Badder's goers impressions ?

[flohelf]

Now that I've recovered from my spell of high anxiety

and after reading all your posts on Badminton, sounds like a weird one this year doesn't it ? Any of you regular goers who were there today felt that something was different from past editions ?

 

[teapot]

I didnt go this year, but watched the entire coverage on tv and even watching it - it was very different

Have to say though - BBC coverage was fantastic this year, and commentary from the various riders was very good

 

[Gucci_b]

Any one taped it from t.v, as i was there but you also see more on the T.V. p.m me pls if you did!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sugarnspice]

Will be going tommorow but I know what you mean, watching it there did seem to be a different atmosphere, however with the sad death of the horse there was bound to be.

 

[flohelf]

I feel so sad and sorry for Jean Lou who lost Icare d'Auzay

And this was his first time back at Badders since the early 90s I think....

 

[Weezy]

[ QUOTE ]
Will be going tommorow but I know what you mean, watching it there did seem to be a different atmosphere, however with the sad death of the horse there was bound to be.

[/ QUOTE ]

2 horses died today

 

[sylvapak]

i went, it was very much more touristy this time i think. There were a lot less people who were really into horses in my opinion. Think there was a lot of "daddy, i want a pony" after the kids saw a horse go through the lake....

Also, because of withdrawls, there would be about two horses and then a 20 min gap before the next one. and to pay £22 to see 44 horses, if you could wiggle your way to the front, is quite a bit. the atmousphere was almost angry... its the only way i can describe it!

 

[dozzie]

It was ok and a few well know riders were there but I think what spoiled it was so many of the well known riders had pulled out so disappointing in that sense. Not that I am blaming them at all. The great thing about badders is that every few riders seem to be one you recognise and its great to see them. The standard of riding was generally ok but when you see people like Pippa Funnell, William FP and Mary King riding usually perfectly it really makes it special. So I think that is what was missing really.

Some of the riding left a bit to be desired! Not that I could have done any better but i wouldnt want to try either!!!

There was a long wait when icare was injured but it wasnt clear on the tannoy so no-one seemed to know what was going on. Probably the right decision however.

As for the number of competitors who completed with no penalties I think this was affected by the fact that the top boys and girls werent there. Im sure a lot of the riders who competed went ahead because of this fact. Probably there best ever chance to do well!!! Or am I being a bit cynical??

The fact that there were only 44 running even if you had a stop you were in with a slim chance. So I think thats why some riders battled on, possibly at the expense of their horses well-being.

 

[Mid]

I felt there was something 'wrong' too. Perhaps the weather. Also, it seemed like we only saw a dozen competitors actually jump, maybe because of the withdrawals.

 

[mickey]

Actually I was surprised how much I did enjoy the day. There was still plenty to watch and do. It did seem to finish early - I think the last horse finished around 4.30pm. We just chilled out in the park and did a spot of mooching around the shops after that.
I didn't know that the french horse has died until today. I feel very touched and saddened by this news. I didn't see the accident on the day but we were nearby and when I saw all the green fencing and the horse go out in the trailer on it's side I knew something very serious had happened.
The death of this horse was the only thing that made the day sad for me - I know people withdrew but I still found plenty to occupy myself.