Dogs and horses go together like cookies and milk. Obviously a dog is going to make your horse adventures even more fun, right? Just look at that sweet little face, MMHMM MHMHMM (<- these are smooching noises).  Except it doesn’t always work out. Sometimes it turns out to be a complete nightmare. Imagine trying to ride your horse while your dog barks and chases you, or the horses in their fields. You shut your dog into a horse stall but he still barks constantly. You shut him in the tack room and he eats the saddles. It quickly turns into a very expensive day at the barn. But it is so tempting to make them mix. Imagine trail rides with your loyal dog following your. Schooling in the arena while your dog sits quietly in the middle, observing quietly. A dog that is very comfortable hanging out on the barn, bothering no one, but showing up for snuggles exactly when you need it. You’re spending time with your two best animal friends. How do you bring this bliss into your life? It is possible, it just might require some work. So if you want to have a happy life, with both dogs and horses, here’s what you need to know. Choose the Right Breed The easiest way to classify and stereotype dogs is going to be by breed. Dogs all have different personalities, just like horses, but due to the thousands of years that humans have been breeding dogs, some are going to have characteristics that are better suited for life on a horse farm.  Typically, a dog breed that is found in the herding, working, or sporting breed groups would be a great farm companion. These dogs are typically know for being outdoor dogs, obedient, and energetic, which are all great characteristics for a farm dog.  But, be wary of dogs that are tiny, or delicate. Horses can kill dogs, and while it can be because they think they are a predator, it can also be completely unintentional. I personally know of a chihuahua that was killed by a horse simply stomping at a fly on its leg. The poor dog was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Small dogs, simply by nature of being small, are easily injured by horses. As much as you may love to have your teacup dog with you at all times, they are simply too frail to have at a barn. I have two yorkies, so I understand wanting them near me, but I have kept them away from my horses for their whole lives. They just aren’t horse savvy, and it’s far too risky. Even if you aren’t planning to buy a specific breed of dog, it’s smart to know about the different breeds. If you have a vague idea of breeds that could work for an animal farm,  you can know what to look for even when the breed is unknown. Many mystery breeds of dogs found at animal shelters can be great farm dogs. I am not encouraging people to buy a specific breed of dog, but look for a type of dog.  Popular Equestrian Dog Breeds As seen at horse shows and barns, there’s just some breeds that horse people seem to get over and over again… Australian Sheep Dog – Loveable piles of fluff that are highly trainable and loyal. Just be prepared for that fluff to be everywhere, and mostly on you, and probably on all your food.  Corgi – Smallish and also weiner-dogish. For the equestrian that needs a mascot and possible merchandising opportunities.  Labrador – The relaxed dog that’s so relaxed, he’s probably taking a nap right in front of the jump, you know, the one you’re currently headed towards. There will be many desperate screams of “MOVE!!!” at your barn with these around. Jack Russell Terrier – Horse people are known to be crazy, and this is the only dog they could find that’s crazier than they are. If you are not already insane, you will be after dealing with one of these. The Random Mixed Breed – A combination of 5 of more breeds that everyone can have fun guessing at but no one can be sure. Random breed traits will show up unexpectedly, like when he suddenly starts sorting the horses in the fields or takes up investment banking.   The Right Personality Not all dogs are suited to be farm dogs. Not all dogs want to be farm dogs. I’ll use my own dogs as an example. As I mentioned, I have two yorkies, the small, hairy terriers. The dogs predate the horse farm, and at this point are elderly. But even in their prime my dogs hated to hang out outside. As I mentioned, I never combined the horses and these dogs, but I’d bring them outside for regular dog things, and five minutes later, they are ready to go in. Maybe they were allergic to sunshine and happiness, but for whatever reason, they were not fans. Even if it had been safe to bring them to the barn, if I had, they would have hated it.   The ideal dog would love being outside. They would love exploring and frolicking, like a girl in her cottagecore era. They could hang out by themselves for hours (ideal for when you’re riding), or happily come running when you call to them. They are smart enough to avoid the dangerous things, well trained enough to not chase or harass horses or cars, and, unless you’re very interested in privacy, shouldn’t aggressively bark at people who show up at your barn.  The Right Training This is possibly the most important step. Dogs need training. They aren’t born knowing how you want them to behave. Unfortunately this is probably the step most people forget about. They just let the dog loose to figure it out.  Dogs need to stay safe on the farm, and need to be pleasant to be around. Dogs that chase horses, or jump up on people are not fun to be around. No one wants to see a dog injured by a horse, or worse. No one wants to go to the barn and immediately be covered in dirt from dog paws. It’s not cute.  Training is important for a well mannered, pleasant dog. Dogs should know how to sit, stay, and come when called. Dogs should know not to chase horses or dig up the arena footing. Dogs should be controllable while you’re on the ground, and listen to commands while you’re on the horse.  Without knowing these things, the dog is just a pest. I think a lot of people ignore the training aspect and just hope that the dog eventually figures it out on their own, but chances are the dog won’t learn unless it’s taught. If you’re a loner with their own farm, who never expects visitors at your barn, and perhaps has a secret entrance or bridge troll guarding your gate, feel free to do whatever, but that rarely happens. Instead your guests, or even random passerby’s or neighbors who are minding their own business, end up being harassed  by the dog, or having to deal with your aggressive dog ruining their walk. Not only is this a terrible way to treat people, it also opens you up to liability if the dog causes injury or damage. Not to mention, the law is usually on the side of whoever is victim of the dog. Your dog could end up being killed. Aggressive dogs are actually a huge pet peeve of mine. I frequently go to stranger’s barns to photograph them – meaning they are paying me to be there and know that I’m coming, and I’m greeted with a strange dog aggressively barking and circling my car. A few times I’ve had the dog jump up on my car door. I don’t know if the owners don’t care or don’t feel they can do anything, but I don’t think that’s acceptable. At the very least just put your dog in the tack room or a stall when you’re expecting visitors.  They always say the same thing though – “Oh, he’s friendly!” Maybe so, but I don’t know your dog. Your dog doesn’t know me. There’s always a chance it’ll go wrong. Or I won’t see your dog as I’m driving. Or your dog scratches my car. It’s less seriously than an injury, but I don’t feel like I should just have to accept my car being damaged.  Another option is to put up invisible fence. Although it might be an investment, your dog will stay safely in the confines of the area you set, with low chances of them going after people, or running out into traffic.  I truly believe that if you are committing to a dog, you need to commit to their training.  Free Dog Training Resources Kikopup YouTube – Videos on dog training Behavioral Protocols – Texts based instructions for specific situations. Simpawtico Dog Training YouTube – Videos on dog training Dogo App – Dog training app, may have paid features   Bringing Your Dog to as a Lesson Student If you don’t own the farm you keep your horse at, you might be wondering what the rules are regarding bringing your dog. If you board your horse, you’re going to be at the barn a lot, it makes you sad to think of your dog alone by itself. Or maybe you are a lesson student doing weekly lesson, or your child is in lessons, you might be wondering if you can bring your dog to hang out during the lesson. After all, it’s a beautiful day, your dog doesn’t always get to run around freely at home, and you would love to wear him out, too. First of all, STOP. Do not just bring your dog with you to the barn, even if it seems like other people are bringing their dogs. Always ask permission. There could be countless reasons why the farm owner doesn’t want more dogs on the property. If the farm dogs are dog aggressive, they might fight. The owner may fear liability issues. Or, the owner just might not want dogs hanging around on her property.  If the owner says it’s okay, then yes, you can bring your dog. But be prepared to actively watch your dog. If your dog has to be tied to a tree and barks the whole time, you can bet it won’t be allowed again. If it chases horses or people riding it could cause serious injury. If you leave it in your car the whole time and it barks at every random thing that passes by, why did you even bring it, its clearly not happy.  One bad dog can ruin it for everyone else that wants to bring their dog. The best way to prepare for this scenario is to make sure your dog is well trained and well socialized. If you’re not sure how it’s going to behave, start with small doses of farm life. Maybe there’s a community farm nearby you can go for walks at, or take the dog to progressively more stressful environments to make sure he’s listening. If your dog is unobtrusive, friendly, and well mannered, he’s probably be perfect for accompanying you to the barn. It is possible for horses and dogs to get alone, it just may take some work. Training the dog is the key. See above for resources on training your dog.  When dogs and horses are in harmony, life is easy. You don’t even have to think about what your dogs are up to. You go about your business, and your dogs quietly do their thing. It really is bliss, and you get to hang out with both of your animal best friends.  The post Mixing Horses and Dogs appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

Bubby Upton sweeps into the lead (Cola, 27.3): “He was amazing. Just being here is a dream come true – if anyone had told me seven months ago that I would be, I don’t think I would have believed them.” The early leader was Boyd Martin (Tsetserleg TSF, USA, 29): ‘I am thrilled with the horse – he looked like a champion. We’re in with a chance. I am feeling sick to my stomach about the cross-country though; I’ve only been here once and didn’t finish. But I’m not here just to complete; I want get in and get stuck in.’ Tom Jackson (Farndon, 33.0): ‘I don’t mind being first to go – sometimes you’re better off getting out there. Badminton is big and bold and you’ve just got to get stuck in, and Farndon might just have the advantage with the ground. Although he hasn’t been to Badminton before, he’s got five-star experience and he’s a super-chilled and talented horse. I’m super pleased with his dressage test – it’s the best he’s done.’ Caroline Powell (CBI Aldo, NZ,  35.6): ‘I’m chuffed. It’s always a bit of a gamble bringing a nine-year-old [the youngest horse in the field] but it’s a good step for him. It’s a good experience and he’s a trier. I thought that if I got in the 30s I would be thrilled.’ Tom Rowland (Dreamliner, 34.9): ‘Honestly, I’m gutted. Dreamliner always takes a lot of motivation. But, hey, it’s not going to be a dressage competition and we’ve just got to give it our best on Saturday.” Wills Oakden (Arklow Puissance, 39.4): ‘He’s not an easy horse in the dressage but we hope to make up ground on Saturday. At one stage I was even enjoying it, but some of the rest of the test was a case of damage limitation. But he’s a great horse for me to learn on and it’s better to be here than sitting on the sofa at home.’ Pippa Funnell (Majas Hope, 40.8): ‘That was not the best I was hoping for, very disappointing and not my normal standard. But Majas Hope has been here three times and to Burghley three times and he’s an old horse who has seen it all before and so he’s been wired up ever since he’s been here.’ Felix Vogg (Cartania, SUI, 32.6): ‘Last year, the mare made it really clear that she was suitable for Badminton which is why I have brought her here. She is very honest and genuine.’ India Wishart (Diamond Sundance, 38.8): ‘I am competitive so there are aspects I will go away and think about. The flying changes used to be my nemesis, but they were really lovely – I am pretty sure I nailed three of them anyway! I don’t normally get nervous about dressage, but it was quite an electric atmosphere. Badminton is iconic and a level up from anything I’ve done before.’ Zara Tindall (Class Affair, 37.2): ‘I’m not pleased with the mark, but, for Class Affair, he was quite calm – he hates people! The team here has done a great job on the cross-country. Hopefully I can keep him on a straight line and make it smooth.’ Kylie Roddy (SRS Kan Do, 34.0): ‘He did a clear round! He didn’t do anything wrong and was really with me. I can’t ask for any more.’

British rider Bubby Upton was emotional at finding herself the early leader after the first morning of dressage as, last year, she suffered a serious fall at home, breaking several vertebrae. ‘If you had told me seven months ago that I would be here at Badminton, I wouldn’t have believed it after what we have been through,’ she said tearfully, after scoring 27.3 on Cola (pictured). Bubby has faced months of rehabilitation, working with the Injured Jockeys Fund. ‘Subconsciously, I always wanted to be at Badminton but, at first, I was learning to walk. When I started riding, at the start of the year, I kept falling off at the side, and my first jump was very painful. I just kept pushing and dreaming, but when I’m doing what I love, the pain goes away.’ Boyd Martin, the world number three from the USA, was in second place at lunchtime with a score of 29.0 on the experienced Tsetserleg. Amazingly, the world silver medallist and Olympian, who like New Zealander Tim Price, has started at all the world’s seven five-star competitions, has never completed Badminton before. ‘I am thrilled with the horse – he looked like a champion,’ said Boyd. ‘I feel we’re in with a chance now. I don’t want to just complete – I want go get in and get stuck in. I love five-stars – it’s what keeps me motivated.’ After the first morning of dressage Britain’s Georgie Goss was in third place on Feloupe (30.6) and first-timer Max Warburton fourth on Monbeg Exclusive (31.7).

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Harry Meade is a British Event Rider, based at Church Farm in Wiltshire. Harry is currently ranked 5th in the world. Harry Meade’s Accolades Harry has proudly represented Great Britain as part of the silver medal winning team at the 2014 World Championships in Normandy, following his impressive 3rd place finish at Badminton in the same year. Additionally, he was short-listed for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and long-listed for the 2018 World Championships. Harry has successfully completed Badminton twelve times and holds the distinction of being the youngest rider to receive the coveted Armada dish, awarded for five Badminton completions. For the past twelve years, Harry has been a key member of the Lottery-funded World Class Squad. Harry’s History Growing up, Harry was an active member of the local Pony Club. His childhood was filled with hours spent in the saddle, honing his skills and developing a natural talent for riding. Inspired by his father, Harry aspired to follow in his footsteps! Harry’s introduction to international success came as part of the British team at the Junior European Championships, where he impressed with his cross-country performance and received a special prize. This early success was just a glimpse of the promising future Harry had ahead of him! Finishes and Wins Amiro Island – 2nd place Bicton 2*L Jet Fighter – 3rd place Bicton 3*L Annaghmore Valoner – 3rd place Blenheim 4*L Cavalier Crystal – 3rd place  Burghley 5* Tenareze – 5th place Luhmuhlen 5* Red Kite – 2nd place Thorseby 4* Cavalier Crystal – 5th place Bramham 4*L Uvera Z – winner 2* Burgham Harry Meade Horses Away Cruising Cavalier Crystal Red Knite Cooley Anything You Like The post Redpost Rider: Harry Meade first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

British rider Bubby Upton made an emotional and triumphant return from what could have been a career-ending injury to take the lead after the first day of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire. Bubby, 25, was greeted by loud cheers from the appreciative crowd as she exited the dressage arena, having nailed the good score of 27.3 on her mother Rachel’s Cola, on whom she finished eighth last year. Seven months ago, Bubby broke several vertebrae in a schooling fall at home and, after months of uncertainty, she began riding again in January. ‘I kept pushing the markers forward and here I am,’ said Bubby. ‘It was a very uncertain period for all of us and I certainly come to events with a different perspective. Every day I feel so lucky to be doing what I love. There is pure happiness and the joy of disbelief.’ US rider Boyd Martin, 44, the world number three, is in second place on the 17-year-old Trakehner gelding Tsetserleg TSF – a ‘legend horse’ –  with a score of 29.0. Despite contesting all the world’s seven five-star horse trials, Badminton remains an unfulfilled ambition for world team silver medallist and Olympian, as he failed to complete on his only other visit, back in 2016. Fellow American Tiana Coudray, 35, who hasn’t competed at Badminton for a decade, was literally dancing a jig – she is a former international Irish dancer – at her third placing on Cancaras Girl with a mark of 29.8. ‘I can’t believe it,’ she said. ‘When the phone rang to say I was wanted at the press conference I just laughed. The horse gave me everything today; it was the test of her career and what a day to do it. ‘Years ago I lived the dream, riding at Badminton and competing at the Olympics, but then I had to grow up and start buying and selling and it’s a bit of luck that I have Cancaras Girl. It’s really special.’ The legendary British rider William Fox-Pitt, who has won all of the northern hemisphere five-stars, is in equal fourth place with a score of 30.6 on Grafennacht, and has hinted that the historic occasion of Badminton’s 75th anniversary is likely to be his last ride here. He first competed here in 1988, has completed 25 times on 16 different horses and has won twice, on Tamarillo in 2004 and the stallion Chilli Morning in 2015, after which he returned from a serious head injury to compete at the Olympic Games. Grafennacht is the first mare he has ridden at this level. ‘I am never going to say never again, but I think it is the right thing to do,’ he said, ‘but it will be tough to give up if this turns out to be a good Badminton for me.’ William’s friend Harry Meade has also returned from injurious falls and is the only competitor in the field with three rides. He is lying 12th at this stage on Away Cruising, a 17-year-old he has ridden since a four-year, and 23rd on the mare Cavalier Crystal, with Red Kite the last of tomorrow’s 34 runners. ‘I am just trying to do them all justice,’ Harry said. ‘They all deserve to be here and I don’t want to do any of them out of their chance.’ Dressage starts again tomorrow at 9am with Louise Harwood first into the arena on Native Spirit.

Key Point Description Horse Respiratory Basics Horses are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they must breathe through their nostrils. They take about 12 breaths per minute at rest, moving around 60 liters of air. Lung Capacity & Performance Their lung capacity increases to up to 1800 liters per minute during exercise, crucial for high-demand sports like racing and eventing. Respiratory Synchronization Breathing is synchronized with their stride during running, maximizing oxygen efficiency and preventing any voluntary breath-holding. Myths About Horse Breathing It's a myth that horses can hold their breath during stressful situations; their breathing rate may decrease but not stop. Maintaining Respiratory Health Ensure good stable ventilation, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary check-ups to maintain respiratory health. Exercise and Health Regular exercise ensures lungs are fully expanded regularly, helping clear air passages and maintaining respiratory fitness. How Long Can a Horse Hold Its Breath? Introduction to the Equine Respiratory Marvel Ever wondered about the athletic prowess of horses and how it's supported by their unique respiratory system? Well, you’re not alone! Many equestrian enthusiasts and horse owners ponder over the fascinating question: How long can a horse hold its breath? Unlike the mystery that surrounds the mythical kelpies and hippocamps, the science behind a horse’s breath is grounded in well-researched facts. In this exploration, we'll dive into the anatomy and physiology of the horse’s respiratory system, uncover some surprising facts, and bust a few myths along the way. So, saddle up for a ride through the breathtaking world of horses—figuratively, of course, because as we'll learn, horses don't hold their breath quite like we do! The Basics of Horse Respiration Understanding how horses breathe is crucial before we get to the myths and misconceptions. Horses are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they draw breath exclusively through their nostrils. But why is this significant? This anatomical feature plays a vital role in how they manage oxygen intake during intense activities like running or jumping. At rest, a healthy horse breathes about 12 times per minute, which translates to roughly 60 liters of air circulating in and out of their lungs each minute—a figure that significantly increases during exercise. During a gallop, their breathing is perfectly synchronized with their stride, a phenomenon that maximizes their oxygen efficiency but effectively prevents them from holding their breath intentionally. Why Horses Cannot Hold Their Breath The idea of horses holding their breath is quite a misperception. Due to their nasal structure and the way their respiratory system is designed, it's physically impossible for horses to hold their breath the way humans might to swim underwater or when lifting heavy objects. Under stress or sedation, a horse's breathing rate may slow down significantly, but this should not be confused with the voluntary act of breath-holding. This is more about respiratory control being compromised rather than a conscious decision to stop breathing. Thus, while it might appear that they can hold their breath, what's actually happening is a reduction in respiratory function influenced by external factors. So, next time you watch a horse race or a show jumping event, remember, each breath they take is as involuntary and essential as their next stride! Delving Deeper: The Horse's Lung Capacity and Athletic Performance When it comes to athletic performance, a horse's lung capacity is nothing short of remarkable. With an ability to process an enormous volume of air—up to 1800 liters per minute during peak exercise—horses are designed to support extreme aerobic activity. This incredible capacity is key in high-demand sports like racing and eventing. The efficiency of this system is further enhanced by the synchronization of breathing and stride, mentioned earlier. This natural rhythm maximizes oxygen uptake and ensures that the physical exertion does not outpace the oxygen supply, crucial for maintaining stamina and peak performance. The Role of Equine Nasal Passages What might seem like a limitation—the fact that horses can only breathe through their nostrils—actually provides a protective advantage. The unique structure of the equine nasal passage filters and warms the air, protecting the lungs from potential environmental hazards and ensuring that the air reaching the lungs is optimized for gas exchange. The nasal passages also play a critical role in preventing overheating by expelling excess heat with each exhaled breath. This thermoregulation is essential during intense exercises and hot weather, helping to maintain a safe body temperature. Common Myths and Misconceptions It's easy to assume that horses might hold their breath during stressful situations or intense activities, but this is a myth. The idea likely stems from observing horses with flared nostrils and rapid breathing, which can be misleading. Instead, these are signs of the body's natural response to increased oxygen demands and not an indication of voluntary breath-holding. Another misconception is that horses breathe faster to take in more air voluntarily. In reality, their breathing rate increases automatically as a response to their body's needs during physical exertion or stress, regulated by their autonomic nervous system. Maintaining a Healthy Respiratory System in Horses To ensure your horse maintains a healthy respiratory system, it’s essential to understand the impacts of their environment and care routines. Proper ventilation in stables, regular exercise, and avoiding dusty or overly humid conditions can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are also crucial. These help in early detection and management of potential respiratory problems. Supplements designed for lung health can be beneficial, especially in environments prone to dust or other irritants. Exercise and Respiratory Health Exercise is not just about keeping your horse fit; it also plays a pivotal role in maintaining respiratory health. An active lifestyle ensures that the lungs are regularly expanding to their full capacity, which helps keep the air passages clear of dust and pathogens. It’s also worth noting that the intensity and type of exercise should be tailored to your horse's age, breed, and fitness level. Overexertion can be just as harmful as under-exertion when it comes to respiratory health. Conclusion While horses cannot hold their breath in the conventional sense, their respiratory system is a marvel of nature, perfectly adapted to their needs as athletes. By understanding and respecting the intricacies of this system, horse owners and trainers can ensure their horses not only perform at their best but also maintain optimal health. So, the next time you find yourself marveling at a horse’s performance, remember that each breath they take is a testament to the remarkable design of nature—a design that supports both their survival and their ability to thrive under various physical demands. How long can a horse hold its breath underwater? Horses are not physically capable of holding their breath underwater. Their specialized breathing system is designed for efficient oxygen exchange during intense activities on land, and they do not have the ability to consciously hold their breath as humans do. Which animal can hold its breath for 6 days? Scorpions can hold their breath for up to 6 days. They are able to survive in low oxygen environments by slowing down their metabolism, a capability that significantly surpasses that of most terrestrial animals. Do horses hold their breath? No, horses do not hold their breath. They are obligate nasal breathers and cannot voluntarily stop their breathing. Their breathing rate can decrease under stress or sedation, but this is not the same as holding their breath. Can horses breathe underwater? Horses cannot breathe underwater. If submerged, they risk drowning just as humans do, since their respiratory system is exclusively designed for air intake through their nostrils.

Eight first timers started their campaigns today, with another seven in the areana tomorrow. First out was Max Warburton (pictured with Andrew Nicholson and Susie Berry) riding Monbeg Exclusive, a 13-year-old Irish-bred Sport Horse. Max, 25, is based near Southam in Warwickshire where he runs his own yard having learnt the ropes on an apprenticeship with Graham and Tina Fletcher. His mount was originally produced by Italian rider Stefano Brecciaroli and then ridden by Andrew Nicholson before Max took over the reins at the beginning of 2022. They posted a score of 31.7 ‘He’s an absolute showman, very level headed – I’m delighted. And Andrew Nicholson is here to give me a pep talk ahead of the cross-country!’ India Wishart, 28, is riding one of five 18-year-old horses in the field, Diamond Sundance who was ridden to five-star by the owners daughter, Rosa Onslow. India is based with Pippa Funnell at The Billy Stud. Diamond Sundance sits on a score of 38.8. ‘There were definitely things to improve on, but he relaxed more during the test. It was quite an electric atmosphere in there, even on a Thursday, but a cool arena to ride in. I think it helped having done a five-star before.’ [The pair completed Pau in 2023]. The first overseas debutant was Meghan O’Donoghue, USA, with another 18-year-old horse, Palm Crescent. Megan, 34, who is from an eventing family, has completed four five-star events including Burghley in 2022. She is based in Virginia, wintering in Florida. Meghan was given the ride on ‘Palmer’ in 2015, buying him with her fiance Will Duhring in 2020. The pair scored 34.7. ‘I’m so thrilled; there was a lot of atmosphere in there and dressage is not the easiest phase for him.’ Gaspard Maksud, FRA, is another first timer. The British-based rider, 31, rides one of the smallest horses, the 15.3hh, 10-year-old Kan-Do 2. A former French Junior Champion, he has represented France at senior championships and been based with both Andrew Nicholson and Sam Griffiths. Now with his own yard, he trains with Andrew Nicholson. Kan-Do 2 is by a son of Kannan who jumped out of his field and covered a pony mare, hence his size. He scored 38.1. ‘Going under the archway for the first time is very auspicious; it’s a good atmosphere in there. He’s a little horse with a big heart – dressage is a hard phase for him, cross-country is what he likes better.’ Representing Canada is Jessica Phoenix with Wabbit. A past Olympian and veteran team rider Jessica, 41, is based in Ontario but made the trip to Burghley last year, finishing 11th. Wabbit ran five times on the track and was acquired by Jessica as a four-year-old. The pair scored 40.3. ‘He showed a lot of composure in that ring. He’s the fittest he’s ever been, which I think will be good having seen the cross country course.’ Another French starter is amateur rider Florian Ganneval, 38. The full-time farrier from south-eastern France brings forward the 13-year-old Blue Bird de Beaufour. Bought as a four-year-old, Blue Bird was extremely nervous of humans and could originally only be mounted in the box. On a score of 34.7 Florian said: ‘I think the test was good for me. The cross country is big but I think the lines are clear.’ Will Rawlin, 30, who completed Luhmuhlen on The Partner in 2023, rides five-star first timer Ballycoog Breaker Boy. He runs his own yard near Marlborough. Breaker Boy was originally produced by Vicky Tuffs, and last year the pair won the FEI 3* at Charlbury. Scoring 36.1 Will admitted: ‘I am disappointed – the horse has felt fantastic in training and was phenomenal when he cantered in. He’s never broken in the extended and so I was shocked by that and then when I couldn’t get him back, I thought “Oh God!” I didn’t exactly notice the crowd, but I felt it and so did the horse. Eric [Winter, course-designer] has done an unbelievable job and the ground will be amazing.’ Today’s final debutant was 23-year-old Cosby Green, USA. Cosby is based in the UK with Tim and Jonelle Price and last year, with Badminton entry Copper Beech, finished 16th at Pau – her first five-star. Copper Beech is one of the five 18-year-old’s competing. He was acquired from Buck Davidson Jr who produced him to four-star. The pair scored 33.7 and Cosby was upbeat: ‘The cross-country is stunning and I can’t wait to get out there. It’s massive! I came as a spectator last year and I’m glad I did or I’d have been in shock. In fact, I was really nervous at the trot-up!’      

Unusually, there are five 18-year-old horses in the field and Helen Martin’s chestnut gelding Andreas (pictured) certainly belied his veteran status when he played up to the crowd before settling eventually to produce some good work. Helen admitted to frustration, but said: ‘He really doesn’t feel 18. I am disappointed that he didn’t get the scores he is capable of, but grateful to have a horse that feels so well.’ American first-timer Cosby Green, who is based with Tim and Jonelle Price in Dorset for the second year, was in ninth place after her dressage test on Copper Beach, a horse initially produced by leading US rider Buck Davidson. ‘It took a while, but we have formed our own unique partnership,’ said Cosby. Fellow US rider Megan O’Donoghue was in equal 13th place after the first day on the thoroughbred Palm Crescent, a horse she has known since he was four and been riding since 2015; they completed Burghley in 2022 and this is their Badminton debut. Georgie Bartlett, 23, is contesting her second Badminton on her dual Junior European team silver medallist Spana de Nazca, a French-bred Anglo Arab previously ridden by a working pupil of Andrew Nicholson’s. India Wishart took over the ride on Richard and Cindy Onslow’s Diamond Sundance in 2022 when their daughter, Rosa, went to work in London, and has the confidence of knowing that the veteran has done 23 consecutive clear cross-country rounds at international events. Meanwhile, the youngest horse in the field, CBI Aldo, ridden by seasoned New Zealander Caroline Powell is, at nine, half the age of this quintet of veterans.