Will Rawlin describes himself as “absolutely fine” as he faces his first ever appearance at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, which begin on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old first timer, based at Rockley, said he is not overthinking the competition, regarded by many in the sport as the pinnacle in the eventing calendar,...
David Doel’s past two seasons, with his star horse Galileo Nieuwmoed, are the stuff that most event riders can only dream of. A sixth place at his debut Badminton Horse Trials, eighth at Kentucky and runner up at Burghley are the highlights - but for him this is not quite...
Three former successful racehorses, stabled and trained now at Overton Manor Farm (and owned by the White family) in Wroughton have qualified for the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s NEC in October.
Trained by the ladies who will be riding them, the three horses will be competing in the...
When Greta Mason drives through the famous Badminton gates for her debut appearance this week it will be a culmination of a three-year plan.
Greta and her 16.1hh gelding Cooley for Sure (Murphy) moved to base themselves with former Badminton winner Rodney Powell at his Bishopstone yard in 2020, with a...
Rabson Manor, a popular BHS Approved Facility which offers a wide variety of cross country fences for grassroots training is to be closed so we understand, because increased insurance and running costs have made the business unviable.
The show jumping and dressage arenas will also close with immediate effect.
The owners of...
Weather has forced the postponement of this meet by one week - it will now take place on Saturday 28 Jan.
Military point to point organisers say they are ‘immensely grateful’ to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for saving the Larkhill Racecourse from closure.
The Point to Point racing season sees the...
Marlborough based eventing power couple Tim and Jonelle Price have finished Burghley International Horse Trials in third and fourth place.
Tim and his ride Vitali took the prize from HRH Princess Anne at the event.
Point to point races are to cease at Barbury.
The estate owners blame inflationary pressures: “We are saddened to announce on behalf the Barbury Castle Estate that a difficult decision has been taken to cease Point-to-Point racing at the estate this season and into the foreseeable future,” said a Barbury Castle Estate...
Dani Jackson is to commentate on the very first race of the day, a charity race in celebration Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee to raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Racegoers will also have the chance to hear from some leading sporting figures before the live action starts with their Panel...
As the dressage phase finished at Badminton, two time Badminton and one time Burghley winner Jane Holderness-Roddam CBE spoke to Niki Hinman about the ‘bette noir’ that is dressage, the value of smiling down the centre line, and reflects on the change in cross country courses since her day.
West Kington based...
Will Rawlin & Ballycoog Breaker Boy, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, April 2024 - pic: Hannah ColeWill Rawlin describes himself as “absolutely fine” as he faces his first ever appearance at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, which begin on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old first timer, based at Rockley, said he is not overthinking the competition, regarded by many in the sport as the pinnacle in the eventing calendar, certainly tougher than the Olympics.
“I am trying not to overthink it and treat it like any other competition. I have had a good Spring campaign and I am feeling confident,” explains Will.
Will is riding the 12-year-old Ballycoog Breaker Boy (William), who is making his five-star debut, rather than his other five-star horse The Partner, who was 23rd at Luhmuhlen last year.
David Doel with Galileo Nieuwmoed - pic: Joss RidleyDavid Doel’s past two seasons, with his star horse Galileo Nieuwmoed, are the stuff that most event riders can only dream of. A sixth place at his debut Badminton Horse Trials, eighth at Kentucky and runner up at Burghley are the highlights - but for him this is not quite good enough.
When Greta Mason drives through the famous Badminton gates for her debut appearance this week it will be a culmination of a three-year plan.
Greta and her 16.1hh gelding Cooley for Sure (Murphy) moved to base themselves with former Badminton winner Rodney Powell at his Bishopstone yard in 2020, with a view to qualifying for the Badminton Horse Trials, presented by Mars Equestrian. The plan has obviously worked as Greta credits Rodney and fellow trainer Alex Franklin in helping her achieve this goal.
Dani Jackson is to commentate on the very first race of the day, a charity race in celebration Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee to raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Racegoers will also have the chance to hear from some leading sporting figures before the live action starts with their Panel of Pioneers featuring, Lioness captain Katie Zelem, Gold curling medallist, Eve Muirhead and leading jockey, Hollie Doyle talking about their personal journey into their sport.
(l-r) Sarah Llewelyn with Deep Challenger, Qulinton with Thea Geake and Imperial Ruby with Sar Cassidy Hill (owner)Three former successful racehorses, stabled and trained now at Overton Manor Farm (and owned by the White family) in Wroughton have qualified for the Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s NEC in October.
Trained by the ladies who will be riding them, the three horses will be competing in the South Essex Insurance Brokers Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Final which will take place at the NEC on Wednesday 4 October.
Larkhill ptp now postponed... pic: John EcclesWeather has forced the postponement of this meet by one week - it will now take place on Saturday 28 Jan.
Military point to point organisers say they are ‘immensely grateful’ to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for saving the Larkhill Racecourse from closure.
The Point to Point racing season sees the Royal Artillery take centre stage next week (was Saturday January 21 - now 28 January) after the MoD had threatened to close the course at the end of 2023 and use the land for more army training.
The estate owners blame inflationary pressures: “We are saddened to announce on behalf the Barbury Castle Estate that a difficult decision has been taken to cease Point-to-Point racing at the estate this season and into the foreseeable future,” said a Barbury Castle Estate spokesperson.
Jane Holderness Roddam CBEAs the dressage phase finished at Badminton, two time Badminton and one time Burghley winner Jane Holderness-Roddam CBE spoke to Niki Hinman about the ‘bette noir’ that is dressage, the value of smiling down the centre line, and reflects on the change in cross country courses since her day.
West Kington based Jane is one of the World’s leading eventing dressage judges, and admits that a nice smile from someone heading down the centre line is always welcome.
“Some do quite a cheeky smile,” she said. “Especially someone like Olly Townend. I think he thinks it will make a difference. But it doesn’t work with me Im afraid!’
She does admit that it is always worth a try and tells all her riders ‘for goodness sake smile at the judge.’
“There is nothing more soul destroying after a day in the box and some boot-faced person comes down the line. You don’t feel like giving them a good mark. So a nice smile makes a difference to me personally. It doesn’t necessarily change the marks but it puts me in a better mood.”
“You just love some horses. There is something about their whole expression. If they really look as if they are enjoying it and the rider is in total harmony that is such a pleasure to judge.”
“I’ve never judged at Badminton. I was asked once, but I wasn’t qualified, and they didn’t ask again. But I’d love too,” she said
But is she swayed in her marking by knowing the horse, or the rider and does she think any unconscious bias slips in to the judging?
Will Rawlin & Ballycoog Breaker Boy, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, April 2024 - pic: Hannah ColeWill Rawlin describes himself as “absolutely fine” as he faces his first ever appearance at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, which begin on Wednesday.
Dani Jackson is to commentate on the very first race of the day, a charity race in celebration Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee to raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund. 
