Early May already seems a while ago, but the memories are good!
Last year, it was thought to be one of the best ever Badminton’s, but I think this one probably topped it. The weather, which plays such a vital role in the event’s success, was helpful from the moment we started the build at the beginning of March, and this made the lead into the actual week so much easier. Thanks to the naturally stored water within the park, we were also able to ensure the ground was as good as possible for the horses, which in turn assisted a large field to provide a very exciting competition from beginning to end.
The week got off to a tremendous start with the LeMieux Grassroots Championships, which gave two days of excellent competition and was witnessed by many a spectator.
The MARS Badminton International event saw the largest field for a decade with many first timers challenging the established athletes. It was a heartwarming moment when Ros won again on Lordships Graffalo.
We enjoyed our association with Guide Dogs as our Charity of the Year, and I took on the challenge of being blindfolded whilst putting a bridle on a mannequin horse which was amusing for those watching!
The clear up was also good and you would never know the Event took place with most items having been dismantled or removed by the end of May – not bad to do all in 3 weeks. As the photo shows, this included removing the dam from the Lake, as it was not possible to leave it in permanent situ. If we have to repeat, we will have an easier method of installing ………!!!
Thank you to all of you who supported us in whatever way, be it as an owner, athlete, sponsor, tradestand, visitor or at home watching the ClipMyHorse livestream.
We are listening to everyone’s comments about 2025 and are looking forward to 2026 with skeleton plans and improvements being discussed.
How exciting to see of two of the Badminton placed riders win their respective events, Bubby Upton at Bramham and Ros Canter at Luhmuhlen – very many congratulations to them both.
Here’s to the rest of the 2025 season, good luck to all those competing at whatever level and here is to MARS Badminton 2026 (Wednesday 6th – Sunday, 10th May).
I will pick my pen up again in October!!