Well – three weeks have passed since Ros Canter and Walter achieved their momentous victory. All of us that were lucky enough to be there that day, witnessed something very special. For those that are not aware, we had a Stevenson Brothers rocking horse on stand-by to present to Ros, should she win for the third time and I am so glad this came to fruition. The real “Lordships Graffalo” is now in production! Also, well done to all others that achieved a good result.
The week got off to a great start with the LeMieux Grassroots Championships. The excitement and enthusiasm of all the competitors and their supporters rubs off on everyone and makes a wonderful curtain raiser for the week.
Although the International event saw one of the smaller fields of recent years, it was high class field and no less of an exciting competition. We all observed some great horsemanship as the horses and athletes navigated Eric Winter’s cross-country course.
As always, the weather plays such an important role. The forecast was not brilliant beforehand which made the good weather that arrived seem all the better. Mind you, for anyone at the Event on the Sunday, extra layers were definitely needed! All the work, put into the ground by the great team involved, paid off and then the bit of rain we had the weekend before gave us a helping hand.
The Park is now clear – the last of the Danco (who provide the majority of the tentage) lorries rolled out on Friday afternoon and now it is the turn of the RHS to prepare for their Flower Show at Badminton, which takes place from 8th to 12th July – this will be a very good reason for a return to Badminton in July – www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-badminton-flower-show
Every year we learn another lesson to keep trying to improve so the summer will be spent looking at suggestions, comments, etc. and seeing which we can implement for 2027. Although, it needs always to be remembered that the event takes place on a green field site and not all suggestions are incorporable!
It goes without saying, how grateful we are in particular to MARS Equestrian but also all the other sponsors for their continued support, alongside all the contractors, tradestand, officials and volunteers without whom the event would be impossible to stage. Last but not lease a big “thank you” to all of you who supported the event in whatever way, either by attending, joining us via CMH TV or just following us via various channels.
How lucky we were this year in so many ways. Here’s to 2027 – 5th – 9th May. I will be back with my blog in October!