Ben Hobday, the 22 year old star of Horse and Hound's online blog. Riding his Badminton ride, Uptons Who, Ben achieved young rider team gold and individual bronze in 2008, and is most definitely a potential successful rider for the future. He runs his very own enterprise 'The Shadow Stud', producing young prospective event horses.
Laura Collett, 21 years of age. Laura completed her first 4* event at Burghley last year with Ginger May Killinghurst, and is bringing Rayef to Badminton this year. An established 3* horse, he has been brought through the rankings by Laura herself since 2006. Laura has some exceptional up and coming horses that will surely give her some fantastic results this season and in the future.
Lauren Shannon, who will be riding the 13 year old Zero Flight after their successful 4* debut at Burghley last year, finishing in a very respectable 12th. Lauren was a gold medallist young rider back in 2006 and is looking a very promising rider for the future. Not only this, but Lauren has successfully managed to qualify Quixotic - who was originally placed on the waiting list.
Lucie McNichol, 25. Riding the 11 year old Zeus of Rushall she has achieved very promising results at 3* events such as Blenheim, Hartpury and Bramham, and is on form to have a good ride round Badminton this year.
Other notable first timers include; Joy Dawes riding Finnisterre, Flora Harris riding Law Choice, Fiona Hobby riding the grey Roma M.L., Alice Pearson with Beau Bear, Sarah Stretton with Lazy Acres Skip On and many more.
I would like to personally wish them the best of luck for both Badminton and the future, as all appear to have heaps of potential as top event riders and I am sure will all go far in the sport.
Great to see the Badminton newbies being recognised as well as the familar faces, good luck to them all.
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