It’s a peculiarly British thing, how obsessed we are with the weather, but it’s especially so at Horse Trials (because of the going, mainly) . Here at Badminton, where it’s warm and sunny, and hasn’t rained in weeks, the weather is all anyone’s talking about.
The Willis Brothers have done a fantastic job in realising Hugh Thomas’ dreams, and the course is every bit as stunning as you’d expect for what must be the most prestigious Three Day Event in the world.
The crews were still putting the finishing touches on some of the jumps today, but there really is something quite unique about Badminton. I’m not sure what makes it so special; maybe just the outstanding natural beauty of the area, the vastness of the park, the grace of the house despite it’s enormity, or maybe the tradition, history and very “englishness” of it?
I am staying with my mother who lives about half an hour away, and she is spoiling me rotten, partly because she feels guilty about the terrible internet connection here, but despite that and the 30 minute drive each way, which I’m sure will increase daily with the crowds and traffic, I can’ think of anywhere else I’d rather be, well, maybe one place. If you wanted to be right in the middle of the action, you either need to stay here….
The course wraps around this house, and it’s barely a hundred yards from the main arena. Next year, sorry Mum! Or you could spend the day at “The Outside Chance’, returning by popular demand for a second year. ( I will definitely check it out, all in the name of research!).
With the best seats in the house for lakeside viewing, why wouldn’t you?! Here’s a picture of the beautiful tree that grows right outside it, and that I managed to cut out of both of my pictures – and that is why we need Nico Morgan.
The recycling bins that you see in the picture are everywhere – props to Badminton for maintaining tradition but embracing modernity. Thanks for sticking with me, I’ll have lots more tomorrow when it all gets a bit serious with the trot up at 4:30pm. Until then, Go Badminton 2011, and Go Eventing!
