The reigning European Champions, Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, have slotted into second place after the first session of dressage at Mars Badminton Horse Trials today (9 May).Ros and Walter, who helped Britain to team gold at the Paris Olympics last year and went on to win Burghley CCI5* a few weeks later, pulled off a customary stylish test marred only by 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 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.Ros added that Walter enjoys competing in front of a big crowd. They won here in 2023 and were second in 2022.He loves it. He never really gets rattled by noise and the clapping and things like that, she said. Its just a hard movement [the flying changes] for me to practice with him because once he knows theyre there he almost drops the contact and I cant ride him up.On social media looking chubbyWalter has been in work since December, following a long holiday after his Burghley win in September.He had time out getting fluffy and enjoying his holidays and then he came in end of December time and did a good month of hacking. He didnt really start to do anything exciting until February, said Ros. The inner me wants to train all the time, so Ive tried to keep that at bay a little bit and give him the time that he needs. I mean he knows his job now hes an absolute professional. There was a very hairy picture of him on social media looking pretty chubby. Its amazing how once he knows Badmintons on the card he strips himself up. He knows how to get himself ready!A privilege to ride across countryRos added that she has walked the Eric Winter-designed cross-country track and has nearly got a plan in place for her round tomorrow.Walters not a huge fan of jumping things with things over the top of them and theres quite a few of those so that will be a bit more of a challenge for us, she said. But Ive got every faith in the horse. Hes a privilege to ride across country and I just hope that I can do him justice.Related contentAll the latest news from BadmintonHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Badminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresThe post Ros Canter slots into second at Badminton after expensive mistake in the flying changes appeared first on Your Horse.