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

The Class of 2024. Photo via Badminton Horse Trials.

Here we go ENers, it’s the first day of dressage at the Great British spring 5* offering and I have some BREAKING NEWS for you… It’s not raining. Not even a light drizzle. I can’t promise it’ll stay that way, but the clouds are keeping their moisture under wraps as we get going up the center line and that’s surely worth a huzzah or two.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of this great event, the Badminton estate sure has seen some special and sparkling eventing moments over the past seven decades, and there’ll be more to come this week as a whole bunch of the world’s best horses and riders show up to shine like diamonds as they take part in this iconic event.

Coming up over the next two days we’ll see 69 competitors from eight different nations dressaging ‘til they can’t dressage no more as they make their play in the Main Arena, vying to head out out onto Saturday’s cross country as leader of the pack. The Badminton entry list is always stacked to the brim with the bold, the brave and the super talented and we’re in for a dang ol’ competition – you know it!

Here’s a taste of what we’ve got to look forward to today:

🇺🇲 There are six US combinations in the field, with four taking to the stage today:

💎 World No. 3 and going for a completion in all seven of the world’s 5*s, Boyd Martin will be first up the center line for the Stars and Stripes with Tsetserleg TSF – they go at 9:40am BST / 4:40am ET / 10:40am CEST.

💎 Also in the mix for the States today is Meghan O’Donoghue with eighteen-year-old Thoroughbred Palm Crescent – they go at 12:04am BST / 6:04am ET / 1:04pm CEST.

💎 British-based American Tiana Coudray will have her turn in the Main Arena this afternoon with Cancaras Girl – they go at 3:36pm BST / 10:36am ET / 4:36pm CEST.

💎 And last season’s Pond-hopper Cosby Green will be making her Badminton debut with Copper Beach – they go at 4pm BST / 11am ET / 5pm CEST.

🇨🇦 Jessie Phoenix is the only rider flying the Maple Leaf at this year’s Badminton. She brings Wabbit forward at 2:39pm BST / 9:39am ET / 3:39pm CEST.

🇬🇧 Obviously a huge British contingent has descended on the Badminton estate. Here’s some highlights:

💎 World No. 5 Harry Meade is making history with three Badminton entries this year. He’ll bring Burghley third-placer Cavalier Crystal into the ring first – they go at 9:16am BST / 4:16am ET / 10:16am CEST. Harry’ll be back with us at 4:16pm BST / 11:16am ET / 5:16pm CEST with 5* stalwart Away Cruising.

💎 Everyone’s favorite video game star, three-time Badminton champion, Olympic silver medalist and former European Champion Pippa Funnell has two shots at another win this year; she’ll canter up the center line today with Majas Hope at 9:48am BST / 4:48am ET / 10:48am CEST.

💎 Former World and European Champion and Olympic silver medalist Zara Tindall missed out on Badminton last year as she was busy at her uncle’s Coronation; she’s here this year with Class Affair – they go at 10:48am BST / 5:48am ET / 11:48am CEST.

💎 Two-time British U25 Champion Bubby Upton’s back after a serious injury last year; she comes forward with Cola, who she finished 8th on last season – they go at 10:56am BST / 5:56am ET / 11:56am CEST.

💎 Finish-on-their-dressage specialists David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed were runners-up at Burghley and sixth here last year – they go at 11:48am BST / 6:48am ET / 12:48pm CEST.

💎 Youngest rider in the field for three years running, Alice Casburn brings second generation homebred Topspin forward at 12:12pm BST / 6:12am ET / 1:12pm CEST.

💎 Multi-Olympic, World Championship and European medalist and winner of five of the seven 5*s William Fox-Pitt is here with Maryland runner-up Grafennacht – they go at 3:03pm BST / 10:03am ET / 4:03m CEST.

🇮🇪 Hoping for the luck of the Irish, five horse and rider combinations from the Emerald Isle are joining us for this year’s Badminton. Today we’ll see EquiRatings’ stats geek and World Championships silver medalist Sam Watson with SAP Talisman at 10:24am BST / 5:24am ET / 11:24am CEST; Georgie Goss brings forward 5* first-timer Feloupe at 11:56am BST / 6:56am ET / 12:56pm CEST; and Irish top team member and World Championships silver medalist Sarah Ennis enters the ring with Grantstown Jackson at 2:31pm BST / 9:31am ET / 3:31pm CEST.

🇫🇷 There are five Frenchmen in the field. Having their turn between the white boards today are European medalist and fellow with French flair to spare Gaspard Maksud with one of the smallest and youngest horses in the field Kan-Do 2 – they go at 2:23pm BST / 9:23am ET / 2:23pm CEST; and amateur rider and full-time farrier Florian Ganneval brings Badminton debutant Blue Bird De Beaufour forward at 2:47pm BST / 9:47am ET / 3:47pm CEST.

🇦🇺 Both Aussie Badminton entries will get their campaigns underway today. Adelaide 5* runner-up and third place finisher Sammi Birch will come up the center line with Finduss PB at 11:32am BST / 6:32am ET / 12:32pm CEST; and eventing veteran and World Championships rider Bill Levett brings Huberthus AC forward at 2:15pm BST / 9:13am ET / 3:15pm CEST.

🇳🇿 There are six riders in the Kiwi camp this year, all of whom we’ll see tomorrow, including Olympic medalist and Burghley winner Caroline Powell who has two rides here, so will go today also. She’s second into the ring with 5* first-timer CBI Aldo at 9:08am BST / 4:08am ET / 10:08am CEST.

🇨🇭 Sole Swiss representative, Olympian and birthday boy Luhmuhlen winner, Felix Vogg is here with his World and European Championships partner Cartania – they go at 10:32am BST / 5:32am ET / 11:32am CEST.

Phew! If you were doubting the strength of this field before, I will just say, I informed you thusly.

I clearly couldn’t highlight everyone, even though they’re obviously all awesome, so here’s the full list of entries.

If you’re yearning for even more insight into the combinations who’ll be cantering up the center line as we get the 75th edition of Badminton underway, then you’re in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.

Paving the way for all his fellow Badminton competitors will be Britain’s Tom Jackson with the first of his two rides Farndon – they’ll enter the ring at 9am BST / 4am ET / 10am CEST.

If you want to see when your favorites are going, you’ll find the ride times here.

As you know, here at EN we’re true eventing geeks, happy to wear our fingers down to stumps in order to bring you all the content you can handle. This week, we’ve got you covered with live blogs following every single step the runners and riders take in the dressage, cross country and the finale of the show jumping, and we’ll be wrangling together daily reports from every stage of the competition, cluing you up with a cross country course preview and giving you the low-down on what the riders think of the fences they’ll be facing when they leave the start box on Saturday. Keep it locked on to EN and click here for all of our blood, sweat and tears – go on eventing nerds, you know you want to. 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, let’s kick on and get the 75th anniversary edition of MARS Badminton Horse Trials underway.

Let’s get wild with the wonder as our stars shine bright at Badminton, 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]

The 75th edition of MARS Badminton Horse Trials is underway and we have good news for our Stateside fans in terms of the overnight leaderboard:

1️⃣ Heading the charge and in the lead overnight is Great Britain’s Bubby Upton with Cola on a score of 27.3.
2️⃣ Not quite 2 points behind is the USA’s – Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg on 29.
3️⃣ And 0.8 behind, rounding out the top three as things stand, we have another US rider – Tiana Coudray with Cancaras Girl on 29.8.

Click here for the full scoreboard.

I’ve had tears and cheers (and a sob or two), a dead mouse to deal with (although last year I had a live one running ‘round my living room while I had my feet up on the couch – and kept typing)… and we’ve seen so much exciting dressage. What a sport. What a first day. Bring on the next!

I’ll see you right back here tomorrow (well, on a new post, make sure you click on tomorrow’s live blog unless you’re into having a Groundhog Day, then by all means have at this one again, and again…) – set your reminder for 9am BST / 4am ET / 10am CEST.

We’ll have a round-up of all that went down between the white boards today for you very soon – eyes on EN.

Also coming up, we’ll be back with live updates from Saturday’s cross country and the finale of Sunday’s show jumping, and there’ll be daily round-up reports, well, daily. Keep it locked onto EN and in the meantime, click here for all the Badminton content you can handle.

Before we go I have to salute the eventing die-hards in the States who’ve been here for the whole damn dressage day and got up basically in the middle of the night – all hail the eventing nerds!

Until tomorrow ENers, go eventing!

11:24am ET

🇬🇧 Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 20th Burghley
2019 – 18th Badminton, 27th Burghley
2018 – 20th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 18th (19)
Burghley – 20th (23) 27th (19)
Pau – 20 (18)

🏸 form: 2 starts, 1 completion – WD after XC in 2022

🎓 Nicky has a degree in Biology and Sport Science.
⛷️ She’s a keen skier and climber.

📋 They put down a 36.8 at Burghley last season and a 35.8 at Badminton.

‘Bing’ has wings:

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A post shared by nicky hill (@nickyhilleventing)

Today’s Test:

Nicky and Bingo Boy canter up the center line to wrap up today’s dressage at Badminton. They get off to a confident start and that really comes out in the medium trot for an 8 and a 7. This early work is soft and fluid and Bingo Boy really looks to have a very nice trot. But she goes for the extended and they break into canter – it’s 4s across the board for that. Nicky’s really riding positively and sometimes that risk means there may be a mistake, but without it, the top scores aren’t available to you.

Nicky doesn’t let it put her off and she continues to ride bravely in the walk, encouraging Bingo Boy forward. They’re a little abrupt into the halt, which scores two 6s and a 5, and the reinback is slightly sticky. But they get a good strike off into canter.

Bingo Boy is very on Nicky’s aids for the first change. There could be a little more bend in the lateral work, but Bingo Boy is clearly working hard for Nicky and everything is happening accurately. She pushes forward for the extended canter but it could have had a little more push for higher marks. The final change is accurate and they make their way up the center line to finish up the day.

There’s some sideways galloping when the crowd cheers but that doesn’t matter. Overall there’s been a lot to like in this test. They were a picture of a horse and rider working together and delivering a clear round on the whole.

Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy score 37.8.

11:16am ET

🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Away Cruising

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 16th Badminton, 27th Burghley
2022 – 29th Badminton
2018 – 16th Badminton, 6th Burghley
2017 – 14th Luhmuhlen, 15th Burghley

⚫ Away Cruising is known as ‘Spot’ in the barn.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 5th (21)
Badminton – 16th (23) 16th (18) 3rd (14) 10th (09)
Luhmuhlen – 5th (23)
Burghley – 3rd (23) 6th (18) 15th (17)
Maryland – 7th (22)
Pau – 24th (22)

🏸 form: 12 completions, 6 top-20 finishes, 2 Armada Dishes

5️⃣ World No. 5
🥈 World Championships team silver 2014

🎓 Harry has a degree in Art History.
💍 He proposed to his wife during a Badminton course walk.

📋 He posted a 36 at Burghley last season and a 29 at Badminton, a PB at the level.

Spot doing his best kite impression:

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A post shared by Harry Meade Eventing (@harrymeadeeventing)

Today’s Test:

Away Cruising wondered whether to give the crowd a wave at the Horse Inspection yesterday, let’s hope he keeps all four feet on the ground for his test today.

They come up the center line and get off to a great start with an 8, 7 and 7.5 for an excellent square halt. They get off in trot and show Spot really flicks his toes out in the medium – he’s really expressive. There’s huge movement in the front legs but not so much push through from the back, which does keep his marks from being super high. He looks lovely and soft though and very rideable. There is some teeth grinding going on, showing a little tension, and that does show up a bit as they move into walk.

The extended walk scores 6.5s across the board, which is kind of how they’ve consistently been scoring. Spot steps back slightly in the halt at C but they get a good strike off into canter. The canter is lovely and balanced and the first change is very clean and gets a 7 from the judge at B. The second change is similar. Spot seems to be getting tighter as this test goes on, but he’s still listening to Harry and looks to be very confident in his work. The extended canter shows off his scope with a 7.5 and 7 in the scores for that, and there’s good stretch in the circle for two 7s. All the changes have been accurate and clean, just as the whole test has been – a clear round.

There’s a cheer for this popular pair at the end of their test and Harry gives Spot a big pat. He kind of looks disappointed, knowing this won’t be the best of their scores, but overall this was a display of great dressage riding and a lovely horse who tried hard for Harry.

Harry Meade and Away Cruising score 34.6.

11:08am ET

🇬🇧 Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 29th Badminton, 21st Burghley
2022 – 25th Burghley

🎁 Google is officially the best Christmas present ever!
👻 This quirky mare is scared of the dark.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 29th (23)
Burghley – 21st (23) 25th (22)

🏸 form: 1 start and 1 completion – 29th Badminton 23

👶 Kristina’s been riding since she was 18 months old.
🤩 She was part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation under the mentorship of Pippa Funnell and now trains with Badminton winner and British Eventing High Performance Coach Christopher Bartle.

📋 They put down a 32.4 at Burghley last season and a PB of 30.9 at Badminton.

Big pats for a Badminton debut cross country completion:

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A post shared by Kristina Hall-Jackson (@kristinahalljackson)

Today’s Test:

Google was characteristically looky as she made her way down the jog strip yesterday. Hopefully she’s seen everything she was looking for and looks where she’s going in the ring today. She sure looks a picture as she canters ’round the ring waiting for the bell. Kristina gives the judges a smile as she passes them.

The bell rings and they make their way up the center line. Google is dead straight down the mown line, but then the halt is slightly crooked, she popped her head up and didn’t quite bring her hind leg through. They set off into trot and Google is really very expressive – it’s two 7s and a 7.5 for the medium. This mare really does have a lovely way of going, she’s very balanced and supple looking. This pair really do know each other so well and we’re clearly seeing a relationship that’s harmonious.

They transition to walk and Google starts off reasonably relaxed, it’s a bit tentative though. For higher marks it would really need to be more purposeful, but Kristina obviously knows her girl and how much she can ask for. She opts not to push for the extended, probably a smart decision as we see how excited Google is under the surface when she braces in the halt and then rushes through the reinback.

Kristina will be glad to get into canter. Google seems to relax some once she gets going and there is a nice quality to her work. Here ears are forward and she looks happy. Unfortunately she breaks momentarily, just a tiny, tiny moment, almost like she caught her toe, but she’s very quickly back on track. They score two 7s for the extended canter and then the stretch circle is very helpful to Kristina as an opportunity to rebalance before the final change. They come up the center line and halt and there’s a big clap for them. Google really does show she was excited as she jiggy jogs her way out and Kristina visibly gives a sigh of relief.

Overall this was a really nice test that showed just what a special partnership this pair have. There were a couple of expensive moments, but a lot of great work and lots of potential on show.

Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google score 36.2.

11am ET

🇺🇲 Cosby Green and Copper Beach

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 16th Pau
2018 – 10th Kentucky (with Buck Davidson)
2017 – 27th Pau (with Buck)
2016 – 20th Kentucky (with Buck)

⏩ Copper Beach is a former Buck Davidson ride, Cosby took over the reins in 2020.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 16th Pau 23

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

🤩 Cosby made the trip from the US to the UK with three of her horses last season to be based with fellow Badminton competitors Tim and Jonelle Price. She’s also trained with another Badminton competitor and fellow US rider, Allie Knowles.

📋 At Pau they put down a 35.1 in the first phase; at 4* they’re generally low- to mid-30s.

Cosby’s jumping at the chance to train with her idols:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Copper Beach took to the jog strip like the old pro that he is yesterday. Let’s hope he’s such a good boy between the white boards today.

This is the third 18-year-old horse we’re seeing in a row – what a testament it is to everyone who works with these horses that they can come out at this stage in their careers, at the top level, looking fit and well and totally up for the challenge.

They get off to a solid start but there’s a little crossing of Copper Beach’s legs in the halt. They set off in trot and the horse looks rideable and in a good rhythm. Everything’s very smooth and flowing and they pull in two 7s for the first 8m circle. The scores are creeping up. Cosby really shows a difference in the extended trot and Copper Beach is keeping a very good frame throughout all of these first movements.

Copper Beach relaxes nicely into the contact through the extended walk, although there is a lot of tail swishing going on. They score two 7s and a 6.5 for that. He’s really stepping out nicely in the walk, and the halt at C is very good for another two 7s. The reinback starts off slightly out of sequence, which is picked up with a 5.5 by the judge at C; two 7s from the other judges.

The canter work is very similar to the trot work – it’s clean and accurate and Copper Beach is really working with Cosby. She pushes for the extended canter which scores two 7s and then Copper Beach happily stretches for her when she asks for the circle. The final change is another clean one and the halt at the end is very square.

Cosby looks very pleased with what’s been a solid clear round in the first phase for her. There’s massive pats for Copper Beach and a big smile on her face. Copper Beach is relaxed walking out after a job very well done. They go into the top ten as things stand. A great Badminton start for this exciting young talent, and her experienced ride.

Cosby Green and Copper Beach score 33.7.

10:52am ET

🇬🇧 Georgia Bartlett and Spano de Nazca

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his debut at the level at Badminton last year – looking for his first completion here this week.
Recent form: 16th in the 4*-L at Blenheim last season where he was clear inside the time.

🪜 This partnership has been together for 9 years and Georgia has produced ‘Nono’ from BE100 all the way to 5*. At 23 Georgia’s one of the youngest riders in the field, and at 18 Nono’s one of the oldest horses.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made her debut at Badminton last year.

🏸 form: 2023 – retired on XC

👖 Georgia’s parents met at a British Junior team training camp.

📋 This pair put down a PB at 4 & 5* of 31.2 in the first phase last year.

What a time to break out your best score:

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A post shared by Georgia Bartlett (@georgiabartlett_eventing)

Today’s Test:

Georgia gets her Badminton underway with a very good square halt. Nono is working nicely for her at the start of their test and is trotting in a very nice rhythm. There’s a bit of tail swishing hinting at underlying excitement, but he’s listening and trying his best for Georgia. His ears are relaxed and forward but he drops behind the leg a little in the second 8m circle and a bit of a wobble in the shoulder-in, but so far this test is very accurate and the horse looks nicely rideable.

We’ve lost the individual movement scores again sorry.

He’s relaxed enough in the walk but it’s a bit tentative, almost like he’s holding his breath. He’s very still in the halt and the reinback is accurate. They set off into canter and he brings his quarters in a little at the end of the medium canter – a little tension creeping in perhaps. He’s still listening though and working hard. This pair are obviously a really nice partnership.

There are a couple of mistakes creeping in, with his quarters leading slightly in the half-pass and then again at the end of the extended canter, which leads to a break in the canter at the start of the stretch circle and a couple of trot steps. It’s really well rescued by Georgia though.

They finish up in a lovely square halt and Georgia looks to be very happy with Nono, who’s her youth championships horse. They made a really nice picture as they worked together in the Main Arena, a very solid partnership and a horse and rider who obviously know each other inside and out.

We’re waiting on their score, I’ll update as soon as possible.

Georgia Bartlett and Spano de Nazca score 37.4. (Updated)

10:44am ET

🇬🇧 Helen Martin and Andreas

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Badminton last year but an unlucky rider fall means he’s looking for his first completion.
Recent form: 19th in the 4*-L at Blenheim last season; 1st in the 4*-L at Kronenberg in 2022.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made her 5* debut at Badminton last season.

🍃 Helen’s based on the family farm just 30 minutes down the road from Badminton – ‘Alfie’ can smell the turf on the Badminton cross country course when the wind’s blowing the right way.

📋 He put down a 32.8 at Badminton on his debut at the level. He’s generally low- to mid-30s at 4*.

Making dreams come true at Badminton last year, and hopefully more this week:

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A post shared by Helen Martin Eventing (@helenmartineventing)

Today’s Test:

Oh dear, the crowd’s applause for the previous rider has really upset Alfie. There’s a real struggle going on for Helen outside the ring. This is really not ideal. He’s very, very upset.

She gets him into the ring and Alfie is still very worked up by all the excitement. Poor Helen is having a real job. Such a shame at the start of their test, but Helen’s a pro and really does get Alfie settled in as quickly as she can.

As he settles into his work, Alfie is starting to pull in some nice marks for his trot. This really is a striking horse, with so much presence and potential to spare. They end up with some 7s in the later trot work. This is very impressive after such a difficult start.

Alfie is surprisingly relaxed in the walk work and pulls in 7s across the board for the extended. He looks absolutely beautiful with his very pretty quarter marks shining in the sun. Unfortunately the halt at C is not a happy moment for them and the reinback isn’t really backwards, more sideways, and not accurate – 2s and 3s for that. But they go off into canter and you can clearly see that all the training is there, and the capability. The lower marks really are a product of circumstance. They score 7s across the board for the second change and for the half-pass right. Helen obviously can’t push for the extended canter but the quality of this horse’s paces means there’s still a 7 in the scores. There is some nice stretch in the circle and then a very accurate flying change to finish which scores a 7 and a 7.5.

Alfie’s going sideways as the crowd claps as they halt. What a disappointment for Helen. A total shame, but Helen really delivered an excellent performance and Alfie really did show off what a super dressage test he could do, just not with the atmosphere he found himself in at the start of his test. Onward to the cross country.

Helen Martin and Andreas score 38.2.

10:36am ET

🇺🇲 Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: This mare made her 5* debut at Burghley last year but was eliminated on the cross country after Tiana’s air jacket went off following a mishap – and save of the day – early on course. She tried to continue but have you tried breathing in one of those things once it’s inflated?!

Recent form: 19th in the 4*-S in Kronenberg this season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Burghley 2023 was her first time at the level since 2014.

🏸 form: 25th 2014; 17th 2013

🔥 Represented Team USA at London 2012.

💃 As a teenager, Tiana competed at 5 Irish Dancing World Championships.

📋 This mare put down a PB of 32.1 at Burghley last year. Generally, her form at 4* is low- to mid-30s.

Tiana’s looking for redemption at Badminton:

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A post shared by Tiana Coudray (@tianacoudrayeventing)

Today’s Test:

And we’re back underway with the final session of today’s dressage from Badminton. I can report that the sun is still shining at Badminton. Onto Tiana and Cancaras Girl’s test…

Cancaras Girl gave the crowd a little wave at the Horse Inspection yesterday. Hopefully she got that out of her system for today.

Cancaras Girl looks nicely relaxed as she makes her way around the ring. There’s a tiny distraction as they turn into the arena and the mare loses her rhythm slightly but Tiana gets her straight back ad they score an 8, 7 and 7.5 for the halt. This horse has a very expressive trot and are rewarded in the medium with a 7.5 and two 7s. There’s so much flow in her trot steps, and she’s clearly very supple, which she shows off in the lateral work. There’s a 7.5 and two 7s for the extended. The early part of this test has been very impressive.

They transition into walk and Cancaras Girl stretches forward in the extended and shows lots of overtrack – that gets two 7s. The mare is nice and relaxed in the walk although the tension starts to creep in towards the end and the scores drop slightly for the medium. There was slight anticipation into the halt but the reinback is accurate and they set off in canter.

The first change is super accurate for two 7.5s and a 7 and the second one is better with an 8 from the judge at C. The canter work is very smooth and uphill and Tiana really goes for the extended – two 7s and a 7.5 for that. Cancaras Girl comes back nicely but doesn’t really want to stretch in the first part of the circle, Tiana encourages her though and it finishes up very nicely. The final change is excellent is gets two 8s and a 7. There’s a massive cheer from the crowd as they halt which spooks Cancaras Girl. She’s trotting off, showing just what a lovely job Tiana did keeping her relaxed throughout that test when she’s obviously feeling the atmosphere. There are still big cheers going on. A really great start to their Badminton.

Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl score 29.8.

10:11am ET

We’re heading into a short break now. Back in around 25 minutes – at 10:36am ET / 4:36pm CEST.

10:03am ET

🇬🇧 William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 14th Badminton, 2nd Maryland

😂 William describes ‘Lillie’ as a “tough old wench”. Safe to say, that’s 100% a compliment when you’re talking about a 5* event horse!

Rider:
Ridiculously impressive 5⭐ form: Won 5 of the 7 5*s!
🏆 WINS:
Kentucky – 10, 12, 14
Badminton – 04 & 15
Luhmuhlen – 08
Burghley – 94, 02, 05, 07, 08, 11
Pau – 11 & 13

🏸 form: 24 completions on 16 different horses – made his debut in 1989 – 5 Armada Dishes, 2 wins, 3 2nds, 1 3rd

1️⃣ 4 time World No. 1
🔥 5 time Olympian
🗺️ 4 World Championships

🥇🥈🥉World Championships team bronze 2002, 14th individually; team silver 2006, 15th individually; team gold & individual silver 2010; team silver & individual bronze 2014
🥇🥈🥉 European team gold 1995, 5th individually; team gold & individual silver 1997; team gold 2001, 6th individually; team gold 2003, 8th individually; team gold & individual silver 2005; team gold 2009, 4th individually; team bronze 2011, 7th individually; individual bronze 2013; team silver 2015

🐣 William’s hobby outside horses is breeding chickens.

📋 They put down a 26.1 at Maryland last season on their way to 2nd place; it was a 25.8 in the first phase at Badminton. Eyes on this one 👀 Lillie’s amongst the best dressage horses in field according to EquiRatings.

Lillie wondering what the serious face is for:

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Today’s Test:

William will take us into a short break. He’s certainly taking his time coming into the ring and Boyd Martin in the commentary box is a little concerned – but he enters with 1 second to spare, total pro.

They have a perfect square halt but then Lillie looks up and steps back – that scores 5s across the board. Of course William puts it straight behind him, gets off in trot and pulls out two 7.5s for the medium. Lillie looks a bit up on her toes but William is a master and the work is of such a great quality that it’s pulling in 7s and 7.5s. William’s giving away nothing and riding totally accurately for every mark.

Lillie continues to look a little unsettled in the walk, there a bobble of the head every now and then. They score 7s across the board for the extended walk. Lillie makes up for the first halt in the second, but then there’s an extra step in the reinback. William will be glad to get into canter.

Lillie definitely looks happier in the canter, she’s settling into the test now. There’s a 7.5 for the first change. The lateral work is really very subtle and the marks are creeping up and up, there’s an 8 for the half-pass right. They get two 7s and a 7.5 for the extended and it’s the best stretch circle we’ve seen according to Boyd – an 8 from H, 7 from B and 6.5 from C.

They finish up in a very square halt after a final change which scored two 7s. The final halt gets an 8 and two 7s. Lots of very good scores in this test, but a few that will have dropped them down. William obviously looks cool, calm, and collected. As always. They go into equal third as things stand.

William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht score 30.6.

9:55am ET

🇬🇧 Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 17th in the 4*-L at Blenheim last season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 23rd Luhmuhlen 23

🏸 form: Making his Badminton debut.

📋 At 4* Ballycoog Breaker Boy is proving himself to be a low-30s kind of guy.

Best foot forward:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WILL RAWLIN (@willrawlin)

Today’s Test:

Here’s Will and ‘William’. (Yes, Ballycoog Breaker Boy’s barn name is William.)

Will bravely showed a fair bit of mankle on the jog strip at yesterday’s Horse Inspection – it’s rather chilly for that kind of thing over here in Britain, so props to him.

William gets off to a great start with two 7s and a 7.5 for the halt. More great marks come in as they get their trot work underway – two 8s come in for the medium that really was brave and bold. But then, there’s a real problem in the extended – Wills pushes for it and William breaks into canter, he struggles to get it back and it doesn’t end up happening – that scores 2, 2, 1 and the following transition is expensive also. Such a shame as this had started off brilliantly – but there was a lot of risk taken by Wills, which is obviously the way to go for the big marks, it doesn’t unfortunately always pay off though.

Everything does start to settle down though and they’re back together for the walk work, which is surprisingly relaxed. The canter work gets off to a good start and the scores are back up, but as it goes on you can see that William’s a bit on his toes. Wills is really holding everything together masterfully though and the movements are accurate. The extended canter pulls in two 7s and a 6.5. The final change is expensive – 4s across the board – but they finish up in a square halt for two 7s.

There’s a massive clap and cheer from the crowd in appreciation of Wills’ brilliant riding. There is so much potential in this horse, the early work really was beautiful, just the atmosphere was a bit tricky today for him.

Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy score 36.1.

9:47am ET

🇫🇷 Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird De Beaufour

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 26th Luhmuhlen, 17th Pau
2021 – 24th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Luhmuhlen – 26th (23)
Pau – 17th (23) 24th (21)

🏸 form: Making his Badminton debut.

🔗 Florian’s dad runs the barn at home and also grooms for Florian at competitions.

🐴 In real life, Florian’s a full-time farrier.

📋 He posted a 33.7 at Pau last season, and a 36.3 at Luhmuhlen. It was a 36.1 at Pau in 2022 and 33.4 on his debut at the level.

Let’s do this thing:

Florian Ganneval with Blue Bird de Beaufour. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

They make a very confident entry up the center line and, although it takes a little step, deliver a square halt. The relationship between this two is very clear from the outset, they really are a picture of a pair working together. There’s a very nice rhythm and balance to this horse’s trot work and it’s pulling in some 7s. Blue Bird really does look rideable and correct, he’s in a good frame and is really listening to Florian.

They transition to walk and Blue Bird is very relaxed. He takes the contact forward in the extended but there’s not really the push for the high marks – it scores a 6.5 and 6s. There’s the hint of a jog going into the halt but Florian checks it and the actual halt is good enough for two 7s. The reinback isn’t so smooth but they set off into canter.

The first change is late behind but the scores are OK – there’s a 6, 5 and 5.5. Blue Bird is a little unsettled in some of the canter work, but he’s delivering clean changes and the extended canter is very bold – Florian really went for it, two 7s for that. Blue Bird really loves the stretch in the circle, he reaches right down and then comes back neatly to finish up the next couple of movements to end his test.

Florian looks very happy with that, and so he should. Blue Bird was relaxed and very comfortable in his work, well within himself. A very solid start to their Badminton.

Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird De Beaufour score 34.7.

9:38am ET

🇨🇦 Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 19th Kentucky, 11th Burghley
2022 – 19th Maryland

🏇 Wabbit is a full Thoroughbred – he earned $2200 in five racing starts, but clearly he was made for eventing.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 19th (23) 21st (22) 15th (19) 17th (17)
Burghley – 11th (23)
Maryland – 19th (22) 21st (21)

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

🥇🥈 Pan-Ams individual gold & team silver 2011; individual silver & team bronze 2015; team bronze 2019
🔥 London 2012; Rio 2016
🗺️ World Championships 2010, 2014, 2018

📋 They put down a 34.9 at Burghley last year, and a 39.4 at Kentucky. Wabbit’s got speed and power to spare, it’s just a case of containing that between the white boards before it’s unleashed on Saturday.

Run Wabbit, Run:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Props to Wabbit’s groom, he was white as white at the Horse Inspection. (How do they keep the 💩 out of his tail? I could do with some tips.) And he looks just as stunning in the Badminton sunshine today.

This guy looks to be relaxed as he canters ’round the ring waiting for the bell. They come straight up the center line, there’s the hint of a walk step into the halt, but they get off cleanly into trot. Wabbit’s really flicking his toes as he trots ’round the Main Arena, he’s obviously excited for Saturday but he’s being a really good boy and keeping it under wraps thus far. He could have a little more bend and show more suppleness for the bigger marks in the lateral work, but he’s scoring consistently in the 6s and 6.5s at this point in the test.

The transition to walk is smooth and Wabbit’s trying really hard to stay calm, but every now and then we can see that’s he could pop at any point. Jessie’s managing to keep him in walk though, no jiggy jogging is going on, but it’s obviously tricky – a lot of 5s for the walk. The halt is also tricky and the reinback scores 4s across the board as it wasn’t really straight. They get off on the wrong lead, but Jessie fixes it. They’re off into canter though now and Wabbit seems to be settling.

Jessie’s doing a great job of sitting calm and supporting Wabbit. The canter work is accurate but she obviously can’t push in the extended, although it scores a 7, 6.5 and 6 – she’s going for a clear round. They come back up the center line and kind of dribble into the halt slightly, Wabbit’s not sure about standing still, he knows it’s cross country time for him now. Jessie’s smiling though.

This was a really great showing from Jessie, she kept a horse that was clearly up on his toes very much on the job for his dressage test. He’s properly jiggy jogging on the way out and very excited for what’s to come.

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit score 40.3.

9:31am ET

🇮🇪 Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 22nd Pau 23

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 32nd (17) 34th (16) 38th (13)
Pau – 22nd (23)

🏸 form: 3 completions

🥈 World Championships team silver 2018, 5th individually
🔥 Tokyo 2020 Olympics; World Championships 2014 & 2018; European Championships 2013, 2017, 2019, 2023

🤿 Water jumps won’t phase Sarah – when she’s not on horseback she loves to sail and is a qualified Dive Master.

📋 They put down a 36.9 at Pau. He’s generally a mid- to high-30s kind of guy, but he’s not averse to dipping a hoof in the 40s.

Flying the flag for Ireland:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Sarah and Grantstown Jackson come into the ring and get off to a good start. He’s a little curled up, showing a bit of tension in the huge atmosphere, but he relaxes as he gets into his trot work and scores 7s across the board for the extended. He’s showing nice bend and suppleness in the lateral work for more 7s.

They make the transition into walk and the gelding looks to be slightly on his toes, but he’s trying to keep it under wraps. Sarah can’t push for the biggest marks in the extended but it scores two 7s. The halt is square and the reinback really clean – that scores two 7s as well.

They get off into canter and Grantstown Jackson seems very comfortable in his work. The first change is slightly past the center line but it’s clean. The second change isn’t quite as good and there are a couple of 5s in the scores there. The extended canter is a clear difference and scores a 7. The change before it is a bit of a miss though and pulled the marks down a bit – there was a 4 and a 2 in the marks for that. The final one is much better though for 6s and a 6.5.

They finish up with a good halt for two 7s and there’s a clap from the crowd and bum pats for Grantstown Jackson. Overall that was a clear round in the dressage for them and now they get to think about cross country, where this horse is truly one that’ll shine.

Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson score 36.4.

9:23am ET

🇫🇷 Gaspard Maksud and Kan-Do 2

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 28th Pau 23

👶 Kan-Do 2 is one of the smallest and youngest horses in the field – he’s 15.2 an 10-years-old.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut alongside Kan-Do 2 at Pau last season.

🏸 form: Making his Badminton debut.

🥉 European Championships team bronze 2023, 8th individually
🗺️ World Championships – 6th individually 2022 with Zaragoza, finishing on their dressage score

🤩 Gaspard made the move to Britain in 2013 and based himself with Andrew Nicholson before going on to work with Sam Griffiths the following year.

🏉 He had other sporting dreams, before eventing – he wanted to play rugby however… “I didn’t really have the size and when the other players started to think I was the ball, it was time for me to change sports!”. Rugby’s loss is for sure eventing’s gain Gaspard!

📋 They put down a 37.1 at Pau last season, and aren’t averse to dipping a hoof in the 40s at 4*.

Gaspard brings a bit of fun and French flair to the Horse Inspection:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Gaspard did not disappoint yesterday at the Horse Inspection with his frog beret – whimsy and wit all in one hat.

Gaspard looks to mean business as he enters the ring, but a slight step back in the first halt means two 5s and a 6 to get them started. Kan-Do looks a little tight as they get off into his trot work, but seems to be relaxing as things go on and the marks are creeping up to 6s and 6.5s. This horse is clearly very powerful and doesn’t look the easiest to balance.

They go into walk and Kan-Do is nice and relaxed. They get two 7s for the extended walk, a reward for the impressive overstep that Kan-Do shows. He’s really got a very good walk, this horse. The halt gets a 7.5 from one of the judges and the reinback is accurate.

They get off into canter and there are some conversations happening between Gaspard and the gelding. His head comes up every now and then, but he is still performing all of the movements accurately. Gaspard can’t really push in the extended, Kan-Do’s looking a little like he’d much rather be on the cross country. There’s a lot of horse here to balance in the ring and Gaspard’s really showing us how to manage a bit of a tricky horse in this phase.

There’s a whole bunch of French flair in the salute and a big pat for Kan-Do. Overall, this was a solid kind of test, everything happened and nothing went wrong but there’s some things to work on as this young horse continues his education. Kan-Do 2 looks incredibly pleased with himself as the crowd cheers as they leave the arena.

Gaspard Maksud and Kan-Do 2 score 38.1.

9:15am ET

🇦🇺 William Levett and Huberthus AC

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – Badminton – Retired after a 20 out on course in the tricky conditions; Luhmuhlen – EL XC

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 15th (19) 18th (15)
Luhmuhlen – 6th & 13th (16)

🏸 form: 7 completions, best place 7th in 2010.

🗺️ Bill has represented Australia at the World Championships twice, in 1990 and 2014.

👖 Bill is dad to 19-year-old twins who are both equestrians in their own right – his son competes in eventing and his daughter in vaulting.

📋 ‘Bart’ put down a 30.1 in the first phase at Luhmuhlen last season and a 32.5 here.

Back at Badminton hoping for better weather:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Bill and Bart are getting us back underway after the lunch break at Badminton (some satisfying alliteration to start us off).

Bart looks nice and relaxed as they wait for the bell. Bill takes his time before cantering up the center line. They have a very elegant entry and finish up with a square halt, with just a tiny jiggle. Bart really is light on his feet in the trot work, really working on the top of the ground. He looks relaxed and rideable and very soft. There’s a bit of tail swishing but it seems like that’s just his way based on the relaxation through his body. They’ve got off to a very accurate start.

They make the transition into walk and Bill really lets his reins loosen in the extended walk – very brave. Bart does take the contact forward, but there’s a tiny wiggle through his body, a little unstable. But he’s really very relaxed in the Main Arena.

The halt and reinback are accurate. I’m really sorry but we’ve lost the individual movement scores from the feed. But this horse and rider really are making a lovely picture of harmony and Bart seems very comfortable in his work.

There really hasn’t been anything wrong with this test. The canter is very much like the trot work – it looks rideable and clean. There could be a little more stretch forward in the circle, Bart does stretch but curls in the neck slightly rather than out – the scores are back and it’s 6s across the board for that. The final change gets a 5, 6 and 7. The final halt is fine and there’s a big clap from the afternoon crowd.

Overall this was a solid kind of test, rideable and a pleasure to watch a horse and rider working very nicely together.

William Levett and Huberthus AC score 35.8. (Updated)

7:28am ET

We’re heading into the lunch/breakfast if you’re Stateside break now.

We’ve got two sub-30 scores leading the way and three nations represented in the top-3 thus far.

Here’s how things stand:

In the lead is Bubby Upton and Cola for Great Britain – they’re on a score of 27.3.
Taking second spot is Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg for the USA – they’re on 29.
And rounding out the top three is Ireland’s Georgie Goss with Feloupe – they’re on 30.6.

Enjoy your lunch / breakfast depending on where you are in the world.
Back in around 1 hour 45 minutes – at 9:15am ET / 3:15pam CEST.

7:20am ET

🇬🇧 Rosie Bradley-Hole and Romantic

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 3rd in the 4*-L at Blair Castle last fall.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 47th Badminton 22

🏸 form: Completed on her debut in 2022.

🎓 As well as being a top-level eventer, Rosie has a law degree.

📋 Their form is generally mid-30s at 4*, although they sometimes have a hoof in the 40s.

Prepping for the big B and keeping her fingers crossed:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rosie Bradley-Hole (@rosiefry)

Today’s Test:

This is our last combination before the lunch break.

Rosie was successfully rocking the cowgirl look with boots and a hat at yesterday’s Horse Inspection – she got her Badminton off with a win on the jog strip, taking one of the best dressed awards.

Romantic looks to be a very nice stamp of a horse as he makes his way around the outside of the ring – so strong and powerful, real solid looking. They make their way straight up the center line and get their Badminton underway with a square halt. There’s a little wobble in the move off but Rosie puts it behind her and they get off into their trot work.

This horse looks secure in everything that’s being asked of him – he doesn’t have the biggest movement and there are tiny losses of rhythm every now and then, but overall he’s performing everything accurately. The marks are consistently 6s and 6.5s with a few 7s coming in also.

They make the transition into walk and look to be relaxed. Again, there’s no big movements, so the scores are in the 6s on the whole, but there’s nothing going wrong either. The halt is very secure at C and Romantic is very clearly happy and confident in the reinback. They strike off into canter with a smooth transition.

The canter work is similar to what’s gone before it – everything is clean and accurate and scores in the 6s. The first change is very good but there’s a bit of a muddle in the preparation for the second one; the third is more clearer.

The extended canter gets a 7 from the judge at B but there’s not a lot of stretch in the circle. The final change is really affected by the unbalance in the preparation for it and scores a 2, 3 and 4. They end up with a 7 for the final halt though.

There was a mixed bag of scores here, but overall this horse looked to be trying really hard and delivered a clear round. There’s a cheer from the crowd and a big pat for Romantic.

Rosie Bradley-Hole and Romantic score 38.

7:12am ET

🇬🇧 Alice Casburn and Topspin

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 18th Badminton, 7th Burghley
2022 – 19th Badminton, 5th Burghley, 19th Pau

🌱 ‘Spinach’ is a second generation homebred who still lives in the same stall he was born in. Alice’s mom competed his grandmother.
🎾 All the Casburn homebreds have tennis-related names.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 18th (23) 19th (22)
Burghley – 7th (23) 5th (22)
Pau – 19th (21)

🏸 form: Alice and Topspin finished in the top 20 in 2022; she was the highest-placed under-25, and the pair made the biggest climb up the leaderboard.

👶 This is the third year running that Alice has been the youngest competitor.

📋 They put down a 35.8 in the first phase at both Badminton and Burghley last season.

All smiles as they win team gold and individual bronze at the Young Rider European Championships in 2022:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alice Casburn (@alice_casburn)

Today’s Test:

Alice was rocking the leopard print look at the Horse Inspection yesterday with some very cool pants. She’s more traditionally dressed today in white breeches. I’m kind of disappointed.

They make their way up the center line perfectly straight but there’s a bobble in the halt and Spinach puts his hind foot right out, which shows up in the marks – two 5.5s and a 6 to start for them. They put it behind them though and set off in trot.

Spinach seems a little excited which shows up in the contact slightly, but he’s keeping it mostly under wraps. The 8m circle is obviously very tight for this big horse. He does seem to be settling as the test goes on though and the scores are consistently 6s and 6.5s.

They make their transition into walk and Spinach is still a tiny bit fussy in his mouth. But he’s stepping out nicely for Alice, she just can’t really push for the big marks. The halt at C is better than the first but isn’t quite square. The reinback is very good though and scores two 7s. We see this horse’s scope and power as he strikes off into canter and he seems more settled at this part of the test.

The changes are accurate and true and look to be no bother for this experienced guy. Alice doesn’t quite let me out for the extended canter – she’d be at the finish line of the cross country if she did – but she shows a clear change of pace and is rewarded with two 7s.

The final halt is rather wonky, with the other back leg stuck out this time. But there’s a nice smile from Alice at the end of the test and Spinach looks pleased with his efforts. Overall this showed what a special relationship this pair have, clearly a rider who knows her horse inside out. Onto cross country for them now.

Alice Casburn and Topspin score 35.3.

7:04am ET

🇺🇲 Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 11th Kentucky, 24th Burghley
2021 – 23rd Kentucky, 17th Maryland

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 11th (22) 23rd (21)
Burghley – 24th (22)
Maryland – 17th (21)

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

👖Meghan comes from an eventing background with both her parents having competed in the sport.

📋 They put down a 29.6 at Burghley in 2022 and a 39.7 at Kentucky in 2023 before withdrawing after the cross country.

Excited to be Badminton bound:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meghan O'Donoghue (@meghan_odonoghue_eventing)

Today’s Test:

Palmer is showing none of the fact that he’s one of the older horses in the field, he looks so fit and well and totally ready for his first Badminton.

They get their competition underway with a solid entrance and set off into trot. Palmer doesn’t have the biggest trot, but he’s got great rhythm and balance as he makes his way ’round the ring. Everything is accurate which is showing up as 6s, 6.5s and a few 7s.

They have a smooth transition into walk and Palmer really does seem relaxed and happy, which is great to see. He has a little look around but strides out nicely in the extended for two 7s and a 6.5. The marks are creeping up now. The medium also scores two 7s.

The reinback is accurate and they strike off into canter, but there’s a little loss of balance and connection coming out of the medium canter. Meghan support Palmer though and the first change is very accurate. The second one shows some anticipation and Meghan has to work hard but it turns out to be a clean change.

There’s better balance through the extended canter and the transition back is better this time around. The stretch circle is very nice and scores two 7s – it was relaxed and Palmer really does look to be very happy in his work.

They score an 8 from one judge for the final halt and Palmer gets a nice pat. A job well done and their first Badminton underway.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent score 34.7.

6:56am ET

🇮🇪 Georgie Goss and Feloupe

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 3rd in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk last season.

⏩ Georgie took over the ride on the mare from Australia’s Benjamin Leahy in 2021.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 40th (19) 21st & 23rd (18)
Burghley – 20th (18)

🏸 form: 8 completions – made her Badminton debut in 2008 aged 19; in 2009 was the only rider to have two rides inside the time.

📋 This pair went sub-30 at Ballindenisk in the 4*-L last season, putting down a 29. More recently they’ve been low-30s.

Feloupe’s flying into her first 5*:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Feloupe canters directly up the center line and shows a square halt to begin her test. They set off into trot and look to be very relaxed in the Main Arena at Badminton. The trot work is rhythmical and supple and the medium scores 7.5s across the board. This mare has a lovely uphill tendency and the lateral work is very good for 7s across the board in most cases. The extended is very fluid and scores 7s also.

The transition into walk is extra smooth and Feloupe is relaxed. There’s a lovely swing in her walk, which is expressive and scores 7s across the board for the extended and an 8 and two 7s for the medium.

The halt is a little impatient but the reinback is accurate and gets a 7.5 from one judge. They set off into canter and show the same quality in this work too. This mare looks super rideable and therefore everything is accurate and polished, and well within the horse. The scores have been consistently 7s and above throughout, with a few 6s here and there. The changes are particularly confident and the second one scores an 8 from the judge at C.

The extended canter scores two 8s and a 7.5. It really way forward and brave.

They halt at the end and Georgie looks delighted. Lots of great marks in this test, rewarding the polish and accuracy. A great picture of a horse and rider on the same page.

Georgie Goss and Feloupe score 30.6.

6:48am ET

🇬🇧 David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 8th Kentucky (finished on dressage), 2nd Burghley (finished on dressage)
2022 – 6th Badminton, 4th Pau
2021 – 15th Pau

1️⃣ ‘Galileo’ is the highest ranked horse in the field according to EquiRatings.

🌶️ Comin’ in hot! This gelding finished on his dressage score at every FEI event he contested last season and added just 0.4 SJ time in the 4*-S at Kronenberg this season on his way to 4th place.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 8th (23)
Badminton – 6th (22) 23rd (19)
Luhmuhlen – 13th (23) 10th & 12th (21)
Burghley – 2nd (23)
Pau – 4th & 20th (22) 15th & 26th (21) 22nd & 27th (20) 33rd (18)

🏸 form: 6th on debut in 2022, the highest-placed Badminton first-timer.

🍦 In his spare time, David works with his dad at their ice-cream company.

📋 At Burghley last year he put down a 33.7, and at Kentucky a 35.6. His best at the level came at Pau in 2021, where he went sub-30 – 29.7 to be precise. But this guy is a finish on his dressage specialist don’t forget.

David and ‘Galileo’ won the Avebury Trophy at Burghley last year for the best cross country round of the day:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Defender Burghley Horse Trials (@burghleyhorsetrials)

Today’s Test:

This horse is my pick of the entry list for EN’s team picks, and seeing him on the jog strip yesterday did not change that. He looked so fit, and so ready, for the big one.

They come straight up the center line looking to mean business here today. Galileo goes to look up in the halt but David is straight on that and they continue on in trot. This horse is so elegant in his work, really free flowing. He could show a little more suppleness through his back for higher marks, but everything is accurate and he looks to be very rideable.

David really is riding this test accurately and Galileo’s doing as he’s asked. They transition down into walk and Galileo looks relaxed and steps out cleaning. There’s not the extension for the big marks in the extended which scores 6.5s across the board, but there’s no tension either. The halt is very good for two 7s and the reinback is excellent – two 8s and a 7.5 for that.

Galileo is happier in canter and the scores are higher than for the earlier work. He performs the first change really well for two 7s but then there’s a little disagreement in the second one and Galileo kicks out a little and the scores drop. The third one is better though and gets another .

David pushes for the extended and is rewarded with a 7.5 and a 7, and Galileo takes the contact forward well in the circle for two 7s. He’s not super happy to stand at the end of the test, but David looks very pleased with his performance and Galileo gets a good pat. He really looks very relaxed to be at Badminton.

Overall this was a well-performed test by a horse that is happy in his work and well within himself delivering these difficult movements.

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed score 33.9.

6:4am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 14th Burghley
2022 – 9th Burghley
2019 – 41st Badminton
2018 – 6th Pau, 27th Luhmuhlen

🪜 At Pau in 2018, this feisty mare climbed 54 places on the leaderboard to finish 6th.
🇺🇲 ‘Lori’ was born on the 4th of July, hence the name Liberty and Glory.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 41st (19) 19th (18)
Luhmuhlen – 27th (18)
Burghley – 14th (23) 9th (22) 21st (18) 16th (17)
Pau – 6th (18)

🏸 form: 7 starts, 2 completions

🔗 Lori is out of a Thoroughbred mare who Tom’s wife, Sophie, competed. She was bred by Sophie’s parents.

🚒 In his other life, Tom is a fireman.
🏊 He also proved his swimming skills after taking a dive into Badminton lake in the spring, and showed off his sportsmanship and sense of humor with some antics for the crowds. His fire crew rewarded him with a ‘swimming the width of Badminton lake’ certificate.

📋 At Burghley last season this eighteen-year-old mare put down a 33.9 on her way to 14th place. At Badminton she scored 36 in the first phase.

Before the ducking – Tom’ll be hoping for a drier Badminton this year than last:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Tom was wearing some very distinctive white sunglasses at the Horse Inspection yesterday – for a minute I thought they were swimming goggles!

Tom posts to the trot around the arena while he waits for the bell, really showing that he knows his horse and what’s best for him as he prepares for his test.

They come dead straight up the center line and Lori looks absolutely beautiful as she shines in the sun. They set off into trot with a lovely balance and rhythm. They really show a change for the extended trot and then Lori comes back nicely for Tom. All the marks are consistent here for what looks to be a very settled and rideable horse.

They set off into walk and Lori is very extravagant at the beginning, there’s obviously a little tension creeping in which she’s showing through her back. The extended walk is kind of tentative and then the medium breaks – that scores two 4s. The halt is tricky also and then the reinback is affected – 4s in the scores for those last few movements. Some expensive mistakes, hopefully that they’ll put behind them for the canter.

Which they do. Lori looks much more settled in the canter. The first two changes are accurate and Tom’s riding really well, showing a lot of empathy for the horse that’s underneath him. He’s able to push a bit in the extended canter and is rewarded with a 7, 6 and 6.5. They turn back up the center line and finish up with a very square halt for two 7s.

It was a shame that they had those expensive mistakes as the rest of the test really showed what a lovely partnership this pair have and how hard Lori works for Tom.

Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory score 38.

6:32am ET

🇦🇺 Sammi Birch and Finduss PB

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 25th Badminton
2021 – 11th Bicton

⏩ Finduss PFB was brought up to 3* by Britain’s Holly Woodhead before Sammi took over the reins in 2019. New Zealand’s James Avery campaigned the gelding for most of the 2023 season while Sammi was on maternity leave, with her coming back into the plate last fall.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 25th (22)
Bicton – 11th (21)

🏸 form: 7th on Badminton debut in 1999.

🌏 Sammi was runner-up at Adelaide 5* in 2004 and 3rd in 2003.
🗺️ She represented Australia at the World Championships in 2000.

📋 They put down a 35.7 at Burghley in 2022 before being eliminated out on XC; at Badminton it was a 38.7 and at Bicton a 39.

Finduss PFB is affectionately known as ‘Loopy Louis’ at home:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Good morning to our Stateside followers, now that it’s kind of an acceptable time to be up.

We’re getting back underway for the final session before the lunch break with Sammi and Finduss. (I affectionately call my equine pal Findus when he’s got his scumbag head on – nothing to do with this lovely horse!)

Anyway, the bell has rung and Sammi brings her gorgeous chestnut up the center line. They halt nice and square but not quite straight on the center line. This guy really has so much presence in the ring – he’s big and beautiful and works in a lovely frame. He drops a little behind Sammi in the tiny circle, but that’s a lot of horse to get round there. Sammi’s squeezing him forward though and so far this test is accurate. Everything’s a little tight, without the bend needed for higher marks, but it’s been very consistent scores-wise throughout the trot work – around the 6 mark.

Finduss doesn’t lower his head and neck and stretch through the extended walk and scores 6s across the board. The walk work is similar to the trot – it’s all happening accurately but it’s not really big enough for the top marks.

The halt and reinback show more accuracy and they strike off into canter. There’s a fair bit of tail swishing going on as Finduss canters around the arena, but the scores are creeping up. The first change gets two 7s. This horse looks really rideable and to be trying his best. There could be more push in the extended canter and more stretch in the circle, but he’s doing everything that’s asked of him in a settled and workmanlike way. Overall, he’s really been a good boy.

Finduss gets a big pat at the end of his test from Sammi for a job well done. Overall this was really a lovely picture of a horse who’s happy in his work and tries his best for Sammi.

Sammi Birch and Finduss PB score 36.

6:12am ET

We’re heading into a short break now. Back in around 20 minutes – at 6:32am ET / 12:32pm CEST.

6:04am ET

🇬🇧 Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 5th Pau
2022 – 6th Luhmuhlen
2021 – 11th Pau

📺 ‘George’ is owned by Downton Abbey actor Michael C. Fox and family.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Luhmuhlen – 6th (22)
Pau – 5th (23) 28th (22) 11th (21) – 5* debut

🏸 form: 2 starts, WD last year due to the ground, looking for first completion.

🔨 When Kylie’s not busy with horses, she’s making them – saddle horses that is, which she create from upcycled furniture.

📋 They put down a 31.7 at Pau on their way to 5th place; at Luhmuhlen it was 31.4. They scored a PB at Pau in 2021 – 29.4, and matched it at Badminton in 2022 before retiring out on XC due to a lost shoe.

Clear inside the time at Luhmuhlen and delighted:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Kylie comes confidently into the ring as she gets her Badminton underway. She was dressed for the British springtime at the Horse Inspection yesterday – in a winter coat.

They get off into trot in with the same kind of confidence and Kylie looks to be riding her socks off. She shows a real difference between the extended and medium trot and SRS Kan Do is working in a nice rhythm and is being very obedient to Kylie’s aids. A consistent and safe start to their test.

The walk work is equally relaxed, it could be more forward really, but Kan Do looks to be calm and attentive to Kylie. The halt and reinback are very good with 7s across the board.

They get a good transition into canter and then a super accurate change for two 7s and a 6.5. The scores are creeping up now they’re into the canter work. The second change is slightly better for 7s across the board. Kylie pushes for the extended canter and is rewarded with two 7s. Kan Do could show more stretch in the circle, but he’s trying for Kylie and they clearly have a very good partnership.

The final change is another good one and Kylie waves to the crowd as they cheer at the end of the test. Kylie looks very happy with Kan Do, who looks very pleased with himself. Overall this test has been solid and confident and this pair obviously have a really great relationship with one another. A nice picture.

Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do score 34.

5:56am ET

🇬🇧 Bubby Upton and Cola

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form
2023 – 8th Badminton
2022 – 36th Badminton, 14th Burghley
2021 – 12th Pau

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 8th (23) 36th (22)
Burghley – 14t (22)
Pau – 6th (22) 12th (21)

🏸 form: 2 completions – 8th last year

🏆 British Under-25 Champion 21 & 23

🎓 Alongside her career as an event rider, Bubby studied BSc Sports Management and got a First Class degree.
🍪 Bubby is coming back to the top-level after having a serious fall whilst training last season.

📋 They put down a 31.4 here last year and a 30.4 in 2022; it was 28.3 at Burghley that year and 28.5 at Pau in 2021.

Badminton redemption last season when Bubby and Cola laid to rest the ghost of their heartbreaking run out at the final fence the previous year:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bubby Upton (@bubbyupton)

Today’s Test:

Bubby looked stunning in her classic tea dress at the Horse Inspection yesterday and was such a welcome sight after the ordeal she’s been through.

It’s really quite emotional seeing Bubby come up the center line. What a special moment for her, and for all of us who have followed her re-hab over the last months. She starts off showing great confidence – two 8s and a 7.5 for the first halt. A lovely moment.

Cola really shows great athleticism in his trot work, he’s so powerful and really pushes from behind. This great work is being rewarded with lots of 7s, 7.5s and some 8s. It’s so solid, smart and confident and Cola looks to be well within himself and really focused on Bubby.

More 8s are coming through as they transition into walk. There’s 7.5s across the board for the extended. Cola really is a picture of strength and athleticism as he walks round the arena. The halt is secure and then they get off into canter with more 8s for the transition.

Bubby rides the first change really accurately and Cola answers – the judges can’t do anything but score 7s and above. The extended canter is bold and brave and rewarded with two 8s and a 7.5 Wow, this test is confident and so polished. What a comeback for Bubby, and what a great horse Cola is.

Bubby is delighted at the end of her test – I’m pretty sure there are tears. She gets a huge cheer and Cola gets a massive hug and so many pats. What a performance from this young rider and her horse. They’re going into the lead. I need to get my tears in check before we carry on. What a sport this is.

Bubby Upton and Cola score 27.3.

5:48am ET

🇬🇧 Zara Tindall and Class Affair

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 15th Kentucky
2021 – 30th Maryland
3 Burghley starts

🧦 A more perfect barn name will not be found, although Zara affectionately refers to ‘Socks’ as “the mad guy”.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 15th (23) 3rd (17)
Badminton – 23rd (16) 16th & 19th (08)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (13)
Maryland – 30th (23)

🏸 form: 8 starts, 4 completions

🏆 World Champion 2006; European Champion 2005
🔥 Olympic team silver London 2012, 8th individually
🥈 World Championship team silver 2014
🥇 European team gold 2005

👑 Zara’s been awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for her services to equestrianism.
📺 She was voted Sports Personality of the Year in 2006 – an exciting win for eventing breaking into the mainstream.
👖Both her mom and dad have won Burghley.

📋 They posted a personal best of 28.4 in the first phase at Burghley in 2022. They haven’t managed sub-30 since, but the highest they’ve been at the level is 33.3.

The perfect barn name:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Props to Zara for wearing sneakers on the jog strip yesterday.

Well Socks’ socks are super white – another shout out to all the grooms, what a top job they do turning out these horses just so beautifully.

Socks comes up the center line and halts nicely, looking to be nicely settled at the beginning of his test. His trot starts off really well – he’s balanced and supple and working really nicely for Zara. Lots of 7s coming in at the start of this test. His work is so fluid and there’s a lovely flow to the movements. The lateral work could have a little more bend for the real top marks, but he’s being very obedient and really trying hard.

The walk transition is very good and Socks seems happy in his work. They score a 7 for the extended, but then the tension creeps in and there’s a break. It affects the halt, which gets a 4 from one judge. Zara gets him back for the reinback which is accurate, and Zara will be happy to get into canter.

The canter work starts off well, but that tension becomes very clear. He’s not on the aids in the first change which scores a 4 and two 3s, but is much better in the second on for two 6.5s and a 6. He seems to be settling as the canter progresses. The final change is accurate and scores a 7 from one judge. They halt and Zara looks pleased. They get 7s across the board for the final halt. Zara gives socks a really big pat. Overall this test has really shown how well Zara knows her horse – a good picture of a horse and rider with a lovely relationship.

Zara Tindall and Class Affair score 37.2.

5:40am ET

🇬🇧 India Wishart and Diamond Sundance

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 27th Pau
2020 – 30th Pau (with Rosa Onslow)

⏩ ‘Sunny’ has had a few pilots at he’s moved up through the levels, including Great Britain’s Emily Orpwood and Rosa Onslow, China’s Alex Hua Tian and Australian Lissa Green. India took over the irons for the 2022 season.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 27th Pau 23

🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.

🤩 India based herself with Pippa Funnell at The Billy Stud in 2020 to pursue a career as a full-time eventer.
🎓 She was part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation program in 2020/2021.

📋 The gelding put down a 35.1 at Pau last season.

Picture perfect:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by India Wishart Eventing (@indiawisharteventing)

Today’s Test:

India and Sunny come boldly through the arch and seem very ready for their Badminton. They use all of their allocated time working ’round the outside of the ring before making their way up the center line.

The first halt is kind of brief, not really immobile for long enough and that carries on into the trot work – the medium scores 4 across the board. Hopefully Sunny will settle into this test quickly. India really holds her nerve and soon gets this 18-year-old gelding into a nice trot rhythm. They don’t show the difference in the paces in the extended for the highest marks, but it’s good to see Sunny settled into his work now.

The transition into walk is good, but there’s definitely some Badminton excitement showing. India can’t really push for the extended and it scores 5s and a 6. The halt is a little tricky, Sunny wanted to go straight into the reinback. India will be glad to get into canter.

Sunny definitely seems happier in canter, although there’s definitely tension showing in his frame, he’s nodding a little. The work is accurate though and he’s performing all of the movements nicely. India’s super confident in the extended canter and is rewarded with a 7.5. And then Sunny comes back to her really obediently. There’s not a lot of stretch in the circle, probably due to Sunny’s excitement, but they finish up with a good halt for a 7 and two 7.5s.

India really rode this test so well – a few bobbles but she kept her cool and must be so excited to go cross country with this horse on Saturday, it looks like it’ll be a really fun ride.

India Wishart and Diamond Sundance score 38.8.

5:32am ET

🇨🇭 Felix Vogg and Cartania

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 15th Badminton 23

🌠 14th World Championships 22; 8th European Championships 21 (very nearly finished on their dressage)

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 6th (19)
Badminton – 15th (23)
Luhmuhlen – 1st (22)

🏸 form: Made his Badminton debut last year.

🔥 Tokyo 2020; Rio 2016
🗺️ 14th World Championships 2022; 8th European Championships 2021

🥳 Felix won Luhmuhlen on his birthday!
🤩 He’s been mentored by Michael Jung and trains with Bettina Hoy – watch out for some of that German brilliance shining through in this phase.
👖 Felix’s brother is also an Olympic eventer and their grandfather competed at the 1956 Games.

📋 This mare put down a 33.1 here last year.

Last year Cartania was the first horse to complete at Badminton under a Swiss rider in 47 years:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Felix Vogg (@felixvogg)

Today’s Test:

This pair look very confident as they make their way around the arena. They come in up the center line and look a real picture together – so elegant. They set off into trot and are very balanced and correct. The horse is obviously supple and pulls in very good marks through the lateral work – 7s and some 8s. There could have been a little more push in the extended for the top marks.

Cartania slightly anticipates the walk transition but is settled once they get there. The extended scores two 7s and a 6.5 and so does the medium. The halt at C is square and the reinback is settled – Cartania briefly thinks about putting another step in, but doesn’t and it scores two 7s and a 6.5. This test is very consistent and accurate and they seem to make a really good team.

The first change is great – 7s across the board for that – and then a 7.5 for the next one. The canter work is very balanced and the horse seems super happy in his work.

But then there’s a blip in the corner at the end of the extended and the scores drop to two 4s and a 5. Cartania seems to lose focus slightly. But Felix gets him right back and the final change is solid for 7s across the board.

Overall this test has shown a lovely picture of a horse and rider with a sound relationship, working together and in harmony.

Felix Vogg and Cartania score 32.6.

5:24am ET

🇮🇪 Sam Watson and SAP Talisman

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 13th Burghley 23

🌠 ‘Podge’ is Sam’s World Championships ride from Pratoni, where they were pathfinders for the Irish team, coming home fast and clear cross country.

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 34th (15) 22nd (13) 13th (10)
Luhmuhlen – 12th (19) 6th & 24th (18)
Burghley – 13th (23)

🏸 form: 4 Badminton completions

🥈 World Championships team silver 2018
🔥 Tokyo 2020

🧮 Sam is one-half of the brains behind stats gurus EquiRatings.

📋 They posted a 35.4 at Burghley last season. They’re generally a mid-30s pair but had a hoof in the 40s at Ballindenisk this season.

Shod by Tim Price and accessorized by Tom McEwen (after some slap-dash Burghley packing):

Photo by Tilly Berendt

Today’s Test:

Sam looks serious as he canters up the center line. He used all of his allocated time outside the arena. Podge has a look round in the halt to check we’re watching, but it scores two 7s – a good start for them.

They set off into a lovely balanced trot, but then Podge breaks in the corner – a tricky moment for them. He loses the balance and there are a few canter strides. This affects the scores for the next few movements as Podge continues to be a little unbalanced. He seems to settle down a little as they progress but this isn’t an easy ride for Sam thus far.

They transition to walk and Sam has to ride tactfully. He can’t really push and so can’t go for the big scores. I’s a 5.5, 6 and 6.5 for the extended. You can hear Podge grinding his teeth, he’s ready for cross country. They don’t manage to establish the halt at all and there’s a 1, 3 and 0 for that (unconfirmed). Sam’ll be pleased to set off into canter.

Podge is definitely happier now he’s cantering. The first change is very good and the scores are creeping up. There’s 7s coming in for the half passes, and another one for the change – the earlier changes were 6s and 6.5s. The extended canter showed good scope for two 7s. Sam can’t really ask for the full stretch in the circle, but it’s accurate, as is the final change which gets a 7 and two 6.5s.

They halt on the center line and Podge does some sideways steps afterwards before jiggy jogging off, showing just how much excitement Sam was containing throughout that test. Overall there was some very nice work here, and some brilliant riding, but some expensive mistakes.

Sam Watson and SAP Talisman score 39.1.

5:16am ET

🇬🇧 Max Warburton and Monbeg Exclusive

Facts and Form:

5⭐ rookie combination

Horse:
Recent form: 5th in the 4*-L at Blair castle last season.

⏩ This is a former Andrew Nicholson ride.

Rider:
🏸 form: Making his 5* debut.

🎓 Max was part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation program.

📋 Recent 4* form in the first phase is low-30s.

Looking forward to their first 5*:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

We’re back with one of our 5* rookie combinations. What an exciting moment for Max.

Monbeg Exclusive sure looked fit at the Horse Inspection yesterday, really on his toes and having a good look around. Let’s hope he liked what he saw and is settled today.

They look like old hands as they canter up the center line. There’s a tiny walk stride into the halt, but it’s lovely a square when they get there and Max’s Badminton is underway.

The trot is a little unsettled in places, breaking in the corners and in the medium trot. But Max puts those early mistakes behind him and they settle into the test. There’s a really good rhythm in the extended trot which scores 7s across the board and the lateral work is very consistent and is rewarded with a 7.5. He makes a smooth transition into walk for 7s across the board. This is all looking much better.

Monbeg Exclusive settles nicely into the walk and there are two 7s for the extended and two 7s and a 7.5 for the medium. The halt at C is nice and square and there’s a lovely flow between the movements through the reinback and into the canter. This gelding is really listening to Max and they’re a picture of a pair working together.

The flying change is very secure for 7s across the board and the lateral work in canter is pulling in the same. They’re really coming into their own during this part of the test and both horse and rider look confident. They get 7.5s across the board for the extended canter. The final change gets two 7.5s and a 7.

This really has been a lovely test with so much potential on show. They really worked well together and made a great picture of a horse and rider relationship. A shame about the early mistakes but brilliantly pulled back by Max.

Max Warburton and Monbeg Exclusive score 31.7.

4:56am ET

We’re heading into a short break now. Back in around 20 minutes – at 5:16am ET / 11:16am CEST.

4:48am ET

🇬🇧 Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 10th Badminton, 6th Burghley
2022 – 14th Kentucky, 16th Burghley
2021 – 5th Bicton
2019 – 16th Badminton
2018 – 13th Burghley

🥈 European Championships team silver 2019

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 6th & 14th (22)
Badminton – 10th (23) 16th (19)
Bicton – 2nd & 5th (21)
Luhmuhlen – 16th (23)
Burghley – 6th (23) 8th & 16th (22) 1st (19) 13th (18)
Pau – 11th & 15th (23)

🏸 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 29.6 at Burghley last season on his way to 6th place; it was a 32.6 at Badminton. He’s been as low as 27.4 at 5*. Eyes on for sub-30 👀

A stylish pairing:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Pippa’s smiling as the bell rings, but boy does she have her game face on as she comes up the center line. Majas Hope showed a little bit of tension as he went ’round the Main Arena. He looks very keen to get on with the job and Pippa’s having to hold him steady. The scores are mixed as they get on with their trot work, there’s obviously quite a bit of excitement bubbling under the surface, which comes out every now and then. But Pippa’s riding for every mark. She’s having to keep this gelding’s mind on the job when it’s very tempted to be securely on the cross country. The scores improve for the lateral work and there are 7s and 7.5s coming in.

The walk is tentative, and then the excitement bubbles over. There’s a 5, 6 and 5.5 for the extended. It falls apart a bit really, and Pippa has to try and sit quiet.

Oh no, the halt and reinback were just too much – 2s for the halt and the reinback really is Majas Hope galloping sideways across the arena. But boy does Pippa showcase every ounce of her talent to get him back. Wow.

The canter is much better, and Pippa manages to keep everything together for the first change. The scores are much better now, with 7s and 6.5s for a lot of the canter work. There’s really not much stretch in the circle, which is totally understandable, and then Majas Hope sees the crowd and starts to get excited again – it’s 4s across the board for the final change.

What a tough ride this was, but Pippa sat relaxed and really gave everyone watching a riding lesson. What a star she is, and we’re so lucky to have such awesome riders in our sport for us to learn from. A difficult start for this pair but the best bits are to come.

Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope score 40.8.

4:40am ET

🇺🇲 Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 25th Luhmuhlen, 9th Burghley
2022 – 4th Kentucky
2019 – 2nd Kentucky
2018 – 11th Kentucky

🥇 Pan-Ams individual and team gold 2019 – finished on his dressage score of 25.6
🥈World Championships team silver 2022
🔥Top-20 in Tokyo 2020

Rider:
Recent(ish) 5⭐ form: Top-10 finishes at 6 of the 7 5*s.
Adelaide – 5th (00) 17th &18th (01) 5th (02) 1st & 18th (03) 8th (05)
Kentucky – (19 completions) 14th (23) 4th (22) 4th (21) 2nd (19) 11th (18) 7th (17) 6th, 12th & 42nd (16) 7th & 25th (15) 3rd & 8th (12) 7th (11) 4th, 11th & 12th (10) 9th (08) 11th (06)
Luhmuhlen – 4th , 8th & 25th (23) 10th (16) 3rd & 15th (14)
Burghley – 9th (23) 10th (17) 7th (11)
Maryland – 1st (21)
Pau – 8th (23) 13th (16) 7th (10)

🏸 form: Came here in 2016 and looking for his first completion this year. If/when he manages that feat, he’ll have completed at all 7 of the world’s 5*s – in fact, he’s been top-10 at all the others.

🔥3 Olympics
🗺️ 4 World Championships
3️⃣ World No. 3

🛀 It’s no secret that Boyd is partial to a nippy dip, but have you ever wondered where his love of ice baths comes from? Perhaps it’s in the genes 👖 Boyd’s parents met at the Winter Olympics – his mom competed in speed skating ⛸️ and his dad in cross-country skiing ⛷️ So that’s why he’s so speedy across the country!

📋 At Burghley last year they put down a 28.1 in the first phase; it was 31.1 at Luhmuhlen and 28.3 at Kentucky. They finished on their dressage of 27.9 on their way to 2nd place at Kentucky in 2019.

Thomas has clear opinions on that suit, although he didn’t seem to mind Boyd’s Stars and Stripes tie at the Badminton Horse Inspection so much:

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A post shared by Boyd Martin (@boydmartineventing)

Today’s Test:

If you’re watching along, you may be thinking that Boyd looks kinda tall and Thomas looks kinda small, and you’d be right. Boyd’s a tall guy on a not so tall horse.

Thomas sure is shining bright like a diamond in the Badminton sunshine. No bias here, of course, but go Thomas! They make a really balanced entry and a very good halt for 7s and a 7.5. Thomas looks very happy in his trot work, he’s in a lovely frame and the steps are all rhythmical and accurate. Lots of 7s and 7.5s coming in for the lateral work, which is supple and flowing. There’s such a lovely expression to this gelding’s work – in the way he moves but also on his face, his ears are pricked and he just looks so happy. The scores are creeping into the 8s for the transitions.

There’s another 8 for the extended walk, which also gets a 7.5 and a 7. And there’s a 9 and two 8s for the medium walk. This is such a pleasure to watch so far. A real picture of a horse who loves his job – and is very good at it.

There’s a little step in the halt at C but the reinback is accurate and they make a smooth transition to canter. Boyd’s riding really accurately, and there’s an 8 for the second change, which is very expressive and clean. In fact, all the changes have scored highly.

Thomas looks so settled, really like an old pro, so confident. There’s an 8 and a 7.5 for the extended canter.

They finish up and there’s a huge cheer from the crowd for a very polished test. This is a super start for Boyd and Thomas, really excellent. Thomas has a big scratch of his nose and looks to be very pleased with himself. Good boy Thomas!

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF score 29.

4:32am ET

🇬🇧 Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 8th Burghley 23

⏩ ‘Mr P’ is another former Oliver Townend ride.

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).

📋 They posted a 34 in the first phase here last year before being eliminated on the XC.

Mr P flew ‘round Burghley last season to finish 8th:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

Last year’s trailblazer, Wills has had a little more breathing room before he gets his Badminton underway this time around. They come dead straight up the center line and halt square, but there’s the hint of a walk stride into the trot – just a hint. The trot work is very supple and relaxed, although he falls in slightly in the 8m circle and that causes a little wobble in the shoulder-in. Lots of 6.5s coming in so far. The second circle is better and they make a smooth transition into walk for two 7s.

The walk is relaxed enough but it does look like Wills can’t really push, so the marks are middling. The halt is fine but there’s a miscommunication in the reinback and it scores a 4.5 and a 5. They settle very quickly into the canter and the first change is very good. The scores are staring to creep into the 7s, but then there’s another little moment and the second change scores 1s (unconfirmed). Wills really does a great job to rescue things and they’re back on track incredibly quickly. The stretch circle is really nice and scores 7s.

This has been such a mixed test. Mr P anticipates the final halt and scores range from 3.5 to 5.

There was a lot of nice work on show here, and for sure a lot of potential. But it didn’t all come together for them today. Some expensive mistakes and some lovely moments.

Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance score 39.4.

4:24am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Rowland and Dreamliner

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 12th Luhmuhlen 22 (with Oliver Townend)

⏩ Dreamliner has previously been piloted by Oliver Townend and Irish eventers Padraig McCarthy and Jonty Evans.

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, Tom spent two years as a working pupil with Mike and Angela Tucker. He’s been mentored by Pippa Funnell since 2000.
🤓 Tom can name every Badminton winner.

📋 The gelding posted a 29.6 at Luhmuhlen with Oliver. More recently we’re looking at low-30s at 4*.

Dreaming of Badminton:

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A post shared by Tom Rowland (@treventing)

Today’s Test:

Wow, Dreamliner looks beautiful in the Badminton sunshine – props to all the grooms. This pair make a really positive entrance down the center line. The halt is a little abrupt, but Dreamliner moves off smoothly into trot.

Tom gives the judge at C a little smile 🙂 He looks to be working very hard, really concentrating. Dreamliner looks to have a little tension creeping in, we see it in the shoulder-in before the walk – there’s two 5s for that. There’s some snorting from Dreamliner too, showing that he’s keen to get on to Saturday. They make a lovely transition to walk though for a 7 and there’s another 7 for the extended. Tom did a great job of keeping Dreamliner soft in that walk. The halt at C is excellent and scores two 8s and a 7.5.

Dreamliner looks to be a little more relaxed in the canter work, but that excitement comes through in the first change for 4s. The second one is much better though and there’s an 8.5 for the half-pass right. This test is definitely growing in confidence. There’s a 7.5 for their third change. The extended canter is also very good and is rewarded with 7s. The final halt is also very good, and Dreamliner shakes his head as he’s given a big pat.

Overall, this test got better and better as it went along and the scores really showed it with some high marks coming in.

Tom Rowland and Dreamliner score 34.9.

4:16am ET

🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form: 3rd Burghley 23 on her debut at the level

Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 5th (21)
Badminton – 16th (23) 16th (18) 3rd (14) 10th (09)
Luhmuhlen – 5th (23)
Burghley – 3rd (23) 6th (18) 15th (17)
Maryland – 7th (22)
Pau – 24th (22)

🏸 form: 12 completions, 6 top-20 finishes, 2 Armada Dishes

5️⃣ World No. 5
🥈 World Championships team silver 2014

🎖️ In 2009 Harry became the youngest person ever to receive an Armada Dish for 5 Badminton completions.
👖 Harry’s dad was a three-time Olympic gold medalist as well as winning Badminton twice and Burghley once.
🎓 Harry has a degree in Art History.
💍 He proposed to his wife during a Badminton course walk.

📋 This mare posted a 32.2 at Burghley on her way to 3rd place.

The perpetually nattily dressed Mr Meade with Cavalier Crystal at Burghley:

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A post shared by Harry Meade Eventing (@harrymeadeeventing)

Today’s Test:

Harry is, famously, color blind, which sure showed in his choice of baby pink pants for the Horse Inspection yesterday. He just needed a cowboy hat to give Will Faudree a run for his Barbie money (see EN’s Kentucky Golden Chinch Awards for a treat if you don’t really know what I’m going on about). His colorful twist on the classics was rewarded with one of the best dressed awards.

Cavalier Crystal looked very settled outside the arena but definitely has a sense of the occasion as she comes up the center line. There’s a bobble of her head in the first halt, but Harry gets her attention back. As they set off in trot it’s clear that this mare is feeling the excitement. Harry’s doing a masterful job at keeping things under wraps. There are little moments when she’s unbalanced in the trot, but when she comes back the work is lovely. This looks like a tricky test to ride for Harry and he’s, of course, doing brilliantly.

The walk is very settled really, and the extended is rewarded with a 7 from the judge at C. There’s a little bit of fussiness in the mouth, definitely showing Cavalier Crystal’s excitement. The halt at C is very good for two 7s, an the reinback is clean, but there’s a pause before the canter transition.

The contact issues continue in the canter, which is a real shame. This mare is ready for cross country, although she’s not blowing her lid, so she’s obviously trying hard for Harry. The canter work is getting better as it goes along, and she shows a lot of scope in the extended canter for two 7s. She’s willing to stretch in the circle for two more 7s. This has been a bit of a mixed bag of scores overall. They finish up with a nice halt and Harry’s got the first of his three Badminton rides underway.

This was a great display of a rider managing the horse that’s underneath him on the day.

Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal score 36.7.

4:08am ET

🇳🇿 Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 4th in the 4*-S at North Holland Horse Trials last month.

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.

📋 This gelding put down a 31.6 in the 4*-S at the North Holland Horse Trials this season on the way to 4th place. His form is low- to mid-30s at the 4* level.

In the ribbons in Holland:

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A post shared by Caroline Powell (@carolinepowelleventing)

Today’s Test:

This 9-year-old was having a bit of a conversation with Caroline on the jog strip, let’s hope he’s listening to her today. He looks nice and settled as they make their way around the Main Arena waiting for the bell.

They make a very smart picture as they canter up the center line. Aldo puts his head up a little in the halt, and there are a couple of steps, but it’s the horse’s first 5* and he obviously wanted a look around. Caroline gets him back and they move off nicely into trot. This horse looks very rideable and to be trying hard for Caroline. There could be a little more bend and suppleness in the lateral work, although the later movements score higher. There’s lovely expression in the extended trot, which scores two 7s. Caroline’s really riding positively.

Aldo’s settled in the walk, Caroline’s not pushing him, obviously trying to keep a lid on any excitement bubbling under the surface. Lots of 6s coming in for the walk. The halt at C is excellent – 2 8s for that. The reinback was also very clean with 7s and a 7.5 as reward.

You can hear Aldo grinding his teeth a little, perhaps a little tension showing. The first flying change is a bit tricky and score 4s across the board, but the second one is ridden exceptionally by Caroline and pulls in 6s and a 6.5. She’s really riding accurately and going for every mark she can get. There’s another accurate, clean change for the final one, which scores two 7s and they finish up in a lovely halt.

Lots of pats for Aldo – Caroline looks delighted with him. He really tried hard for her and did a great job.

Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo score 35.6.

4am ET

🇬🇧 Tom Jackson and Farndon

Facts and Form:

Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 6th Luhmuhlen (finished on dressage), 20th Pau

⏩ Farndon was brought through 3* by fellow Brit and Badminton competitor Francis Whittington before Tom took to the tack for the 2021 season.

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.

📋 Finished on their dressage score of 34.9 at Luhmuhlen for 6th place and put down a 33.2 at Pau last season.

First 5* ✅ Finish on dressage score ✅:

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today’s Test:

This is it ENers! Badminton is here and we’re off up the center line with Tom and Farndon!

Tom dressed for the British springtime in a black overcoat at the Horse Inspection.

The bell’s rung for the first horse and rider of Badminton! They make a beautiful straight entry and have a good, solid halt to start. Farndon’s got his ears pricked and looks to be very ready for Badminton. He’s starting in a really nice balance and rhythm in the trot work and is supple and free moving. He’s got a lovely uphill frame and everything so far looks soft and easy for him. This is a great start.

There’s a bit of a stutter in the transition to walk, but Tom squeezes on. Farndon seemed to think he was halting there and anticipated it. He continues on in a nice enough walk, but as it goes on he gets a little wobbly in the contact, showing his excitement to be there. The halt is very nice and square and the reinback is accurate and Farndon’s very willing. They get a smooth transition into canter.

The first change is clean and the canter work starts off accurately. Tom seems to have to be working a little harder at this point in the test, Farndon’s a little bobbly in the contact – a little tension creeping in perhaps. The stretch canter could have a little more stretch for the higher marks – it scores 7s and a 7.5. The end of his canter work isn’t quite as balanced as the beginning but they finish up with a lovely square halt.

What a lovely start to Badminton 2024. A very clean and solid test that looked to be very much within the horse’s comfort zone. A lovely picture.

Tom Jackson and Farndon score 33.

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