Badminton, anyone?

[Shrapnel]

This thread will be all about the Badminton CCI**** this weekend. Results, what's happening etc.

[Shrapnel]

As of 10:25 a.m. U.S. eastern standard time, the top 5 in dressage are:

1. Emily Baldwin (GBR) Drivetime 42.3
2. Roberto Rotatori (ITA) DELLA M. IRHAM DE VAIGES 43.7
3. Ruth Edge (GBR) MAYHEM III 43.8
4. Jo May (GBR) FAERE VISION 46.7
5. Rodney Powell (GBR) ZIN ZAN II 48.0

Bonnie Mosser and Merloch (USA) are in 12th on a 51.3.

[ksbadger]

The Top 10 riders are:

1. 109 GAZELLE DE LA BRASSERIE Karin Donckers (BEL) 38.8
2. 102 SHAABRAK Lucy Wiegersma 39.7
3. 110 FLINT CURTIS Oliver Townend 40.5
4. 33 DRIVETIME Emily Baldwin 42.3
5. 104 IDALGO William Fox-Pitt 42.8
6. 81 DELLA M. IRHAM DE VAIGES Roberto Rotatori (ITA) 43.7
7. 42 MAYHEM III Ruth Edge 43.8
8. 105 IF YOU WANT II Matthew Wright 44.3
9. 106 TOYTOWN Zara Phillips 45.3
10. 24 FAERE VISION Jo May 46.7

Bonnie Mosser is currently 18th:
88 MERLOCH Bonnie Mosser (USA) 51.3

[pwynnnorman]

Did I hear right? Five of the top ten will go in last ten? What time would that be, anyone know?

[Centuree]

I can't get the live feed to load. Anyone else having problems?

[kcrubin]

live feed isn't doing anything on my computer - has it started?

[Centuree]

I think so - I think so many users are probably online the system is a bit overwhelmed. hopefully we can view it soon.

[pwynnnorman]

I had it fine at 5:40 but now I switched computers and the circle is just circling and circling...

[LessonLearned]

Mine just came up. Zara is heading around on Ardfield Magic Star (who is looking quite strong).

[kcrubin]

got it now - amazing!!

[Maya01]

For all you that missed it William Fox-Pitts ride (the 1st to go) was phenomenal! He makes me think that maybe I do have a chance to make it to the upper levels! :lol:

[DLee]

This always just amazes me, I love the camera that goes alongside the galloping horse! When is Bonnie?

[JER]

Really nice German mare out there -- good ride too.

(The mare is by the TB Heraldik, who was also the sire of that Happy Times horse that Sam Griffiths rode. Butts Leon was also by Heraldik.)

[DLee]

I wondered about the horses and that camera, I assumed they were far enough away to not interfere. :(

[Reds-n-Greys]

My, my that camera seems really distracting!

[Maya01]

My, my that camera seems really distracting!

Yah - its a pain in the arse for some riders :/ especially the incident with the dog...

Anyone have any idea when it is going to be over?

[snoopy]

Interesting that Tina would say that Badminton would be a "big ask" for a hjorse that has only done only one three star (bramham...which is a meaty course). Food for thought for those who run Fairhill 3* and feel they are qualified to run Rolex the following spring. More time is needed at three star for our horses before attempting Rolex.

[JER]

Food for thought for those who run Fairhill 3* and feel they are qualified to run Rolex the following spring. More time is needed at three star for our horses before attempting Rolex.

Considering there have been horses who enter Rolex without ever going clear XC at a CCI***, this is very true.

(This weekend, there are some riders/horses at Jersey Fresh with very spotty XC records at Advanced. I'd love to see them throw out the qualifying dressage score requirement and instead, require clean XC runs. One is so much more important than the other.)

[snoopy]

Considering there have been horses who enter Rolex without ever going clear XC at a CCI***, this is very true.

(This weekend, there are some riders/horses at Jersey Fresh with very spotty XC records at Advanced. I'd love to see them throw out the qualifying dressage score requirement and instead, require clean XC runs. One is so much more important than the other.)



absolutely agree with you!!!

[Reds-n-Greys]

phew - there was an OMG moment for Heidi Woodhead! She's had a rough ride all the way so far.

[pwynnnorman]

OMG, I come back from the barn, look at the screen and there's a nice-looking, gray-haired lady carrying on an extensive conversation with two dogs! It took my mind quite some time to figure it out, so humanlike those dogs were acting.

[snoopy]

WONDERFUL discussion about course design...and kudos to Mark for asking the question "what is next". I was quite pleased to hear Ian say he would like to take things back to the galloping days. Mike made the comment that they were thinking of smaller timber. I agree!!!! Mark referenced the time when there were hold ups whilst they rebuilt fences. I would rather break the fence then have my horse flip. If the respect showjumping fences then XC timber could be kinder that ALLOWS for breakage then foolish pins, and plastic jumps.

Anyway back to competition....

[Reds-n-Greys]

So what is the opinion of the new vests - having just seen one do its job?
So glad to see her be able to remount to walk home.

[LisaB]

GET IN THE START BOX TANKER'S TOWN!!!

[LisaB]

Fugsicle!
Outside assistance for Tanker's Town.

[Reds-n-Greys]

I know it was not the reason, but doesn't the opening to the start box seem tight?

[LessonLearned]

So what is the opinion of the new vests - having just seen one do its job?
So glad to see her be able to remount to walk home.

Glad to see it work. It looks like it could cause some problems if you got it too tight. Of course, I'm claustrophobic, so it looked VERY unpleasant to me when it deployed!

Naughty boy, Tankers Town!

[Reds-n-Greys]

Oh NO another loose dog! What a good pony to ignore it!

(was a little funny though when the dog did an apparent face plant into the straw bales)

[DLee]

Omg, dogs are not making a good name for themselves!! Unbelievable. What a fabulous horse.

[snoopy]

FCUKING dog's loose on course. Never mind penalties...just DANGEROUS!!!

[AllyCat]

Back to the recent poll about dogs being allowed at horse shows...I stand by my vote of NO!!! People can't control them, obviously.

[pwynnnorman]

OK, so the policy is to cutaway from any accident. And not cover it until it's resolved. I'm square with that except I wish there were at least verbal updates, carefully worded of course.

[JER]

So what is the opinion of the new vests - having just seen one do its job?
So glad to see her be able to remount to walk home.

Clayton Fredericks's air bag did its job when he dismounted and forgot to unplug it. :lol:

The air bag may give additional protection from impact injuries. However, impact injuries to the torso are not what kills you in this sport. What kills you are head injuries and massive crush injuries to the chest.

If your horse falls on you, this device can't offer much help. First of all, it might not deploy at all if you are not substantially separated from your horse as in a rotational fall. Second, an airbag of this size is not going to protect you from the weight of a falling horse. Third, it starts to deflate in less than 20 seconds, so if your horse falls on you and you are caught under the horse, any protection you get is short-lived.

The manufacturer's website doesn't have any specs or testing info so it's hard to know what these are specifically designed to do. I think the neck protection is promising but it's unclear what specific protection it offers. (For example, motor vehicle headrests are designed to prevent certain types of whiplash, engineering is done with the specifics of a car accident in mind.)

Also, regarding impact injuries and rider falls -- most falls don't have really significant (from an EMS perspective) impacts. The horse isn't going all that fast (as in it's not over 30 mph) and you're not hitting the ground from very high up (as in not 15 feet). I'd like to know what the difference is in taking an average impact with a standard Beta vest vs the vest with the airbag.

[LisaB]

yeah, I'm one for my dog goes with me all the time. But these big venues where you have gringos who don't have horse-dogs, I think they should not be allowed.
It made one team eliminated here, another was fine and then Buck with his horse having a bite.
Unfortunately, I have to say that dogs have to go.

[JER]

The dog guy had a nice ride.

[LisaB]

Do you think it would help with the all time favorite of a broken collarbone? That seems to be the most prevalent injury.

[AllyCat]

Who is commenting? This live feed is awesome! Love the camera on wheels at some fences so you feel like you are galloping with them!

[snoopy]

The dog guy had a nice ride.


aaron miller

[snoopy]

Who is commenting? This live feed is awesome! Love the camera on wheels at some fences so you feel like you are galloping with them!


Tina Gifford and Mike Tucker. (Still cannot call her Cook) It is nice that they have Mark, Jeanette, Ian etc coming in from time to time.

[kcrubin]

Had to go feed - missed the start box elimination - what happened?

[LisaB]

Silly horse wouldn't go in the box. A bunch of people were trying to help. Then the clock started with all those people helping. She wound up getting off and then he went in and she had a leg up.
but it's unauthorized assistance once the clock started. Bummer!

[Reds-n-Greys]

Tanker's Town just decided he was not going to play today. Would not enter the box for anything. She received assistance to try and get him in and finally dismounted to lead him in (all this happening almost 2 minutes after the clock started)

[TBCollector]

Who is commenting? This live feed is awesome! Love the camera on wheels at some fences so you feel like you are galloping with them!

No kidding,, huh? Coverage in a completely different class from that-American-event-whose-name-we-shall-not-speak.

[Reds-n-Greys]

What was it they said about Penny?

[takeone4theteam]

Are you all watching the coverage from Horse/Country? I just tuned in and all I see is Matt Ryan walking his horse.

[LessonLearned]

No kidding,, huh? Coverage in a completely different class from that-American-event-whose-name-we-shall-not-speak.

Amen.

[Reds-n-Greys]

Are you all watching the coverage from Horse/Country? I just tuned in and all I see is Matt Ryan walking his horse.


Yes, there's a hold, Penny Lawn fell. It was not a nasty looking fall.

[JER]

Do you think it would help with the all time favorite of a broken collarbone? That seems to be the most prevalent injury.

Nope.

I've written extensively on the BB about this before. Most clavicle fractures are torsional loading injuries. You hit your head/neck or your forearm and the force travels to your clavicle, which is the weak link. Which is good, at least when talking about it. Most clavicle fractures in equestrian sports are at the distal end (away from the midline of your body) as that's its weakest point.

I do know of a couple of fall-related clavicle fractures that were from the horse stepping on the rider (with XC vest on). Again, i don't think an air bag would help.

A broken collarbone is an inconvenience. It's not life-threatening. You just need someone to help you get out of bed in the morning.

[snoopy]

No kidding,, huh? Coverage in a completely different class from that-American-event-whose-name-we-shall-not-speak.



Oh come on..."we" get Tim Singer as a commentator!!! (when it gets shown)
Corinne Ashton is there at the moment. The BBC coverage is just so spectacular that she thought she would see more in the comfort of her home then actually out on course.

[Reds-n-Greys]

Um, am I the only one who's seeing the 'football" team in the locker room?

[AllyCat]

No kidding,, huh? Coverage in a completely different class from that-American-event-whose-name-we-shall-not-speak.

You know, I am coming to realize after 20 years of watching American politics that this is a corporatocracy...we don't do ANYTHING if we can't charge a fee so someone (not us) can make money. That goes for watching eventing online too.

Why can't we mention the name?

[LisaB]

Yeah, it was very light fall. What happened? Why is there such a long hold on course?

[Reds-n-Greys]

I wonder if she hit her face on his neck before she came off? I'd like to see a replay.

[AllyCat]

Back to the Swedish rider, Anna Hilton...was she Anna Herman at one time?

[His Greyness]

You know, I am coming to realize after 20 years of watching American politics that this is a corporatocracy...we don't do ANYTHING if we can't charge a fee so someone (not us) can make money. That goes for watching eventing online too.

Why can't we mention the name?

When every household in the UK has, every year, to buy a TV license for $214.93, the proceeds going to the BBC, you get different standards for TV coverage.

Be careful what you wish for.

[purplnurpl]

the horse on course right now has fuzzies on his bridle. The ones that are blinkers, not a shadow roll. I wanted to use them but was told they are illegal.
What's up?

[snoopy]

When every household in the UK has, every year, to buy a TV license for $214.93, the proceeds going to the BBC, you get different standards for TV coverage.

Be careful what you wish for.



I would be the first to pay it. It is no hardship to set up a monthly direct debit. The quality of programming you get for what is really a nominal feel and no adverts every five minutes is well worth it. How many in america pay much more for the Direct TV or cable and watch very little of what they are paying for.
Sure most people pay for Cable and Wireless
or SKY TV (in UK) but you do really get GREAT programming through the Beeb

[JER]

Excellent ride by Francis Whittington.

[Reds-n-Greys]

hmmm,, "Lexington - a 3 1/2 star this year", opinions?

[snoopy]

Interesting that the commentators consider Rolex a 3 1/2 star!!:lol:

[LexInVA]

Interesting that the commentators consider Rolex a 3 1/2 star!!:lol:

You would too if you've used the porta-potty setup. :lol:

[DLee]

Man, I would not want to be a course designer. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[LexInVA]

Man, I would not want to be a course designer. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Immovable object and unstoppable force make for a bad sandwich.

[LisaB]

Is Mary's horse even jumping? I think it's Mary that's being the horse as well as the rider. All Power Mary!

[Reds-n-Greys]

Yes, she earned that trip.

Hope Saxon Cross is ok.

rats another hold on course ~ hopefully just a fence repair.

[LisaB]

Yeah, I saw funkiness before the wagon. Like a strange way to fight the 1/2 halt but thought he might be a funky horse. I think there's something there. Small but enough for them.

[purplnurpl]

I would have a go at this year's Badminton, but Rolex scared me a little.

But not as much as Mary's riding these days.
She scares the boogers out of me. Poor horse is going to be lame in the back tomorrow.

[LisaB]

Have you watched Mary over the last 20 or so years??? The horse is going to be fine.

[Reds-n-Greys]

Yeah, hope she rethinks that bit.

Three till Bonnie!

[grayarabpony]

*Love* the Italian rider's horse. And Tony's big chesnut.

[DLee]

Crossing fingers for Bonnie!!

[Eventer55]

Please tell me about Bonnie's ride, I lost the connection to Badminton:cry:

[kcrubin]

getting very excited for Bonnie and Murray!

[snoopy]

Have you watched Mary over the last 20 or so years??? The horse is going to be fine.



Yes Mary's programme is amazing. She is very thorough in everything she does. If you could see her facility...Very small and sparce. She has a couple of loyal owners which she has had from the beginning, really loves and looks after her horses and is immaculate in her preparations.

[Reds-n-Greys]

Polly Stocktons horse is awesome! Love it! (Italian guys horse too... is he in the lead now?)

Yes, he is.

[tecumsea]

Okay, I have been trying all morning to get the coverage, is it over never saw a dam thing, only a blck HSBC screen Do not get it. Poor coverage

[snoopy]

Okay, I have been trying all morning to get the coverage, is it over never saw a dam thing, only a blck HSBC screen Do not get it. Poor coverage


Try going through useventing.com...you can maximize the screen on the right.

[Reds-n-Greys]

Bonnie retired at 12......

Wish they had shown her - or did I miss it?

[LisaB]

whaa! Retired at fence 12!

[LessonLearned]

Bummer for Bonnie! :(

[Doodlebug1]

No, online coverage is fine and continuing. It was only if you are watching via what we call 'freeview' that they are continuing at 6pm as there is football taking over!

[DLee]

Did they say Bonnie is out??

[TBCollector]

Said she retired at 12, horse not quite right.

[snoopy]

No, online coverage is fine and continuing. It was only if you are watching via what we call 'freeview' that they are continuing at 6pm as there is football taking over!


That damn footy...

[Doodlebug1]

Yes, commentary said horse wasn't quite right and they had a problem at 12 where she retired. Not sure what was wrong as they didn't show any of her round at all :no:

[Doodlebug1]

That damn footy...

Too right!! Luckily I pay for my TV coverage so I am still watching - phew!

[tecumsea]

Still nothing plays and I even went through the usea web site? what the hell

[Reds-n-Greys]

Did you try going in thru the Badminton site?

[Doodlebug1]

Did you try going in thru the Badminton site?

Try the bbc website http//:news.bbc.co.uk/sport

[flyingchange]

I would be the first to pay it. It is no hardship to set up a monthly direct debit. The quality of programming you get for what is really a nominal feel and no adverts every five minutes is well worth it. How many in america pay much more for the Direct TV or cable and watch very little of what they are paying for.
Sure most people pay for Cable and Wireless
or SKY TV (in UK) but you do really get GREAT programming through the Beeb

Me too. I love BBC! It is one of my pre-sets on my Sirius radio. The quality is in another league to anything offered in the US. I'd gladly subsidize $20/month to have a US broadcasting corp like BBC. No fakey/fake infomercial news/broadcasts on BBC.

[Couture TB]

This is the one I am watching and it is great http://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/live_video.html

[skint]

^ We forget how lucky we are with the BBC, (watching Badminton atm but am about to go feed the horses)

[snoopy]

^ We forget how lucky we are with the BBC, (watching Badminton atm but am about to go feed the horses)




LOVE LOVE your name!!! Perfect when one is involved with the ponies

[Doodlebug1]

LOVE LOVE your name!!! Perfect when one is involved with the ponies

LOL - I thought exactly the same thing!!!!

[grayarabpony]

Anyone know the breeding of Andrew Nicholson's Armada? What a spectacular horse.

[deltawave]

Loving this coverage. Everyone looks really, really good. A cut above the Rolex crowd, IMO.

[snoopy]

Loving this coverage. Everyone looks really, really good. A cut above the Rolex crowd, IMO.


Nothing against Rolex...but I have said this before...it really is a pale comparison to Badminton. There are a lot of factors at play here that keep Rolex behind in many areas.



But if we are talking "crowd" one must remeber that Badminton is actually part of the "social calendar" so it attracts quite a broad range of spectators.

[deltawave]

Specifically thinking about the TALENT, not the atmosphere. :)

I love the commentary re: WFP's horse--a "cheeky monkey". :D :D

[Reds-n-Greys]

Love Toy Town! I'm glad to see Zara finally got off to check him.

Whata trip for Ollie Townend! It's going to be exciting tomorrow!

[cocopuff]

Thrilling! What a nice crop of horses and riders.

[pdiddy]

British eventing is a different beast in every way. It's kinda like - if you want to just go unrecognized, event in the US. If/when you are ready to go recognized, ship off to England.

[JER]

What a great day for eventing!

All the horses came home safe.

One rider injury (hopefully minor) from a fall that looked innocuous.

Some great rides by knowns and unknowns.

New faces (and nations) atop the leaderboard.

Tomorrow will be a real nail-biter.

[snoopy]

What a great day for eventing!

All the horses came home safe.

One rider injury (hopefully minor) from a fall that looked innocuous.

Some great rides by knowns and unknowns.

New faces (and nations) atop the leaderboard.

Tomorrow will be a real nail-biter.



It should be noted that Badminton works on a points basis so that only the BEST of four star horses are excepted or those "qualified" to be there. You really do not see people with minimal qualifications getting a run...unlike Rolex. It ususally provides a better picture all around.

[JER]

It ususally provides a better picture all around.

Badminton also has better food. Much better food.

It was hard to see those shots of the food vendors, like the Cadbury Flake ice cream vans. So close yet sadly out of reach. :cry:

[sisu27]

Is the coverage being replayed complete anywhere?

[snoopy]

Badminton also has better food. Much better food.

It was hard to see those shots of the food vendors, like the Cadbury Flake ice cream vans. So close yet sadly out of reach. :cry:



Forget about the Ice Lolly van..I miss the full bar every few fences. Make your way round and stop for a bagette and something to drink every four or five fences.

[SevenDogs]

Forget about the Ice Lolly van..I miss the full bar every few fences. Make your way round and stop for a bagette and something to drink every four or five fences.

For riders or spectators? If it's riders, I may have just found my motivation to ride at the upper levels! :lol:

[JER]

The full bars are wasted on me as I don't drink alcohol (don't like the taste but then I also don't like chocolate or cheese). However, you can get a proper cup of tea at Badminton and I can't live without my PG Tips.

Now, moving on from food to discuss that other matter of critical importance: fashion.

How about Dee Kennedy's shoes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nico/3507599417/) for the trot-up (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nico/3508407188)?

Not easy to jog sound in those.

[RiverBendPol]

The full bars are wasted on me as I don't drink alcohol (don't like the taste but then I also don't like chocolate or cheese). However, you can get a proper cup of tea at Badminton and I can't live without my PG Tips.

Now, moving on from food to discuss that other matter of critical importance: fashion.

How about Dee Kennedy's shoes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nico/3507599417/) for the trot-up (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nico/3508407188)?

Not easy to jog sound in those.
Hey JER! Another PG Tips freak here. I buy 4-5 boxes at a time in case my source in Maine decides they don't need to carry them any more! I do, however, adore chocolate, cheese and bourbon. Which could account for my thighs......:winkgrin:
My favorite vendor at Badminton is the Stevenson Brothers and their beautiful rocking horses...http://www.rockinghorses.uk.net/?gclid=CMeZ9t7wr5oCFVCE7QodJF-lbg Now I'm furious that I didn't buy one 2 years ago. Our grand daughter is now almost 2 and is horse CRAZY (she spent today watching XC, shouting go go go at the horses:))

[snoopy]

Hey JER! Another PG Tips freak here. I buy 4-5 boxes at a time in case my source in Maine decides they don't need to carry them any more! I do, however, adore chocolate, cheese and bourbon. Which could account for my thighs......:winkgrin:
My favorite vendor at Badminton is the Stevenson Brothers and their beautiful rocking horses...http://www.rockinghorses.uk.net/?gclid=CMeZ9t7wr5oCFVCE7QodJF-lbg Now I'm furious that I didn't buy one 2 years ago. Our grand daughter is now almost 2 and is horse CRAZY (she spent today watching XC, shouting go go go at the horses:))



Those rocking horses are spmething you have to see to appreciate. AMAZING.


Only PG Tips in this house as well!!!!!

[Blugal]

Any updates on Penny Lawn? They only told us (on course) that she'd been taken to some medical facility to be "checked out." Needless to say, with the hold we were worried. Also was it Saxon Cross that fell? Heard that the rider had removed the saddle, "being cautious", but then they were repairing the fence?

[JER]

I thought Penny Lawn was the horse. Okay, they took her to Frenchay Hospital, Badminton's local facility.

The horse at the corner looked okay. I think Zara's first ride took the ambulance off the course, however. Did not see this but saw the exaggerated, breathless write-up for the Daily Mail.

ETA: I think Saxon Cross had his legs through the reins and the rider undid the girth in the process of untangling him or perhaps out of worry that he'd hurt himself. But he looked ok.

Blugal, did you get to check out the airbag vest? I'm sure they have a display somewhere.

[Blugal]

Yes, I looked at the vest. It was fully inflated on the stand. Looked very huge when inflated.

I didn't have as much time as I would have liked to shop :( but I did manage to get around most of it... didn't see the EXO anywhere.

A few thoughts:

A lot of horses came into the water jump (and the trucks before it) cross-cantering... any significance? The one rider, who'd had a stop at the water the year before, and was too busy organizing her reins to get over the brush in the water, and then retired, had been cross-cantering to both the trucks and the water.

The wicker fence into water seemed much more forgiving to horses than plain rails/logs. A few horses 'stifled' it, a few hung a front leg, but the fence was quite forgiving to them.

The donuts weren't quite as good as I expected... and we passed the strawberries & clotted cream the first time then never returned!!! Sacrilege!!

[snoopy]

... and we passed the strawberries & clotted cream the first time then never returned!!! Sacrilege!!




You are evil and must be destroyed.

[Blugal]

Believe me, snoopy, I was quite sad about the missed opportunity too.

[skint]

I'm going tomorrow, but I think I have a rubbish seat, left it a bit late to buy the tickets, normally go to the xc but daughter was at work today

snoopy and doodlebug- thanks for noticing my screen name! I always use it because it does perfectly describe the bank balance!

[TB or not TB?]

http://fredfredfredfred.com/Forfunstuff/highfun/bad-mitten.jpg

:yes:

[spotted mustang]

yo folks, can anyone post a link to the live feed? Or is it only available in the UK?

[goeslikestink]

For all you that missed it William Fox-Pitts ride (the 1st to go) was phenomenal! He makes me think that maybe I do have a chance to make it to the upper levels! :lol:

you leave willie alone hes a good bloke haha
pin me money on him getting somewhere and zara phillips

[Foxtrot's]

I can't see dogs being banned at Badminton - the British just must have their dogs around and there are more dogs there than horses. JR's and Labs, mostly. Everybody would stay home, what?

[Reds-n-Greys]

I can't see dogs being banned at Badminton - the British just must have their dogs around and there are more dogs there than horses. JR's and Labs, mostly. Everybody would stay home, what?

I think you're right! But, really I feel there should be a stiff penalty for the owner if Fluffy interferes with the competition in any way.

[tlw]

Anyone know what happened with Bonnie and whether they are alright?

[LAZ]

I think you're right! But, really I feel there should be a stiff penalty for the owner if Fluffy interferes with the competition in any way.

I'm with this--any dog that interferes pays a $2000 fine, minimum. I bet people would hold onto their hounds.

[Regal Grace]

Specifically thinking about the TALENT, not the atmosphere. :)

I love the commentary re: WFP's horse--a "cheeky monkey". :D :D

The running commentary was fantastic. WFP was in the commentary booth at one point for a few rides. He's was great and having a few good laughs with Ian Stark. Also really enjoyed listening to Tina Cook and Mark Todd as well.

Also thought the way the video footage following the rides (great tight shots) was excellent as well. Though I wonder if they will rethink it given the interference that happened to Rodney Powell and Zin Zan. That was real shame. It seems the camera crew went off track because they were avoiding a loose dog which spooked the horse.

[rp4241]

Hi everyone! I had really planned to write on our blog every day but the internet connection has turned out to be impossibly slow. I can log onto the coth though through my phone. I will definitely write more details about this trip as soon as I can but for now I just wanted to let you know that bonnie and murry are fine. I am actually standing outside with hime as I type. He is grazing and I am trying to stay out of a nettle patch. We honestly don't know what happened to him yesterday. Our best guess is that he whacked his stifle or locked it up for a quick second. The horse ambulane drove him and bonnie back and by the time he got off the trailer he was trotting up sound. The vets swung by this morning and coldnt believe how good he looked. This has all been so disappointing! On the bright side though we are all so grateful that he appears to be ok. We figured if bonnie had to be separated from him on course this was probably the best way for it to happen. Murry will be flying home on Tuesday and once we ge him out of quarantine and back to the farm we'll hopefully be able to figure out exactly where he stands and than plan for the next adventure iem hopefully a go at Burghley in the fall. Before she had to pull up she was literally having the best run of her life. He was going fast, straight, and aggressive and he had barely broken a sweat! More to come I promise...

[Centuree]

Is show jumping online for viewing anywhere? Does anyone know?

[Centuree]

I guess you can watch live here http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctwo/watchlive/ if you have a TV license?

You know, I really prefer the way Rolex set up a live feed. Yes, you had to pay for it, but I could watch the entire event front to back anytime for only 12 bucks. pretty good deal.

[Equibrit]

What on earth is going on over there. They are showing a kraut winning with 60 pens and no sign of WFP - has something calamitous happened or is the score board on the website not in real time or WHAT the F is going on ? Thank heavens I can actually watch the F1 race !

[LessonLearned]

Might they be between sessions? If I recall correctly last year when they had the paid feed, there was a morning and afternoon session. I actually liked the paid feed as well.

[Equibrit]

The results on the website say "final".
http://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/results/2008_results/final_results.aspx

and several notables missing, and its way past 2:00 pm already..

[Equibrit]

OK - Karin Donckers has just gone to #1 so the 2nd session must have just started - late maybe !! She was in 19th. The results must just be "pre- titled" ! The schedule says the Band should be playing at 1:20 pm.

[paintgirl]

That is the resulyts of the morning group- below 20th place. The afternoon group should be starting right now. Anyone have a link?

[JAM]

Well, Phoebe Buckley, the gypsy, did not finish in the top 15-20, as was her goal. On the other hand, she completed, apparently without XC jumping faults, which is more than can be said of Zara Phillips, with whom the articles that JER forwarded were comparing her.

[Equibrit]

Idalgo - putting the pressure on. Brawn 1+2 in Espania. The Italian bottles out!

[Equibrit]

Townend just wins !!! And the scoreboard is still wrong ! 60 grand (pounds)

[Jleegriffith]

Love the radio coverage!

[LessonLearned]

They just finished. LOVE Badminton radio!

Ollie Townend and Flint Curtis take the title!

[Carol Ames]

today, there was only audio, nothing from BBC sports:no:

[Reds-n-Greys]

Did they give any update on Penny Lawn?

[JER]

The top 3 riders to finish on their dressage scores were some of my favorite XC rounds of the day.

The top finisher on their dressage score was Harry Meade and Midnight Dazzler in 10th place. The 19 year-old horse cantered around the course to tie the wonderful Hooray Henry as the oldest horse to complete Badminton. Midnight Dazzler has been competing at CCI**** since 2000. He is also handsome enough to be the horse on the BE homepage. If he ever actually liked dressage (he is a lovely mover), he'd be unbeatable.

Next on their dressage score -- the German rider Anna Warnecke on Twinkle Bee in 14th. This horse isn't exactly attractive on XC. Mike Tucker noted he always looks like he's going nowhere. Has kind of a strung-out gallop with a low head set. But he and his rider get the job done very well.

Finally, in 21st, the German rider Kai-Steffen Meier on a lovely mare named TSF Karascada M. She's by the Czech-bred TB stallion Heraldik (as is 3rd placee finisher Happy Times). The XC round was just excellent. The mare can jump and gallop and although the mare is a small 15.3hh and the rider quite tall, the rider stays in good balance with her. This pair really caught my eye.

After dressage, these excellent XC and SJ horses were 38th, 46th and 56th.

(3rd placer Sam Griffiths/Happy Times almost finished on their dressage score, just 0.8 time faults on XC.)

[snoopy]

The top 3 riders to finish on their dressage scores were some of my favorite XC rounds of the day.

The top finisher on their dressage score was Harry Meade and Midnight Dazzler in 10th place. The 19 year-old horse cantered around the course to tie the wonderful Hooray Henry as the oldest horse to complete Badminton. Midnight Dazzler has been competing at CCI**** since 2000. He is also handsome enough to be the horse on the BE homepage. If he ever actually liked dressage (he is a lovely mover), he'd be unbeatable.

Next on their dressage score -- the German rider Anna Warnecke on Twinkle Bee in 14th. This horse isn't exactly attractive on XC. Mike Tucker noted he always looks like he's going nowhere. Has kind of a strung-out gallop with a low head set. But he and his rider get the job done very well.

Finally, in 21st, the German rider Kai-Steffen Meier on a lovely mare named TSF Karascada M. She's by the Czech-bred TB stallion Heraldik (as is 3rd placee finisher Happy Times). The XC round was just excellent. The mare can jump and gallop and although the mare is a small 15.3hh and the rider quite tall, the rider stays in good balance with her. This pair really caught my eye.

After dressage, these excellent XC and SJ horses were 38th, 46th and 56th.

(3rd placer Sam Griffiths/Happy Times almost finished on their dressage score, just 0.8 time faults on XC.)


"Over to You" was 19 at his last badminton.

[Blugal]

Did I mention I had a "star sighting"? ;-) I've got Harry Meade's autograph now. Unfortunately the pic he signed was him on a different horse doing dressage...

(Not that I normally go around getting autographs. He happened to be signing photos in a seeming "opening act" 15 mins. before Mark Todd was supposed to show up for the same. I was minding my own business shopping in the tent when I practically ran right into him.)

[Doodlebug1]

Did they give any update on Penny Lawn?

Yes, she's fine. Was released from hospital this morning.

[Reds-n-Greys]

Oh thanks - I'm glad to hear that! Was it determined that she hit her face on his neck?

[JER]

"Over to You" was 19 at his last badminton.

Hmmm. I thought he was 19 too but when Jeannette Brakewell was in the box yesterday, she said (actually corrected Mike Tucker) that he was 18.

But, according to BE records, OTY was born in 1988, so he would have been 19 in 2007. Weird.

[Reds-n-Greys]

^ Maybe he has a late birthday! :winkgrin: :lol::winkgrin:

[Across Sicily]

I am super glad to hear that Bonnie's horse is okay. Was at Badminton yesterday and saw the entire thing happen. Very scary. Poor Bonnie :( And there were no announcements as to whether or not the horse was okay - not cool!

[Maren]

JER, on Karascada TSF, yes, sired by Heraldik, which doesn't hurt. But you may find it interesting that her dam already produced two other international eventers .... cudos to the females ;-)

[white&red]

I went up to watch on SJ day. The atmosphere was amazing (and managed to bag a few bargains, haha. Although of course still spent far too much money).

We had front row seats, and watched the top 20 horses after XC. Townend throwing his hat into the crowd was quite amusing, haha. Oli's horse is such a stunner though, although Idalgo, Fox-Pitt's second mount was lovely to watch too.