Ever wondered what really goes on behind the stable doors? Rachel Watts, groom for Chris Burton and TS Jamaimo, is at Badminton Horse Trials and will bring us a groom’s eye view and daily update in our Snippets from the Stables
Day 1
We have arrived safely at Badminton!
Today was a day to set up and settle in. Wild Oats and TS Jamaimo (James) travel led to Adelaide together last year and now they have travelled to Badminton together. The Aussies are all parked in a group and a tent set up.
James has now had his Australian winter coat removed ready for the trot up tomorrow afternoon and we’re looking forward to having a better look around the place! He has made friends with Sam Griffiths’ horse Paulank Brockagh so Imogen Mercer and I will be doing a lot of hand grazing together - lucky we have a lovely view of Badminton House to adore while we’re out there!!
Day 2
An hour before trot up (above) and during the action (below)
Today was trot up day! This morning we had a quick trot for team vet just so we know we are doing okay. James was ridden earlier and also another quick ride this afternoon.
I have moved into the grooms’ accommodation which is situated directly above the stable! There are four beds in a room with toilets and showers down the hall. The grooms’ canteen again is proving that before coming to Badminton you might need to pack some comfy clothes as the food is just so good and meal tickets are provided for grooms making it very popular! Full cooked breakfast, a variety to choose from for lunch and two course dinner! It's fair to say that this is one event where the grooms are definitely looked after!!!
James in his stable below me!
Badminton provides a buggy service from the stables to the dressage warm up and also to the truck park. I was talking to one of the drivers and she was telling me how this is her ninth year driving the buggies and has been coming as a spectator for 30 odd years before that. She loves coming to the ever and seeing it grow as they start putting up marquees and grandstands etc.
The organising committee of Badminton have two weeks off after the completion of the event every year before taking the next twelve months organising things. She was saying after around 40 years of coming to the event she still gets the 'Badminton Buzz' feeling when she drives in the gates.
The Australian crew in the arena familiarisation. From left to right- Jamaimo, Wild Oats, Kilronan, Flying Finish and Paulank Brockaugh. With grooms!
A grooms’ meeting was held to welcome us to Badminton and also inform us of areas to graze horses, times the helicopter is landing on Saturday morning in front of Badminton house, and the general rules and regulations around the stable.
The crowds for the trot up started filling he stands at least an hour before it was due to start. Late comers were positioned many rows back. Trotting up in front of Badminton House gave a very good photo opportunity for owners and spectators. James got out there and his thoroughbred instructs kicked in and he was ready to run!
Dressage commences tomorrow morning at 9:30. Will try to get out and walk the course tomorrow, there is plenty of talk around the stables about how big and tough it is, so certainly looks like it won't be a dressage competition.
I'm ready!!
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