Top local 5* Eventing Rider David Doel prepares for the season and Badminton

Written by Jan Perrins.

David Doel with Mars

For someone who topped the British Eventing leaderboard as the rider with the most cross-country clears in 2025, experiencing two uncharacteristic falls with his top horse, Galileo Nieuwmoed, at both Badminton and Burghley could easily have been difficult to recover from.

But leading Wiltshire event rider David Doel is very pragmatic: you simply have to make sure you don’t repeat the same mistake, and he admits he is quite good at bouncing back.

Print Email

Badminton '25 - triumph again for Ros Canter

Written by Jan Perrins.

Libby Seed on Heartbreaker Star QualityRos Canter and the stunning Lordship Graffalo claimed their second MARS Badminton Horse Trials title with a flawless round in the final showjumping phase, cementing the horse's status as one of the best eventers in the world. Canter now joins a select group of just five riders to have won the event twice on the same horse.

Going into the final phase in second place, Olympic rider Canter delivered a superb clear round, putting pressure on leader Oliver Townend. Riding the 11-year-old Cooley Rosalent (nicknamed Rosie), Townend had no room for error. Unfortunately, one fence down cost him the title, handing victory to Canter.

Print Email

British Eventing returns to Barbury

Written by Jan Perrins.

Andrew Nicholson on Homero competing at Barbury this weekend - pic: Top Shots PhotographyThe Barbury Castle estate saw a welcome return to British Eventing at the weekend with three days of competition, showcasing some of our top riders, including Laura Collett, David Doel, Tim and Jonelle Price, Tom McEwen to name just a few.

Print Email

Badminton '25 - early bird ticket offer closes at end of March

Written by Jan Perrins.

Canter XC Mars Fence

Badminton 2025 is nearly here, taking place in early May beytween 7 - 11th. One difference for this year - all tickets must be bought in advance as there won't be any tickets sold on the gate this year. There is the 'early bird' advance ticket discount available, but that ends on 31 March so all tickets purchased after then will be at the full price.

Print Email

Badminton 2025 - all star line up for this year's event

Written by Jan Perrins.

Will Rawlin - pic Maddie PerrinsThe world’s greatest three-day event riders are eagerly anticipating the start of the 2025 Mars Badminton Horse Trials, which is just about to get underway (Wednesday 7 May).

Print Email

Rockley's Will Rawlin delighted by Badminton debut

Written by Jan Perrins.

Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy at Badminton pic: Maddie PerrinsNew Zealander Caroline Powell pulled off a shock victory at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials at the weekend, after Tim Price and Vitali and William Fox Pitt and Grafennacht, who were in first and second respectively, had a number of fences down in the showjumping.

Print Email

Rockley's Will Rawlin ready for first Badminton appearance this week

Written by Jan Perrins.

Will Rawlin & Ballycoog Breaker Boy, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, April 2024 - pic: Hannah ColeWill Rawlin describes himself as “absolutely fine” as he faces his first ever appearance at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, which begin on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old first timer, based at Rockley, said he is not overthinking the competition, regarded by many in the sport as the pinnacle in the eventing calendar, certainly tougher than the Olympics.

“I am trying not to overthink it and treat it like any other competition. I have had a good Spring campaign and I am feeling confident,” explains Will.

Will is riding the 12-year-old Ballycoog Breaker Boy (William), who is making his five-star debut, rather than his other five-star horse The Partner, who was 23rd at Luhmuhlen last year.

Print Email

Olympics target for David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed after success at Burghley and Badminton

Written by Jan Perrins.

David Doel with Galileo Nieuwmoed - pic: Joss RidleyDavid Doel’s past two seasons, with his star horse Galileo Nieuwmoed, are the stuff that most event riders can only dream of. A sixth place at his debut Badminton Horse Trials, eighth at Kentucky and runner up at Burghley are the highlights - but for him this is not quite good enough.

Print Email

More Articles ...