Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF are flying the Stars and Stripes in second overnight. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.
We’re back at the Main Arena for another day’s dressage at Badminton and… it’s still not raining. Not a drop. We are being blessed and we are grateful.
First up, a brief look at the (especially exciting if you’re shouting for the States) top-3 as things stand after yesterday’s competition:
1️⃣ In pole position after the first day’s dressage is Great Britain’s comeback queen – Bubby Upton brought the house down with Cola and is sitting in the lead overnight on a score of 27.3.
2️⃣ 1.7 points behind, flying the flag for the US, are Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF on 29.
3️⃣ And rounding out the top three, just 0.8 behind, we have another one for the Stars and Stripes – Tiana Coudray with Cancaras Girl who are on 29.8.
Click here for the full scoreboard.
It really was a great day’s sport, with some emotional performances and some disappointments, but overall, what stood out were the many examples of horses and riders working together, of truly masterful riding, and harmonious partnerships demonstrating all the years of training that go into producing horses to this level, no matter where they ended up on the scoreboard.
Missed out yesterday? Don’t fret. Catch up with every step from Dressage Day One with the live blog – which you’ll find right here.
You’ll find our round-up reports of the day’s dressage here ▶️ [Morning] [Afternoon]
Today we’ll see the second half of the field have their turn between the white boards. Here’s a taster of what’s to come:
🇺🇲 The remaining two US combinations will take to the stage, with two Badminton debutant pairs coming up the center line: Grace Taylor and Game Changer are due to go at 10:48am BST / 5:48am ET / 11:48am CEST, and Alexandra Knowles and Morswood will enter the ring at 11:40am BST / 6:40am ET / 12:40pm CEST.
🇬🇧 There are even more heavy hitters from the home camp getting their Badminton campaigns underway today:
💎 Last year’s winner and Burghley runner-up, reigning European Champion, former World Champion and current World No. 2 Ros Canter brings 5* winner on his debut at the level Izilot DHI forward at 10:32am BST / 5:32am ET / 11:32am CEST.
💎 EquiRatings’ ones to watch after winning the Grantham Cup for a second year running, Emily King and Valmy Biats will come up the center line at 11:48am BST / 6:48am ET / 12:48pm CEST.
💎 Olympic team gold medalist and three-time 5* winner, including here in 2022, Laura Collett brings forward Hester for the mare’s first attempt at the level – they go at 3:03pm BST / 9:03am ET / 4:03pm CEST.
💎 Tom Jackson will be hoping the stats hold up as he comes back into the ring with his second ride, one of the best dressage horses in the field according to EquiRatings, Burghley runner-up Capels Hollow Drift – they go at 4pm BST / 11am ET / 5pm CEST.
💎 Everyone’s favorite video game star, three-time Badminton champion, Olympic silver medalist and former European Champion Pippa Funnell comes into the ring for a second go, today with MCS Maverick – they go at 4:08pm BST / 11:08am ET / 5:08pm CEST.
💎 And World No. 5 Harry Meade will come up the center line for a third time – the only rider to have three Badminton entries for as long as anyone can remember. He’ll finish up the dressage phase with Red Kite at 4:16pm BST / 11:16am ET / 5:16pm CEST.
🇮🇪 The remaining two Irish pairs will have their say today – 5* rookie combination Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint will go at 10:16am BST / 5:16am ET / 11:16am CEST, and Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro will make their first trip up the Badminton center line at 12:20pm BST / 7:20am ET / 1:20pm CEST.
🇫🇷 We’ll see three French combinations between the white boards today:
💎 Arthur Marx brings forward family homebred Church’ile at 9:16am BST / 4:16am ET / 10:16am CEST.
💎 Finishing just outside the top-10 here last year and hoping to scoot up higher this time around, Luc Château and Viens du Mont go at 9:40am BST / 4:40am ET / 10:40am CEST.
💎 And Arthur Duffort will wrap things up for the French with five-time 5* finisher Toronto d’Aurois at 12:12pm BST / 7:12am ET / 1:12pm CEST.
🇳🇿 The Kiwis come forward in force today, including:
💎 Previous Badminton winner, Olympic and World Championships medalist Jonelle Price who brings Pau winner Grappa Nera into the ring at 9:24am BST / 4:24am ET / 10:24am CEST.
💎 World Championship medalist and three-time 5* winner Tim Price is here with Burghley dressage record-breaker Vitali – eyes on this pair as they canter up the center line at 12:04pm BST / 7:04am ET / 1:04pm CEST.
💎 And Olympic medalist and Burghley winner Caroline Powell brings Pau 5th place finisher and Maryland 6th placer Greenacres Special Cavalier forward at 3:52pm BST / 10:52am ET / 4:52pm CEST.
There is SO MUCH to be excited about for today’s competition, and I obviously didn’t have space here for all the stars – so here’s the full list of entries.
If you just can’t get enough info about this year’s competitors, then you’re in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.
Getting the action going today is Britain’s Louise Harwood with Native Spirit – they’ll enter the ring at 9am BST / 4am ET / 10am CEST.
Have a look at all the ride times here.
If your appetite for all things Badminton is as insatiable as ours, I have good news for you – we’ve got your back with all the content from the 75th edition of the event you can handle. There’ll be live blogs from every phase, bringing you every minute of action from the dressage, cross country, and show jumping finale, and we’ll be summing the whole thing up in daily reports from every stage of the competition; we’ve got an in-depth cross country course preview, and the riders’ thoughts on what’s to come on Saturday coming your way. Keep it locked on to EN and click here for all things Badminton. 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, it’s time to turn our attention to the center line as the second day of the 75th anniversary edition of MARS Badminton Horse Trials commences.
Take me to church, 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]
5:40am ET
🇬🇧 Felicity Collins and RHS Contend OR
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 21st Badminton
2021 – 10th Bicton
👻 ‘Mickey’ is notoriously spooky and Felicity describes him as like “riding an eel”.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 21st (22)
Bicton – 10th (21)
🏸 form: Made her Badminton debut in 2022; eliminated last year after a tumble on cross country.
📋 They put down a 34.4 here last year and a 33.3 at Burghley in 2022. They’ve been consistently low-30s in the first phase over the last season.
👖 Felicity’s mom competed to 5* in the 1990s.
Sitting back and kicking on:
Today’s Test:
This is another beautiful, bold bay gelding. It won’t have been easy coming in after Ros, when the crowd was lit up. But Felicity’s giving Mickey confidence and they get off to a good start with three 7s for the halt. They set off into the trot work and this horse really does look rideable. They’re scoring consistently 7s. Felicity pushes for the extended – 7s across the board – but then there’s a little spook at the flowerpot in the corner. Felicity gets him back on board and they continue on.
The walk work is settled but there’s not much punch to the steps and there’s a little problem with the contact, he just drops back from it every now and then – that’s keeping the marks in the 6s, but there is a 7 for the medium.
The halt at C scores 7s across the board and the reinback is very clean – there’s a 7.5 for that. They get a smooth transition into canter and some tail swishing is creeping in, indicating a little tension perhaps. The marks are creeping into some 7s for the canter work, but the changes drop the scores slightly. Felicity’s really riding the horse that’s underneath her in this test. It’s basically a clear round so far. She’s brave in the extended for two 7s. They come back up the center line and halt square – there’s an 8 for that from the judge at B. There’s a big clap from the crowd and it looks like Felicity’s boot’s come undone.
Overall, there was some nice work in this test and the horse looked to be trying hard for Felicity.
Felicity Collins and RHS Contend OR score 34.5.
5:32am ET
🇬🇧 Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form: Won Pau last season on his debut at the level.
👻 ‘Isaac’ is known to be spooky and Ros sometimes has to ghostbust as they gallop ‘round the cross country.
🌶️ Comin’ in hot! This guy has 9 wins under his cinch from 21 FEI competitions. Last season, in 6 starts he picked up 3 wins, a 2nd and a 4th. He’s understandably EquiRatings’ favorite for the win here this week.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 1st & 9th (23) 2nd & 12th (22) 3rd (18) 5th (17)
Bicton – 4th (21)
Luhmuhlen – 3rd (18) 9th (17)
Burghley – 11th (22)
Pau – 1st & 24th (23) 17th (20) 5th (19) 5th (18) 7th (17)
🏸 form: Reigning champ with three podium finishes.
2️⃣ World No. 2
🏆World Champion 2018
🏆European Champion 2022
🥇 European team gold 2022 & 2021
🗺️ World Championships 2022, individually 4th
🔥 Olympic traveling reserve for Tokyo 2020
📋 This dude can seriously dance! At 4* he’s been as low as 18 in the first phase. At Pau he put down a 24.3 and added just a smidge of time across the competition on his way to the win. Eyes on this one 👀 He’s the second best dressage horse in the field according to EquiRatings.
When you come out and win your first 5*:
Today’s Test:
Now, we know this guy can be spooky, but he took to the jog strip on Wednesday like an old pro. Fingers crossed for more of that today please Isaac. He certainly looks settled as they make their way ’round the arena. William FP predicts that we’re watching our Badminton winner here.
They start up with a dead straight entry and a perfect square halt for 7s across the board. Isaac’s so attentive to Ros, totally with her. The medium trot scores an 8 and two 7.5s and they nail the first 8m circle for another 8. This horse has got such a lovely presence and cadence. There are more 8s for the shoulder-in and another one for the extended trot. Lots of high marks coming in – and there’s an 8.5 for the hall-pass right – the highest score I can remember seeing so far this year.
They go into the walk work and Isaac is so free moving, and responsive. They score 7s across the board for the extended (William FP would have given it 8s!). There’s a tiny spook in the medium but then a brilliant halt for 8s across the board. The reinback also scores an 8 and there’s a 9 for the canters.
There’s just so much quality to this guy’s movements, everything so soft and willing and Ros, of course is riding superbly. There’s an 8 and two 7.5s for the first change, and then the second – probably the best changes we’ve seen so far this year. The extended canter scores a 8 and two 8s – so impressive, bold and scopey. He has a little spook in the corner but he turns straight up the center line and halts totally square.
The crowd knows this is good, there’s a cheer and a massive clap. Such a treat to see such quality. William FP is not happy with the marks – he thinks they should have been higher. Two 8s in the collectives. They’re going into the lead, for sure.
Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI score 25.3.
5:24am ET
🇬🇧 Emma Thomas and Icarus
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form: ‘Stix’ made his 5* debut at Burghley last season and finished 18th.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Made her top-level debut alongside Stix at Burghley.
🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.
🤩 Emma was inspired to go eventing when she watched Nicola Wilson’s Opposition Buzz going cross country at Badminton.
🎹 As well as eventing, Emma’s also a whizz on the piano.
📋 This guy’s known for being a difficult ride, particularly on the flat – they put down a 38.5 at Burghley last year; at their FEI runs since then they’ve been in the 40s.
This pair leapt up to 5* last season and added just XC time to their dressage score:
Today’s Test:
Best footwear on the jog strip on Wednesday was for sure Emma’s floral biker boots – very cool choice, Emma.
Stix looks very lit up as they come forward to circle the Main Arena. His head’s up and he’s jiggy jogging – William FP in the commentary box thinks Stix really wants to be going into the start box. Hopefully he’ll settle once they get properly underway. Emma takes her time entering the arena after the bell rings. She’s using up every second. In fact, it seems like she took a little too long.
She canters up the center line and they trot for a few strides into the halt. Stix has his head up and doesn’t really stand – it’s 4s for that. They set off into trot and Emma does seem to have got his attention. There are moments when he loses it, which affects the balanced. He’s griding his teeth, showing tension. The scores are consistently in the 5s and 6s for the trot work.
The drop into walk and actually, Stix does really well. His head’s up but he does walk the first part. There’s a jiggy jog starting, but Emma does a great job and he shows a bit more walk, then a bit more jog.
The halt is very difficult – a 4, 2 and 1 for that – and the reinback goes off into the middle of the ring – two 4s and a 3 for that. Unfortunately things get more tense in the canter – there’s lots of breaks of pace and the head carriage is a bit of a problem. But Emma does a great job to get him going for parts and she’s actually very brave in the extended, and Stix comes back to her actually quite nicely. She obviously can’t drop her reins for the circle. They come back up the center line and Emma can breathe a sigh of relief that there weren’t fireworks happening – she did a very sympathetic job on this very hot horse.
They leave the arena sideways and backwards and we see the result of all that hotness in their score.
Emma Thomas and Icarus score 51.2.
5:16am ET
🇮🇪 Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint
Facts and Form:
5⭐ rookie combination
Horse:
Recent form: 4th in the 4*-L at Blair Castle last season; 29th at Burnham Market this year where they added just 8 XC time penalties to their dressage score.
🧬 RCA Patron Saint is by Grafenstolz – the sire of William Fox-Pitt’s ride here, Grafennacht, and last year’s Badminton winner, Ros Canter’s Lordships Graffalo.
Rider:
🐴 Lucy’s a one-horse rider.
👖Lucy’s granddad competed at Badminton and Burghley and her cousin has completed Badminton four times. Another cousin, Robert Powell, won the English Grand National in 2007.
📋 This combination trend low- to mid-30s at 4*.
Lucy’s got bravery, fortitude and grit in her genes:
Photo via Hands and Heels.
Today’s Test:
We’re back from the break with a rookie horse and rider combination – their first 5* at Badminton, how exciting for Lucy.
RCA Patron Saint looks as picture as he makes his way ’round the arena. He’s a bold, powerful type of a guy. They halt to begin and the gelding picks his head right up for a really good look round – two 5s and a 4 for that. Hopefully he’ll settle as they move into their trot work.
And he does. There’s 7 for the medium trot. There could be more bend for higher marks in the lateral work but Lucy pushes for the extended which is balanced an scopey – that scores a 7 and two 6.5s. The 8m circles are a little big but overall the trot work showed a nice picture of a horse and rider working together.
They set off into the walk section and this horse really does have a nice walk. There’s lots of quality on display and the medium pulls in more 7s. The halt is much better at C and there’s another 7 for that and the reinback is clean. The canter transition is smooth and Lucy shows a good difference in the canters. The first change is great – two 7s and a 6.5.
Again, the lateral work could show a little more ben for higher marks. The second and third changes aren’t quite as good as the first, a little late behind, but they still pull in 6s and 6.5s on the whole. There is some stretch in the circle, but it’s down rather than down and out. The final change is clean and they halt on the center line for big pats and a proud moment as they complete the first phase at their first 5*.
Lots of potential on show from this pair.
Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint score 36.8.
4:56am ET
We’re heading into a short break now. No changes at the top of the leaderboard so far.
Back in around 20 minutes – at 5:16am ET / 11:16am CEST.
4:48am ET
🇬🇧 Francis Whittington and DHI Purple Rain
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 22nd Badminton, 19th Burghley
2021 – Bicton 14th
💜 DHI Purple Rain’s barn name is, of course, ‘Prince’.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 22nd (23) 21st (16) 15th (09)
Bicton – 14th (21)
Burghley – 19th (23)
🏸 form: 7 completions, Armada Dish presented in 2016
🔥 Olympic reserve Beijing 2008 & London 2012
🦷 Francis worked in equine dentistry before becoming a full-time eventer.
👖 Francis’ sister has competed at 4* and his son show jumps and events.
📋 Prince can get quite worked up between the white boards – he kept his cool at Burghley last season and posted a 34.1 in the first phase; at Badminton, not so much – it was a 41 here last year. He made up for it on the cross country though, eating up the muddy ground and looking to thoroughly enjoy himself.
Could this be the most beautiful horse in the world?:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
We’re on our last combination before the first break now.
Prince did not disappoint the crowd at the Horse Inspection on Wednesday. Francis had to convince him to even go up the jog strip, then he danced round on his toes showing off his very fancy footwork and extravagant action. Let’s hope that wasn’t indicative of how he’s feeling today.
Prince starts off by spooking at the cross country fence in the arena as they make their way ’round to come up the center line. He looks hot and has a good look ’round in the first halt, although it’s nice and square and scores a 7 and a 7.5. They set off into trot and have such lovely cadence in his steps – the medium scores an 8, 7 and 7.5. Keep it up Prince, you’re doing great! It’s so nice to see his potential coming out and he’s being rewarded with scores consistently in the 7s and 7.5s. Francis is doing a great job here – a real riding lesson for us all. He has to be so artful with this horse, and he’s riding for every single mark. There’s an 8 for the transition to walk.
So far, Prince is very good in the walk and scores two 8s and a 7.5 for the extended – really showing free movement through the shoulders. Francis does a great job keeping the halt and reinback under control – there’s a 7.5. for that. They strike off into canter and there’s more lovely quality of movement. But the changes are expensive historically for this guy and it’s no different today – 4s across the board for the first one. Francis is really pushing this horse’s highlights and limiting the damage in the tricky bits – that’s knowing your horse.
The third change scores two 2s and a 3. Those expensive changes really are a shame because all the other marks have been consistently high – 7s, 7.5s and a smattering of 8s. You can hear Francis saying ‘Woah’ as he turns back up the center line. They halt, he can take a breath, and be delighted with Prince, I’m sure. That’s probably the best I’ve seen him bar the changes – it’s so nice to see him show off his potential.
He’s hot on the way out, but he can look forward to cross country now.
Francis Whittington and DHI Purple Rain score 36.1.
4:40am ET
🇫🇷 Luc Château and Viens du Mont
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 11th Badminton
2022 – 9th Pau
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 11th (23)
Luhmuhlen – 4th (21)
Pau – 9th (22) 19th (20)
🏸 form: Just outside the top-10 on his debut last year.
🧬 Luc and his wife run a breeding program at home in France where they welcomed a foal out of Michael Jung’s superstar mare FischerRocana last year. Luc competed the stallion at the center of the enterprise, Propriano de l’Ebat, until 2018.
📋 They put down a 42.2 at Burghley last year before retiring out on cross country. At Badminton they scored 37 in the first phase.
Top-10 at your home 5* on your horse’s debut at the level’s gotta feel good:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Luc takes his time to come into the arena after the bell rings, making the most of his allocated time. This is such a smart horse, so powerful and strong. He raises his head a little in the first halt, but Luc gets him back with him and they set off into trot. Viens is very light on his feet in his trot, but it’s a bit precarious in places and then, the excitement comes out and he breaks into canter for a couple of strides. Luc’s doing a great job of sitting quiet and supporting Viens.
They come down to walk and again, it all looks a bit tentative. There’s not quite a jiggy jog, but almost. Scores so far have consistently been in the 6s with some 5s. It’s a mixed bag for the extended walk – a 7, 6 and 5 for that. The reinback is a little sticky, but they strike off into canter smoothly.
Viens is getting more hot as this test goes on. He’s trying really hard to listen and Arthur’s doing a marvelous job of keeping a lid on things, but every now and then it breaks out. He’s brave to go for the extended canter but he can’t really let him stretch for the circle. We are used to seeing a test like this from Viens – he does get hot in the ring, but they’ll be leaderboard climbers tomorrow on the cross country, for sure. There’s a big sigh of relief from Luc on the way out.
Luc Château and Viens du Mont score 43.1.
4:32am ET
🇬🇧 Richard Jones and Alfies Clover
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022: 10th Badminton, 7th Burghley
2021 – 6th Bicton
2018 – 7th Burghley
2017 – 22nd Burghley
Rider’s recent 5⭐ form: 7th Burghley 22; 10th Badminton 22; 6th Bicton 21; 7th Burghley 18; 22nd Burghley 17
🏸 form: 3 completions
🍪 Richard lost his finger when he slipped in his lorry and caught his wedding ring. He was on track to deliver a career best finish when it happened. Three months after that, he was 22nd at Burghley.
📋 They put down a 32.8 at Badminton last year before retiring out on cross country in a display of horsemanship that had us all impressed – they were going really well but Richard thought the tough conditions (it was super wet last year) were taking their toll and he decided to save Alfies Clover for another day. We’re hoping for low-30s in the first phase at the level, but their scores can creep up to the mid-30s.
This guy’s a fan favorite at British 5*s:
Today’s Test:
Alfies Clover looked characteristically grumpy on the jog strip on Wednesday. This guy has a huge fan following, but seriously, he’d bite you as soon as look at you! Boy does he look stunning in the Badminton sunshine. They start off in a nice square halt, but it’s slightly off the line – it scores two 7s. They set off into a balanced and workmanlike trot, the steps are clean and it’s very clear that this 17-year-old really knows his job. There’s not the big movement and expression for the big marks, but everything’s accurate and they’re on a clear round so far. This guy does dressage because he loves cross country, and he’s being a very good boy about the whole thing. Scores are consistently in the 6s.
The walk is very similar in style and consistency as the trot throughout. The reinback is very polite and clean – there’s a 7 in the scores for that. They have a very smooth strike off into canter. It’s more of the same picture for this part of the test too. The changes are clean and there are some 7s creeping into the scores now. Everything about this test is economical – for sure a clear round. There’s another 7 for the extended canter and then Alfies Clover really stretches in the circle but it’s not really got the self carriage for the higher marks – there’s a 5 in the scores for that. The final change is clean and they come back up the center line and slide into halt.
The crowd appreciates this long-time campaigner and Richard gives him a big pat. Alfies Clover walks very calmly out – job done, clear round, onto the best bit.
Richard Jones and Alfies Clover score 36.7.
4:24am ET
🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 1st Pau
2021 – 28th Kentucky
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 18th (22)
Badminton – 11th (22) 1st (18) 10th (16)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (15)
Burghley – 4th (22) 3rd (16) 5th (15)
Maryland – 8th (21)
Pau – 1st (22) 3rd (21)
🏸 form: 8 starts over 20 years, 6 completions – 1 win, Armada Dish presented in 2019
🔥 Olympic team bronze London 2012; individually 12th Tokyo 2020; individually 17th Rio 2016
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2022; 4th individually 2014
👩❤️👨 Jonelle is part of eventing super couple Team Price, competing against her husband, Tim, here this week.
📋 This mare put down a PB of 30.1 at Pau in 2022, adding just 1.2 XC to take the win. Her most recent form is at 4* this season where she scored 37 in the first phase.
Pulling out the win in the mare’s 5* debut:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
There are cheers from the crowd as Jonelle canters ’round the outside of the ring. Jonelle does a little passage to show off her dressage skills. Even outside the arena this pair look impressive. The bell rings and they get going with two 7s and a 6 for the first halt. They set off into a lovely, rhythmical trot and there’s such a quality to the steps from this horse. Scores are consistently in the 7s with a few 6s creeping in. The extended gets two 7s.
Everything looks to be very controlled and precise and Grappa Nera is relaxed in the ring – she really shows that off in the extended walk, taking the contact right forward – two more 7s for that. Jonelle is very obviously riding for every single mark. There’s an 8 and two 7s for the medium walk, and then another 8 for the halt at C. They were stood for what seemed like ages, really showing excellent immobility. The reinback is also scored well – two 7s for that.
The canter work is really of an excellent quality and there are lots of 7s coming in. The first change is clean, but the scores drop slightly and then there’s an expensive miscommunication in the second one which scores a 3, a 4 and a 2. The third one is much better.
The extended canter is very good with two 7.5s and a 7 for that, and Grappa Nera comes back really nicely for the stretch circle. The final change scores 4s across the board. Jonelle shows the same very impressive immobility in the final halt, and Grappa Nera’s straight down for some Badminton grass. It’s well deserved, she did a great job.
Overall this had the makings of being a really high scoring test, but the mistakes in the changes were very expensive.
Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera score 34.4.
4:16am ET
🇫🇷 Arthur Marx and Church’ile
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form: 23rd Pau 22
🧬 ‘Pumba’ – as he’s known in the barn – is by Grafenstolz – the sire of William Fox-Pitt’s ride here, Grafennacht, and last year’s Badminton winner, Ros Canter’s Lordships Graffalo.
🔗 He’s a family homebred – Arthur’s dad rode both his dam and grand-dam.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 23rd Pau 22
🏸 form: Made his debut last year but an unfortunate parting of company on the XC means he’s looking for his first completion.
🗞️ Arthur works in a stationery shop in the mornings as well as running his own barn.
📋 Put down a 35.7 at Pau last season where they picked up a technical elimination out on cross country. They scored 34.7 here last year, and a 37.7 at Pau in 2022.
I’d love a thought cloud above Arthur and Pumba’s heads here:
Arthur Marx and Church’Ile. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Pumba really is a beautiful stamp of the horse, so impressive looking, particularly with the sun shining off his coat. This pair look nice and relaxed as they enter the ring and get their test underway. The trot is very relaxed and supple, and shows a nice rhythm. There could be more bend for higher marks in the lateral work – scores drop down to 5s for that. There’s a little loss of connection in the bridle every now and then, Arthur’s being delicate with Pumba to support him. That’s affecting the marks. All the movements are accurate though and scores are consistently in the 6s.
They drop into walk and it’s the same kind of picture. Pumba looks a little distracted every now and hen. But Arthur’s sitting quiet and Pumba’s trying hard for him. The halt and reinback are clean enough and the scores stay consistent – 5s and 6s.
They set off into canter and the first change is clean – that gets a 7 from the judge at C. There’s a lack of bend in the half-pass and then Pumba didn’t really get the change – two 4s and a 2 for that one. Arthur puts it behind him and rides forward and the scores improve for the extended canter. The wobbles in the contact continue in the stretch circle which scores a 5, 6 and 6.5. The final change is very good for two 6s and a 6.5.
Arthur looks very happy with Pumba at the end of his test. Pumba stretches right out and then enjoys a bite or two of the Badminton grass. There’s a cheer for them as they leave the arena for a clear enough round in the dressage.
Arthur Marx and Church’lle score 43.
4:08am ET
🇬🇧 Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form: Made her 5* debut at Pau last season but was eliminated on the cross country.
Recent form: 20th in the 4*-S at Kronenberg last month, adding just XC time to her score.
🚀 Opposition Heraldik Girl is known as ‘Rocket’ in the barn.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 19th (24) 21st (23)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (22)
Pau – 6th (23) 22nd (22) 24th (19)
🏸 form: 3 starts, 1 completion
👖 Kirsty’s dad ‘rode round Badminton and her mom competed in Grand Prix dressage.
📋 They put down a 37.4 at Pau on the mare’s debut at the level, with a couple of costly changes dropping them down the order slightly. They have some low-30s scores at 4* on their card.
Rocket stepping up at her first 5* at Pau last season:
Today’s Test:
Rocket sure looked fit at the First Horse Inspection on Wednesday – she kicked out a little at the judges, who scattered accordingly. Let’s hope that’s all well and truly out of her system for today.
Rocket canters up the center line and halts square – there’s a 7.5 from one judge. They quickly get into trot and Rocket really does have a lovely cadence to her steps. She’s in a really good frame and shows a lot of scope in the extended. Kirsty’s really presenting this mare well. She looks very happy in her job and well within herself, despite the atmosphere in the Main Arena a Badminton.
They settle into the walk work and Rocket stays very relax. Kirsty supports Rocket to keep her rhythm and they make it through this difficult part of the test within incident. The halt and reinback are clean, but don’t pull in top marks.
Rocket’s canter work is kind of similar to her trot work, it’s balanced and accurate. Kirsty’s really working hard to keep this mare with her, and Rocket’s listening. The second change is very good for two 7s and the extended gets 7s across the board. There’s another clean change before they turn back up the center line and halt square for a 7 and a 7.5.
There’s a massive cheer from the crowd and a lot of pats, scratches and neck rubs for Rocket. This was a very good test overall, really showing great riding and a horse who’s very happy in her work.
Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl score 32.4.
4am ET
🇬🇧 Louise Harwood and Native Spirit
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form: 2 starts – Burghley 23 & Pau 22
Recent form: Clear XC jumping in the 4*-L at Blenheim last season.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 45th (19) 44th (17)
Luhmuhlen – 8th (16)
Burghley – 25th (18) 20th (17)
Pau – 35th (17)
🏸 form: 7 completions, Armada Dish presented in 2017
🏇 Louise won the St Michael’s Charity flat race at Hereford in 2019, helping to raise £30,000 for charity.
📋 They put down a 32.4 at Burghley last season before retiring out on cross country.
Opposites attract:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Goooooooood Morning ENers! We’re back at Badminton and enjoying the sunshine as we kick off the second day.
Starting off the day’s dressage we have Louise and Native Spirit coming up the center line.
Native Spirit has a little spook when he spots his reflection in the window of the judge’s booth, but he’s settled as he canters into the ring. They start up in a lovely square halt and their Badminton is underway. They score two 7.5s and a 7 for that – great start. There’s a really nice rhythm in the trot work, although there could be a little more bend for the higher marks in the lateral work. She shows a real difference between the medium and extended trot – it’s two 7s for that, but then Native Spirit has a little spook and breaks pace, Louise gets him straight back though.
They move into the walk section of the test and Native Spirit looks a little more relaxed now. The steps are even but there could be more push for higher marks. The halt at C is excellent and scores an 8 and the reinback is clean for two 7s. They get a good strike off into canter.
This horse is really working nicely for Louise, he’s obviously trying hard and is performing all of the movements accurately. He snorts a little as he travels across the arena in the half-pass, but his changes have been clean thus far, albeit not quite on the aids. The stretch circle is balanced and scores a 7 from the judge at C, but a 5 from B. They come back up the center line and finish up their Badminton dressage test.
Overall this was a really nice test, the horse was obviously well within himself and happy in his work and they seem to make a very nice partnership.
Louise Harwood and Native Spirit score 35.6.
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