2019 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials First Horse Inspection

Eighty two horses were presented to the Ground Jury of Nick Burton (GBR – President), Jane Hamlin (USA) and Christian Steiner (AUT), and all bar two will go forward to the dressage phase of the competition.

The inspection was not without drama. Izzy Taylor (GBR) lost the reins of a very spooky Springpower who took against the banks of photographers at the end of the runway, putting in a quick 180* and heading for the stables. Fortunately a swift moving Tim Price (NZL), who was next to present, to put himself between the runaway horse and the Archway, arms waving, to prevent what might have been a more serious incident.

Mitsubishi Motors Badminton first timer Nicky Hill (GBR) also had her hands full, having to trot MGH Bingo Boy twice when her 11-year-old decided to show off his bucking ability.

There were plenty of stylish, eye catching outfits sported by the riders as they trotted their horses up in front of Badminton House. Tom Crisp looked very dapper in a blue tweed suit with brown trim
pockets, blue waistcoat and boots. Harry Meade made yet another ‘fashion statement’ – he has developed quite a reputation for bright colours and this year did not disappoint, sporting a bright blue jacket, with pale blue trousers and blue suede shoes.

The Italian military uniforms, this year worn by Pietro Sandei and Arianna Schivo, always score well on the catwalk and, as ever, long boots with tassles were worn by the majority of the ladies.
The Hi Ho Silver Best Dressed Awards were judged by Andrew Ransford and Emma Warren from Hi Ho Silver, alongside Lucinda Green and Isabel Spearman. The theme this year was ‘Timeless Classics’.

The panel chose James Sommerville for his attention to detail (his tie matched his shoe tassels!), and Louisa Milne Home for the tailoring and practicality of her tartan outfit. However in the Badminton media centre, we chose Pippa Funnell, first out this afternoon and sporting a stunning animal print long jacket with black trousers and boots, and Alex Bragg whose look can best be described as ‘Peaky Blinders’.

Of this year’s 25 first timers, two did not make it through the inspection. Disappointingly Hanna Berg’s Quite Survivor (SWE) and Tamra Smith’s Cooley Ramiro (USA) withdrew from the hold box.

View the Start List for Thursday’s dressage phase

Article and Video courtesy of Badminton Horse Trials