A brisk wind but beautiful sunny day opened the first day of the LeMieux Grassroots Championship at Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, with competitors kicking off their BE90 and BE100 campaigns between the white boards.
BE90
On his first visit to the LeMieux Grassroots Championship, 15-year-old Ollie Rowland scored 27.6 to fill top spot overnight riding Project Pony’s Loughan Silver Shadow, aka Reggie.
Ollie’s mum Fiona commented: “His test was incredible but we never in a million years expected such an amazing score! Ollie has dreamed of riding in the grassroots at Badminton since we first came here when he was eight years old.
“Reggie was incredible today. The cross-country looks amazing and a real challenge as you would expect from a championship course, it asks lots of questions so there is all to play for tomorrow, it’s a real test. We don’t have any expectations but we hope they have a fun time and can enjoy it. It’s such an incredible event and we are just so happy to be here.”
Just 0.8 of a point behind the leader is Emily Proud and HSF Lobo Royale, and in third is Chloe Sharman and Westmount Leah on 28.9.
The grassroots jumping phases take place on Wednesday morning, with the BE100 cross-country starting at 9.30am and the first to show jump setting off at 8.30am.
BE100
Retaining her overnight leader position from last year is Jane Rogers who pulled off a 22.9 dressage to finish a whole three points clear of second place riding her British 18-year-old palomino homebred gelding Corrieview Merlin Magic.
“I’m delighted with Magic who I bred,” said Jane. “My son Tim Rogers warmed me up for the dressage, and considering I broke my pelvis in January, I’m very pleased to actually be here to compete.”
Katy Lawrence sits in second with Cheyenne Balloon on a score of 25.9, while Margo Sly is third riding Goreshill Alamo on 26.
Equireel will be on hand to video competitor’s rounds, and 1st Class Images are the on-site photographers.
Follow the scores live via Eventing Scores.
To find out more about the LeMieux Grassroots Championship, click here
Admission tickets for Mars Badminton Horse Trials must be bought in advance. Click here for the Box Office.
All the action, along with analysis and interviews, will be shown live on Badminton TV via ClipMyHorse.TV. Click here
More information on visiting can be found here
Images are courtesy of 1st Class Images.