s live updates, and stay tuned for another full report on the afternoon’s movers and shakers. Go Eventing!

The top ten at the lunch break on day two of dressage at Badminton.

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

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!

The 2024 MARS Badminton Field: At A Glance

By on May 10, 2024 7:37 am -

Want to get a feel for this year’s 70-strong MARS Badminton Horse Trials field of entrants, but don’t quite have the time for a big, juicy form guide? We’ve got your back – here’s the essential info you need to know!

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

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] [Form Guide] [Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage]

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!

Diamonds on the Soles of their Shoes – Live Blog from Dressage Day Two at MARS Badminton Horse Trials

By on May 10, 2024 3:45 am -

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:

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:

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:

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*:

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:

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:

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:

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):

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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*:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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!

Friday’s News & Notes from Stable View

By on May 10, 2024 12:30 am -

Well folks, Mars Badminton is well underway now: we are on to Day 2 of dressage – in fact we will be almost done with dressage by the time those of you in the States get round to reading this…onwards to the exciting part! As I write, the Stars and Stripes make up two thirds of the podium, with Boyd Martin in second and Tiana Coudray in third, while Bubby Upton sits in first place on a score of 27.3. 5*’s also throw up the odd fairytale ending, and wouldn’t that be one for the record books, if Bubby lead from the off, having been unable to walk just a few months ago? What.A.Girl.

Another young superstar – who also happens to be from the US – sits in 9th place overnight. That’s right, Cosby Green, who has been based with Tim and Jonelle Price since last year, has got her first Badminton off to a flying start, although with half the field still to perform their test, that may well change but still, 33.7 is a decent score to be setting out of the start box on.

With hot favourites Ros Canter and Izilot DHI still to go, as well as dressage supremos Tim Price and Vitali, that leaderboard could be looking very different by Friday evening, but as we all know, this ain’t no dressage competition, and by Saturday evening, it could be looking very different again!

There are just two American riders left to strut their stuff between the white boards, and you can find their times below:

Grace Taylor and Game Changer – Friday – 5:48am ET / 11:48am CEST.

Allie Knowles and Morswood – Friday – 6:40am ET / 12:40pm CEST.

One thing that is for sure: you’re going to want to keep it locked and loaded on EN this weekend, to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Once again, Cheg Darlington is taking one for the team and bringing you all of the action, all weekend, with her live updates. If you want to catch up on yesterday’s dressage action, then jump on over here, and if you want to double task and watch it all as it happens, whilst reading Cheg’s excellent updates, then make sure to subscribe to Badminton TV.

Don’t forget to familiarise yourself with the cross country ahead of Saturday either: Tilly has provided us with a thorough preview, as always, complete with a little insight from the designer himself, Eric Winter.

Other than that, all that remains is for us all to hope with all our might that the sun continues to shine at Badminton, and to do what we do best….Go Eventing!

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

U.S. Weekend Preview

Galway Downs Spring H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Reddick, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Unionville May H.T. (Coatesville, PA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Queeny Park H.T. (St. Louis, MO) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

River Glen Spring H.T. (New Market, TN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Tryon International Three Day Event (Mill Spring, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Winona Horse Trials (Hanoverton, OH) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

UK International Events

MARS Badminton Horse Trials (Gloucestershire, UK) [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Tickets] [Radio Badminton] [Livestream] [Cross Country Course] [EN’s Coverage]

European International Events

International Marbach Eventing (GER) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Friday News and Reading
MARS Badminton Horse Trials isn’t the only event piquing my interest this week. Yes, that’s right, I can openly admit to feeling a little flutter of excitement on Monday too – though not as much as I did for Badminton, I can assure you – as the annual Met Gala got underway in New York. The theme this year, was ‘The Garden of Time,’ and while some of the attendees nailed that brief, some, as always, missed it altogether. One young lady competing here at Badminton certainly wouldn’t have looked out of place on that red carpet though: Helen Bates’ trot up outfit had a distinctly floral theme, and I am here for it. Someone get that girl a best dressed prize, asap.

Speaking of Helen, she is one of several Badminton first timers competing this weekend, and she is getting allllll of the publicity. The eagle eyed amongst you will see that she took over Eventing Nation’s Instagram story (@goeventing) yesterday, and she was also the first guest on the new season of the wonderful Eventing Weekly. Guaranteed to make you chuckle, this podcast is always worth a listen, and Helen is her usual brilliant self. Good luck this weekend, Helen!

Helen also made the headlines over at Horse & Hound (in case you hadn’t realised, I am a BIG fan of Helen Bates), in one of their many first timer pieces. Head on over to Horse and Hound to find several others, including India Wishart and Max Warburton. A chance to get to know some of the lesser known names on the entry list this week.

It will be of no surprise that I am going to offer you yet another podcast recommendation – and that it is of course, the Eventing Podcast from EquiRatings. But they are bringing alllll of the Badminton content this week – they even rival that which we provide. Well almost. But seriously guys, there’s a banging preview show, and daily ‘diary’ shows – check out Wednesday and Thursday’s here! They always pull in great guests, from owners, to grooms to riders, as well as behind the scenes insights. Honestly, you need to subscribe, even just for this week.

While you’re subscribing to podcasts, you might want to check out the offering from Horse and Hound this week. They have a long running podcast which is always excellent, but this week they, like the Eventing Podcast, will be bringing you daily shows, again with added insight and analysis. Honestly, it will make you feel like you’re at Badminton too! I mean, maybe you are, in which case it will just help you relive it all again…

If added analysis is your thing, or if indeed, you are just an absolute Eventing nerd, which let’s face it, we all are, hence why we are here, then don’t miss the EquiRatings form guide. Packed full of stats and evidence based predictions, if nothing else, the guide will provide you with a tonne of facts to wow your Eventing pals with. Unless of course, they have already read it, in which case they will be a little less impressed.

If you are one of the lucky ones to actually be at Badminton this week, then make sure you keep your eyes peeled for a very special visitor. Her Majesty The Queen is to grace the hallowed Badminton turf with her presence on Sunday, to present the trophy to the eventual winner, as part of the 75th Anniversary Celebrations. Never mind the cross country, you best get practicing those curtseys guys…

Final thing from me before I dive headlong back into Badminton. Just in case you worry that us Eventers are all a bit too strange, and that perhaps you should start to pursue another, more sensible hobby, then check this out. A little dated it may be (remember when a 5* was actually a 4*), it’s still all the verification you need to crack on, keep kicking, and Go Eventing!

Sponsor Corner

The 2024 USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Eventing Championships was a great time for everyone involved. Which team was your pick to win? Don’t forget to tag @stableviewaiken in your social media posts!

Weekend Watching

Back when Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class were still in the running to win the Rolex Grand Slam this weekend, I stumbled across this video, of the legendary Pippa Funnell, inaugural winner of that much coveted prize, the Triple Crown of Eventing. Still one of only two ever winners, Pippa’s winning of the prize culminated at Burghely, not Badminton, but all the chat about Oliver’s chances had me reminiscing over that epic day. Now that Oliver has withdrawn, there will be no Grandslam won, or indeed lost, this weekend, but still, it’s worth reliving Pippa’s own win, if nothing else than in homage to the great lady herself, who has two horses in the lineup this week. What a phenomenal sportswoman she is. Go Pippa!

Photo Gallery: Day One of Competition at Tryon International

By on May 9, 2024 6:20 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Possante. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We’ll have a full Tryon International CCI4*-L dressage report for you tomorrow evening following the conclusion of the FEI dressage, but for now let’s look at the scores from today as well as some beautiful visuals from Shannon Brinkman photography.

CCI4*-L

1: Phillip Dutton and Possante (30.5)
2: Liz Halliday and Shanroe Cooley (30.8)
3: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen (34.4)

Despite some soggy weather, the competitors dialed it in for the dressage phase of competition in the spring 4*-L destination at Tryon. Phillip Dutton and The Possante Group’s Possante (Namelus R – Wendelien, by Otangelo) delivered a 30.5 for the day one lead, their best 4* score in their young partnership, which has to leave Phillip feeling positive about the progress he’s making with the 11-year-old gelding.

Liz Halliday and Shanroe Cooley. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The scores are tightly bunched for now, with Liz Halliday just behind Phillip on a 30.8 with Ocala Horse Properties’ Shanroe Cooley (Dallas – Shanroe Sapphire, by Condios). We’re likely to see a couple lower scores from tomorrow’s bunch, particularly from HSH Blake (Caroline Pamukcu) and Cooley Quicksilver (Liz Halliday), with potential threat also by Mama’s Magic Way (Will Faudree), Denim and Jewelent (Phillip Dutton), and Quattro (Dana Cooke).

CCI4*-S

1: Tamie Smith and Kynan (30.8)
2: Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley (31.0)
3: Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire (31.8)

Tamie Smith continues her East coast tour, bringing four horses to Tryon this weekend and taking the early 4*-S lead with the Kynan Syndicate LLC’s Kynan (Envoy – Danieta, by Zirroco Blue). “Cheeto” Danito fans will also be pleased to see the quirky chestnut also back in action after doing just dressage at Kentucky to get back into the swing of things; he’s in charge of the 3*-S on a score of 26.5 at the conclusion of dressage for that division.

Tomorrow will see the remainder of the dressage tests done and dusted, after which we’ll have a full report from the 4* divisions coming your way here on EN. Stay tuned!

Tryon International Three Day Event (Mill Spring, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Video Break: Badminton Goals and Memories with Laura Collett

By on May 9, 2024 3:30 pm -

Here’s a special one for you! This short documentary takes a look back at Laura Collett’s Badminton success and looks ahead to this weekend with a new rookie horse.

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

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!

Thursday Afternoon at Badminton: Tiana Coudray is Best of the Bunch; Bubby Retains Lead Overnight

By on May 9, 2024 1:50 pm -

If there’s any lorry we’d like to be invited to this evening, it’s Bubby Upton‘s – relentless course-walking notwithstanding, of course. Earlier, we reported on her spectacular comeback from a horrific injury last year, from which she’s returned to take the Thursday morning dressage lead – and now, at the culmination of the day’s competition, we’re thrilled to confirm that she’ll hold onto that lead overnight.

There’s never much time to bask in the moment at a five-star, but we hope that Bubby, groom Katie, and the rest of their tight-knit team sneak away from their obligations, analyses, and forward planning to enjoy a celebratory drink in the evening sunshine at the Lake. It’s not every day you put down a 27.3 at five-star, nor is it every day you lead Badminton – and that’s not even taking into account the fact that Britain’s double under-25 National Champion was relearning how to walk just over half a year ago.

Boyd Martin, too, has plenty of reason to enjoy the immaculate vibes of a sun-drenched evening at Badminton: he and Tsetserleg remain in overnight second place on their score of 29, giving themselves a sterling start to their quest to complete the one five-star box left unticked for Boyd in fine style.

Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Although the names in the top two slots on the leaderboard remain unchanged, the afternoon certainly wasn’t short on excitement, not least for longtime British-based US rider Tiana Coudray, who stormed to overnight third place after delivering a 29.8 – her horse’s second best test ever at any international level – with the 14-year-old Holsteiner Cancaras Girl.

As she rode out of the ring to one of the most uproarious cheers of the day, it wasn’t just Tiana who was in tears – it was her entire assembled team, helmed by head groom, best friend, and business partner Annabelle James and including familiar faces such as dressage coach Tracey Robinson. A personal best at Badminton would be reason enough for high emotion on its own, but for Tiana, today’s success represents a decade of rebuilding, of working, of striving and selling and reconfiguring dreams, but in whichever form they took, always of dreaming.

“It’s every early morning you get up; it’s every late night – it’s a lot of work for very little reward, but to put it all together on the day is what dreams are made of,” she says, smiling through a fresh torrent of tears. “It’s really special.”

Tiana’s last appearance here came back in 2014, when she completed with her London 2012 Olympics partner, Ringwood Magister, when she was just 25.

“I suppose I was so fortunate, young in my career, to have an amazing horse that I got as a four-year-old and who happened to be my superstar that took me all the way,” she says. But then: “I grew up and life got real — and my business has been buying and selling horses. And so I’ve had some beautiful horses through my yard, but they’ve been sold on because that’s what we had to do.”

A moment worth waiting for: Tiana Coudray is back, baby! Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Diminutive Cancaras Girl, or Nana, as she’s known at home, was meant to be one of those sales horses – and unlike some of the excellent horses Tiana’s had to sell that she always suspected might be top-level competitors, Nana was only ever intended to be produced and sold on as a lower-level horse for a young rider.

“She’s just my little horse I got off Facebook and she was supposed to do a couple Novices and go to a kid, and here she is,” laughs Tiana. “I saw her posted on Facebook, and she was in the north of Scotland, but I thought, ‘she’s quite cute; some little girl would love to ride her’.”

She flew up to try the mare, and though she wasn’t immediately wowed by her way of going or her jump, “the reason I bought her was because of her heart and her try and her brain. It was definitely not for her movement. She’s not built for this, and her body finds it quite difficult to be loose or supple or have any kind of cadence or swing or any of those things that you kind of need for dressage. But having said that, she’s so trainable and she’s just — I love her.”

The plan, having secured the Facebook deal of the century, was to get the mare to Novice and advertise her – but there were no takers. And so she stayed, and Tiana continued to produce her, assuming that, at some point, a buyer might materialise. As she did so, she began to fall for the little mare’s try-hard attitude more and more.

“To be entirely honest, I’m so grateful that she didn’t move that well and all of that because she would have been sold, because she would have been worth a lot of money,” she says. “And so actually the fact that she was just a little bit ordinary meant that I could keep her. That’s is why she’s my first horse back at this level in all those years — so it was really special.”

A shared journey: Tiana and best friend and business partner Annabelle James. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Though Tiana credits Nana’s attitude with being such a key component in her rise to the top, it’s also, she says, the culmination of a serious team effort.

“She’s such a good girl — she shows up to work every day,” beams Tiana. “She’s 14 now and she’s starting to get where correct training is supposed to get you, I suppose, so it’s really rewarding. She’s definitely not got here on natural ability, but, you know, huge work — great trainers, obviously, and how we work her, and huge work with physios and massage and acupuncture and strengthening exercises. And my team of vets and physios have been incredible just trying to get her back stronger and more supple, and I think it’s really paying off. So, it’s so exciting. But as I say, it’s an unbelievable group of people that have got her here. It’s not me.”

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

For today, at least, the magnitude of the moment hasn’t quite sunk in.

“I cannot believe it – it’s making me cry,” laughs Tiana. “She’s not a natural dressage horse and we’ve worked so hard. The team that has helped me has been just vast and relentless and unbelievable. And even like, three minutes before going in the ring she was melting down and I thought, ‘there’s no hope’ but she was so good in there — just so brave and she tried, every single movement.”

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

Irish representative Georgie Goss now sits fourth overnight with Feloupe – a position she shares on the leaderboard with William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht, who matched their 30.6 this afternoon. They missed out on squeaking into the sub-30 brigade after a rushed first halt saw them begin their test with 5s, though they quickly rallied and delivered a smart test.

“I was very happy, I think — apart from my first halt, which was rubbish,” says William, who finished second at Maryland 5* last autumn with the twelve-year-old. “She must have seen something in front of her in the first halt and she just stepped back and so we deserved that mark, but when you’ve got three grumpy judges there and you want to get on an eight, it’s a bad start. [Otherwise], it was a pretty good test, to be honest. Everyone said [the judges are] stingy, and they certainly were stingy to me. So let’s hope they stay in a bad mood tomorrow!”

As long as the consistency in the stiff marking remains the same, though, William is cheerily pragmatic about where improvements could have been made in his test.

“She did have a little bit of tension in the rein back, and I think she trotted a stride in the canter so there were little expensive imperfections,” he says. “When she had a good mark, she got a seven, and you just want to get [the judges] off 6.5, which is their favourite mark. And that’s kind of where they sat through my test. I wasn’t looking at the scoreboard all the time, but I was having the odd glance, and I thought ‘hmm, okay, try a bit harder!’ She presents well, and has a great outline – her half-passes should have got a nine, but they didn’t. Luckily I’m not a judge!”

There have been murmurings – from William himself, who was quoted at the Conceal Eventing Grand-Prix Showcase at Bruce’s Field saying just that – that this Badminton would be his last. But when the topic comes up today, he retains an air of some mystery around the matter of his retirement from the top of the sport.

“It should be, for all intents and purposes, but you know, who knows?” says William. “I’m never going to say never but I think it should be. This weekend shouldn’t sway me one way or the other – I’m quite clear. It would be easy to fall off and give up, wouldn’t it? But it would be tougher to give up on a good one, but that’s kind of what I would like. I’d like to jump the jumps and then think, ‘thank God I haven’t got to do that again.'”

Cosby Green and Copper Beach. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

5* debutant Max Warburton now sits in sixth place, followed by Switzerland’s Felix Vogg in seventh and the week’s pathfinders, Tom Jackson and Farndon, in eighth on a score of 33. Just below that, though, is another new addition to our top ten: Cosby Green and the former Buck Davidson ride Copper Beach, who put a 33.7 on the board to take overnight ninth place ahead of David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed.

“I’m really pleased — I felt it was a clear round, with no massive mistakes, so I really can’t ask for much more than that,” says Cosby, who’s basing with Tim and Jonelle Price for the second year.

“I’m back for year two — I wasn’t expecting that a year ago, but I just loved it too much!” she laughs. “I’ve been following them around [this week] and just trying to get their confidence.”

It’s no surprise, really, that Cosby has found her niche with the Prices – after all, it was where the Lexington, Kentucky native always wanted to be.

“It’s always been a dream of mine since I was a little, little kid,” she says. “And then I’d just graduated from uni; it was about a month before I graduated and I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I decided to make a sacrifice and bite the bullet and come over and do it, because I want to be the best in the world. And I did quite literally go to the best in the world! I’ve idolised specifically Jonelle since I was a little girl, so I just went out on a whim and sent her an email, had no connections or anything, just told her I was looking for somewhere to go and they’d happen to have moved to Chedington, and so there was space for me to come. It was just pretty much just like a fairy tale. I had didn’t know a soul over here, and they just took me in with open arms.”

Last year, Cosby was able to attend Badminton on foot and get a feel for the event, and how it functions from a rider’s perspective – something she says has been enormously helpful for her debut this year.

“I’m so glad I did that, because otherwise I would have been in shock yesterday just seeing the people at the trot up,” she says. “I was really nervous just for the number of people. So I’m glad I have a little bit more expectation of especially what to expect on Saturday with the crowds.”

This is Cosby’s second five-star start; she made her debut with eighteen-year-old Copper Beach last season at Pau, finishing sixteenth. But the chestnut gelding also brings plenty of his own top-level experience to the table – he’s successfully completed several runs at Kentucky, as well as one at Pau, with Buck aboard.

“He’s such a saint to be able to teach me as well. Every day he amazes me that he was able to have the career he did with Buck, and then he just keeps showing up for me. It was a bit tricky at first to kind of understand what he was used to and me and trying to learn to ride a bit like Buck, and now we’ve just kind of created our own unique partnership — now, we can read each other’s minds. So it was tricky, but we’re best friends now.”

Though Cosby’s been able to head home in the off-season to ride and work and catch up with her nearest and dearest while her horses here had a holiday, it’s still a major leap to relocate to another country at the age of just 23 – but, she says, “[My family is] so supportive. They were pushing me out the door onto the plane just because they’re so supportive and they want me to be the best as well. They’re just lovely and push me and everything; they’re really happy and want me to stay as long as I can.”

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Canada’s sole representatives this week, Jessie Phoenix and the ex-racehorse Wabbit, didn’t come to England to throw down the gauntlet in the dressage ring, and so Jessie was unruffled by their first-phase score of 40.3, which puts them into 34th at the end of the first day.

“You know what, he showed a lot of composure in that ring. He’s the fittest he’s ever been, and after looking at the cross country course on Saturday I think that’s a good thing for the rest of the week, but it definitely was a lot for him to maintain his composure in there today. I was just looking at the scores from last year, and last year the second place score was a 43, so as long as we can finish on a 40 we’ll be good,” she says with a grin. “It really didn’t feel that electric, but Wabbit has been really thinking about Saturday all week. Yesterday in his ring familiarization he was like, the coolest dude, hanging out grazing, just like he was on a hack, and then today he was thinking about Saturday. Which isn’t a bad thing!”

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit enjoy the atmosphere at their first Badminton. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

It’s not hard to imagine that they might finish somewhere pretty close to that dressage score: last year at Burghley, Jessie and Wabbit added just 10.8 time penalties on cross-country day, plus a rail and 1.2 time penalties on Sunday, to finish 11th, and at Kentucky, they added just 2 time penalties across the country. At Maryland the year prior, they ran clear and inside the time. And while Badminton is a new experience for both horse and rider, that just adds to the fun and the challenge, as far as Jessie’s concerned.

“It’s just second to none,” she says of the event. “It is one of the best events we’ve ever been to in the world. Just from the way they take care of the horses and the riders and the owners, and the way they present everything, it’s just really incredible. [I had an entry for Kentucky, too, but] plan A was always to come here. We were just kind of touching base with the weather moving forward, because it’s a big venture to put a horse on a plane and come over if the footing is going to be too wet to run, but honestly, I’m so thankful that we made the trip here. The footing looks like it’s going to dry out, and I think it’s definitely a competition that will be good for Wabbit. I think he has the ability to really move up on Saturday with a fast, clear round.”

Tomorrow takes us into a packed second day of dressage, starting at 9.00 a.m. BST/4.00 a.m. EST with Louise Harwood and Native Spirit. Highlights on the roster include 2022 Pau winners Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera, who can be excellent or explosive in the ring, so will be an exciting watch any which way; last year’s Pau champions and Blenheim winners Ros Canter and Izilot DHI; US representatives Grace Taylor and Game Changer, who went sub-30 at Burghley last year; our final US pair Allie Knowles and her fan favourite, Morswood; double Grantham Cup winners Emily King and Valmy Biats; Tim Price and Vitali, who set the Burghley record of 18.7 last year; Bicton pop-up CCI5* winners Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight; and Bramham winners Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick. Ahh, but wait, there’s more: consider Tom Jackson and 2022 Burghley runner-up Capels Hollow Drift, or Caroline Powell and the excellent Greenacres Special Cavalier, or… actually, maybe it’s best if you just consult tomorrow’s line-up yourself, and plan to tune in for the whole thing, because it really is very good.

Once again, we’ll have expert live commentary from Cheg throughout the entire day of competition, and if you want an in-depth round-up of each test today, you can revisit her updates here. We’ll be back very soon with lots more from Badminton – until then, Go Eventing!

The top ten at the end of day one of dressage at the 2024 MARS Badminton Horse Trials.

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

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!

EN’s Ultimate Guide to the 2024 MARS Badminton Horse Trials

By on May 9, 2024 12:30 pm -

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!

The MARS Badminton Horse Trials: Website | Box Office | Entries | Timetable | Course Preview | Live Stream | EN’s Coverage

THE COMPETITION: Welcome to the third CCI5* of the 2024 season, following on from a great week at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event two weeks ago and Australia’s Adelaide the week prior to that. This year’s a special year for Badminton: it’s the 75th anniversary of the event, a fact that’ll be commemorated with a special pop-up museum featuring souvenirs of some of the greatest moments of the past eight decades. You can find it by the main scoreboard. This year, we also welcome a new title sponsor in MARS Equestrian – so expect lots of chocolate for everyone, and also a bright and bold new fence in the arena in the MARS colour way. Oh, and for the more technically-minded among you, our competitors will be riding CCI5* Test B. There’ll be 32 fences on the cross-country course, spanning 43-45 jumping efforts.

WHAT’S AT STAKE: The Badminton title, obviously, but also consider this: a major chance for some riders to prove to their team selectors that they really are all that. Oh, and the prize pot’s gone up this year too, to a juicy £425,000 — making it the biggest prize fund in eventing. There’s no longer a Rolex Grand Slam on the line, though: we start again, following the eleventh-hour withdrawal of two-part leader Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class.

THE OFFICIALS: Sandy Phillips (GBR) will be President of the ground jury, and is joined this week by Jane Hamlin (USA) and Christian Steiner (AUT). Joanna Gillespie (GBR) will take on the role of jumping judge. The course is designed, once again, by Britain’s Eric Winter, advised by Mike Etherington-Smith, and Phillip Kelvin Bywater returns in his role as showjumping course designer. The event’s Technical Delegate is Andrew Temkin (USA), assisted by Stuart Buntine (GBR). Nicky Salmon is chief steward, and course building has once again been undertaken by the Willis Brothers.

THE ENTRIES: We head into Badminton week with a packed field of 71 entries spanning seven nations – Great Britain, New Zealand, Ireland, France, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland are all represented here. Because it’s an Olympic year, there’s a couple of notable absences: 2023 champion Lordships Graffalo won’t line up for Ros Canter, though she does have an entry with last year’s Pau champion, Izilot DHI, and 2022 winner London 52 is staying home for Laura Collett, who instead rides debutant Hester. But don’t rue their absence too much, because it opens the door for a seriously wide-open competition. As mentioned above, Oliver Townend and his five-star champion, warhorse, and perennial Badminton bridesmaid Ballaghmor Class will be fighting to try to win the Rolex Grand Slam, and they present a formidable threat to their opposition: Ballaghmor Class has won Burghley (twice) and Kentucky and has never been out of the top five in his nine five-star starts.

But they’re far from the only contenders for the win. Emily King makes her return to Gloucestershire on super form with her two-time Grantham Cup winner Valmy Biats, with whom she’s owed some horsemanship good karma after pulling up in tough conditions while looking very competitive last year. The world’s most successful five-star rider, William Fox-Pitt, is also on very good form with the smart mare Grafennacht, who had a podium finish at Maryland last year, and, of course, there’s Ros on a five-star winner to think about. Tim Price and Vitali might have been cursed by three fences down in each of their five-star starts so far, but they’ve been hard at work jumping in Spain over the winter, and if we see them begin the week on a sub-20 as they did at Burghley last year, they’ll put themselves in a serious position to try to shake off those demons. We’ve also got a returning five-star winner in Chilli Knight, who took Bicton’s pop-up CCI5* in 2021 with Gemma Stevens and has looked super since returning to the sport. Could this be the year for 2011 Burghley champion Caroline Powell to return to the top of the podium, this time with her excellent Greenacres Special Cavalier? Or could David Doel — second at Burghley last year and extraordinarily consistent at this level – become one of Badminton’s most popular winners with Galileo Nieuwmoed? Or have we failed to name the winner at all in this entire section? It’s a beautiful sort of Badminton, because truly, it could come from anywhere. Expect some great stories to unfold this week.

For the third year running, the BBC won’t be broadcasting Badminton — well, not in its entirety, anyway. You’ll be able to watch all the action, including trot-ups, by subscribing to Badminton TV for a one-off price of £19.99. This gives you access to the livestream, wherever you are in the world, as well as nearly 100 hours of archive footage from prior events, peaks behind the scenes, course previews, and profiles. If you’re in Britain, you’ll need to turn to BBC2 to watch the final competitors show jump live on Monday afternoon from 2.00 p.m.

We also recommend tuning in to Badminton Radio, which is broadcast live from the event all day, every day from 8.30 a.m. Helmed by a team of experts and riders alike, it features live commentary, interviews, insights into the competition, and much more. You can pick up a headset to tune in on site at the event, or tune into 87.7 FM locally or listen online here. Or, if you want to dive into previews, reviews, and reaction shows, head to the Eventing Podcast to get your fix.

Hashtags:

#badmintonhorsetrials, #badmintonbound, #rolexgrandslam

Accounts: Badminton Horse Trials, CrossCountry App, Horse&Hound, FEI Eventing, and Equestrian Team GBR. Don’t forget to follow EN, too – we’ll be bringing you all the insanity in the middle you could possibly need! (And if you’d like to see the real behind-the-scenes life of an EN journo on tour, you certainly can. #shamelessplug) Want to know the juiciest stats throughout the competition? Make sure you follow EquiRatings.

Tuesday, 7 May:

  • 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. (4.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. EST): Voltaire Design Grassroots Championship Dressage – The Slaits

Wednesday, 8 May:

  • 8.30 a.m – 4.00 p.m. (approx.) (3.30 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. EST): Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Class – The Slaits
  • 9.00 a.m – 4.30 p.m. (4.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. EST: Voltaire Design Grassroots Championship Dressage, Showjumping, and Cross Country
  • 4.30 p.m. (11.30 a.m. EST): First horse inspection – North front Badminton House

Thursday, 9 May:

  • 9.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. (4.30 a.m. – 7.30 a.m. EST): Morning dressage session
  • 12.30 p.m. (approx.) (7.30 a.m. EST): Dressage demo
  • 1.30 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. (8.30 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. EST): Afternoon dressage session

Friday, 10 May:

  • 9.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. (4.30 a.m. – 7.30 a.m. EST): Morning dressage session
  • 12.30 p.m. (approx.) (7.30 a.m. EST): Dressage demo
  • 1.30 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. (8.30 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. EST): Afternoon dressage session
  • Following dressage: Stallion display

Saturday, 11 May:

  • 10.00 a.m. (5.00 a.m. EST): Past winners’ parade and photo call – main arena
  • 10.30 a.m. (5.30 a.m. EST): Shetland Pony Grand National
  • 11.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. (6.30 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. EST): Cross-country

Sunday, 12 May: 

  • 8.30 a.m. (3.30 a.m. EST): Final horse inspection – North front Badminton House
  • 11.30 a.m. (6.30 a.m. EST): First showjumping session
  • 2.30 p.m. (9.30 a.m. EST): Parade of athletes
  • From 2.55 p.m. (9.55 a.m. EST): Final 20 to jump
  • 4.15 p.m. (11.15 a.m. EST): Prizegiving

FORM GUIDE
Check out and bookmark EN’s exclusive Form Guide detailing the stories and stats of each horse and rider in this year’s field.

Meet the Horses and Riders of the 2024 Badminton Field

BADMINTON WEEK STORIES AND REPORTS

SUNDAY

“I Never Thought It Was a Possibility”: Caroline Powell Wins MARS Badminton 2024

It All Comes Down to This – Let the Clenching Commence! – Live Blog from the Finale of MARS Badminton Horse Trials

One Horse Spun and Three Withdrawals at MARS Badminton Final Horse Inspection

SATURDAY

An Emboldening Day for the Sport: Tim Price Takes the Lead on Vintage Badminton Cross-Country Day

It’s Satur-yay! Butts On Seats and Buckle Up – Live Blog from Cross Country Day at MARS Badminton Horse Trials

FRIDAY

A 5* With a 4*-S in the Middle – Riders React to Cross Country at MARS Badminton Horse Trials

Friday Afternoon: Ros Retains Lead Amid Bum-Cam Reign of Terror

Reigning Champ Ros Canter Takes Friday Morning Badminton Lead

The 2024 MARS Badminton Field: At A Glance

Diamonds on the Soles of their Shoes – Live Blog from Dressage Day Two at MARS Badminton Horse Trials

THURSDAY

Video Break: Badminton Goals and Memories with Laura Collett

Thursday Afternoon at Badminton: Tiana Coudray is Best of the Bunch; Bubby Retains Lead Overnight

“Being Here is a Dream Come True”: Comeback Queen Bubby Upton Takes Thursday Morning Lead at Badminton

Shine Bright Between the White Boards – Live Blog from Dressage Day One at MARS Badminton Horse Trials

WEDNESDAY

Movers, Shakers, and Heart Horses: Team EN Makes Their Picks for Badminton

One Hold and an Eleventh-Hour Withdrawal, But All Accepted at MARS Badminton First Horse Inspection

Continental Influence, A Relocated Finish, and a Soggy Spring: Walk the 2024 Badminton Course with Eric Winter

PRE-EVENT COVERAGE: 
Back to Badminton: Bubby Upton Defies the Odds, Again

Rolex Grand Slam Contender Oliver Townend Withdraws from Badminton

Drawn Order for MARS Badminton Horse Trials: Tom Jackson to Lead Off

Top Contender Among Latest Badminton Withdrawals

MARS Badminton Entries Revealed: 87 Pairs Accepted for 2024 Event

A Happy Anniversary Indeed: Badminton Prize Money Increased to £425,000 for 2024

Badminton Box Office Opens for 2024 Priority Tickets

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] [Form Guide] [Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage]

Form Guide: Meet the Horses and Riders in the 2024 MARS Badminton Field

By on May 9, 2024 10:44 am -

We are right in the thick of 5* season and couldn’t be more excited to get the Badminton party started. We’ve been working on our Form Guide for the past few weeks and now are pleased to present your guide to the field! Find out the back story on your favorite pair, what their general performance stats are like, and much more. You can use the list below to jump straight to your preferred combination, or you can also follow along with the guide in drawn order of running as you watch this weekend.

Want even more facts and figures about the field? Don’t miss EquiRating’s guide to the competitors and horses — and the stats on the line — here.

Speaking of, you can watch live online all week long thanks to Badminton TV’s streaming service, which you can subscribe to for just about $25 here.

Riders! We need a bit of help. We didn’t quite manage to collect all the grooms’ information for this Form Guide, so we would love if you’d fill out this form to help us out. We’ll update this Form Guide as we obtain groom names — we don’t want to leave their very important role unmentioned!

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 | Box Office | Entries | Timetable | Course Preview | Live Stream | Ultimate Guide | EN’s Coverage

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Want to jump straight to your favorite horse and rider? Click the links below to jump to their section (the combinations are listed below in alphabetical order by country and last name; entries categorized by draw order):

Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB (AUS)
William Levett and Huberthus AC (AUS)

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit (CAN)

Luc Château and Viens du Mont (FRA)
Arthur Duffort and Toronto d’Aurois (FRA)
Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour (FRA)
Gaspard Maksud and Kan-Do 2 (FRA)
Arthur Marx and Church’Ile (FRA)

Georgia Bartlett and Spano de Nazca (GBR)
Helen Bates and Carpe Diem (GBR)
Rosie Bradley-Hole and Romantic (GBR)
Alexander Bragg and Quindiva (GBR)
Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI (GBR)
Alice Casburn and Topspin (GBR)
Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl (GBR)
Laura Collett and Hester (GBR)
Felicity Collins and RSH Contend OR (GBR)
Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory (GBR)
David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed (GBR)
William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht (GBR)
Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope (GBR)
Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick (GBR)
Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google (GBR)
Louise Harwood and Native Spirit (GBR)
Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy (GBR)
Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift (GBR)
Tom Jackson and Farndon (GBR)
Richard Jones and Alfies Clover (GBR)
Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR)
Gubby Leech and Royal Harvest (GBR)
Helen Martin and Andreas (GBR)
Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser (GBR) Withdrawn before Horse Inspection
Harry Meade and Away Cruising (GBR)
Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal (GBR)
Harry Meade and Red Kite (GBR)
Selina Milnes and Gelmer (GBR)
Harry Mutch and HD Bronze (GBR)
Wills Oakden and A Class Cooley (GBR)
Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance (GBR)
Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy (GBR)
Holly Richardson and Bally Louis (GBR)
Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do (GBR)
Tom Rowland and Dreamliner (GBR)
Tom Rowland and KND Steel Pulse (GBR)
Libby Seed and Heartbreaker Star Quality (GBR)
Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight (GBR)
Emma Thomas and Icarus (GBR)
Zara Tindall and Class Affair (GBR)
Bubby Upton and Cola III (GBR)
Max Warburton and Monbeg Exclusive (GBR)
Francis Whittington and DHI Purple Rain (GBR)
India Wishart and Diamond Sundance (GBR)

Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro (IRL)
Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson (IRL)
Georgie Goss and Feloupe (IRL)
Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint (IRL)
Sam Watson and SAP Talisman (IRL)

Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte (NZL)
Lauren Innes and Global Fision M (NZL)
Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo (NZL)
Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier (NZL)
Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera (NZL)
Tim Price and Vitali (NZL)

Felix Vogg and Cartania (SUI)

Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl (USA)
Cosby Green and Copper Beach (USA)
Alexandra Knowles and Morswood (USA)
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF (USA)
Meghan O’Donaghue and Palm Crescent (USA)
Grace Taylor and Game Changer (USA)

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1: Tom Jackson and Farndon (GBR)

Badminton will be the third 5* event Tom Jackson and Farndon will contest together. Previously completing Luhmühlen, where they finished in 6th on their dressage score, and at Pau, where they finished 20th after a frangible pin, this duo will be out to solidify their competitiveness at the level. Since starting their FEI partnership together in 2021 at the 4* level, we’ve seen their dressage scores hover around the mid 30s, although they have been known to score down into the mid 20s, which they did when they won the 4*S at Little Downham in September. Outside of a period of what seems to be bad luck, where they picked up a 20 on cross country at three back to back events in 2022, their cross country record is otherwise quite clear.

Tom and Farndon will be an interesting duo to watch! Will they pull out an uber-competitive dressage score, as we’ve seen them do before? If so, these two could potentially see another top ten 5* finish.

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2: Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo (NZL)

Double-Olympian Caroline is one of several riders bringing multiple horses to Badminton, and this will be a 5* debut for the second of her two rides, CBI Aldo. Bought from the Monart Sale in Ireland back in 2018, 9 year old ‘Aldo’ was 8th in the 6 year old Young Horse Championships at Le Lions d’Angers back in 2021, and has maintained similarly impressive form in the years since. With a first phase score that averages towards the lower end of the thirties, and a pretty impressive cross country record to go with it, this could be one of the most impressive debutants this year.

Although not guaranteed to go clear on the final day, he has shown himself capable of leaving them all standing: in his three outings thus far this season, he has managed 2 double clears, and only faulted three times in the show jumping last year. Top 25 in both the CCI4*S at Bramham and the CCI4*L at Blenheim Palace last year, he has proved himself more than capable of tackling a 5*, and with Caroline – who won Burghley back in 2010 with the legendary Lenamore – as his pilot, there is nothing to stop him landing in the top 25 on the final day here, too. Certainly one to watch for the future, and perhaps one for Caroline to aim at LA 2028…?

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4: Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal (GBR)

Harry’s making history with three rides at Badminton this year, with those riders lucky enough to have a trio of top-level horses in their string not having to make the difficult decision of who has to stay at home, as has been the case previously when entries were limited to two. He goes out first with Cavalier Crystal, who made her CCI5* debut in fine form last year at Burghley with a third place finish, adding just 5.2 cross country time penalties to her dressage score of 32.2, a superb spring board for another excellent result at the top level as she embarks upon her first Badminton. She’s a dependable finisher having completed in all 21 of her FEI runs, and her cross country jumping record is impressive to say the least – there’s just one 20 on her card, which came in the Young Event Horse Championships in 2017; EquiRatings have her down as one of the most reliable cross country jumpers in the field. Time penalties are more of a mixed bag — the mare can be quick, but sometimes Harry takes his time with her, opting for educational rounds when that’s what’s best, although as we saw at Burghley, when they’re in it to win it they’re a speedy pair across some of the toughest courses out there.

The final phase is another chance for Cavalier Crystal to show off her careful jumping, leaving the colored poles up far more often than not, although an uncharacteristic 4 penalties in their last run at Thoresby broke her streak of clear rounds that had been running since 2021. Hopefully that was just a season-opener blip and she’ll be right back on form and channeling her Burghley success as she takes on Badminton.

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5: Tom Rowland and Dreamliner (GBR)

It really feels like it’s all about to happen for Tom, who diligently put in the work and got himself plenty of mileage at the five-star level before getting the ride on the Chamberlayne family’s Dreamliner, who was previously piloted by Oliver Townend, Padraig McCarthy, Jonty Evans, and Emily Young-Jamieson. The horse has always been a talent, but perhaps one that had gone under the radar, and much the same can be said of Tom. The two together, though, have clicked in a way that suggest they’re both about to reach new heights and that, maybe, all roads led to them coming together.

That might be quite a sentimental way of looking at it, but don’t take our word for it – you’ll be able to see the fun they have together, and the pride they take in their job, for yourself across the phases. We’ll be looking for a first-phase mark of 32 or thereabouts, but really, all focus will be on Saturday and their biggest challenge as a partnership yet. We’d expect a handful of time penalties to go with their clear (the gelding went clear inside the time in his sole five-star at Luhmühlen with Oliver, although that’s a different type of track), although a debut five-star as a team can sometimes throw some curveballs as horse and rider really get to know one another at a truly nuanced level.

On Sunday, we’re placing out bets on a clear round – they’ve been putting a lot of work in on this phase and it’s paying off. They’ve had four consecutive FEI clears. In any case, tune in to watch a pair at a turning point, and to back the very committed family who bred and own this horse, too.

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6: Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance (GBR)

Though Arklow Puissance’s five-star debut here last year didn’t quite go to plan, with an elimination for a rider fall on cross-country, the former Oliver Townend ride returned to the top level at Burghley in September and proved exactly what he’s made of, taking eighth place after a quick and decisive cross-country round.

That’s the phase in which he really excels, and because the first phase still tends towards the upper-30s, and sometimes the low-40s, he really needs a tough cross-country challenge to allow for some serious climbing room. That suits Wills, too – the Scottish-based rider has trained with the likes of Ian Stark and Andrew Nicholson, and it’s easy to see their influence in his measured, bold, relaxed way of throwing down remarkable cross-country rounds.

We might not see another top ten finish for this horse this week, simply because he might not be able to climb as much as he did at Burghley if he starts in the high 30s, but top twenty seems inevitable and a super cross-country round almost guaranteed. Tune in to both of Wills’ rides for a bit of a masterclass in how to do it.

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7: Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF (USA)

Tsetserleg certainly needs little introduction to the everyday eventing fan: he’s been partnered with Boyd Martin since the 2016 season, and together this pair has traveled the world. Most notably, Boyd and “Thomas” won individual and team gold at the 2019 Pan American Games, traveled to Tokyo for the postponed 2020 Olympics, earned team silver at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Italy, and have finished as well as fourth place at this level (Kentucky – 2022).

Boyd teetered on the fence of taking Thomas to Kentucky versus Badminton, and with the extra “bye week” in between the two events could well send either Thomas or stablemate On Cue on a plane to England if he happens to encounter early trouble this weekend. At 17, Thomas is well-versed in the task at hand and is another horse that stands to compete for the top of the podium in Kentucky.

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8: Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope (GBR)

Dear Hope is such a stalwart campaigner at the big ones – so much so, in fact, that his last five consecutive FEI runs are all at the CCI5* level. He’s seventeen now and knows his job so well that he doesn’t need lots of CCI4*-S runs to get him ready to pop round a major; he can prep with a national run or two and then come out swinging.

We last saw him at Burghley, where he finished sixth, and at Badminton last year, he was tenth. The year before, he did the Kentucky and Burghley double, finishing 14th and 16th, respectively, and the year before that, he sailed around the pop-up Bicton five-star (wasn’t the pandemic a weird time?) for sixth place. He’s also jumped clear around Badminton in 2019 and Burghley in 2018, giving him an absolutely spotless record at five-star. What a boy!

He’s a funny sort on the flat; sometimes, he really comes out and gets it, and pops an easy sub-30 on the board, and sometimes, he’s just a touch awkward and can go mid-30s. The high-20s are definitely more frequent though, as Pippa knows him like the back of her hand these days, and rides him in a hugely sympathetic way in this phase. He’s prone to a rail or two on Sunday, and he wouldn’t necessarily be the fastest cross-country horse in the world, but he’s such a solid citizen that another top ten is absolutely doable for him. He’s just fun, you know? And we love to see Pippa having a jolly time with a horse she loves.

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11: Max Warburton and Monbeg Exclusive (GBR)

Rookie alert! Badminton will be Max Warburton and Monbeg Exclusive’s first crack at th 5* level. Max and Monbeg Exclusive had a hit or miss 2023 season, ranging in placings from 5th to 38th. At just 25 years old, Max has an impressive FEI record with more than 30 4* attempts under his belt. Max was part of the Young Rider Programme with the Wesko Equestrian Foundation, which aims to support young eventers as they transition from amateurs to professionals, but now runs his own yard.

At 13 years old, Monbeg Exclusive, barn name “Exclusive,” is really stepping into his prime. Capable of dressage scores in the high 20s, Exclusive is more likely to earn scores in the low-30s for the first phase of competition. The bay Irish Sport Horse tends to be bold on the cross country course with only one obstacle fault on his record with Max in the saddle, but he does tend to cross the finish line with some time faults. As long as Max puts the pedal to the metal and keeps the rails up in show jumping, this pair could have a very successful first 5* event.

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12: Sam Watson and SAP Talisman (IRL)

It’s been nine years since Irishman Sam last competed at Badminton, and last year, he returned to Burghley after a break of eleven years – which feels somehow totally incorrect, because we’re so used to having him around all the time that it really does feel like he’s been on the roster every year. That’s partly because he’s a steadfast member of the Irish team, and has competed at the 2022, 2018, 2014, and 2010 World Championships, the Tokyo Olympics, and six senior European Championships, but it’s also because, as co-founder of EquiRatings, we’re used to seeing him in a shirt and tie at whatever majors he’s not competing in, and we hear his voice all the time, too, on the Eventing Podcast. And so, actually, the return feels inevitable now that he’s got a real ‘Big B’ horse in his yard again in blood-type – and perennial galloper – SAP Talisman.

Talisman finished thirteenth at Burghley last year after adding just 0.4 time penalties – a solitary second – across the country, which shows you how good and quick he is in this phase. Blink and you’ll miss them, but try not to, because they’re such a fun showcase of ‘old school’ cross-country. This is a horse who’s been produced to have a fifth leg, and Sam trusts him to make the calls when things don’t quite go to plan, with super results. That makes him an excellent climber – necessary, because he’s still a high-30s sort of horse and the final phase tends to be tricky, too. He had four down at Burghley, but was clear in last week’s CCI4*-S at Ballindenisk, so we suspect that Sam has been a busy boy over the winter. This might not be your winner but it could be your Glentrool Trophy pair, and there’s a very good chance they’ll be the fastest, most decisive round of the day on Saturday. And that’s what we’re all here for, right?

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13: Felix Vogg and Cartania (SUI)

Swiss Olympian Felix returns to Badminton for a second consecutive year with Cartania, who made her five-star debut here last year and finished a very respectable fifteenth place – proving that she’s tough, gritty, and able to cope with difficult conditions.
Those conditions, we hope, will be rather improved this year, despite a tricky spring and going that’s probably not fast or firm, and so it’ll be great fun to see how she’s developed from her experience.

Felix, who’s trained extensively with Michael Jung, has been a mainstay of the Swiss team for many years, and is a five-star victor in his own right, having won Luhmühlen in 2022 with Colero – the first Swiss five-star winner since 1951, and on his 31st birthday, too. All that to say that he’s excellent under pressure, which he proved last year: Cartania’s final FEI prep run at Oudskarpel CCI4*-S saw the pair technically eliminated, but they still powered on to put in that super performance here. After that, they went to Strzegom CCI3*-S in September, but retired on course.

This season, they’ve been seventh in Montelibretti’s Nations Cup CCIO4*-S and jumped a steady clear around Strzegom’s CCI4*-S, so they come in on jollier form. They should start in the low-30s, and while Cartania’s not the fastest horse in the field, she’s a stayer, so keep an eye on them on Saturday. On Sunday, they’re prone to a rail, and had three at Badminton last year – but that was likely influenced by Saturday’s extraordinary exertions. They could fight for a top ten placing, if all goes well for them.

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14: India Wishart and Diamond Sundance (GBR)

British up-and-comer and Wesko Foundation beneficiary India and eighteen-year-old Diamond Sundance alike make their Badminton debut this week, though it’s not a first five-star for the pair – they finished 27th at Pau last year, and the gelding also tackled the French five-star in 2020 with owner Rosa Onslow, finishing 30th.

This is a huge milestone for India, who’s previously worked for Padraig and Lucy McCarthy and is now based with Pippa Funnell at The Billy Stud. She’s been working hard to make her mark on Senior competition after a successful young rider career, which saw her finish the best of the Brits at the 2016 Young Rider Europeans with former ride The Masters Harry, and she was a prolific Student Rider, too, competing at the World Finals while completing her Geography degree at Birmingham.

A mid-30s starting point is a reasonable enough aim for this pair, who managed just that at Pau and have also delivered scores either side of that at four-star. Really, though, this is all about Saturday and the valuable experience it’ll provide to India as she develops her career. This pair hasn’t had a single international cross-country jumping penalty since teaming up in mid-2022 – that’s ten consecutive FEI clears. While they didn’t run cross country at their intended prep at Thoresby, which means they’ve not run an FEI event since Pau last year, they do have good, steady runs at Tweseldown OI and Burnham Market Advanced under their belt this spring to set them up.

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15: Zara Tindall and Class Affair (GBR)

While this will be Zara Tindall and Class Affair’s sixth 5* event, it will be their first time at Badminton as a duo. We can see anticipate an impressive dressage, with the pair typically scoring in the high 20s or low 30s, and only occasionally have a rail on the last day, some inconsistencies cross country has resulted in early retirements at the Burghley 5* in 2022 and 2023, as well as an elimination at Burghley in 2019. However, we’ve seen this pair finish in 15th at Kentucky 5* in 2023 after a clear cross country, and they have an impressive 4* record, with three top ten results in 2023, including a 3rd place finish in the 4* at Bramham.

As they turn to their Badminton debut as a partnership, they’ll be looking to carry another clear cross country round into the 5* level, which could leave them competitive towards the top of the field!

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16: Bubby Upton and Cola III (GBR)

It is hard to believe that at 25, Bubby already has six 5* starts already under her belt. Oh, and a degree, a cupboard full of Pony, Junior and Young Rider silverware and a couple of U-25 National Championships titles to boot. Not to mention that in August last year, she didn’t know if she would ever walk again – let alone ride, after a freak accident on a young horse at home. Yet here she is, lining up for her third Badminton, with Cola III, a horse only intended to take her through Young Riders. Continually defying the odds, the pair were 12th at their first 5* back in 2021 at Pau, and although a surprise run out at their first Badminton in 2022 left them way down the leaderboard, they redeemed themselves in fine style last year, finishing up in 8th place. They were also 14th at Burghley in 2022, and may well have bettered that result in 2023, had it not been for Bubby’s fall.

Their cross country record is somewhat exemplary: prior to that annoying blip at Badminton, their last cross country jumping faults were waaaaay back in 2018, and Cola is increasingly reliable in the first phase, too: they were 2nd in the CCI4*-S in Kronenberg this spring, adding nothing to a dressage score of 25.8. There is every chance that these two could finish in the top 10 once again, and there will barely be a dry eye in the house if that is so, after all that Bubby has been through.

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18: Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do (GBR)

At first, the international record of Kylie and ‘Gorgeous George’ might look like a bit of a mixed bag, but actually, this pair are at their very best at the five-star level: they’ve been eleventh and fifth at Pau, and sixth at Luhmühlen. Their other five-star start was their sole prior crack at Badminton back in 2022, when they cracked the 30-barrier on the flat and then looked exceptional across the country until the gelding lost both front shoes and Kylie opted to pull him up at the tough Vicarage ditch line rather than risking an injury, a run-out, or a loss of confidence.

Sometimes, things are just a bit unlucky, and that was one of them – but if George’s run around Eric Winter’s track to that point is anything to go by (which, obviously, it is), then the pair are well up for putting on a jolly good show this week.
They’ve gone sub-30 in two of their four five-star tests so far, but even if they don’t, we shouldn’t see them go higher than a 32 – their 36.4 at Thoresby in March, after which they withdrew from the competition, feels like a dismissible outlier.

If you’re trying to get a non-horsey parent, partner, or friend to take an interest in what you’re obsessively following this week, SRS Kan Do’s ownership is always good for getting people to pay attention for a moment: he’s owned by the actor Michael C Fox and his family, and Michael himself evented him to BE100 before his career took root and he was unceremoniously banished from participating in any unnecessary high-risk activities. You can catch the fruits of that trade off in Downton Abbey, in which Michael plays footman Andy, and you can also give Michael’s music a listen wherever you get your tunes – he’s in an Americana-inspired two-piece called Michael & Michelle with fellow Downton actor Michelle Dockery (or Lady Mary, for the fans).

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19: Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB (AUS)

‘Loopy Louis’, as he’s fondly known at home, makes his fourth five-star start at Badminton, having finished eleventh on his debut at the level at the pop-up Bicton fixture in 2021, 25th with a quick clear at Badminton in 2022, and starting, but not finishing due to a horse fall, Burghley later that year.

British-based Aussie Sammi sat most of the 2023 season out as she was pregnant with daughter Milly, and in her absence, New Zealand’s James Avery took the reins with Louis – a transition that was no doubt helped by the fact that his fiancé, Holly Woodhead, used to pilot the gelding herself. When Sammi returned to the saddle in time for the CCI4*-L at Blenheim at the tail end of last season, it was evident that she was returning absolutely full of zeal for the sport she loves. She and Louis took eighth place, finishing on their dressage score of 34.4 – one of the gelding’s best ever scores, as he often finds the first phase a touch overwhelming.

While they won’t necessarily be vying for a win here, a repeat of the razor-sharp focus of that Blenheim performance would make them strong contenders for a top-twenty finish. Either way, they’re a fun pair to cheer on, particularly inspiration Sammi, who battled through a breast cancer diagnosis, and subsequent chemotherapy and major surgery, in 2018 and never once let the bad hand she’d been dealt take away her warmth and joy in what she does.

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20: Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory (GBR)

They say there’s no such thing as bad publicity, and in a roundabout sort of way, poor Tom learned that at Badminton last year. In the midst of a gruelling day of cross-country with tough conditions that saw lots of horses tiring and pulled up on course, it was a balm for the soul to watch Tom and his tiny homebred, Lori, skipping around the course and skimming over the top of that tricky ground. It was almost as though the further the little mare went, the easier she found it, and by the time she got to the Lake, which was practically on the home stretch, everyone in the crowds was willing the pair to try to catch that monstrously difficult optimum time. But then – horror of horrors – after a big, bold jump into the drink, Lori just about went into orbit over the huge corner in the water and Tom, who was suffering from a hernia that he hadn’t got round to having surgery on just yet – couldn’t quite use his core strength in the way he ordinarily can. Off he popped, and there the dream ended – but rather than feeling sorry for himself, he decided to make everyone’s ticket purchase worth it, and, face down in the mud, started a comedy swimming impression as his feisty little mare grinned at her fans and cantered happily around the edge of the lake.

This year, we hope, he’ll stay on, and his newfound squillions of fans will be hoping for much the same. There’s so much to cheer for here, beyond that brilliant, silly sense of humour – Tom’s a bit of a cool character, as is his entire family, who all chip in at events. He’s a firefighter in his free time, and built his family home by hand by himself; his wife, Sophie, evented Lori’s dam to Advanced and started the little mare’s career; his in-laws own the mare, who’s named Liberty and Glory because she was born on the fourth of July; his kids are called Harry, Hermione, and Voldemort (just kidding, it’s Hugo, and he hated that joke when I said it to him when he was about eight so I’m sure he won’t be thrilled about it now, either); and, of course, that gutsy, gritty, generally slightly rage-y little mare is just about the coolest thing on legs and jumps for fun. Don’t worry too much about watching their dressage test; tune in for the next two phases and have the time of your life cheering them along as they climb to the top ten, as they have at Burghley and Pau.

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21: David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed (GBR)

We’ll just float this idea gently here now, but hear us out: we reckon, or at least I, Tilly Berendt, writer of this specific entry in this form guide, I reckon, wholeheartedly, that this might be David’s year. Lord knows he and Galileo Nieuwmoed have the form: they’ve been sixth here in 2022, fourth at Pau the same year, eighth at Kentucky last spring, and second – oh man, and what a close second, by less than a penalty – at Burghley in September. Olympic year Badmintons are strange and nebulous and wonderful things where people and horses become superstars because the horses that do 21s in the first phase are generally waiting for the summer to shine, and while David and Galileo have proven that they are absolutely, totally capable of making it happen in any company, this little factor can only help.

They’ll start the week on a low-to-mid-30s score, although at Pau in 2021, they did break the 30 barrier. But no matter – come cross-country day, they’ll make up some serious ground on the leaderboard, because if you were to crunch the numbers, you might just find that they’re one of, if not THE, most reliable and quick cross-country partnerships in the line-up. In 28 FEI runs together, they’ve only ever had one round marred by a cross-country jumping penalty – and cumulatively, they’ve racked up just 35.6 time penalties across their entire career. To put that in terms that might knock your socks off: they’ve been clear inside the time 18 out of 28 times, and 8.8 time penalties is the most they’ve ever added in a run. And that 8.8 is a serious, serious outlier.

Their final day performance will be the one moment we all bite our nails a bit. To be totally fair to them, they’ve put in some serious work and it’s showing – they’ve had six FEI clears in a row and look great in this phase. But in 2022, they led Pau after cross-country and lost the win when tipping the final rail. We don’t see David letting that happen again – and if he can pull off the win he deserves, he’ll likely be one of the most popular winners ever. He’s probably the nicest man in eventing, he balances his riding with helping with the family ice cream business in rural Wiltshire, and he calls his horse Nobby at home, because “he’s such a nob!” But really, they’re the best of pals, even if Nobby likes to chew people recreationally and even if, as lore goes, David originally turned down the ride because he didn’t fancy him as a top horse.

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22: Georgie Goss and Feloupe (IRL)

Welcome back, Georgie: the last time we saw her at Badminton, it was pre-pandemic, and she had a different surname (Spence) and a different nationality (British). Now, she’s a married mama with an adopted flag and an exciting five-star debutant in Feloupe.

Feloupe, who was produced to three-star and the Seven-Year-Old World Championships in 2019 by Australia’s Ben Leahy, has been a quiet talent with some undeniable results as she’s climbed into the top levels. She’s a naturally efficient mare, and smart on the flat, too, often slipping down into the high-20s at four-star. Showjumping remains a work in progress – she’s not jumped a clear in an FEI competition since mid-2022, and generally averages two rails – and, as with any debutant, there’s a question mark over whether she’ll pin down the clear across the country. But to her credit, she’s not had a 20 since 2022, when she stepped up to CCI4*-L at Bramham, and this year, she’s looking seriously game and focused. A fun horse to follow as she prepares to make her long-awaited step into the spotlight – and it’s always fun to watch Georgie, who first rode here at 19 and at 20, piloted two horses around inside the time.

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24: Meghan O’Donaghue and Palm Crescent (USA)

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent’s 2024 season is off to a great start, with a long awaited and well-deserved podium finish at the Carolina International CCI4*-S at the Carolina Horse Park in March. Meghan and “Palmer,” owned by the rider and William Duhring, have been together for many years, as she got the ride on the big bay off-the-track Thoroughbred in 2015 when he was just nine years old. Nearly a decade later, this pair is still going strong, although Meghan knows time is not on their side. “You know, he’s 18. And you sit back and you’re like, ‘Man, I wish I had like, five more years. I’m just lucky to be here and have this event with him, and whatever happens is icing on the cake,” she said at Carolina International.

Like many Thoroughbreds, dressage isn’t Palmer’s best phase, but he pulls respectable scores in the low to mid-30s, with the occasional sub-30. However, don’t count out Meghan and Palmer just yet, as they have a good shot at the top ten, as long as they put the pedal to the metal and go for speed on Saturday. Show jumping tends to be Palmer’s best phase. He has the occasional rail or two, but tends to be near bang on the time, showing strength where many rides suffer. Realistically, look for these two in the high end of the middle of the pack, although I hope to see them with a well-deserved top ten finish.

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25: Alice Casburn and Topspin (GBR)

Few riders channel the ineffable spirit of the pony novel heroine quite as convincingly as Alice Casburn, who, at just nineteen years old, made her five-star debut at Pau in 2021, finishing in the top twenty. Now, she’s in her 22nd year, and she’s not slowed down a jot: since that top-level debut, she’s taken a top-twenty place at Badminton in 2022, fifth place at Burghley the same year (with a bronze medal at the Young Rider Europeans in between the two, for good measure!), another top twenty at Badminton last year, despite a very rare 20 penalties, and seventh place at Burghley to round her 2023 season out.

Even better? All of this has come with the excellent Topspin, who still lives at home in the stable he was born in. Alice’s mother, Caroline, competed his grandmother to Advanced, and while he was initially deemed too sharp for petite Alice to take on in her early teens, she eventually convinced mum to let her have a go. And what a shout that was!

This pair’s first phase remains their sole weakness; they’ll start the week with a mid-to-low-30s score, but don’t write them off for that. They’ve previously won the Glentrool Trophy for the biggest climb up the leaderboard at Badminton, because they’re so quick and reliable across the country – and even a very rare 20 in their final prep at Burnham Market doesn’t cast doubt over this. If anything, it’ll serve to have them even more on the ball for the big week to come. And on Sunday? They’ve competed in Puissance classes previously, so you better believe they can jump. In 28 FEI starts, they’ve only knocked a cumulative five rails. That’s 24 clear rounds – although they’ve yet to jump a clear at Badminton.

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26: Rosie Bradley-Hole and Romantic (GBR)

This will be Romantic’s first crack at the 5* level, though Rosie was previously here on True Blue II in 2022. ‘Romy’ and Rosie were 3rd in the CCI4*-L at Blair Castle last August, the fitness test of all fitness tests, so the distance shouldn’t bother them this weekend. Ably assisted by freelance groom Lee Honeysett, Rosie describes the Cevin Z mare as ‘a gorgeous mare with the biggest heart!’

Despite their success at the end of last season, it seemed as though Rosie might actually lose the ride, when Romy’s previous owners decided to sell her. Luckily, Sarah Wild stepped in to save the day, allowing the partnership to continue their successful trajectory through the levels.

Previously campaigned by Izzy Taylor, Rosie took over the reins in 2021 when she was just beginning her 3* career. A tidy show jumper – she rarely taps more than a rail – we can expect to see a dressage mark in the mid to high 30’s, though her jumping ability may well see her climb back up the leader board after cross country. Other than an uncharacteristic 20 at Bramham last June, Romy’s FEI cross country is almost flawless: a fall in the 3* at Blair in 2021 was the last time she faulted before that, and indeed, the first time she had ever faulted cross country to that point in her career. She might add a few time penalties, but a double jumping clear will still see this mare finish her first 5* in fine style.

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27: William Levett and Huberthus AC (AUS)

It’ll be a third five-star start for Huberthus, and 61-year-old jockey Bill will be hoping that the third time really will be the charm: he debuted the gelding at the level here last year, but retired on course in those tough conditions, and then rerouted to Luhmühlen, but was eliminated for accumulated refusals. Their 2023 season closed out with a trip around Hartpury’s CCI4*-S in August, which they completed, albeit with a 20.

That trio of results might not put them among the most fancied in the field, but their 2024 season has been looking much sunnier so far: they started the year in Italy, contesting Montelibretti’s Prosecco Tour and securing a second-place finish in the CCI3*-S before logging a steady clear around the CCI4*-S a couple of weeks later. Then, they joined the masses at Kronenberg in the Netherlands a week after that, finishing with another steady clear.

Hugely experienced Bill, who first rode ‘round Badminton in 2000, won’t be coming here to try to nab a top placing with the twelve-year-old, but he does rate the gelding, and so this will all be a great education for him as he consolidates all he learned in his debut five-star season last year. Expect a mid-to-low 30s dressage and, if he gets there – which we reckon he will this time, even if steadily – a clear on Sunday, too, to put a bit of a climbing effort in at the final stage.

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28: Gaspard Maksud and Kan-Do 2 (FRA)

We’ll admit we were a touch surprised to see Kan-Do 2 line up for his first five-star at Pau last season, just a few weeks after completing his first-ever CCI4*-L and picking up 20 penalties in the process. But gutsy pilot Gaspard, who’s been based in the UK for nearly fifteen years now, got the job done as the last rider on course, working through some pretty green moments and just activating a MIM clip in the process. Kan-Do will have learned a lot from the experience, in which he showed that he’s got no shortage of heart, and now it’ll be fun to see how he’s progressed as he takes on his Badminton debut.

His prep has looked good: he ran in the secondary CCI4*-S at Thoresby, finishing sixth, though the actual numbers of that outing don’t predict a competitive finish at Badminton, necessarily. He put a low-40s score on the board, was quick and clear across the country, and had three rails down showjumping. Still, this run is about experience and education, for both horse and rider – Gaspard, who finished sixth at the 2022 World Championships with Zaragoza, was making his own five-star debut at Pau last year, too, and this will be his first Badminton. Paris is the primary goal for this year with Zaragoza, and all the mileage he can get in the meantime is a fantastic bonus.

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29: Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson (IRL)

What a little hero this diminutive horse was at last year’s FEI European Championships, where the conditions were probably the most draining for horses as we saw at any event throughout the year. All day long, we saw the sport’s greats nursed home, racking up double or quadruple handfuls of time penalties as their riders took their feet off the gas, and when they crossed the finish, they pretty much all looked well out of puff. Except this chap, who was our pathfinder that day, and who merrily skimmed over the top of the gluey mud with his floaty little pony hooves, adding just 2.4 time penalties and climbing a whopping 49 places in doing so.

Sarah herself is a seriously speedy and gutsy cross-country rider – as anyone who ever saw her break the sound barrier with Horseware Stellor Rebound can confirm – with heaps of experience over the world’s biggest tracks. And although Grantstown Jackson picked up a 20 in his five-star debut at Pau last year, Sarah will, no doubt, have used that as a helpful learning moment. Certainly, in his four-star runs at Kronenberg and Ballindenisk this spring, the little gelding has looked back on super form.

Expect a high-30s or even a 40 to start, and a rail on Sunday – but if all goes as expected Saturday, this duo is a great contender for the Glentrool Trophy for the highest climber of the weekend.

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30: Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit (CAN)

After Jennie Brannigan and Mia Farley put in beautiful performances aboard Thoroughbreds at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event, there’s a big upswell of love and enthusiasm for this classic underdog of eventing. Wabbit is one of only two Thoroughbreds being championed at Badminton this year, the other being Meghan O’Donoghue’s Palm Crescent. Jessica Phoenix has campaigned Wabbit for the entirety of his FEI career, working hard to move him up through the levels since 2018.

Badminton marks Wabbit’s fifth attempt at the 5* level, with four completions under his belt. Like most Thoroughbreds, dressage isn’t his strongest phase, with scores usually in the mid to upper 30s, but that being said, Badminton is most definitely not a dressage competition. This rascally (wascawwy?) Wabbit certainly knows how to hunt the fences, with not a single single cross country jumping fault on his FEI record. Show jumping can be a bit hit or miss, although the gray gelding is starting 2024 strong with just one rail in the final phase. If he can pull off a repeat of his 2023 Burghley performance, look for this courageous Thoroughbred to finish the event just outside the top ten.

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32: Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour (FRA)

Florian’s a high-flying amateur – he works as a farrier – and this will be his fifth five-star start with the sweet Blue Bird de Beaufour, who he’s produced throughout his international career. They debuted at Pau in 2021, picking up an 11 for a MIM activation but otherwise jumping clear, but were pulled up on course the following year when the horse began to tire. Last year, they headed to Luhmühlen, where they jumped a slow clear for 26th place, and then, in October, they returned to Pau, where they cracked the top twenty for the first time.
Badminton’s a very different test to Pau, but actually, these two have British form, too: they spent some time in the UK in 2022, training and competing, and while doing so, they jumped clear around Bramham’s CCI4*-L, which is arguably the biggest and toughest course of the level in the world.

Blue Bird isn’t a wildly fast horse at five-star, although in his early efforts at four-star he looked a rather quick type, but he is reliable – he’s never had a 20 or a horse or rider fall at an international. We’ll be looking at a mid-to-high 30s first-phase score and probably three rails down on Sunday, so don’t expect to see a placing here – instead, cheer this pair on for the fun they have together, because that’s what it’s all about, really.

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33: Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy (GBR)

Will Rawlin has had Ballycoog Breaker Boy in the stables since he was a 4 year old, buying him from GHF Equestrian and bringing him over from Ireland. With eight years in partnership, developing all the way to the 5* level, these two have years of experience getting to know one another. So while this might be their first 5* together, they have years of success to set them up well. These two typically deliver quite a nice dressage test, and see scores usually from the upper 20s to lower 30s. Even more impressive, this duo has yet to see a cross country jump penalty on their record. However, a rail on the last day isn’t out of the question.

With a recent win in the 3* at Charlbury in 2023, and a top 20 finish at the Nations Cup in Arville, Will and Ballycoog Breaker Boy seem to be in a good position to impress going into their first 5*.

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34: William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht (GBR)

Long Tall William has been a bit of a tease recently, slyly hinting that this Badminton might be his last, and perhaps a retirement is on the cards. We hope not, because it would be deeply, unspeakably odd not having this lanky legend on the line-up at the big ones, but equally, he’s the most successful five-star rider of all time (he’s won fourteen of the things! One-four!!!) and probably does deserve a bit of a breather after all he’s done for the sport, really. So, with that in mind, cheer him on extra loudly, because there’s a slim chance we might not get to do it here again – unless, of course, sweet Lillie, the first mare he’s ever ridden at Badminton, goes so well that she convinces him to stick around for a few more years yet.

And, let’s be honest, she could very likely do just that. She finished second at Maryland in the autumn, and fourteenth at Badminton in the spring, and in those two career five-star runs, she’s proven that she’s game and gutsy and really tough, despite spending had the 2022 season on the sidelines.

She’s been a mid-20s scorer at five-star, so we’d be betting on a safe top five position after the first phase, and she was third quickest in the field at Maryland last year, so she’s definitely speedier than all those planned steady short-formats on her record would suggest. She’s only had cross-country jumping penalties once in her career, and that was pre-time-off. She should come into Sunday in a very good spot indeed – and then we start praying, because the final phase is a bit of a weak spot for her. She had a rail down at Maryland, and three down at Badminton – though that was after a particularly gruelling cross-country day. If William’s going to retire, though, it would be nice for him to do it on a high – although that high might make him rethink the whole idea.

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35: Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl (USA)

It’s a warm welcome back to Badminton for Tiana Coudray, who last competed here a decade ago with her Olympic partner, Ringwood Magister. This time, her partner is the teeny-weeny, but packed with presence, Cancaras Girl, who made her own five-star debut at Burghley last season, though did not finish.

It might not be the illustrious start the pair had hoped for for the mare’s top-level debut, but hopefully, it’ll have been a foundational one that will see her buoyed to greater success this week. Certainly, the mare is capable: she was ninth in Bramham’s achingly huge and tough CCI4*-L in 2022, and Tiana’s an enormously capable jockey, too. Beyond competing at the 2012 Olympics, the longtime British-based American was previously a three-time USEA Young Rider of the Year, a gold and silver medallist at the 2004 and 2008 NAYRC, and she’s a stellar producer of young horses, too.

‘Nana’, who was a spontaneous Facebook purchase and didn’t even until she was seven, would be just as happy in a rocking chair working on a knitting project (figuratively speaking, of course, because knitting needles are pretty tricky to wield when you have hooves) as she is eating up mammoth tracks. On paper, a few educational days in the office probably don’t have her down as a statistical contender, but actually, if she can throw down a 32 as she did at Burghley and then nail the quick clear she did at Bramham, she’s probably only due one rail on Sunday and could, all in all, deliver a very respectable final placing. Is that a lot of ‘ifs’? Sure! But sometimes, ifs are the little bit of jet propulsion we all need to take off over the biggest fences.

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36: Helen Martin and Andreas (GBR)

Helen’s brought ‘Alfie’ up through the levels from 1* and last year made the teams’ dream come true when they made it to Badminton for their CCI5* debut. Unfortunately, after impressing in the dressage, they had an unlucky fall out on cross country, but they’ve bounced back and are looking forward to giving it another go. Despite his eighteen years, Alfie is relatively low mileage having had breaks in his career due to a series of injuries. But with sound management at home and a supportive co-owner, the patient approach has paid off. Their biggest result came in the 4*-L at Kronenberg in 2022, where they finished on their dressage of 36.7 to take the win. For sure, a clear cross country round is well within this pair’s grasp based on their form, and there’s every chance that Alfie will leave the poles up on the final day.

Going into a competition like Badminton, having a dependable partner like Alfie has got to be a huge confidence boost, and with a whole team of cheerleaders behind them, plus the experience they gained last year, this pair are set up to achieve the 5* finish they’ve been working for. It’s a special event for the team, being based so close that Alfie can smell the cross country turf, and it would be cool to see them complete this time around. One thing’s for sure, he’ll be putting his best foot forward having been shod by Helen’s farrier husband, who’s shoeing seven of the Badminton entries and hoping for a win of his own – the Farriers’ Prize, which he judged last year.

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37: Georgia Bartlett and Spano de Nazca (GBR)

At just 23 years old, Georgia will be one of the youngest riders to leave the start box at Badminton this year, but remarkably, this will be her second time at the event. She and her long term partner ‘Nono’ made their debut here last year, although they came home early after opting to retire on the cross country, despite a promising dressage of 31.2. Still, the experience clearly did not phase them, rounding out their season with an 11th place finish in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim in September.

Georgia, who was part of the silver medal winning team at both the 2018 and 2019 Junior European Championships, has come up through the levels with Nono, and describes him as her ‘best friend.’ 6th in the Open Intermediate at Kelsall Hill in April, they also had a successful skip around the CCI4*-S in Kronenberg earlier this Spring too, lowering just two coloured poles.

Capable of a smart dressage test, with marks usually hovering around the low 30’s, Georgia – who trains with Caroline Moore – will no doubt be hoping to post a similar first phase score to last year. Nono has also proven himself to be a careful showjumper, rarely lowering more than a pole or two, so providing all goes according to plan on the cross country, there is no reason why these two shouldn’t finish their weekend in a very respectable position indeed, and lay to rest the ghosts of last year.

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38: Cosby Green and Copper Beach (USA)

This will be the second time at 5* for Cosby Green, Team USA’s hottest young star. Based with Team Price at Chedington since March last year, Cosby and Copper Beach tackled their first 5* together last Autumn at Pau. That was an impressive start to Cosby’s 5* career; they finished the week in 16th place . ‘Sean’ is no stranger to the level, having competed at the level with previous jockey Buck Davidson. Still, he and Cosby have forged quite the partnership since she took the reins back in 2020 and have enjoyed several successful runs together since they arrived on European soil. Along with that top 20 result at Pau, they were also top 20 in the CCI4*S at Mallow and top 10 in the CCI4*S at Little Downham. Cosby was the ‘Best placed Rookie’ at Boekelo last October too, with another promising ride of hers, JOS UFO De Quidam, so one might say that she has learned a lot during her time with Tim and Jonelle.

Cosby’s only gripe with the UK is the weather – admittedly it has been almost none stop rain since she arrived here – so her main hope for Badminton week is that the sun shines, something we will all be joining her on. Of the things that she can control though, she says “my aim is to put in three solid phases that reflect all the progress we’ve made over the winter. Sean is going better than ever, so I really want to give him the ride he deserves. I also want to enjoy the weekend, and have fun with my best friend!” Cheers to that, Cosby!

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39: Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google (GBR)

Best Christmas present ever, Google made her CCI5* debut at Burghley in 2022 and contested both of the British top-level events last season. At last year’s notoriously tricky Badminton, she hunted her way ‘round the cross country, and despite a couple of green errors she really showed her mettle when the going got tough, finishing up in 29th place and highest placed British Badminton first-timer. They went on to Burghley in the fall and finished just outside the top-20, again having an educational 20 out on course. But 5* experience adds up and Kristina will be coming out this time around in the hunt for the clear cross country round that’s eluded them thus far. We can expect them to be in the low-30s after the first phase, and despite having her own style when it comes to galloping across the country — “She’s a bit of a truffle-snuffler,” Kristina says — this pair are a real team, and having been together since 2017 Kristina’s used to Google’s quirks. She’s generally a clean jumper on the final day, as she showed at Burghley last season, although the odd pole falls occasionally, as it did at Badminton last season.

Kristina fell in love with Google the moment she sat on her and she’s a popular lass at home, happily fluttering her eyelashes to procure a Polo from passers by. Kristina is understandably very excited about her partnership with her mare and we’re excited to, hopefully, see their undeniable potential realized in a successful trip round Badminton.

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40: Harry Meade and Away Cruising (GBR)

World No. 5 Harry Meade brings forward his lovely gray ‘Spot’ for the gelding’s ninth CCI5* start. Produced by Harry from a five-year-old, this stalwart top-level campaigner is making his fifth trip to Badminton, and with three Burghley completions and a Luhmuhlen under his cinch, he’s amongst the most experienced in the field. His best 5* performance came at Burghley in 2018 when he finished 6th. He was 16th at Badminton last year after a gutsy performance across the country in what can only be described as testing conditions, and with a 29 in the dressage they were in a good position coming into the final phase, but a disappointing show jumping round with three poles and two time penalties dropped them down the order. Spot thought he’d won though, taking stablemate Cavalier Crystal’s place in the prize giving and lapping it all up like a champ.

A truly remarkable cross country horse, it was a surprise to everyone when he had what was, really, an unlucky 20 at Burghley last year, and there’s no doubt that Harry will be leaving the start box gunning for the clear round that’s for sure well within this gelding’s reach; EquiRatings have him down as being amongst the most reliable cross country jumpers in the field and you have to go as far back as 2017 to find another 20 on his record. There’s a definite feeling that this horse hasn’t quite realized his potential at 5* yet, and it would be very cool to see this 17-year-old at the prize giving in his own right after such a successful top-level career.

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41: Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy (GBR)

Great Britain’s Nicky Hill has had a longtime partnership with MGH Bingo Boy, having taken over the ride on the 16-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding in 2016 from fellow British rider Megan Cummings. Just a year later, Nicky and Bingo Boy were selected to represent Team Great Britain in the European Championship in Belgium where they finished ninth and won team silver. According to a 2023 article, “He’s my pet, he’s an absolute spoilt brat and I absolutely adore him so it’s lovely to have him back at this level,” she said. “He went a bit nervous, he’s not seen a lot of crowds for a while and he does get a bit excited by it so he was fine.”

The last time the pair tackled Badminton, they unfortunately had to withdraw prior to the show jumping phase. After a rocky 2021/2022, they bounced back in 2023 with a strong showing, including placing 5th at the Chatsworth 4*-S. Now, they’re once again set to tackle the bulky course at Badminton. Look for this pair to start off the week with a low-30s dressage score, followed by a handful of time faults on cross country, and a possible rail or two in the show jumping phase for a top 20 finish.

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42: Louise Harwood and Native Spirit (GBR)

Native Spirit is a seasoned event horse, having traveled all over Britain, and competed at events like Blenheim, Bramham, and Burghley. However, this will be Native Spirit’s first crack at the fourth ‘B’ event– Badminton. Louise took over the ride on Native Spirit from fellow British rider James Robinson in 2021. From there on, “Native” and Louise have stuck to the advanced levels of eventing, with a few 3*s sprinkled in between. Louise is herself a very experienced rider with 22 5* completions under her belt, per her Instagram, as well as winning the Laurence Rook Trophy at Badminton.

While Native and Louise have been pulling solid dressage scores in the low 30s, with the occasional sub-30 score, cross country seems to be a tricky phase for them with a scattering of obstacle faults sprinkled throughout Native Spirit’s record. However, show jumping is where they really shine, hardly ever pulling down rails, and typically crossing the finishing line with barely any time faults, if any at all. Unfortunately, that English rain probably hasn’t helped them prepare for Badminton, as the 5* will be their first FEI outing of the year. They were able to complete three National level events prior to Badminton– Thoresby Park International Spring Eventing Carnival, Oasby, and Kelsall Hall International most recently, where they placed second. If they can repeat their Kelsall Hall performance, where they achieved their lowest dressage score yet and had no obstacle faults on cross country, they’ll be well-set for Badminton.

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44: Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl (GBR)

Kirsty’s one rider who’ll be delighted that Kentucky and Badminton have a week between them this year, which is just about enough time to shake off the jetlag after a busy with Classic VI stateside. Because really, who wants to be worrying about timezones and sleep patterns when you’ve got the Vicarage Vee to think about?

Kirsty, who was Badminton pathfinder a couple of years ago with Classic, returns this year with diminutive, sparky Opposition Heraldik Girl for the homebred mare’s sophomore five-star, and just her seventeenth-ever FEI run. She debuted at Pau last year, though didn’t complete – she had a horse fall at the first water. This spring, though, they’ve looked on very good form again at Kronenberg’s CCI4*-S, where they finished in twentieth place after a steady clear round, with one of their best tests – a 32.2 – and a classy clear showjumping round.
For the twelve-year-old, this won’t be a bid for competitive glory – instead, Kirsty will be intending to develop pint-sized Rocket’s education with an eye on the seasons to come. We suspect that patient development will be worth it; once Rocket gets the hang of a level, she tends to be quick, canny, and on the ball, and she’s a very good showjumper, to boot.

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45: Arthur Marx and Church’Ile (FRA)

It’s a fourth five-star, and second Badminton, for young Frenchman Arthur, who distracted us all in the mixed zone last year when he turned up with fresh stitches along his cheekbone, looking for all the world as though he was being played by the late, great French actor Gaspard Ulliel in a biopic about himself. We’d watch it, is all we’re saying.

Anyway, Arthur’s journey of education at the top level has had a few bumps in the road so far, all of which are no doubt going to be used to throw down an excellent performance consolidating all that new knowledge at some point. He and homebred Church’Ile finished just outside the top twenty in their debut at Pau in 2022, despite picking up 20 penalties on course, but they failed to complete Badminton last spring, when Arthur was unseated in those tough conditions, or Pau last fall, where he was pulled up in wild circumstances. The pair were looking at their best on cross-country, with an exuberant home crowd cheering them on, when Arthur’s right stirrup broke about two-thirds of the way home. He and his horse gamely continued on, channelling vintage Mark Todd and looking excellent, but were stopped, much to absolutely everyone’s dismay.

Their return to Badminton, we hope, will be a redemption song for them in the phase that is, historically, their best. They’ve got 13 clears inside the time out of 24 FEI starts, and while their first and final phases aren’t super competitive, they’ve got what it takes to give us a great show on the biggest day. Allez, Arthur!

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46: Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera (NZL)

Is Grappa Nera, or “Grape”, the forgotten hero of this year’s Badminton line-up? Perhaps – after all, she’s a five-star winner in her own right, having taken top honours at Pau in 2022. But after that, she had a year out, and for a horse who’d only just taken her turn in the spotlight, it’s tough in those circumstances to retain the fast-moving attention of the wider eventing fanbase. Now, though, she’s back, and ready to reclaim her supremacy.

Well, maybe. Her form since her return to FEI eventing in October is slightly chequered; she rain in the CCI3*-S at Bicton that month, but was retired in the dressage, and this season, she picked up a rare 20 on course at Thoresby’s CC4*-S. She’s had three decent, steady runs in OI classes, and Jonelle’s no slouch – she wouldn’t put a horse forward for Badminton that she didn’t think would benefit from the experience in some way. Whether that’s because she can fight for a competitive result or because the mare, who’s still only thirteen, will develop in her education from it, or both, remains to be seen.

This will actually be a third five-star start for Grape: she made her debut at the Covid Kentucky in 2021, jumping a reasonably quick clear for a top-thirty finish (there were a whopping 63 in it that year), so we know she’s got the staying power. Her first-phase performances can work against her, though – when she won Pau, she began her week on a very good 30.1, which was one of her best scores at any level, but Kentucky saw her start on a mid-30s mark and she’s not an infrequent visitor to the high-30s and low-40s. We’ve seen her put 40s scores on the board twice this season at Intermediate – but she’s definitely a mare who rises to an occasion. She’s a reliable enough showjumper, and spent the winter at the Spanish Sunshine Tour jumping CSI4* 1.35m classes. In short, this is a fascinating question mark of a horse, who’ll either be quite competitive this week or finish somewhere in the middle of the pack, hopefully having learned plenty so she can return to the five-star level next time and make a major impact again.

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47: Richard Jones and Alfies Clover (GBR)

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises on last year’s cross-country day at Badminton was the moment when Richard Jones pulled up a very well-looking Alfies Clover. When it was clear how bad the conditions were, many of us in the mixed zone uttered the same thought: “this is going to be Richard’s year.” He and Alfie are so, so reliable and tough in this phase that it seemed like a sure thing – but then Richard proved what an admirable horseman he is by feeling a tiny nudge of tiredness in his horse that none of us could see, and although he will have known he had the chance to climb to a great spot on the leaderboard, he opted to put his horse first. If that’s not enough to make you a superfan, I don’t know what is.

Consider this, though: the man’s also a comeback king. In 2017, he managed to lose a finger at Bramham (yes, really), when his wedding ring got caught on his lorry as he stepped out of the living area. A year prior, though, he’d had a foot completely rebuilt, so, he figured he could probably get himself back in riding condition in time for Burghley a couple of months later. That was Alfie’s first five-star, and Richard himself hadn’t ridden round one in three years. They finished just outside the top twenty, despite the fact that Richard couldn’t really grip with his left hand at all – not to mention the pain.

Since then, they’ve kept all their body parts attached and have continued to establish themselves. They’ve twice been seventh at Burghley, have been tenth at Badminton, and consistently place in the super-tough, huge, and very terrain-y CCI4*-L at Bramham, putting any and all pre-pandemic learning curve 20s behind them. They’re pure old-school eventing, and in a year like this without the London 52s and the Lordships Graffalos, a door is definitely open for a pair like them to take a serious placing. It would be fitting for old-school cross-country prowess to be showcased in a big anniversary year for the event.

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48: Luc Château and Viens du Mont (FRA)

Luc’s probably targeting Paris as an outside chance with his other top ride, Bastia de l’Ebat, but Badminton mount Viens du Mont has plenty going for him, too. He finished eleventh here last year on his first trip to Gloucestershire, overcoming those achingly tough conditions to romp home as fourth fastest of the day on cross country.

That’s pretty typical for this cool, game horse – in 22 FEI starts, he’s finished inside the time 14 times, and he’s only ever picked up cross-country jumping penalties once, at Burghley last year, making him one of the most reliable second-phase horses in this line-up and a serious dark horse to keep your eye on.

Okay, so the first phase won’t impress you much, Shania – we’ll be looking at a high-30s score, although at that off-color Burghley, he put a low-40s mark on the board. His showjumping performances can also vary pretty wildly, with three rails as common as none on his record. But if this ends up being another vintage cross-country year, and bearing in mind many of the serious low-scorers are sitting this one out in preparation for Paris, we could see Luc having another very interesting week. Maybe this is the moment he’ll crack the Badminton top ten with this horse, who’s already managed the feat at Pau.

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49: Francis Whittington and DHI Purple Rain (GBR)

‘Prince’ has been produced by Francis from a five-year-old and is distinctive in his flashy, extravagant action. He’s a rangy horse who’s striking to look at but sometimes lets his anxious nature get the better of him. He stepped up to the CCI5* level at the pop-up event at Bicton in 2021, finishing 14th — had it not been for the four poles added on the final day, he would have been top 10. His dressage scores tend to be a reflection of his character, rather than his obvious talent. At Badminton last year he posted a 41 in the first phase, with Francis having to use all of his experience in the Main Arena atmosphere. At Burghley in the fall, he was able to keep it to 34.9. His cross country jumping record is notably clean — from 28 FEI starts, he’s got one 20 on his card and he’s been retired on course twice – once due to a tack malfunction and once, at Burghley in 2022, when Prince seemed to tire, activating a frangible device and Francis made the sensible call to walk home.

He was particularly impressive at Badminton last season; on a day when many horses found the ground incredibly difficult, Prince ate it up and seemed to thrive in the demanding conditions. He’s not the quickest across the country, in part due to his bouncy way of going, and the anxiety tends to return in the final phase — he rolled two poles at both Badminton and Burghley last season — but Francis really rides this horse sympathetically and they’re well worth a watch for the display of horsemanship that will be on show.

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51: Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint (IRL)

This will be the first trip to Badminton for both Lucy and ‘Paddy,’ although there is no doubt her cousin Esib Power will have given her plenty of advice. Lucy has actually been based with Esib in County Meath for the last month in order to prepare for her 5* debut; she and Paddy are usually based at the family home in Wexford. Paddy is currently Lucy’s only ride – she juggles eventing with a full time job as brand manager for White Claw drinks (alcoholic sparkling water, in case you were wondering). Nonetheless, she and Paddy have achieved some impressive results over their competitive career, including 4th place in the CCI4*L at Blair Castle last year. They won’t be breaking any records in the first phase, with scores averaging mid to high 30’s, but having jumped clear around courses like Blair and Blenheim Palace, there is nothing to stop them having a very good day on Saturday, and making an impressive start to their 5* careers.

Lucy is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead, but remains positive and confident about their chances: “We have had a great preparation this Spring, so I am excited for the week ahead!” No doubt Paddy is preparing for the task ahead in his own unique style, too – according to Lucy, the 13 year old gelding, who is by legendary sire Grafenstolz, loves nothing more than a good nap, which, let’s face it, is the best way to prepare for most things in life.

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52: Emma Thomas and Icarus (GBR)

A five-star debut at Burghley is always a bold choice, and when a younger rider makes it, we’ll admit that many of us in the media zone clench our bumcheeks a bit and just pray they’ll make smart decisions and come home safe and sound. So that’s what we all did when Wesko Foundation graduate Emma Thomas and her keen little Icarus left the startbox at the Lincolnshire fixture last September – and why we were so over-the-moon thrilled when they returned clear and with a very respectable 21.6 time penalties, having given a display of bold, brave, decisive cross-country riding. They went on to jump a super clear on Sunday, finishing eighteenth, which is a pretty phenomenal way to begin one’s five-star career, frankly.

Now, 24-year-old Emma and her eleven-year-old Dutch gelding will tackle their first Badminton, no doubt ready to channel the horse and rider who first made a young Emma want to try eventing – the bouncy ball Opposition Buzz and the remarkable Nicola Wilson. Vet school grad Emma has already proven she can overcome her horse’s somewhat chequered cross-country record, and we look forward to seeing that trend continue. They’ll start in the high-30s or low-40s, and probably add a rail or two on Sunday, but this is another educational and foundational stepping stone for both horse and rider.

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53: Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI (GBR)

Horses don’t come much weirder, or much more talented, than lanky ‘Isaac’. Reigning Badminton champion – and European Champion – Ros might not be bringing last year’s winner, Lordships Graffalo, out to play at the Big B this spring, but she’s still very sufficiently equipped to try to defend her crown.

Let’s try to break down the duality of Isaac, shall we? In his 21 FEI runs so far, he’s logged fourteen top-ten finishes, with nine (!) of those being wins. He’s picked up four of those wins at four-star, taking short-format titles at Bramham and Burgham in 2022, and at Blair Castle in 2023, before tackling the CCI4*-L at Blenheim and winning that, too. Then, he made his five-star debut at Pau in October – and also won that.

But he’s not a simple horse. He can be sharp and very spooky, which has sometimes cost him big-time – he was the dressage leader at Bramham’s CCI4*-L last summer, but had a runout in the first few fences when he took offence to the colourful ice cream cone decorations on the fence. Generally, the penalties on his record come from similar situations – and in a bid to ‘break the habit’ of spookiness, Ros has dialed right back on his schooling this winter. Now, she spends most of her time hacking Isaac, and if she’s going to school him on the flat, she’ll box him to a different venue to do it, so he’s always working in new environments. This year, she tells EN, he’s feeling better than ever as a result – and as we’ve seen this chap go sub-20 at four-star, he could well be our first-phase leader. The major question mark, really, lands on the atmosphere – will he rise to the occasion or lose his nerve when faced with the unique Badminton buzz?

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54: Felicity Collins and RSH Contend OR (GBR)

This will be a sixth five-star, and third Badminton, for twenty-six year old Felicity and her longtime partner, Mickey. Their best placing here came on their debut at the event in 2022, when they finished 21st after adding just 15.2 time penalties to their first-phase score of 32.7, but they’ve also cracked the top ten at five-star at the Bicton pop-up in 2021.

This is a duo well worth following, because they’re very capable of a serious result. They’ll start the week on a score around 33, and they’re very quick across the country. They’ve got a point to prove after a late, frustrating rider fall at that hugely influential ditch and brush question that none of the horses read very well last year – and once they’re home clear on Saturday, they can really start laughing. They’ve had one rail since 2021 and are one of the most reliable competitors in the field in this phase.

Felicity’s got eventing in her blood: her late mother Vicky, who our community sadly lost at the start of this year after a long battle with illness, was a five-star rider, breeder, producer and trainer in her own right, and she and Felicity were business partners at their Sussex yard. This will be Felicity’s first five-star helming the ship solo, but she won’t be alone – the entirety of the British eventing family will be firmly behind her, and she’ll have her fiancé, Jonny Burfiend, a bonafide horse show boyfriend of the best sort, to lean on, too. And as for Vicky? Felicity will be able to find her in those moments when she herself has to dig deep and rise up, because that’s when she’s most her mother’s daughter.

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55: Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser (GBR) Withdrawn before Horse Inspection

We’re delighted to see the return of CHF Cooliser, known at home as “Eliza” or “Queen Elizabeth” because of her royal behaviour, who, before this year, was last seen at an FEI event at Burghley in 2022. She finished twelfth there, despite picking up 11 penalties for a MIM activation, and earlier that year, she was in the top thirty at Badminton. In 2021, when she made her five-star debut at Pau, she finished second.

This year, after her year’s sabbatical, she returned to international competition at Kronenberg, jumping tidily, but slowly, around the CCI4*-S for 39th place. It’s hard to make many predictions about her performance after this amount of time off; no doubt, Tom will have been working just as hard on the marginal gains as on the foundations of soundness in her quiet period, and so we could well see her look a bit more consistent in the first phase, where she’s delivered mid-20s and mid-30s scores at five-star, and in the showjumping, where she’s a bit of a one-or-none horse. She’s always been exceptional across the country, and that 11 penalties at Burghley is her only FEI cross-country jumping fault. She’s quick, though not the quickest in this field, and it’ll be interesting to see how Tom runs her in the circumstances.

This could well be a serious dark horse, or this run could be a fairly forgettable reintroduction to the top that serves to set her up for a very competitive Burghley or Pau instead. Stay tuned.

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56: Grace Taylor and Game Changer (USA)

Originally, we’d planned to see Grace — daughter of British team selector Nigel Taylor and US Olympian Ann Sutton — make the trip to Kentucky a couple of weeks ago, but at the eleventh hour, she opted to stay on home soil and tackle her first Badminton. We saw her make her debut at the level last season at Burghley, where she had a week of mixed fortunes: in the first phase, she and Game Changer pulled out the best test of their lives, scoring a 28.9 to go into cross-country in seventh place. On cross-country, they were also excellent, jumping a steady clear for 17.6 time faults — but on Sunday morning, Grace withdrew before the final horse inspection, which was a disappointing end to such a promising start.

This week, it’s all about redemption — and while this pair might fly slightly under the radar, they’ll be great fun to watch as they meet the hallowed turf of Badminton. If they can start on the same sort of score as at Burghley, brilliant — generally, they’re much more of a mid-30s pair, but that test proved that both are excellent at stepping up to the plate when it really counts. Saturday will be a good and fitting challenge for them, and one they’ve proven they’re very ready for, with last year’s Burghley clear and a top-ten finish at Bramham CCI4*-L, too. This time, we look forward to seeing them in the ring on Sunday, where they may take a rail or two, but the taste of that first five-star completion will be no less sweet.

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57: Harry Mutch and HD Bronze (GBR)

This is certainly not the first rodeo (or 5*, whatever) for Harry and his long term partner HD Bronze: they completed here back in 2019 – their debut at the level – were top 20 at the pop-up 5* at Bicton, and have started at Burghley several times, too. Now 18, the Limmerick gelding, was withdrawn at the eleventh hour last year, having developed an annoying niggle, seemingly overnight. He went on to have a successful season, finishing top 10 in the CCI4*L at both Bramham and Burgham, although they did retire on course at Burghley in September.
Wesko alumni Harry, who is based in the wilds of Northumberland, has placed extra emphasis on ‘Fernando’s’ fitness, conscious of his age, and keen to avoid any further ‘niggles.’

Describing him as ‘sensitive but tricky,’ Harry has worked closely with mentor Pippa Funnell to improve his dressage, basing with her for several weeks at a time over the years. His ability cross country makes up for whatever he might lack in the first phase – ‘he is a cross country machine,’ says Harry, and he certainly proved that at Bramham last summer, over one of the hardest 4*L tracks out there. His show jumping is consistent too, with rarely a pole or two falling on the final day. While these two might not break any records, it would be lovely to see them have a happy return to the level after a few issues at their last two Burghley runs and the last minute withdrawal here last year. Fingers crossed that Fernando gets one last hurrah!

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59: Gubby Leech and Royal Harvest (GBR)

Royal Harvest came to Gubby’s yard for six weeks as a very naughty four-year-old… and never left. Now attempting his first 5*, ‘Bassett’ has clearly turned his life around, posting some impressive results over the years. Gubby describes him as ‘the most lovely horse, very intelligent, and very opinionated!’ With an incredible jumping ability, he is also ‘very capable on the flat, but also very sharp, and thinks he knows what is being asked of him before it is asked,’ hence a first phase score that can range from low to mid 30’s. As a result, these two won’t be near the top spot after dressage, but this is one speedy character: last year they were 5th in the CCI4*-S at Hartpury after finishing on their dressage score, having done the same thing to finish 9th in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim a year earlier.

‘A fantastic jump’ accompanies that speed – over the last two years, Bassett has knocked just two rails and if he can keep those knees up on the final day at Badminton, he could well climb up the leaderboard. Gubby describes the cross country as akin to ‘getting behind the steering wheel of a Ferrari and pressing “sport” mode,’ and as we all know, a speedy cross country round stands you in very good stead at Badminton. Fingers crossed Bassett and his wonky right ear have a successful debut at the level, and that he doesn’t pre-empt Gubby too much!

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60: Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte (NZL)

Cooley Lafitte – or ‘Henry’ – was sent to Kiwi Olympian as somewhat of a last resort: his owners felt that he had talent, but were struggling to eke it out of him. Even in his early days with Jesse he didn’t display too much enthusiasm for the sport and was nearly sent on a one way ferry back to Ireland. Still, if anyone can convince a horse to change their mind, it is Jesse.

Arriving in the UK at the tender age of 21 as part of the New Zealand High Performance squad, Jesse earnt his stripes with none other than Andrew Nicholson. He made his 5* debut back in 2015, at Luhmuhlen, and did so in fine style, winning the cross country prize when he completed the course bang on the optimum time. Henry, meanwhile, made his 5* debut at Pau last October, although a fall at the third water meant that their competition came to a premature end. Regardless, Henry has managed to jump double clear around the CCI4*L at Bramham on two occasions now, landing them within the top 20 on both occasions. He put in a similar performance at Blenheim Palace in 2022, so the challenge he faces on Saturday at Badminton shouldn’t trouble him too much.

Expect to see a dressage score in the mid to high 30’s, though a return to form cross country could see them inch their way back up the placings. Capable of a clear on the final day – Henry knocked just two rails last season – it is not guaranteed, so while they might not manage to maintain their place, Jesse will no doubt be happy with a completion, given that Pau did not quite go according to plan!

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61: Alexandra Knowles and Morswood (USA)

Morswood is returning to British soil after a long hiatus. Originally ridden by Piggy March and Susie Berry, Morswood is no stranger to British Eventing, having completed events like Burnham Market and Barbury Castle. But since Allie Knowles took over the reins in 2018, the 16-year-old Chestnut Irish Sport Horse gelding has been pretty much relegated to North American soil, except for a trip to Pau last year, where he placed 18th. Allie describes him as, “He’s just been a total partner. He’s a real dude. He doesn’t always love dressage, but he gives us his best. We have our weaknesses, which has always been show jumping and sometimes it catches us out and sometimes it doesn’t. But he is an out and out amazing cross country horse and I have learned a lot from him.”

Fittingly known as “Ginge,” Morswood has started off his season strong with a good dressage score in the 4*-S at Stable View, but unfortunately he took down three rails in show jumping and was withdrawn before cross country. Historically, Ginge scores in the low-30s to high-20s in dressage, with his lowest score being a 26.1 in the 4* at Unionville. The brave Irish Sport Horse rarely has obstacle faults on cross country, but isn’t the fastest horse on the course, usually crossing the finish line with a handful of time faults. The show jumping phase is a different story, as the chestnut gelding usually puts the pedal to the metal in this last phase. For their first trip to Badminton as a pair, look for Ginge and Allie in the top 20, if not the top 15.

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62: Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR)

The most fun thing about this year’s Badminton is that it really does feel wide open – in this form guide alone we’ll have put forward about six winners. That means that from the word go, it’s going to be exciting, and unexpected, and packed with surprises, and because there are so many great characters to get behind, you won’t be short of cheering opportunities.

And so, with that, let us put forward another potential winner, this time in Emily King – daughter of eventing legend Mary – and her very cool French horse, Valmy Biats. They come to Badminton having won Thoresby’s Grantham Cup CCI4*-S for the second year running (the first pair ever to do so!) and ready to cast aside some Badminton demons.

If good eventing karma is a thing, Emily’s definitely one of the riders who deserves it this week. She pulled Valmy up on course last year, even though he looked brilliant and full of running, because she felt him start to tire incrementally and felt that pushing him on until he began to genuinely struggle would be unfair to him. She was, to that point, looking nearly guaranteed a healthy climb up the leaderboard.
That’s Emily, though: she is, at her core, simply a very good, empathetic horsewoman who truly adores her four-legged partners. That empathy and horse-first system means that sweet Val actually lives out in a field 24/7, where he might look like a bit of a hippo, but he’s miles happier than when he has to come into a stable. That also makes him naturally sure-footed, because he’s used to wandering up and down his hill in all sorts of ground conditions, and Emily gallops him on grass, too.

They’ve been eighth at Pau in 2022 and top thirty at Burghley last year after picking up 11 penalties at the Waterloo Rails. Their first phase is very, very good – they’re 25-or-lower scorers at four-star, but hover around 30 at five-star, and they’re good showjumpers, too. Saturday will be the big question: on paper, they’re more than capable of being hugely competitive, but Emily will need to push past any mental block leveraged by her run of rotten luck at this event. If she can do that, and we suspect she can, they can be right up there.

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63: Holly Richardson and Bally Louis (GBR)

Holly and Bally Louis made their 5* debut last September, storming around the hallowed turf of Burghley to finish in the top 25. Not a bad effort for their first run at the level, but unsurprising given the grit with which Louis’ has tackled even the toughest of courses thus far in his career – “Ever since I did my first Novice on him, he has been unbelievable, he’s just flown up the levels and I’ve never come across anything that has phased him yet. Everything I ask him to do, he just keeps saying yes, and keeps jumping. We have had a few mistakes along the way, but it’s usually because I have made an error and fallen off him or something” – said Holly before Burghley this year, so the course at Badminton shouldn’t cause him too much trouble, either.

One thing that Louis does struggle with though, is the dressage – or namely his nerves and the resulting tension – so we are unlikely to see them too far up the placings after the first phase: expect a score in the mid 30’s. Still, there is no doubt that Holly will have been hard at work with trainer Melissa Chapman this winter to improve on their 36.9 at Burghley, so anything better than that will be a bonus for them personally. Another strong cross country performance should see them sitting comfortably within the top 25 again, another commendable result for this unassuming pair and all their connections and testament to what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

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64: Tim Price and Vitali (NZL)

Oh, sweet Vitali, the heartbreaker heartthrob of the pack. This is one heck of a horse, so let’s start with that – he’s a real contender for dressage leader (he was just that at Burghley last year, putting an 18.7 – yes, really – on the board), and he’s pretty likely to hold that lead on Saturday, too (he also did that at Burghley, adding 8 time penalties that he could afford by dint of that wicked lead). But on Sunday? That’s when we all hold our breath. This will be his fifth five-star, and he’s never been out of the top ten at the level – but he’s also never had more or fewer than three rails at it, either. He also had three down at the Tokyo Olympics. Mr Consistent indeed, but we’re sure Tim would like that consistency to reallocate itself somewhere more productive.

Vitali’s actually a very good jumper, but as Tim explains it, it’s a mental block: he’s a funny, quirky, sensitive little horse, and master of empathetic horsemanship Tim is always trying new techniques to help him settle and deliver his best in his trickiest phase. It looks, at the moment, like it might be working: they finished fourth in Thoresby’s Grantham Cup CCI4*-S with a clear showjumping round in a busy, tricky arena, but we’ve also dared to dream before, such as in 2022, when he showjumped clear and very well at Gatcombe en route to taking the British Open Championship title.

And so, if you’re bold enough to risk the emotional turbulence, here’s a horse you can put your emotional bet on – a horse who’s every inch a five-star winner in the making, but also, somehow, nothing close to a sure thing. But what a triumph of patient horsemanship it would be if they did it, right?

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65: Arthur Duffort and Toronto d’Aurois (FRA)

Arthur Duffort brings seasoned CCI5* campaigner Toronto d’Aurois forward for his eighth top-level start and third Badminton, and after jumping clear across the country at last year’s wet and wild edition of the British 5*, he’s got to be feeling good as he goes into this year’s competition where, despite another wet spring in the UK, things are looking decidedly drier in terms of the ground conditions out on course. They picked up a fair few time penalties last time, but so did most, and their efforts on cross country day made themselves known in the show jumping, where they rolled five poles – he’s normally a four or eight kind of guy – but they finished up in 27th place at what had been a tough competition.

‘Toronto’ was produced in France up to 2* by part-owner and Arthur’s friend, Paul Gatien. The original plan was for the horse to be sold on, however, Toronto was so difficult that they couldn’t find a buyer and he ended up staying. A bit of a shy guy who’s easily spooked, his groom, Leonore Gignoux, says she would turn off the giant screen in the dressage arena for his test if she could. He’s typically mid- to high-30s in the first phase and, until the end of last season, had been reliable for clear jumping across the country; a 20 at Burghley saw them retire out on course though, so Arthur will be hoping to have put that behind them over the winter as he sets out looking for a sixth 5* completion with the 17-year-old gelding.

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66: Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro (IRL)

‘Kilcannon’ is owned by Daragh’s dad, James Byrne, who bought the gelding as an unbroken three-year-old from the Goresbridge sales. A steadfast supporter of both his son and his equine “child”, James has never missed a competition. Daragh says the horse is his dad’s “pride and joy”. He’s been brought along slowly through the levels, partly because he’s pretty enormous and so needed the extra time as he matured. He’s stepped up a level each year and came forward for his first CCI5* at Pau last season, where an unfortunate tip-off cross country means they’re looking for their first top-level completion at Badminton this year.

He’s generally mid- to high-30s in the first phase, but he’s pulled out a couple of low-30s results, namely a 32 on his way to winning at Ballindenisk in 2022 on his first attempt at the 4*-L level. He’s certainly no slouch across the country; in 21 FEI starts, he’s had jumping penalties only twice, once at Pau last season and then once back in 2021. He had an unfortunate fall on the flat in the 4*-S Nations Cup at Millstreet last year, but aside from those blips, his record is impressively clean. Based on form, it would be fair to say that show jumping is something he’s still working on, with faults in each of their runs bar a 1* back in 2018, but he kept it to one pole in his season-opener in the 4*S at Kronenberg this year. Daragh — and his dad — will no doubt be delighted if they could get a 5* completion on this horse’s record at Badminton, however it plays out.

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67: Helen Bates and Carpe Diem (GBR)

This is a first Badminton for Helen and ‘Demon,’ the Contendro I gelding she bought as a very naughty four-year-old (hence the moniker). Although it took a while to convince him to play ball, Helen’s perseverance has paid off, and the two of them have come through the levels together, completing their first 5* in fine form in Pau last October, where a classy double clear saw them finish in the top 25. Described by Helen as a ‘fever dream,’ that performance was typical of these two, who manage to pull off a double clear more often than not. Over the last two seasons they have had just one rail, and he made light work of the cross country at Pau. They have jumped double clear on all of their starts this season, too.

Helen will be the first to admit that he doesn’t find the first phase quite so easy though – ‘he finds flying changes tricky,’ she says. Still, she has been working hard with trainer Kevin McNab, so hopefully they will be able to improve on the 37.7 they scored at the level in Pau. Indeed, their first phase score this season has averaged more towards the lower end of the 30’s, so if they manage to continue that form at Badminton, and tackle the jumping phases with their usual gusto, then another top 25 finish could be on the cards. Helen’s adorable dog Dora will be tagging along as chief cheerleader as well as Lydia Swan, who groomed for the pair in Pau. Here’s hoping that she is their lucky charm!

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68: Selina Milnes and Gelmer (GBR)

The lead-up to Gelmer’s Badminton debut hasn’t necessarily been straightforward: Selina was sidelined at the start of the year with a skiing injury, which meant she handed the reins over to Austin O’Connor to get the season started. He piloted Gelmer around Tweseldown’s Open Intermediate, finishing twelfth, and Thoresby’s Advanced, finishing tenth, before Selina returned to competition for Burnham Market in April. There, she did dressage – a slightly disappointing 37.3 – and had two rails before opting to withdraw the gelding, and the next weekend, fared better at Kelsall Hil, where they had a steady clear in the Advanced/Intermediate.

This Badminton run will be Gelmer’s second five-star start; he made his debut at Pau last year, though it was an educational, rather than glory-covered, start to his forays at the top level. He put a 41.6 on the board to start, and picked up a 20 on course and plenty of time, and then wasn’t presented at the final horse inspection.

But we’ve also seen some very promising moments from him, including a 31 at Blenheim CCI4*-L in 2022. His scores do fluctuate in this phase, and his cross-country runs tend to be not enormously quick, though other than that Pau result, he’s never had a jumping penalty on cross country at an FEI event. On Sunday, he’s clear more often than not, but he does have a few two-rail rounds on his record.
It remains to be seen whether Selina will ultimately run at Badminton or decide to rethink her plan after a tricky spring, but if she does run, this will all be about developing her up-and-comer’s education.

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69: Lauren Innes and Global Fision M (NZL)

This will be a third Badminton for full-time chartered accountant Lauren and Global Fision M – or Flipper, as he is known at home. Top 25 here last year, and again at Burghley in the Autumn, Lauren keeps Flipper at home, meaning that she can fit riding and training in around her full time job. Bought as a 5 year old from Brian Morrison, Flipper struggles to manage his nerves when in between the white boards – especially when there is a crowd. However, Lauren – who changed nationality to New Zealand in 2022 – has been working hard with Jason Webb to combat those nerves and keep him as calm as possible. She will no doubt be hoping that it pays off, and they can improve on last year’s dressage score of 46.4. Still, this is a horse that lives for the jumping phases; he skipped around the cross country here last year, despite the acres of mud, and did the same at Burghley later in the year. As Lauren says, ‘nothing is too big,’ hence their ability to climb back up the placings, even if they seem out of touch after dressage.

Debbie McDonald will be taking care of Flipper this week, and once again providing ‘lucky banana’ — complete with a drawn on face –- as his mascot, something of a tradition for Team Flipper! They may not knock the big names off the top spot, but expect another solid performance from Lauren and Flipper, and perhaps an even better finish than last year, if they can keep the nerves at bay in the first phase.

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70: Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight (GBR)

Though Gemma was achingly disappointed to have to withdraw her other ride here, last year’s sixth-placed Jalapeno, in the lead-up to the event, she’s got a peach of a ride to boost her spirits still in the hunt. And what a treat for all of us as eventing fans to get to see the return of Chilli Knight, winner of the one-off Bicton five-star in 2021 – the pandemic pop-up – back on form after sitting out a lot of 2022 and most of 2023.

Gemma’s a dab hand at slow, steady, careful rehabilitation, which she’s shown with Jala, and Chilli Knight’s progression back from the sidelines has been managed very similarly, helped along by Gemma’s proximity to the rolling Surrey hills, which have been a major player in developing strength. So far this year, Chilli Knight has been ‘furious!’, in Gemma’s telling, to have had to run in two four-stars with the handbrake firmly on, but the joy on both horse and rider’s faces at being back in action has been palpable. The handbrake will come off this week, which the son of 2015 Badminton winner Chilli Morning will be delighted about – and when he’s quick, he’s very quick. He didn’t pick up a single cross-country time penalty in his entire 2021 FEI season, which comprised five runs.

It’s always hard to put up a horse who’s been off the scene as a serious contender, because there are so many question marks – but if we follow our hearts, and a little bit our heads, it’s seriously tempting to put Chilli Knight forward as a top-ten finisher, quite possibly a top-five contender, and even – what a fairytale this would be! – a dark horse shout for a win. He’ll be up against it in the first phase, in which his 32-or-so score won’t compete with the likes of Izilot DHI, but this year’s course looks plenty tough and if we see a classic Chilli Knight run over it, he’ll make a tremendous upwards leap on the leaderboard. His final phase can be a touch risky, but Gemma spends a lot of time showjumping over massive tracks, and she’ll have all the tools at her disposal to try to fend off his tendency to a rail. At that Bicton five-star, he finished on his dressage score of 27.9 – if he did the same again at Badminton, that would be a seriously formidable result.

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71: Libby Seed and Heartbreaker Star Quality (GBR)

This year’s Badminton line-up is a great showcase of high-flying amateur riders, and among those is Libby Seed, who balances her eventing alongside an intense job in the medical devices industry, where she works in the Vascular Interventional Radiology. She often has to ride ‘Angel’, as her gutsy mare is known at home, in the wee hours of the morning or late into the evening to fit everything in, but the juggling act certainly hasn’t slowed her roll.

This pair has two five-star starts under their belt so far: they made their debut at Badminton in 2022, finishing in the top 30 after a steady clear across the country and a final day clear, too. Last year, they returned to the top level at Pau, earning fourteenth place with a similarly steady clear on Saturday but losing out on a top-ten finish when they had a seriously uncharacteristic four rails down on the final day. Generally, we’d expect a clear – prior to Pau, they hadn’t had a rail in an FEI competition since mid-2021 – and so Libby’s no doubt been working hard at this phase over the winter to understand what happened that day and prevent its recurrence.

In both five-star starts, they’ve begun their week in the 33 range, and we’ll be looking for much the same again this week. On cross-country, they’re both game and reliable, if reasonably steady speed-wise, and on Sunday, we’re confident they’ll be back on form. If so, they can realistically be expected for at least a top twenty finish.

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72: Alexander Bragg and Quindiva (GBR)

This will be the second attempt at Badminton for Alex and 14-year-old Quindiva, and only the third attempt at the level for this gutsy little mare. Although they started well here last year, posting a very respectable 34.3 in the first phase, Alex ultimately made the decision to pull up before The Lake out on cross country. Onlookers may have been confused by his decision; she was seemingly tackling the course with ease. But Alex was mindful of the difficult conditions, and as her said at the time ‘I didn’t want to break her heart.’ That decision paid off, and the pair contested a very successful Burghley later in the year, adding just a smattering of cross country time to their dressage score to finish in 15th place.

Hopefully, better ground conditions this year will see them finish what they started last time they were here, especially given the added experience the mare now has under her belt (girth). Particularly careful in the final phase, Quindiva has similar prowess cross country, and Alex has a wealth of experience at this level, having been in the top 5 at Pau and Luhmuhlen with former 5* partner, Zagreb.
Back in 2022 they won the CCI3*-S at both Barbury and Wellington, adding not even a singular time fault to her first phase score. She finished top 10 in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim later that same year in similar style, evidence of the quick turn of foot that complements her incredible jumping ability.

Their dressage scores tend to hover around the mid to high 30s, which will no doubt keep them from troubling the leaders, but there is every chance that they can repeat their Burghley result – or even better it.

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73: Laura Collett and Hester (GBR)

Sweet Hester, the second ride of former Badminton champ Laura, is a horse who’s really been around the block: she began her international career as a jumper with Jonelle Price, who did two seasons at the Spanish Sunshine Tour with her prior to the pandemic, and in the midst of those two, husband Tim took the reins to pop her around a CCI2*-S in France. The next year, Jonelle did a run of events with her, culminating in a trip to the Seven-Year-Old World Championship at Le Lion d’Angers, where she finished 28th. In 2019, Alex Bragg took over, stepping her up to 4* with a couple of good placings, but then we didn’t see her again until late 2021, by which time she was part of Laura’s string.

2022 was a pretty quiet year for the pair, too – they’d had the one FEI run at Cornbury CCI3*-S in September of 2021 to get to know one another over a proper track, and in 2022, they ran just once in an international, jumping a steady clear around the CCI4*-S at Thoresby in March. They did a test in Houghton Hall’s CCIO4*-S in May, but withdrew before the jumping phases.

When Hester returned in July of 2023, though, she looked on excellent form, taking the win in the CCI3*-S at Aston-le-Walls before heading to Ireland for a fourth-place finish in Lisgarvan’s CCI4*-S. Her step up to CCI4*-L at Blenheim went well, landing them in a very good fourteenth place to wrap up the season. This year, they’ve been seventh in both their runs in the CCI4*-S classes at Thoresby and Burnham Market.

Much of Badminton, though, will be an exercise in waiting to see what happens: Hester can fluctuate from the high-20s to the mid-30s on the flat, though she’s done a 21 at three-star, and while she’s generally a naturally quick and catty mare, this is a big step up. She is, by dint of all that early-career practice, a very good showjumper. She could offer up some exciting surprises this week.

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74: Wills Oakden and A Class Cooley (GBR)

Blair Castle CCI4*-L winner A Class Cooley is the second of two rides here for Scottish-based Wills, who first competed at Badminton in just 2019, and whose best result at the event is 12th place, earned last year with Oughterard Cooley. This will be a second start at the five-star level for the twelve-year-old gelding, who went to Pau last season but was retired on course after a run-out at fence four, which Wills put behind them with a few more positive fences before calling it a day.

Wills is a very, very good cross-country rider, and while this is a relatively inexperienced horse with only the one real dazzler of a result on his international record, it would be foolish to totally discount him. The slightly more big and open track of Badminton could suit him better than Pau’s tight, technical twists, and while his low-30s start won’t have him vying for the win early on, we could well see him climb on Saturday. On Sunday, he’s probably due a pole.

Ultimately, this is a horse being developed for next year and onwards, or even for a competitive crack at another big run this autumn, so start watching him now to enjoy the full benefit of seeing him progress at the top level.

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75: Tom Rowland and KND Steel Pulse (GBR)

Another Badminton debutant, although this will be the second start at 5* for thirteen year old ‘Dermot.’ His first crack at the level came last year at Pau, and it was a successful one, with a top 25 finish. Tom himself has ample experience at Badminton – he first came here back in 2019 with the infamous Possible Mission, and together they notched up three completions, so who better than to take Dermot round the course for the first time? Tom, who has trained with such greats as Angela Tucker, Nigel Taylor and Pippa Funnell at various points throughout his career, took the reins on Dermot back in 2016, bringing him all the way from BE100 level to this, the pinnacle of the sport.

Bought from Padraig McCarthy, Dermot hovers around the low to mid 30’s in the first phase – he scored a 35.3 in Pau last year – and although the challenge he faces this week will be an altogether different one to that he faced in France in October, he has jumped clear around the likes of Blair Castle and Blenheim Palace, so there is no reason why he shouldn’t do that here, too. His performance on the final day could see him drop back down the leader board – he had 3 rails in Pau and is more likely to have a rail or two than not. However, another 5* completion would do very nicely indeed, and help to fill the Possible Mission shaped hole in Tom’s life, after he retired from top level competition last year.

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79: Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier (NZL)

Two-time Caroline and ‘Cav’ were on the start list here last year, too – then just the second run at 5* for this talented mare. 5th in her first 5* back in 2022 at Pau, expectations were high; she had proven herself to be one to watch that season, also coming 3rd in her first CCI4*L at Ballindenisk. A 27.4 dressage got them off to a good start at their first Badminton too, but 40 penalties cross country meant they dropped out of contention, ending up in 30th place. However, Cav redeemed herself at Maryland in the Autumn, adding just time faults to her first phase score of 29 to pull off 6th place. With better ground conditions at Badminton this year – here’s hoping anyway – Caroline will no doubt be hoping to pull off a similarly good result, with the Paris Olympics just a heartbeat away.

There is no doubting the mare’s capability; her dressage marks hover around the low 30’s but in all three of her 5* starts thus far, they have actually dipped into the 20’s, a trend Caroline will be looking to continue at Badminton. Her show jumping record is similarly consistent – more often than not she leaves the poles firmly in their cups, and so Caroline – who will be contesting her 16th Badminton this week – will be hoping that they are able to maintain that form here, and finish well up the leader board, putting last year’s less than perfect run down to experience.

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80: Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift (GBR)

This is an exceptionally good partnership, and one that could well be in contention for a win here. Try not to hold their 20 penalties at the European Championships last year against them; that was a real outlier of a result and a first cross-country jumping penalty since pre-pandemic. At five-star, they’ve been very, very good – they were fifth here last year in those grotty conditions, second at Burghley the year prior, and top twenty on the horse’s Badminton debut that spring.

When Tom wants to run ‘Walshy’ quickly, he’s very quick indeed, and he’s straight as an arrow across the country. He’s a very good showjumper, too, and his first phase is constantly improving – where he was once a pretty guaranteed 33 on the flat, he’s now very capable of smart sub-30s. He’s been in the 20s twice at five-star, and has dipped as low as 25.7 at four-star, which he did under pressure at the Europeans.

It’s hard not to think of Tom as a bit of an undersung talent, but few people in the know would be surprised to see him take a career five-star win. Whether it happens this week, or perhaps at a Burghley, or maybe both, remains to be seen. No doubt, though, it’ll come with this excellent stamp of an Irish horse.

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81: Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick (GBR)

It’ll be great fun to see what last year’s Bramham champion makes of his first trip to Badminton. He’s an interesting horse: when Pippa took him to Bramham last year it was as a bit of a litmus test as much as anything, because she’d taken on the ride for stable jockey Helen Wilson and wasn’t sure yet whether she wanted to have the very hot, quirky gelding in the long term. If he was good enough to make Bramham feel like fun, she reasoned, he could earn his place in her string. But winning it was well beyond her anticipations.

Maverick’s excellent performance there is a testament to Helen’s great foundations, and to Pippa’s patience, because keeping him relaxed is all about buying as much extra time as possible for slow, repetitive, calm spurts of work. She likes to arrive a day early to an event so he has extra settling-in time, and he’ll come out for ten or fifteen minutes of gentle lunging lots of times throughout the day, because he prefers to be moving and burning off some of his excesses of energy. Badminton, despite its extraordinary buzz, is actually the sort of place that really allows for riders to dig into the nitty-gritty of what they need to do with their horses, so his progression will be fascinating if you’re interested in the fundamentals of working with a quirky horse.

This won’t be a five-star debut for this horse, for what it’s worth: he made the trip to Pau last year, finishing eleventh despite a seriously uncharacteristic five rails down on Sunday. Hopefully this year he’ll come out a bit stronger for his experiences there, and a touch more physically mature.

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82: Harry Meade and Red Kite (GBR)

Harry will be hoping that three’s the charm as he heads out for his third ride on Badminton cross country day looking for for a first CCI5* completion for Red Kite, after picking up 40 penalties and retiring out on course on the horse’s debut at the level at Pau last season. Prior to that his cross country record was pretty clear, with just two non-completions and a 20 on his card over nineteen FEI runs.

Although Harry acknowledges that the gelding isn’t naturally predisposed to cross country, Harry’s traditional style of producing horses – with plenty of educational hunting and point-to-pointing – has stood Red Kite in good stead as he’s progressed through the FEI levels. In the first phase he’s is proving to be a high-20s to low-30s kind of guy – he put down a 32.7 at Pau – but the flashy chestnut has plenty of ability between the white boards; Harry says, “If he stopped mucking about, he could be a scholar!”

He can be speedy across the ground on his day, proving his mettle with a double clear at the notoriously tough 4*-L at Bramham last season and he’s shown he’s game for any going when he took second in the 4*-S at a particularly wet edition of the Eventing Spring Carnival last year, with the third quickest round of the day. Their show jumping record is a bit patchy, but there’s no denying that when they get all three phases to come together, this is an exciting prospect in Harry’s string, it’s just a case of waiting for everything to fall into sync as he continues to gain experience.

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