Horse Feeding Myths Debunked Expert Insights with Louise Scott | Just Horse Riders Podcast EP 25Ever found yourself down a Google rabbit hole at 2 AM, worrying if carrots are secretly sabotaging your horse's diet? We've all been there! Thankfully, in Episode 25 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, our host Aaron Englander sits down with equine nutrition guru Louise Scott from Dodson & Horrell to clear up the confusion. Watch now or read on to uncover some surprising truths about horse feeding.Meet the Expert: Louise ScottLouise, affectionately known as "Lou", is the senior nutritionist and product development manager at Dodson & Horrell. Combining a lifelong passion for horses with deep scientific knowledge, she brings clarity to the complex world of horse nutrition.Busting Common Horse Feeding MythsMyth 1: Grass Cuttings are Safe Treats"Can I feed grass cuttings to my horse?" Aaron asks Louise directly. Her instant response? "No, I wouldn't recommend that one!" Freshly cut grass can ferment quickly, leading to digestive problems for your beloved horse. Instead, Louise recommends specially prepared products like Dodson & Horrell's "Just Grass".Myth 2: Chocolate A Sweet Surprise?Chocolate isnt just dangerous for dogs; it can also cause issues in horses. Louise explains, "Chocolate contains theobromine, which can trigger positive drug tests in competitive horses." Maybe save those treats for yourself next time!Myth 3: Molasses are Always Bad NewsMany horse owners fear molasses in feeds, believing it to be harmful. Louise clarifies, "A small amount of molasses helps with palatability, making feed tastier for picky eaters." It's all about moderation and understanding the overall sugar intake of your horse.The Reality of "Over-Conditioned" HorsesLouise tactfully refers to overweight horses as "over-conditioned". Aaron humorously remarks, "I'm definitely going to start using 'over-conditioned' myself!" It's vital to monitor your horse's body condition regularly using a simple body condition scoring system, ensuring they stay at an optimal weight.Practical Tips for Monitoring Your Horses WeightUse weight tapes regularly: Don't let them gather dust!Body condition scoring: Easily done at home check out the Dodson & Horrell guide here.Feeding Horses: Simple Yet Scientific"Nutrition is complicated, but feeding should be simple," says Louise. Dodson & Horrell's free helpline helps you simplify your horses diet, making sure youre providing the right balance without unnecessary complexity.Confused about your horses diet? Dont hesitate to reach out as Aaron notes, "Knowledge is power!"Exciting Developments at Dodson & HorrellLouise shares details of their innovative new product: Slim Down, specifically formulated for over-conditioned horses using oat husks. Aaron amusingly responds, "Sounds like I could use some of that!" The clever use of oat husksa previously wasted byproducthelps horses feel fuller without extra calories. Genius!Quality Assurance MattersDodson & Horrell proudly holds the Beta NOPS accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to quality ingredients and rigorous testing. Louise stresses the importance of choosing feeds from reputable companies to ensure your horses health and performance.Become Part of the CommunityTo further support horse owners, Dodson & Horrell recently launched their Members Club. Stay informed, enjoy exclusive content, and join a community passionate about happy, healthy horses. Join the club today!Listen or Watch the Full EpisodeDont miss out on even more insights and hilarious moments from Aaron and Louise. Whether you're mucking out stables or relaxing after a hack, this episode is guaranteed to enlighten and entertain. Listen now on Spotify or watch the full conversation on YouTube.Gear Up With Just Horse RidersWhile you're here, why not check out our amazing range of products perfect for any rider?Jodhpurs and TightsHorse Riding BootsGlovesSocksHorse Treats & GiftsStay Connected!Follow Just Horse Riders on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more equestrian fun, exclusive offers, and informative content!Happy riding, everyone!

There were just three changes to the top 10 following the conclusion of Friday mornings dressage at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, none of which affected the leaders, Tom McEwen and the former Nicola Wilson ride JL Dublin.Day one leaders, Tom and Dubs are still out in front on 22.4 ahead of Paris 2024 teammates Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo whose test early on Friday left them on a score of 25.3.Ros and Walter, who won here two years ago, produced a stylish test which included a 10 for their halt but was marredby mistakes in two flying changes, worth double marks, which attracted several 4s from the judges.I was really pleased with it actually, said Ros of their test. I got a little bit distracted at the beginning because he started sneezing, which isnt always a good sign, but he then settled and he was great.The changes have always been something hes struggled with and I probably didnt help him quite enough in those. I think I thought he was more established than he is, so thats my fault, hands in the air for that one he was amazing.First timers still in the huntRos and Walters result has pushed Emily King and Valmy Biats down to third. First-timers Tom Woodward and Low Moor Lucky, who enjoyed a dream debut yesterday afternoon, are now in fourth while another debutante, Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ, sit fifth.Badminton veterans Oliver Townend and Gemma Tattersall occupy sixth and seventh aboard Ballaghmor Class and Chilli Knight respectively.Georgie Goss and Feloupe were the second pair to disrupt the top 10 on Friday morning, slotting into eighth on a score of 29.6.Im absolutely delighted, she was amazing. I just made one error in the third change which is so frustrating because the changes are a good bit, but overall Im over the moon. She was so good, said Georgie, who represents Ireland.Last year she got [a mark of] 30 as I entered the arena one second too late, so I got an error of course otherwise I would have been in the 20s so I wanted [a mark in] the 20s this year.Im really proud of her. Shes very, very rideable. Shes been quite hot since shes been here, which is not normally her. She goes in and she knows her job. She loves this bit because shes quite good at it so shes rideable and easy in there.Swiss rider in the mixThe only other competitors to make their mark on the top 10 on Friday morning were Felix Vogg and Cartania, a 14-year-old Holsteiner mare, who occupy ninth position on 29.7.I think it was pretty good for her, its her second best mark at five-star level, said the Swiss rider.Im super happy with her, for myself I always feel I could have done more.Kylie Roddy rounds out the top 10 aboard SRS Kan Do with 17 combinations remaining.Image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentAll the latest news from BadmintonHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Badminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresThe post Tom McEwen still holds Badminton lead, Ros Canter into second on Friday lunchtime appeared first on Your Horse.

If youve ever owned a horse, you are no stranger to unplanned expenses cropping up. Most horse owners budget for care costs without factoring in health emergencies and the frequent vet calls, medications, diagnostics, and treatments that are likely to pop up.During a break at the recent Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event in April, I sat down with Jennifer Brocker, Vice President of Client Marketing, Veterinary/Pet Care, CareCredit, and Kate Hayes, Vice President Equine Expansion, CareCredit. The company recently surveyed horse owners on the expected versus actual costs of horse care, and the results were pretty surprising.2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event winners Michael Jung & FischerChipmunk FRH maneuver the CareCredit obstacle on the cross-country course. Photo by Cindy Lee/MacMillan PhotogrpahyThe study revealed that while 83 percent of horse owners believe theyre financially prepared, actual costs can be three to four times higher than expectedespecially when unexpected veterinary needs arise, such as colic or orthopedic injuries that can cost up to $10,000.Horse Illustrated: Can you tell us what the new Equine Lifetime of Care Study means for equine vets and horse owners, and why many underestimate the long-term financial commitment of owning a horse? Jennifer Brocker: We originally did our Lifetime of Care Study for companion animals (dogs and cats). And then we decided we needed the same kind of information for equine veterinarians and horse owners, so they have a better understanding of how much money they spend over the lifetime of a horse. The way we saw it was, youre helping prepare them for whats to come. And since cost of care is one of the biggest barriers for horse ownership or pet ownership, we felt it was important knowing in advance and being educated on the ways that you can be prepared financially over the lifetime of your animal. We also thought it was important that veterinarians have a view into that as well.Kate Hayes: Its such a great tool to educate and empower clinics and practices and veterinarians, but then also on the flip side, like Jen said, to educate horse owners. Because whether people rescue a horse or get into riding for the first time, they know what a riding lesson costs, but they dont know what the full expense of owning a horse costs. This [study] is a great tool to empower and to educate practices and clinics because this gives them information to pass on to their clients.HI: What are some strategies equine vets are using to navigate rising costs, including tools to reduce financial friction with clients, while maintaining high-quality care?Brocker: The strategy a lot of equine veterinarians use is, If you cant pay me today, I provide the care, and you can pay me later, which leaves the veterinarian chasing the money. So we can train the veterinarians to say, I want to take care of your horse, but that requires financial responsibility. Here are the solutions that we have in our practice to help you be ready. The horse owner needs to understand that the veterinarian must be paid just like their board bill or hay bill is paid.Hayes: Were a partner with them and their business to help that shift. Regardless of what type of veterinarian you are, its cost thats the biggest point of friction between you and your clients. If you talk about it from the beginning, that moment of friction is reduced, so the unexpected medical moment doesnt also come with an unexpected financial crisis.Photo by Terri Cage/Adobe StockHI: How is CareCredit partnering with equine clinics nationwide to improve access to care while supporting sustainable practice growth?Brocker: Were partnering up with [equine vet practices/clinics] on various levels. First, helping educate their team. How do you have a comfortable financial conversation with a horse owner? If you dont talk about it and youre not comfortable talking about it, that in and of itself is a barrier. So we have a lot of training and education to help the veterinary team not be afraid to bring it up, helping them with proactive confidence in that financial moment where everybodys really emotional. The other thing [CareCredit is doing to help equine vet clinics] is weve created an all-digital financial experience, so regardless of whether youre in the clinic or youre out at the barn, you can apply for CareCredit, get approved, and payall from your phone. Weve always been available in equine practices, but when we first went into it, our payment experience didnt fit their model. Now they can get paid anywhere, anytime.Hayes: If you look at our partnerships on a bigger scale with the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners), being an educational partner for them allows us a platform. Education is the key word here. It supports the sustainability of the profession by providing resources that are specific to their workflows, because the ultimate goal is whats best for the horse and whats best for the horse owner. If we can help remove some of the barriers that are between a horse owner getting the treatment for their horse, then thats what were here for.We also partner with universities. The future veterinarian is also very important to us, so by the time that theyre in practice, that financial conversation isnt as quite as challenging. Its tough being a veterinary studenttheres a lot of information thrown at you, so of course the business side isnt always top of mind. By supporting the universities and organizations that support the future veterinarian, it allows us a platform to be able to educate and help them before theyre actually in practice.HI: What is CareCredit?Hayes: CareCredit is a health and wellness credit card that horse owners can use for all types of veterinary services, treatments, and diagnostics. Its a great fit for the equine profession because instead of invoicing after service has been completed, this gives you the opportunity to pay upfrontthe veterinarian is able to capture payment in full up front, but the horse owner has 6, 12, 18 months of interest-free [time to make the payments]. Brocker: I think one of the best things about CareCredit is once you have the credit card, you are financially ready for whatever happens, whether its wellness or unexpected or surgery. And you can use it for whatever animal you have at the veterinarian. It is truly your family credit card for lifes unexpected expenses.View the entire Equine Lifetime of Care Study here.To learn more or apply for a CareCredit card, visit www.carecredit.com.The post What Does a Lifetime of Horse Care Cost? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Essential nutrients must be provided in the horses diet because his body cannot synthesize them or produce them in adequate amounts. | Getty ImagesQ: I often hear the term essential nutrients from equine professionals, but Im not sure what that means or how it affects the way I feed my horse. Can you explain what essential nutrients are and how they should factor into my horses diet?A: Essential nutrients are those we need to provide in a horses diet because his body either cannot synthesize them or cannot produce them in adequate amounts. These nutrients support overall health and help prevent deficiencies.Horses need essential nutrients from six categories: water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Authors of the Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 2007 (NRC) detail the recommended amounts of each essential nutrient to prevent deficiencies, based on the current scientific knowledge.For example, nutritionists consider vitamin E essential because horses cannot synthesize it in the body, so owners need to supply it in the diet. In contrast, vitamin C does not have a defined dietary requirement because horses can synthesize it from glucose, which experts assume meets their needs.Following the NRC guidelines will help ensure your horses diet meets his nutritional needs. However, it can be confusing and overwhelming to calculate these numbers for your horses feed. Luckily, equine nutritionists have already done this work for you.Nutritionists designed commercial feeds from reputable companies to meet these requirements if fed at the manufacturers recommended rates. Ration balancers, performance feeds, and lifestyle feeds can meet your horses nutritional requirements when you feed them alongside adequate forage and salt.Start formulating your horses nutrition program by feeding forage at about 2% of his body weight on a dry matter basis. Then choose a fortified feed to cover any nutritional needs the forage doesnt meet.The type of concentrate feed you choose depends on your horses body condition and workload. For example, a mature horse that readily maintains his weight on forage would be a candidate for a ration balancer. However, a performance horse that is a harder keeper might need a concentrate that also provides supplemental calories. Again, always feed the product at the recommended rate to ensure it meets your horses nutrient requirements. If you feed less than the recommended rate, check the label for instructions on combining it with a ration balancer or consult a qualified equine nutritionist to adjust the diet appropriately.Researchers continue to investigate and define the full range of essential nutrients horses need. For example, horses need amino acids, or the building blocks of protein. There are 21 amino acids, 10 of which are essential. However, researchers have only established a documented requirement for one essential amino acidlysine. Ideally, wed have established a requirement for each of the 10 essential amino acids, but that research has yet to be done.Take-Home MessageTo support your horses health, feed the recommended amount of each essential nutrient daily as described by the NRC based on the current scientific understanding. Feeding adequate forage, providing salt, and offering a commercial feed at the manufacturers recommended rate can effectively meet your horses essential nutrient requirements. An equine nutritionist can also help you balance your horses diet and be sure his needs are met.

Section Key Points Exploring Alternative Calmatives Pellet form options are gaining interest for their effectiveness and convenience in stress management. Understanding Pharmaceutical Pellets Small, granule structures with active pharmaceutical ingredients and polymer coating for controlled drug release. Market Growth and Trends Market expected to grow from $1.82 billion in 2024 to $3.16 billion by 2029, driven by personalized medicine and technological advancements. Key Trends Advanced technologies enable real-time monitoring and personalized nutrition; MUPS optimize treatment adherence. Pellets as Calmatives Used in stress management for their controlled drug release and potential patient compliance benefits. Potential Benefits Modified release for chronic stress management; easy to swallow, improving treatment adherence. Challenges and Opportunities Challenges include precise delivery mechanisms and regulatory hurdles; opportunities in personalized medicine and manufacturing advancements. Conclusion Demand for innovative drug delivery systems is rising; technological advancements offer potential for personalized treatments. Exploring Alternative Calmatives: Are Pellet Form Options Gaining Popularity? In a world that's increasingly stressful, finding effective ways to manage anxiety has become crucial. Enter alternative calmatives, with pellet form options catching the public's eye for their effectiveness and convenience. This article delves into the rising interest surrounding these pellet-based alternatives. Understanding Pharmaceutical Pellets Pharmaceutical pellets are small, granule-like structures that contain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Designed for versatility, they often feature a polymer coating to control drug release, offering improvements over traditional dosage forms. Their flexibility makes them suitable for various applications including modified and multi-particulate systems. Market Growth and Trends The pharmaceutical pellets market is booming, driven by a focus on personalized medicine and technological advancements like 3D printing and smart coatings. Expected to grow from $1.82 billion in 2024 to $3.16 billion by 2029, it presents notable opportunities for innovation. Key Trends Advanced Technologies: Real-time monitoring and personalized nutrition are now feasible due to 3D printing and smart coatings. Multiple Unit Pellet Systems (MUPS): Allows for multiple APIs in a single dosage, optimizing treatment adherence. Pellets as Calmatives Pellets are commonly used in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular treatments, but their application for stress management is gaining traction. Their controlled drug release nature offers immense potential. Potential Benefits Modified Release: Ability to provide sustained or controlled drug release, helpful for chronic stress management. Patient Compliance: Easy to swallow, improving adherence to treatment. Challenges and Opportunities Despite their promise, developing pellet-based calmatives involves challenges such as the need for precise delivery mechanisms and regulatory hurdles. However, the field presents exciting possibilities. Opportunities Personalized Medicine: Offers potential for custom-tailored medications, crucial for niche treatments. Technological Advancements: Improved manufacturing processes, like extrusion-spheronization, allow for high-quality pellet production. Conclusion As demand for innovative drug delivery systems rise, pharmaceutical pellets are gaining momentum. Although their use as calmatives is still in its infancy, technological strides will likely bring new opportunities in this field. As manufacturing advances, perhaps personalized and effective treatments are just around the corner. Explore Related Collections Discover our Jodhpur Collection, known for comfort and style. Ride comfortably with our Horse Riding Boot collection. Enhance your grip with Horse Riding Gloves. Ensure your feet stay warm with our Horse Riding Socks. Treat Your Steed Explore our Horse Treats and Gifts collection for the special horse in your life. Everyday Supplements and Protection Ensure your horse is healthy with our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements. Our Horse Fly Protection solutions will keep those pests away. Keep Your Horse Cozy Check out our Stable Rugs collection for warmth and comfort. Explore our Turnout Rugs for a weather-proof and cozy fit. From advanced technological solutions to comforting gear for you and your horse, Just Horse Riders strives to meet all your equestrian needs. Whether exploring alternative calmatives or searching for the perfect riding boot, our extensive collections offer something for every horse enthusiast.```html```

US rider Tiana Coudray isnt fazed by the large crowd that Mars Badminton Horse Trials attracts, because she travelled the world as a child competing in Irish dancing, including five world championships. I travelled the world dancing and it gave me huge experience with competitions and nerves and pressure, said Tiana, who is contesting her fourth Badminton. Im not Irish and I have no connection to it whatsoever, but it was exciting and energetic and bright and loud. We spent so much time in Ireland, England, Scotland, and all over North America.It was a great start. I very much moved into horses when I gave up dancing and I hit the ground running.Tiana grew up in America and began eventing in 2003 while a pupil at Ojai Valley School in California, where students were allowed to ride after lessons.She trained with Bea and Derek De Grazia and won team gold at the North American Young Riders Championships on two occasions in 2004 and 2008 as well as winning the individual title in 2004.Damage controlTiana relocated to the UK in order to target the London 2012 Olympics, where she represented her home nation aboard Ringwood Magister.At Badminton she rides Cancaras Girl, a 15-year-old Holsteiner mare by Cancara (the stallion is grey unlike the black namesake who once appeared in Lloyds Bank adverts). They produced a personal best in the dressage here last year and jumped clear across country.However, the first phase didnt quite go their way this time.Its a test that doesnt really suit her so you know its a matter of damage control, said Tiana.The whole beginning of that test is look how pretty my horse can trot and we cant. So you spend the first five movements showing the judges what you cant do, and its really hard to then get them to give points, she explained.But it is what it is and, you know, they didnt consult with me as to which test to use. So all things considered Im happy enough.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentAll the latest news from BadmintonHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Full-time dentist is competing at Badminton after 18-year absenceHow riders health kick and new training regime has transformed horse owned by Downton Abbey starThe post How Irish dancing on the world stage prepared this rider for the pressure of competing at Badminton appeared first on Your Horse.

Olympic riders with real jobs are a rarity in this era, but Harald Ambros, who represented Austria in Paris last year, juggles eventing at the highest level with a full-time job as a dentist the same profession held by 2008 Olympic champion Hinrich Romeike.Harald, 45, who was Young Rider European champion in 2001, is competing at Badminton for the first time in 18 years, having been 18th on Miss Ferrari in 2007. He is now aiming for this years European championships at Blenheim, which would be his 13th senior cap for Austria, with Vitorio du Montet.I started training in February, he explained, and the last six weeks have been very hard. I ride in the morning at 5.30am, then start work [as a dentist] at 7.30 and am sometimes working all day, before training again in the evening.This year reminds me of 2007 the course is running clockwise and the weather is nice!Other riders with full-time jobs include Portuguese rider Manuel Grave, who farms bulls and crops, New Zealander Lauren Innes, who is a chartered accountant, Britains Libby Seed is a specialist in medical devices, French rider Arthur Marx, who works in a stationary shop, and Belgian riders Wouter de Cleene, a manager with a road construction company, and Seppe Vilain, a civil engineer.

British rider Fiona Kashel has known she would be competing at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials for less than a week, having got the call to say she was in off the waitlist last Saturday (3 May).The phone call came just a few hours after she discovered that she had been practising the wrong test on her horse, Creevagh Silver De Haar, since February.Im going to blame my mother, who does all my scheduling, said Fiona with a smile, after she received a text from her at the beginning of the year stating which test she needed to learn.On January 28th I did screenshot her text to show it to her her answer was 2024B, added the 43-year-old rider.So Ive had a lesson every two weeks [riding test] 2024B and on Friday night I see Kirsty Chabert doing a Facebook run through of her test and [its] not the one Ive been going through. I looked at the schedule and its 2025c. I thought it doesnt matter because Im not in. Im not even going to say anything to my mum. And then I get the phone call on Saturday Im in.Fiona stated that she owes her 28.4 score a personal best to her trainer Damian Hallam. Damien drove up from the New Forest on Monday night because I was at Bovington on Sunday so I couldnt run through it then and [the horse had] already galloped on Saturday. He drove two hours to come and run through my test, said Fiona. Im just pleased I didnt go wrong. I think my mothers pleased I didnt go wrong as well.He failed every vetFIona, who runs a livery yard near Cranleigh in Surrey and has a five-year-old son, is competing at Badminton for the second time aboard Creevagh Silver De Haar. They completed both Pau and Luhmuhlen CCI5*s last year.To do [a PB] at Badminton, right in front of everyone, its nice to actually say that I can ride, said Fiona.It hasnt always been plain sailing, with the horse proving a tricky project when he was acquired from JP Sheffield at the age of six.I couldnt keep any showjumps up on him as a seven-year-old; I couldnt stay on him as he kept leaving legs, confessed Fiona. So I tried to sell him for a year and he failed every single vet, even though hes the soundest horse Ive ever had. So I kept going with him and hes just answered each question as Ive gone on. Actually, the last two years hes felt better than hes ever felt, so hes like a fine wine.I hate going cross-countryRather unusually, Fiona announced to the media in the mixed zone today: I hate going cross-country. If I never went cross-country again I think Id be very happy. I do quite like it once Im finished, but thats about it, she said. Hes not the biggest jumper and its a big, bold scopey course. Hes 17 years old and Ive said Im going to take one fence at time and if hes going well then Im going to keep going. If its too much for him well pull up. Im just going to enjoy the experience.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentAll the latest news from BadmintonHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Full-time dentist is competing at Badminton after 18-year absenceHow riders health kick and new training regime has transformed horse owned by Downton Abbey starThe post British rider who learned the wrong dressage test pulls off a PB and confesses: I hate cross-country appeared first on Your Horse.

Ian Cassells was third in to the arena this morning riding Master Point. Its amazing to be here. Master Point is not the most extravagant and can be a bit downhill but he tried his hardest and allowed me to ride him.Kate Rocher-Smith admits it is a surprise for her to have a horse at this level, because her business is about producing and selling on. Dassett Select was bought as a four-year-old to sell on but my mum fell in love with him and bought him. That was good for where hes at, its a brilliant mark for him. Hes naturally a hot horse and took a deep breath as he went up the centre line, which is progress. Hell probably be very keen over the first few fences tomorrow, before he settles down.Wouter De Cleene is another of this years amateur riders he earns his living as a manager with the Belgian road construction company VMB Aannemingen. He has a good eventing pedigree; his uncle Dirk van Miegham was the first Belgian to finish Badminton, and numerous relations have participated in Belgian and European Championships. Riding Quintera, he scored 38.1.Based near Shipston on Stour, Tom Bird and Cowling Hot Gossip completed Burghley last year. Jasper is the first horse that Tom backed (when he was 15), with the aim to produce him up to intermediate level and gain some mileage. The fact that he is here is a huge win!Jack Pinkney posted a score of 39.9 on Rehy Revelation. We knew the flying changes were a work in progress and they are expensive but I am pleased with the rest of the test. He is a cool horse, and if I can get him there, he should jump round the cross-country tomorrow. Its all up to me.Katie Magee was riding Trewarra. I am 43, so it has taken me longer than most people to get to my first Badminton I have been watching for years and this feels like a real box ticked. The cross-country looks as big as I expected it to be, but I have a good old-fashioned cross-country horse. He is big over 17.2hh and three-quarter thoroughbred so I am hoping it will suit him.In to the afternoon and first in was Irish rider Patrick Whelan with Ikoon Lan. I was very pleased. Ive done better, hes done better work, but obviously its hard to reproduce it in there. But to get that score, at my first Badminton, yeah, Im delighted. Ikoon Lan is a character. I had a few rears in the warm up but if he didnt do that Id think he was sick. When on his back hes quite spicy, but a child could handle him on the ground.Tayla Mason was only accepted from the wait list at the beginningof this week. She brought her hombred Centennial. I was mostly pleased. He hasnt seen an arena like that before and was quite nervous outside the ring, but he came back to me, though there were a couple of costly mistakes. Me and my mum do a lot of breeding in New Zealand mum is over here so she is over the moon. It makes this even more special.Nicolai Aldinger said of Timo He really concentrated. My riding of the flying change was not the best but its amazing to be here. Its an amazing atmosphere, I cant wait to be out on the cross-country tomorrow.The last of this years first timers in front of the Ground Jury was New Zealands Samantha Lissington, riding Lord Seekonig. They performed a great test to post a sub-30 score.