The 2025 MARS Badminton Horse Trials features a challenging course designed by Eric Winter, with the Huntsman’s Close fence at position 26 generating significant discussion among riders. The course is characterized by its bold and demanding nature, requiring not only bravery but also strategic riding and stamina. Riders have noted the importance of fitness and the relationship between horse and rider, with many expressing respect for the challenges ahead, particularly the late-course demands that could test their endurance.
Competitors like Oliver Townend and Emily King have highlighted the course’s length and the necessity for careful riding to navigate its complexities. While some riders appreciate the straightforwardness of the jumps, others caution that the course’s endurance factor could lead to unexpected challenges, especially as fatigue sets in. The overall sentiment is one of excitement mixed with apprehension, as riders prepare to tackle a track that promises to be both thrilling and testing.
As the event unfolds, riders are focused on maintaining their horses’ stamina and ensuring they can handle the course’s demands. With a mix of experienced competitors and newcomers, the anticipation builds around how the course will impact performance and strategy, making for an engaging and competitive atmosphere at this prestigious event.
