Journal
Badminton 2018
by Pamela Glover-Cox, SportsQuest International, LLC
Day TwoWe had an early morning rise and traditional English breakfast at the hotel prior to departing for Badminton. We checked in at the Media Center and received our updates and information for the day’s events. The energy in the media room seemed tense, as writers and photographers quietly prepared to meet their deadlines.
My assignment was to observe my surroundings at the event. At the pharmacy booth located next to the media center, I had a brief conversation with “James the Medicine Man”. Most of the people visiting the booth needed assistance with blisters, pain or indigestion.
I also had a lovely conversation with Father Richard and Reverend Margaret at the on-site chapel. In 1994 Reverend Margaret was one the first thirty-two women ordained by the Church of England. The Chapel provided three services a day for anyone who might wish to participate in reading, prayer and fellowship. Reverend Margaret and Father Richard offered prayers for all at the event - including the participating horses.
While people watching, we sat outside at a picnic table and enjoyed our lunch. It was a clear, brisk and sunny day. We positioned ourselves close to the Mitsubishi Motors display which showcased cars, vans, and trucks manufactured by the title sponsor.
On post at the main entrance of the media center, I encounter a gentleman dressed in full uniform. He had a quiet yet dignified presence. He was a representative of the legendary Corps of Commissionaires, a British security firm. Established in 1859, it is the oldest security company in the world.
Captain Sir Edward Walter KCB (1823-1904), founder of the Corps, was the first to find an effective remedy to provide jobs for ex-servicemen who were willing and able to work after the Crimean War. Members of the Corps have served faithfully at Badminton for many years. From 1901 (when His Majesty King Edward VII consented to head the Corps of Commissionaires’ board of governors) to the present, the company has enjoyed the patronage of the British Monarch - in the office of Chief Life Governor.
To serve the massive crowds expected at Badminton each year, the First Aid Station is very well organized and staffed. The station provides medical care to all visitors requiring assistance.
At the end of the Dressage Phase, the leaders were Oliver Townend (GBR) with Ballaghmore Class, Sir Mark Todd (NZ) on Kiltubrid Rhapsody and Rosalind Canter (GBR) with Allstar B.
The most exciting part of my day was attending the Stallion Parade, organized by Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain. The event showcased twelve (12) outstanding stallions. Each horse was introduced and shown under saddle. The Dressage Horses performed a freestyle routine, while the jumpers and event horses displayed their skills over a few practice fences. We captured some great pictures.
Behind the scenes at the meet and greet, we were up close and personal with the owners and horses. We met Jennie Loriston-Clarke, a four time Olympic Rider (Dressage). She is also a well known Trainer, Judge and Owner. A member of the famous Bullen Family (her mother, Anne, was an internationally known writer and illustrator of children’s pony stories), Mrs. Loriston-Clarke and her husband, Anthony, are the proprietors of the Catherston Stud. They were well represented in the Stallion Parade by their brilliant seven-year-old, Timolin, a son of the former World Dressage Champion, Totilas.
I also met Chilli Morning, the only stallion to win the Badminton Horse Trials – having triumphed in 2015 with Britain’s William Fox-Pitt.
A descendant of Northern Dancer and of Secretariat, Chilli has an outgoing, naturally gregarious personality and is clearly a fan favorite.
We also spoke with Carole Mortimer, a well known expert on sport horse breeding and a columnist for Horse and Hound, the oldest equestrian oriented magazine in the United Kingdom.
At the completion of the day, we returned to the Old Royal Ship for another well deserved and excellent meal. We briefly chatted with the owner, Helen Johnson-Greening.
The staff welcomed us back with open arms. It felt like visiting the home of my favorite Aunt. I had the lasagna, garlic bread and a salad. My husband had the steak pie, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and salad greens, We shared a dessert before returning to our hotel.
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Introduction/Day One
Day Three
Day Four