Melanie takes a few days out of the office

Among those making their debut at this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is 38-year-old Melanie Wilder from Landovery in Wales.

Melanie is one of few true amateur riders competing at the level who does not work solely with horses. While she and her husband have a small yard, by day Melanie works as a Business Development Director for Qinetiq a company connected to the MOD. “I look after the test and evaluation ranges in the UK and try to bring in new business,” said Melanie. “My husband Mark is now a regional fitter for WOW saddles and we juggle work and the yard between us".

Melanie rides her own 12-year-old Minuteman who was bred in Wales by Pete and Liz Sheppard and is by their successful stallion Old Leighlin out of a mare by the Thoroughbred Cruise Missile. Melanie bought him as a six month old foal. “We have come through the grades together and we are both very excited to be here,” said Melanie whose entry was accepted off the wait list last Tuesday. “We’ve not had much time to prepare – or think about it.”

The combination rides their test tomorrow. “He is a rather tense and excitable horse who is likely to blow up in the arena as I am sure he will be affected by the atmosphere,” said Melanie who has walked the course twice already. “I think it’s quite nice but testing especially in the middle part which will require a high level of concentration from both of us and will be more than we have experienced before. But just to complete will be a dream come true.”