Horses were always Janice’s thing until she took me to see the cross country and show jumping at the Sydney Olympics.  On our bucket list of things to do was to go to one of the UK’s biggest Horse shows. We now have done both Horse of the Year at NEC in Birmingham – an indoor spectacular and now Badminton – one of the truly famous events on the Horsey calendar.

With Janice’s  best pal  Bernice, her dog Gizmo along with Milo we headed south 300 miles to Badminton which is north east of Bristol. They provide a campsite  right next to the course and it was full of huge horse floats – beautiful with all mod cons making our Hymer look tiny!.  A short walk through the forest and we were right there. It was a total contrast to the Sydney course which was dry and dusty. Held in the grounds of  the stately Badminton House and its old oak trees and lush grounds the cross country event was set to have 200000 visitors ( paying guests!!!)

The course , 4 miles long, was full of people watching and secretly hoping to see a fall which when you do can be quite frightening. Aside from a big days walking that even tired the dogs, it was stunning to see. Of course it not always go to plan.  You are supposed to jump over not onto the tree.!!  OUCH!! poor horse! See the two photos below.

Woops!!

Having a jug of Pimms . what a laugh! It was quite warm 30 deg so a thirst was developed!

Day two was the showjumping.

Photos were difficult as we looking into a very warm sun but it was exciting to watch the very best do what they do and the winner German Michael Yung make it look so easy on both days. When you see those who are not so good its so easy to see the best. Just effortless!

The Winner!