Hambleden 2014 - The Bluebell Event

Harry Meade

Laura Collett

Hambleden Horse Trials is renowned for the carpet of bluebells in the woods that provide the setting for a good proportion of the event. It's also one of my favourite events. Here's a few of my photos from the event.

Badminton 2014 Cross Country - Italian Style

A New Position For Mitsubishi's L200

The spring season is in full flow, and that means Badminton is just round the corner! As we head into Easter weekend and one of my favourite events (Hambleden), the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is knocking on the door, and my free time becomes an ever increasing tug of war between family time, Badminton commitments and 'me' time.

The traditional Press Preview Day was bathed in crisp, warm spring sunshine, and had a little extra buzz, and seasonal vigour with the promise of a whole new cross country course with a little Italian style courtesy of Badminton's new course designer, Giuseppe Della Chiesa!

Giuseppe Della Chiesa

Guiseppe has been involved at Badminton for many years as Technical Delegate or assistant TD, and even in some of Hugh Thomas's previous courses you can see the occasional Italian influence. I received the course description written by Giuseppe for the programme the other day, and even this has a distinct Italian flavour to it, which is amusing and refreshing. (you can also read it in the official Badminton App or the Badminton website)

I've been itching to write about the changes for months now having spent a few days with Guiseppe on the course during his visits. I won't provide a detailed blow by blow, fence by fence account of the course, as you are best off reading what Giuseppe has to say, or the plethora of press related course walks being published with senior riders' views, however here a few of my highlights:.

Aldon - Somerset The Sunshine State

Aldon Horse Trials  - Set In A Picturesque 'Park Bowl'

This past week has seen the longest spell of good weather we have had this year, and drying ground proved perfect at Aldon in Somerset, which I'm told often suffers from inclement conditions. With the cancellation of Tweseldown, (my usual seasonal opener to watch those aiming for the spring 4 stars), I decided to head down to Somerset for the first time.

A Truly International Field

I had never been to Aldon before, as I'd always envisioned it to be too far west, or awkward to get to. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was a little over an hour away down the dreaded A303, that was thankfully clear of traffic early on Sunday morning. The A303 winds it's way through some of the most stunning, rolling countryside England has to offer, passing the World Heritage site of Stonehenge, and the racecourse towns of Salisbury & Wincanton, and so on a bright Sunday morning you have time to take in the scenery and play 'I spy the Norman church spires' that are dotted along the route.

Dani Evans Warms Up For the Advanced Intermediate Dressage - On A Rugby Pitch!

Aldon Horse Trials itself is a cross between Gatcombe with it's 'park bowl' and Barbury where spectators can watch most of the action from a single vantage point as the track winds it's way back and forth across the main valley bowl that plays host to the cross country course. Added to this is the quirk of running the dressage across the lane at the Rugby Club - very apt given the conclusion of the 6 Nations.

Point-to-Point: The Other Side Of Barbury Castle

The Vine & Craven Point-to-Point At Barbury Castle

Today's break in the horrendous weather we've suffered so far this year felt like a mini victory! The promise of blue skies and warm sunshine all day was too good an opportunity to miss being outside to enjoy some sport (plus the bonus of a rare child free weekend), so I decided to head out for the day to practice with the camera at Barbury Castle for the Vine & Craven Point-to-Point.

Having spent a leisurely morning watching the women's snowboard cross from the Sochi Olympics, and having past rugby, football, and golf matches on my way to Barbury this was turning into an epic sporting day - the sunshine had brought everyone out to celebrate.  I didn't stay all day at Barbury as I still had storm repairs to fix at home, but from the moment I arrived to the moment I left there was a decent crowd out on the rolling hills of the Marlborough downs.

Bright Blue Skies At Barbury All Day

Barbury Castle has a rich racing history, stretching much farther back than the horse trials we've all come to know and love. Point-to-Point is "the amateur division of National Hunt racing" and as I was finding it much tougher to photograph than the cross country action of a horse trials. Everything happens so fast and intensely you really have to be on the ball - good practice for me!