Dominic's Double Debut

Not only is twenty two year-old Dominic Ruane the youngest male competitor at this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials but he is also one of the 21 first timers, one of 12 competitors with two horses and living in Gloucestershire is one of the local riders.

Dominic rode his first horse, Hunter’s Legend, this morning. The 11-year-old gelding by Welton Apollo, the only stallion to have completed Badminton on three consecutive occasions, is owned by his breeder Heather Butler from Cheltenham. “This is only the second season with Hunter’s Legend and the third three-day-event I’ve done with him,” said Dominic who was second with him in the Under 25s Championship at Bramham last year. The Highwayman, Dominic’s second ride tomorrow afternoon, has been with him for seven years. “He was my first horse and was bought as a Pony Club fun horse,” said Dominic who represented the Cotswold PC at several championships with The Highwayman. 

Whilst at school Dominic did a stint of work experience with Mark Todd and after taking ‘A’ levels went to Lucinda and Clayton Frederick’s yard as a working pupil. He now has his own yard near Bourton on the Water. 

It’s very exciting to be here as competitor,” said Dominic. “Badminton is the pinnacle of eventing. There is lot of hot competition and while both horses are ready for it and I am feeling fairly confident I am just looking forward to having a good ride.”