{"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"u28R38WdMo","rid":"R7EKS5F","offerId":"OF3HQTHR122A","offerTemplateId":"OTQ347EHGCHM"}}

David Britnell’s first-time Badminton blog: I am having the time of my life!


  • What a fantastic day to start our Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials competition we had yesterday (Wednesday 1 May).

    An early start saw me hand grazing Continuity in front of the house, where I have longed to be. I then grounded myself by catching up with a car magazine I rarely have time which was a treat. I then had a fun cycle round the tradestands, picking up bits and bobs which finished off my first horse inspection outfit beautifully, bow tie included.

    Credit: Tilly Berendt

    Having hacked for a while I then took my first look at the cross-country course while my super-grooms tended to Brad.

    The trot-up came around quickly as these things often do. My horse was extremely laid back beforehand but livened up when he saw the crowds! He charged off in a rather unmannerly fashion after the turn but was better behaved than many. “Continuity accepted” was called out and I could breathe!

    Article continues below…


    You might also be interested in:


    It was time for some arena familiarisation next when Brad met a moving camera close up at ground level. I am not sure he noticed the cameras above his head though! A check over by his marvellous physio Anna Johnson was next on the cards, followed by supper then bed. We’re having lots of fun so far and have meetings and a dressage warm up tomorrow [now today] because our date with the big arena is on Friday at 10.42am.

    The canteen is incredible here, the officials amazingly friendly yet efficient and I am having the time of my life!

    David

    Read our full Badminton form guide in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound (issue dated 2 May 2019).

    Our bumper 25-page Badminton report will be in our 9 May issue, including opinion from Mark Phillips and Peter Storr.

    Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout major shows like London International and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

    You may like...