Classic Eventing Nation

Jimmy Wofford, Colleen Rutledge and Helen Laffitte at fence 3, the HorseQuest Quarry.

Finally — it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the Badminton cross-country course preview. It’s very interesting walking the course just a week after Rolex. While both events are CCI4*s, this course is entirely different in its conception. At Rolex, most of the jumps were bunched toward the middle of the course, with the end of the course containing long gallops between fewer fences. At Badminton, it’s the total opposite. The beginning of the course has big galloping fences and minimal questions, and then all of a sudden the questions start coming one after the other, with the end of the course packed with some really intense fences. Standing at the bottom of Savills’ Staircase is truly terrifying, and that’s just one of the monster questions on course.

I have to give a special shoutout to Mark, who has volunteered at Badminton for the last decade to drive journalists and photographers around the course to take preview photos, saving them precious minutes in their busy days. He was a lovely guide for me around the course. And yes, I did not technically walk the entire course. After Rolex — which I set out to powerwalk and pulled muscles I didn’t even know I had — I took the easy route. But I DID run into Colleen Rutledge, Jimmy Wofford and super groom Helen Laffitte at fence 3, the HorseQuest Quarry, where Colleen was kind to give me an interview about her dressage test this morning with Shiraz. Cross all your fingers and toes for a safe and successful cross-country trip for Colleen and Luke as they look to make history by completing five of the world’s six CCI4* events as a team.

I'd smile like that too if I were the best in the world.

As the current and history’s only reigning European, Olympic and World champions, Michael Jung and Sam have nothing left to prove, but they’ve set out to add one more title to their many accolades at Badminton here this weekend. So far they’re on track, as Michael and Sam scored a 36 in the last group of the day to win the dressage heading into cross country tomorrow. As we’ve come to expect from this pair, the test was nearly flawless, with the only rare mistake coming when Sam stepped forward out of the halt and only took four steps in the rein back. I’m almost ashamed to type that considering how nitpicky it sounds. Let’s be honest — Michael and Sam have raised the bar so high that they are now in a league of their own. I have Michael’s interview from the press conference still to upload for you, but let’s just say this man has ice running in his veins and is going to be a rock star tomorrow.

Jock Paget and Clifton Promise are in fourth on a 39.7.

The last group of the afternoon contained the rides we’ve been waiting to see all weekend, and the pairs did not disappoint. Jock Paget and Clifton Promise rose to the occasion, scoring 39.7 to move into fourth place overnight. Aside from a slight bobble in the extended walk, this was an incredibly good test from the pair who placed 10th individually at the London Olympics. William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk are sitting just behind Jock in fifth place on a 40. This was not the usual fluid test we see from William, as there were moments throughout where he seemed to lose his rhythm, and I have to wonder if the pressure of the Grand Slam has finally gotten to him. Of course, he’s still sitting in an excellent position going into cross country. And speaking of the Grand Slam, Andrew Nicholson and Nereo are hot on William’s heels, sitting in sixth place on a 40.2. Andrew and Nereo also had some uncharacteristic bobbles in their test, as you’ll see on the video.

William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk are sitting in fifth place on a 40.

Mary King and Kings Temptress had a tense test that we usually don’t see from them, scoring a 45.5 to sit in 15th place. Dirk Schrade mentioned in the press conference that he thought the atmosphere was quite hard on he horses for the late afternoon riders, as the stands were packed and noisy, and the chilly wind didn’t help matters either. Poor Tina Cook also fell victim to the atmosphere, as she didn’t hear the bell with Miners Frolic and consequently entered the ring late, picking up an error right off the bat. She struggled to recover after that, as the horse never came to a full halt to start the test and seemed tense. They are sitting in 29th place on a 50.2. Pippa Funnell and Redesigned were the last to ride today, giving us a lovely finale to sit tied for seventh place on a 47.3. Of course, I have videos of all of the top-10 rides and will be uploading them and posting them here as the internet cooperates. Stay tuned for the press conference report and my end-of-dressage analysis AND … drumroll … the course walk photos!

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results]

Dressage Videos:

Video: Michael Jung and Sam 

Video: Jock Paget and Clifton Promise 

Video: William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk 

Video: Pippa Funnell and Redesigned 

Video: Andrew Nicholson and Nereo 

Dirk Schrade and King Artus moved into second at Badminton.

Dirk Schrade and King Artus were the second pair of the day to crack the 30s, scoring a 39.2 to move into second place as we head into the final group of riders to go at Badminton. The crowd began stirring from the very beginning of this test when one of the judges awarded Dirk a 10 for his halt, and the test continued to look lovely from there. King Artus is a very fluid mover and really a pleasure to watch, and Dirk definitely earned this score. But the real story of the afternoon for us Americans is Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister scoring a 43.3 to tie for equal fifth with Sam Griffiths and Happy Times. Tiana told me yesterday in our interview that Finn is incredibly fit and it was going to be a challenge to keep him settled today. But Tiana nailed it, and Finn turned on the pizzazz to really wow the crowd. Tiana looked absolutely thrilled after the test and hugged and patted Finn repeatedly as they left the arena. The video of their test is uploading slowly, but I will post it as soon as it’s ready.

Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister are now tied for fifth place.

We also saw a lovely test from Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas in the third group of the day; they scored a 44.2 to sit just behind Tiana in seventh place. Ingrid had some bad luck picking up the wrong lead at the canter strike off following the rein back, and the horse also swapped leads during the counter canter. Had Ingrid not had those mistakes, she likely would have come very close to cracking the 30s, so I imagine she’s very frustrated with those bobbles. But it was still a really lovely test. Zara Phillips and High Kingdom sit just behind Ingrid in eighth place on a 44.3. Aside from one bobble in the canter serpentine, this was a really lovely test for this pair. As is becoming the theme for my day, I have video of both Ingrid and Zara’s tests and will bring those to you once they upload. I think the sheer number of journalists and photographers working in the press tent has completely overwhelmed the system, making uploading difficult.

Zara Phillips and High Kingdom are sitting in eighth place.

The top placings are incredibly close going into the final group of riders; it’s going to be a fantastic finale. We’ve only had two riders crack the 30s so far, but it’s safe to say that will drastically change now. We have Mary King and Kings Temptress leading off the final group at 3:30 p.m. local time, with Kristina Cook and Miners Frolic, Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW, William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk, and Andrew Nicholson and Nereo still to come. I’m thrilled that my steward friend has promised me excellent seating for the conclusion of dressage here at Badminton, so get excited for the crazy amount of videos I’m going to bring you. I walked the course over the lunch break and caught Colleen Rutledge walking the course with Jimmy Wofford, so I’ll also be bringing you an interview with her in which she breaks down her dressage test from this morning. Go eventing.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results] 

Dressage Videos:

Video: Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister

Video: Dirk Schrade and King Artus

Video: Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master

This will be a very quick update — as I leave on a guided coursewalk in exactly 11 minutes during the lunch break — but in exchange for the brevity I bring you videos of all three of our North American pairs to ride so far — Clark Montgomery and Universe, Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz and, just now, Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master. Rupert has looked fantastic all spring and looked stunning today, scoring a 51.3 to tie for 20th place. Rebecca and Riddle Master are the highest-scoring North American pair thus far. This test was oh so close to being really fantastic, as Rupert was a bit tense from the beginning and desperately wanted to canter coming out of the salute to begin the trot work. But Rebecca held him together beautifully and should be very proud of this test.

Today has been survival of the fittest to bring you these videos and photos. While the ring stewards let me quietly sit wherever I wanted yesterday, today they are cracking down on seating. Thus far, I have been moved to a different seat five times; it seems no one knows where the journalists are allowed to sit today. I have to give a shoutout to a very kind steward — who will remain unnamed lest he suffer the wrath of other officials I encountered today — who heard my American accent and offered to let me move into the reserved seating to take photos and videos of our North American riders. Thank you, sir, for your kindness. Go eventing.

Dressage Videos:

Video: Clark Montgomery and Universe 

Video: Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz

Video: Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master

Note: Rebecca’s test still hasn’t finished uploading — the Badminton wifi has not been good to me thus far — so I will update this post with the video just as soon as I return from the coursewalk. And, most importantly, I’ll be back with course walk photos! Stay tuned for a full preview of the Badminton cross-country course this afternoon.

Stefano Brecciaroli and Apollo VD Wendi Kurt Hoeve have taken the lead at Badminton.

Stefano Brecciaroli is the first rider to crack the 30s in dressage here at Badminton, scoring 36.8 with Apollo VD Wendi Kurt Hoeve to move into first place. This horse placed second in the dressage at the London Olympics and certainly didn’t disappoint today, with Stefano had some of the best geometry we’ve seen yet. The judges have been incredibly picky about accuracy, and Stefano is one of a handful of riders so far who hasn’t been crushed on the 10-meter circles. Apollo is also a really stunning mover, and the judges definitely rewarded their trot work nicely. In addition to a new leader, we also have another new pair in the top three this morning, with London individual bronze medalists Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo scoring 41.3 to move into second. Sandra had an unfortunate bobble when the horse bumped into the rope that serves as the arena gate, spooking himself and breaking his concentration. The test suffered a bit after that, with Opgun Louvo never coming to a steady halt before the reinback. But this was still a very lovely performance from Sandra.

Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo move into second place.

We also saw the first of the Americans to go here at Badminton this morning, with Clark Montgomery and Universe riding fifth in the order. Universe was a bit up and never quite settled for Clark, who has been getting beautiful work from him this spring. But this was still a lovely showing for Buzzy, who looked brilliant and was moving very well today. Clark and Universe scored a 54.3 to sit in 27th place. Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz also rode in the first group this morning, and I thought Luke looked very relaxed and responsive. Colleen and Luke had some really lovely moments, and I think Colleen should be pleased with this performance. Luke was snorting softly throughout the test, as if to say, “Can we go cross country yet?” They’ll be in fine form tomorrow. Colleen and Luke scored 63.2 to sit in 43rd. Also, big props to Colleen for wearing a helmet. Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master ride in the second group before the lunch break, and Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister will go after the lunch break.

Clark Montgomery and Universe

We also saw a really lovely test from Bettina Hoy and Lanfranco TSF in the morning group. Aside from a slight bobble in the walk transition when the horse came to a full halt, this was a very steady, accurate test. Bettina and Lanfranco scored 46.3 to move into eighth place. Our good luck with the weather has unfortunately run out, with rain falling on and off this morning and heavy winds making the horses quite spooky. The weather forecast predicts that this storm will blow over, so hopefully we will have better conditions for the afternoon. I’m heading back out to shoot video of Rebecca and Rupert’s test and will upload that quickly before the lunch break. I apologize in advance for bringing you a shorter lunchtime update than usual, as I’m going on a tour of the cross-country course during the lunch break that leaves promptly at noon local time. Videos are a bit slow to upload, so I will add in the footage of Clark and Colleen’s tests once I get back for the lunch break.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results]

Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz

Dressage Videos:

Video: Stefano Brecciaroli and Apollo VD Wendi Kurt Hoeve

Video: Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo

Click below for a live blog of the Badminton competition from our friends at the Horse and Hound, and click here for the Horse and Hound’s complete Badminton coverage.  Eastern time is Badminton time -5 hours, meaning that the first Saturday ride is 9:00am local and 4:00am ET on Friday.  The last dressage ride is scheduled for 11:58am ET.

[Dressage Live Scores, Dressage Ride Times, TV Listings, Badminton Audio Interviews]

Dressage Live Blog Coverage: H&H website editor Carol Phillips will be joined by H&H Live regular Anna Ross Davies — successful British dressage trainer and grand prix competitor — for both days of dressage.

Video: Our understanding is that there is no online video coverage of the dressage on Friday and Saturday.  FEI TV will carry the XC and show jumping world-wide for a fee, and the BBC will have online coverage for UK viewers.  [More Info]

If the live blog doesn’t work in your browser, click here.

Go eventing.

William Fox-Pitt and Oslo at Badminton, photo by Jenni Autry

EN’s Jenni Autry has done an outstanding job holding her own across the pond, giving us quick informative updates and dressage videos as fast as Youtube allows.  But in case you just can’t get enough Badminton coverage, here’s what other news outlets have to say about today’s action:

Horse & Hound

• Badminton Horse Trials blog: this year’s event has a brilliant buzz – “Today’s dressage judging hasn’t been altogether consistent, with the two British judges different by almost 8% over what mark William Fox-Pitt should be awarded on Oslo. I am slightly surprised that, with the calibre field there is this year, no one has broken the 40-barrier on the first day — but it is likely to happen several times over tomorrow.”

• Australia’s Christopher Burton leads Badminton Horse Trials 2013  – ‘Christopher said: “She is a lovely old horse, but not the most extravagant so you have to ride for as few mistakes as you possible can. I was delighted with how she stayed with me. I was aiming for a sub-45 score so I’m thrilled with 43 to lead.”’

• Lucy Jackson’s Badminton Horse Trials blog: a disappointing first dressage – “Rather disappointingly, Willy Do got a touch of the big-stage nerves today resulting in major brain freeze throughout his canter work for 63.3 at his first Badminton.”
• Badminton Horse Trials cross-country course: fence by fence in pictures

Horse & Country

• Antipodeans go top on day one of Badminton – “‘I’m always nervous going into the dressage – she’s a lovely horse but not the most extravagant, so I always have to make as few mistakes as I can. I was aiming to go below 45 so to be in the lead on a score of 43 is fantastic and unbelievable,’ said Burton.”

• Jenny’s video blog: Badminton day two – Roving reporter Jenny Rudall is at Badminton, filming for ‘Rudall’s Round-Up: Badminton’ and ‘Badminton: A Rider’s View’, starring Francis Whittington and sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds.

The Chronicle of the Horse

• Burton Heads Badminton Field After Day 1 Dressage (edited press release)

Nico Morgan’s 2013 Badminton Photo Gallery

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald

• BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS DAY ONE: Big two in Trials contention – “Fox-Pitt and Nicholson will return to the dressage arena tomorrow afternoon on their respective principal challengers Parklane Hawk and Nereo, although several powerful combinations are queueing up to potentially dash their Rolex Grand Slam hopes.”

Tiana and Finn at the Badminton jog on Thursday.

Tiana Coudray was kind enough to take time out of her very busy day to chat with me about her expectations for dressage tomorrow at Badminton with Ringwood Magister and how she feels about the rest of the weekend. Finn looked very keen in the jog on Thursday and has reportedly been quite a handful here on the grounds as well. Tiana rode him quite a bit today to help him settle and will jump him tomorrow before her test to encourage him to get out that extra energy. The good news is Finn is extremely fit and is in excellent form for the cross country on Sunday. Watch the interview to hear Tiana’s thoughts on the course, as well as her spring preparation strategy for Badminton. Tiana rides her dressage test at 2:44 p.m. local time tomorrow. Go Finn!

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results]