It’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials week!
My boyfriend Giles, groom Hannah plus the family all gathered around the kitchen for a good luck glass of champagne on Tuesday evening then we were up early with a 5.30am leave.
It seemed quite surreal hacking around Badminton Park this morning. I schooled Geronimo (Al) in the afternoon (right), he started a little tight but what else could I expect? Al has definitely realised he has arrived somewhere pretty special!
The trot-up went well — it was so close to the stables, there was no opportunity for Al to get over excited.
I was extremely eager to get out and walk the course after the trot-up. Wow, there are some big jumps out there, which I think Al will love and hopefully eat up. But quick thinking and athleticism is going to be needed for these tricky technical fences. In particular, the PHEV Vicarage V followed by the Mirage Pond and then the new Swindon Designer Outlet Mount is a very intense and unforgiving section of the course.
I have a 3.05pm dressage tomorrow, which suits me well — hopefully there will be a calm atmosphere come Thursday afternoon. I am having a lesson with Gill Watson in the morning and if Al doesn’t settle I will school him again at lunchtime. I am really looking forward to doing dressage in the main arena and I will make sure I will enjoy myself no matter how it goes.
Sophie
Follow the dressage with H&H Live
Full 24-page report on Badminton in H&H next week, out 15 May.
