David Doel, a prominent event rider from Wiltshire, UK, is preparing to compete at Badminton with his horse, Galileo Nieuwmoed. Having partnered with Galileo for about seven years, Doel emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with his horse to navigate the challenges of the competition.

The cross-country course at Badminton is particularly thrilling, requiring Doel to meticulously walk the course multiple times to strategize his approach to each jump. He acknowledges the intensity of galloping a 500-pound horse towards large fences, highlighting the adrenaline involved in the sport.

Course designers incorporate “rider frightener” fences, which can appear intimidating to riders but are generally not a concern for the horses. Roo Fox notes that while these obstacles may unsettle riders, the horses typically enjoy the experience, underscoring the bond between horse and rider in eventing.