What a week it’s been at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025! From impressive performances to perfect weather, delicious food, and plenty of shopping, this year’s event had all the ingredients for an unforgettable few days in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside.
Heartbreak and Highs for Caroline Powell
One of the big stories going into the week was Caroline Powell’s decision to withdraw her talented mare Greenacres Special Cavalier — a tough call after their win last year.
But stepping up was High Time, her 13-year-old British-bred sport horse gelding, making his Badminton debut — and what a debut it was. He delivered a composed and expressive dressage test, jumped clear across country, and added just 4 faults in a tricky show jumping round on the final day. A performance brimming with promise, and definitely one to watch at 5* level.
Caroline also caught plenty of attention at the final horse inspection, turning heads in a striking Newmarket 875 trench coat — the work of local designer Hanako Varian, who is based less than 10 miles from Forelock & Load HQ.
A Grassroots Championship Debut to Be Proud Of
17-year-old Keira Parsons and her 18-year-old gelding Saratoga Candyman (affectionately known as Buddy) made an outstanding impression at their first Badminton Grassroots Championships.
Keira produced a wonderfully accurate dressage test, expertly managing Buddy’s enthusiasm to earn a starting score of 32.1. As one of the earliest to show jump, the pair delivered a faultless clear round, before tackling their most challenging cross-country course yet — and doing so with style and confidence, finishing clear with just 1.6 time penalties.
A memorable highlight? Keira was very fortunate to walk the course with Caroline Powell herself — an experience she’ll surely treasure. Finishing 23rd in a highly competitive class of 103 combinations, this talented duo has a bright future ahead.
A Special Shout out to One of Our Own
We couldn’t be prouder of Charlotte Cutler, a Suffolk-based rider who has been part of the Forelock & Load team since she was 14.
Charlotte took on the Badminton Grassroots aboard Holy Street, a 13-year-old ex-racehorse owned by Helen Alcoe. Together, they delivered a lovely dressage test, followed by a fantastic double clear. With a 5.6 cross-country time penalty speeding fine to add, they finished 50th in a very competitive field.
Now stepping up to Novice, we’re excited to see where this hardworking and determined partnership heads next.
Beyond the Competition: The Best Bits
Of course, there is more to Badminton than the horses and riders. We soaked up the sunshine, enjoyed catching up with old friends (and making new ones!), and admired the incredible backdrop of Badminton House.
The cross-country course, designed by Eric Winter, was a masterpiece — beautifully built and technically challenging, it made for great viewing and even better walking.
The trade stands were a real highlight too — we may have done a little more shopping than planned (oops), but with such a great selection of equestrian and country lifestyle goodies, how could we resist?
And last but certainly not least… Dingo made his modelling debut for Newmarket 875 and absolutely stole the show. We’re expecting modelling contracts to roll in any day now.
Until Next Time…
Badminton 2025 was a week full of inspiration, sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Whether you were riding, shopping, spectating, or soaking it all in — thank you for being part of it.
Here’s to another fantastic year, and we’re already looking forward to what 2026 will bring!
