Mary King walks the 2015 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials cross country course. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Mary King is back at Badminton again this year, her 30th anniversary of riding at the event, and I’m positive I’m one of many many who couldn’t be happier about it. A wonderful ambassador for the sport I only hope that I get to see her and daughter Emily compete here together one day, and I’m betting it won’t be too long before that happens. King’s Temptress, a homebred mare who already has had two foals by fellow competitor Chilli Morning, was the last horse to be accepted off the wait list, but as Mary explained, she had a pretty good idea she’d be coming.
Mary King and King’s Temptress. Photos by Nico Morgan.
“They virtually guaranteed I’d get a place so I just carried on as if I was coming, but it was very nice to get the phone call! I think the course is very nice, it’s technically and boldly a bit easier than last year; they’ve obviously made it that little bit more rideable, horse and rider-friendly but there’s still plenty enough questions out there, so it’s a good four star track without overdoing it.”
Thank you to Mary for being so gracious about stopping mid-course walk and chatting, and wishing her and ‘Tess’ the very best of luck this weekend. Go Mary King, and Go Eventing!
#MMBHT: Website, Order of Go, Live Scores, Schedule, Course Preview, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, @samanthalclark
