As we all know, since I last wrote, we have had record amounts of rain in many parts of the country. Badminton has not escaped but thankfully we have not been as wet as some. I was walking in the Park last week and all the drainage that has been carried out over recent years is now really beginning to pay off as the cross-country course itself is not waterlogged which, in years gone by, it would have been by now. Also, our natural water supply (should the weather go the other way!) has filled up so watering will not be a problem. Ironically last week, I had a meeting with all the relevant people to discuss watering the course, should it be needed. Working with the ground for a May event, is not easy as we need the grass to start growing and that is always slow to happen if we get a late Spring. However, it is a great team of people who have a passion to make sure the ground is presented in the best possible way be it wet or dry.
Kelvin Bywater (our Show Jumping) course designer visited Badminton last week and it is always interesting to discuss his ideas. Eric Winter was here on this day, placing one of his “cross-country” surprises for 2026, so he popped in to have a chat as the course designer of both phases are more interlinked than possibly some people realise. The technicality of the show jumping course will depend to a point on how the athletes and horses have fared on the cross-country the day before. By the end of the month most of the cross-country fences will be in place, ready for the FEI Technical Delegates to visit and inspect early next month.
James Willis is also starting to put his ideas into formation for the Grassroots cross-country courses.
As many of you will have already read, I am delighted that we are in a position to have increased the prizemoney for both the Mars Equestrian International and LeMieux Grassroots Championships. On this note, many congratulations to our last year International winner, Ros Canter, on the arrival of her second daughter.
The Tradestand village is near completion and, as well as many of your favourite exhibitors returning, there will also be some exciting new ones.
The Lakeside Pavilions are as popular as ever and fully booked. For those looking for alternative hospitality, the Portcullis Club offers just this and is bookable through our Box Office.
The final jigsaw pieces are being put in place as far as contractors and volunteers are concerned and I am extremely grateful to the latter for their commitment and support.
The Box Office team are busy, and I would urge all to buy their tickets by 31st March, in order to take advantage of the early bird prices.
Entries for the International will be opening very shortly and that is when it will all start to feel that the 2026 Event is only just around the corner…