Kirsty Chabert was first into the main arena for day one of dressage at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials this morning (8 May) riding Classic VI.I dont think theres an advantage of being first in on a Thursday morning, no, said Kirsty. The problem with the sound [in the stands] being quiet is that they tune into any type of noise. So actually, the hustle and bustle of a busy crowd dulls the noise. I dont think there is a great advantage of being on a Thursday morning anymore because you have people opening their breakfast and its those noises that you hear rather than actually just the general hustle of a busy crowd.A clear round testKirsty and Classic VI are seeking their first Badminton completion. They completed the Rolex Kentucky CCI5* in 2023 and 2024, and have also contested the French five-star, Pau, on three occasions, finishing sixth in 2023.My aim for this week is to have her here on Sunday [for the] showjumping and thats my plan, said Kirsty about the 16-year-old British-bred mare Classic VI. Bred by Peter Charles, she is by the leading jumping sire Calvaro and was acquired by Kirsty as a five-year-old. Shes a beautiful horse to ride with on the flat; she knows everything. Shes won multiple of advanced mediums with very good scores its purely the spook [thats the issue], said Kirsty.Having a clear round test most people associate it with a clear round of changes and I dont need to worry about those so much its actually a clear round because shes not spooked somewhere in the test.The great Fleetwater Opposition Kirsty hails from an equestrian family. Her father John Johnston completed Badminton in 1984 and her mother, the late Debbie Johnston, competed in Grand Prix dressage.Kirstys brother, Ben, has represented Britain in tetrathlon. Debbie founded the Opposition Stud, where the great Fleetwater Opposition stood for many years. The stallion is one of the most successful sires of event horses, including Nicola Wilsons former British team horse Opposition Buzz. Kirstys second Badminton ride, Opposition Heraldik Girl, is a daughter of Fleetwater Opposition.The same stallion also sired Yarlands Summer Song for Debbie, and he went on to compete at Badminton in 1995 with Marie Christine Duroy.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Proud moment for NHS physiotherapist crowned BE90 champion at BadmintonQuirky mare carries freelance rider to narrow BE100 victory at BadmintonBadminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresThe post Being first to go on a Thursday isnt an advantage anymore: Kirsty Chabert kicks off dressage day one appeared first on Your Horse.