Badminton: Saturday

The second day of the dressage at Badminton Horse Trials turned out to be a fantastic day of competition. Sadly though, before the dressage had even begun two horses were withdrawn, hot favourites Redesigned (Pippa Funnell) and Miners Frolic (Tina Cook). Both riders are obviously extremely disappointed, and we spectators are too - but I suppose that's the world of horses for you!

First to go was Vicky Brake with Looks Like Fun, scoring a perhaps disappointin 63.2, landing them in 76th place going into the cross country tomorrow. Also in the first section was 2010 winner Paul Tapner with his ride Kilfinnie II. They delivered an average score of 51.3, leaving them in equal 36th - perhaps not a score ready to defend his title. Other rides in the first section include first-timer Lucie McNicholl with Zeus of Rushall, scoring 55.8.

After the first break came Emily Baldwin with Drivetime, who gave a very impressive test scoring them 39.7 and into 5th place. Canadian rider Selena O'Hanlon gave a nice test on Colombo, leaving them in equal 10th with 43.3. Also to go in the second section was Andreas Ostholt (GER) with Franco Jeas, achieving a score of 44.5 to go in equal 15th.

After lunch came perhaps the most interesting of competition. Karen O'Conner arrived in the arena first with Mandiba, scoring a very respectable 44.5, in equal 15th with Andreas Ostholt. Then came the most outstanding ride of the day, belonging to Ruth Edge and Two Thyme. The pair gave an extremely impressive test that was a pleasure to watch, scoring them 33.3. This then put them into the lead above Laura Collett. Then came 2007 winner Lucinda Fredericks on her young - but very promising - Prada. They achieved a score of 46.2 to fit nicely into 20th place, a score no doubt Lucinda will be pleased with.

After the last break came perhaps the creme de la creme of competition. William Fox-Pitt was first up, with his second ride of Cool Mountain. With high expectations for the pair though, they achieved a somewhat disappointing score of 48.5, putting them into 31st position. Soon after came Nicola Wilson on the XC-machine Opposition Buzz. Not renowned for his dressage, Buzz often struggles to achieve marks better than 50, yet today exceeded all expectations by giving a beautiful test, scoring an impressive 44 and leaving them in 12th. Sure contenders for the top spot. Then came 2009 winner Oliver Townend on Ashdale Cruise Master. They too delivered an impressive test, with a score of 40.5 and 7th place going into the cross country. Next up was Piggy French on her relatively new ride, Jakata. They gave a fluent and extremely impressive test, which was reflected in the marks after they were awarded a 10 for the halt (the only 10 of the competition!). They achieved 36 and just nipped Laura Collett (36.5) into 2nd place. Then came Burghley 2010 winner Caroline Powell and Lenamore. Lenamore, despite being a veteran in the sport at 18, showed absolutely no signs of ageing and was rather too keen at times! Despite accidental changes and a few cheeky moments Caroline rode well to compose the test and they achieved 47.2 and into equal 24th. After Caroline came everyone's favourite - Mary King. Mary rode her second horse of the competition, Imperial Cavalier, and was clearly hoping for a better score than one given to Apache Sauce yesterday. And of course, she delivered, achieving a nice impressive test (despite a couple of mistakes), scoring 44.2 and into 13th. Last to go was the popular Mark Todd and NZB Land Vision. Toddy disappointed nobody by giving an impressive last test of the day and scoring 36.8 and into 4th - leaving the second day of dressage with a smile.

So, after the first phase of competition who seem to be in the running for the title?
Most definitely, Ruth Edge and Two Thyme. An experienced combination who are sure to prove themselves over the next couple of days. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if they gained the top spot on Monday. Others include Piggy French, currently in 2nd and Mark Todd in 4th. Oliver Townend too has a decent chance, as well as Nicola Wilson and Mary King. The top 20 competitors is sure to change over the next day. Many of the combinations are inexperienced, of which may show across the challenging 4* course. But of course, only time will tell!

Badminton: Friday

After all 83 horses that were presented passing the first inspection, the first day of Dressage went underway.

Andrew Nicholson began the day on Avebury, delivering a respectable score of 47.2. This left him in 8th place after day 1. Georgie Spence was second to go with Birthday Night, yet had a difficult test leaving her with a score of 72.8, and is currently in second to last place. The most notable test of the day was most definitely 21 year old Laura Collett's on Rayef. Laura was 5th to go and set a score that the rest of the field were chasing for the rest of the day - to no avail. The Badminton first-timer achieved a highly impressive score of 36.5, leaving her well in the lead above German rider Marina Kohncke (39.8).

After the first break came some riders hopeful to score a good mark, including Pippa Funnell on her first ride of Mirage D'Elle. Pippa achieved a score of 56.8, leaving her in equal 21st after day 1. Pippa will be hoping to challenge the top spot tomorrow with her promising Redesigned. Also in the second section was Mary King with the lively Apache Sauce. Mary was given a score of 55.5, leaving her in 20th position. Like Pippa, Mary will be hoping to achieve a higher score with her second ride of Imperial Cavalier tomorrow. William Fox-Pitt achieved a respectable score of 47.5 on Navigator, placing him in 9th. William too has a second ride tomorrow in Cool Mountain - and is a hot contender for the top spot. Gaining a score of 43.3 - and consequently 4th place - was German rider Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas.

After lunch we saw last year's leader after the dressage Kai Ruder with Les Prince Des Bois, scoring another decent score of 44.8 leaving him in 5th place. In addition, promising young rider Harry Meade scored a perhaps slightly disappointing score of 59.3, along with Gemma Tatterstall with King's Gem - scoring 58.3. A better score of 43.0 was given to Italian rider Susanna Bordone and Carrera, leaving them in 3rd place.

Then the final section of riders included Horse and Hound's blogger Ben Hobday, who was given a score of 61.0 on Upton's Who, perhaps slightly worse than he was hoping for - yet I am sure as a Badminton first-timer he is quite happy just to be continuing onto the exciting cross country on Sunday. James Robinson achieved a score of 52.3 on Comanche, along with Badminton first timer Flora Harris, who gained a respectable score of 52.8 on Law Choice - leaving her in 14th, one place behind James.

First to go tomorrow at 9am is Vicky Brake on Looks Like Fun, with second to go a first-timer Lucie McNicholl with Zeus of Rushall. Perhaps the tests to look out for will belong to:
Tina Cook and Miners Frolic at 11:54,
Ruth Edge and Two Thyme at 13:48,
William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain at 15:30,
Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz at 15:46,
Oliver Towend and Ashdale Cruise Master at 16:02,
Caroline Powell and Lenamore at 16:18,
Mary King and Imperial Cavalier at 16:26,
Lucy Wiegersma and Shaabrak at 16:34,
Pippa Funnell and Redesigned at 16:50 and
Mark Todd and NZB Land Vision finally at 16:58.

Good luck to all, I am sure tomorrow's scores will jumble the results table up a fair bit!

Badminton: Hints and tips for the spectator.

We, of course, aren't all lucky enough to be competing at Badminton next weekend, yet hundreds of thousands of us will be filing through the entrance as spectators. With hundreds of shops to please the shopaholic, five days of both top and grassroots eventing and the promise of a fantastic day out whatever your interest, Badminton really does offer it all. So, how will one make the most out of their day?

Firstly, as I've mentioned in a previous post; the fences to watch (if you aren't keen on walking the entire course for the whole day!) are as follows;

• The Lake (although I am sure this goes without saying, after Tina Cook's dunking last year I am sure the Lake may take another rider this year!)


• The Quarry (rated 10/10 for difficulty by Andrew Hoy in Horse and Hound this week, at the end of the course this may prove a challenging face)


• Sunken Lane (upped this year in difficulty it seems, which no doubt will catch someone out)


• Huntsman's Close (always a tricky fence, rated 9/10 by Andrew Hoy in H&H)


• and surprisingly, the Colt Pond. (the direct route may prove the less popular option)

Also look out for the Shogun Hollow, the Hexagon Hedge and The Farmyard (an underestimated fence last year).

If you're a keen shopper, be sure to purchase this week's Horse and Hound. In the middle of the issue is 30 vouchers to save money in the shopping village, ranging from a FREE Antares breast plate to £200 off any Activo-Med Magnetic and Massage rug.

If you're a newbie spectator to Badminton this year be sure to be prepared. This year's weather forecast may be good but sturdy boots may be a necessity - especially on Cross Country and Show Jumping days when the ground has been churned up over the past four days. If the weather is fine wellies may not be needed - as we all know how hard the ground is at the moment! Yet substantial footwear round the 6.5km course is a must!

At lunch time queues for food are pretty long - so I do recommend taking a picnic! (or planning your lunchtime accordingly). If you can bare to steal yourself away from the Cross Country action on the Sunday I advise retiring to your car for a spot of lunch as again, the picnic areas get rather busy with 250,000 spectators eating at the same time!

I hope for fine weather (last year's wasn't quite so preferable, I remember a lot of numb fingers and sporting the 'drowned rat' look!), and looking at the forecast I am sure it will come. Hopefully the ground has been looked after accordingly and that we won't have another 2007 scenario (22 competitors withdrawing due to the hard conditions). I look forward to the 21st!

Badminton: The first timers

Every year Badminton welcomes fresh new riders to the event, and 2011 is no exception. This year we have a number of first-timers hoping to do well:

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.