The world famous Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials has a two-day competition for horses and ponies who are at the start of their eventing lives, it is called the Mitsubishi Motors Cup. There are two classes, BE90 and BE100, this refers to the height of the jumps.
This year, local rider, Lauren Collard, from Paulton, was competing for the third time, riding her own Orions Brite Spark, who is now 17 years-old in the BE90 section.
Lauren and Brite Spark were accompanied by Wanderberry, who came to stay the weekend before the competition started. Wanderberry is part of the Willberry Wonder Pony charity created by the brave Hannah Francis, of Hemington.
Lauren completed her dressage test on Tuesday evening and was in =25th place overnight. She thought the show jumping was big and hard, there were new fences this year. “I found it scary” she said.
Lauren was concerned about the cross-country phase as there were four tables on the course, but of course, Brite Spark just flew over them. When it came to the technical fences, he just skipped through.
“This was the first time I had ridden clockwise around the park, you wouldn’t think it would make it so different.
“We are often a little quick on the cross country, so I took the long route at fence 13 and 14, the World Horse Welfare Houses, which took up enough time. We finished on our dressage mark of 32.5 to finish in sixth place.
“Only the first six take part in the presentation in front of the house, which was fantastic. “It feels really special. I was so excited!”
Lauren and Brite Spark have qualified to take part in two regional finals, so hopefully we will be here again next year.