Reverse thinking for Badminton 2015

With weather warnings of snow and freezing temperatures, thoughts of ‘spring eventing’ doesn’t exactly come to mind, but preparations for Badminton 2015 are already underway.

Big and bold

Course designer Giuseppe Della Chiesa is working on a new track, which will see competitors head the opposite way round the famous grounds. His debut last year certainly got people talking, not least because the horrid weather conditions made the track somewhat difficult.

While the heavy going saw a record number of falls and only 35 completing – 23 of which went clear – it was Giuseppe’s big, bold course that provided the real challenges.

Lucinda Green described the track as an ‘old-fashioned Badminton with modern, skin-tight jeans on’.

This year’s reverse route presents a whole new set of demands over new terrain. But one thing is for certain – riders had better make sure their horse is fully fit!

Grassroots Championships

The competition kicks off with the Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championships, before the main event starts on Wednesday 6 May and finishes Sunday 10 May.

Full details and tickets are available on the event website. This year Badminton is raising money for Sense, the national charity campaigning for people who are deaf and blind.