The Badminton Horse Trials remain one of the biggest highlights of the equestrian year, and the one that each rider wants to win.
Back in 2007, Horse & Hounds produced an 18 page special on Badminton, following the dominant victory of Lucinda Fredericks and her mount, Headley Britannia. The 41-year-old rider admitted, “I’m expecting miracles. I’m not here just for a clear round and a completion – I’m too old for that. I’m going to be competitive.”
Competitive she was too, leading from the dressage stage, through the cross-country and even after taking four penalty faults in the show jumping, she finished two points clear of Germany’s Andreas Dibowski, riding FRH Serve Well.
“This is not just ‘some’ show, this is ‘the’ show,” said Germany’s Hinrich Romeike, a full-time dentist who had driven for 24 hours across Europe to get to Badminton. He finished sixth in the end, the second among the German contingent.
To enjoy Horse & Hounds’ superb coverage of Badminton 2007, click here.
