The Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championship Starts Today

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Andrew Nicholson | Live Chance Of Notching A Win At Badminton

"Badminton has an 'airy' feel about the place when arrive", according to Andrew Nicholson, "....whenever I arrive on the first day I get a different feel than from any other event....a good feeling....The riders are a little quieter, a little more serious....This is Badminton, the Wimbledon of Eventing"

I could say very similar things about his base on the edge of West Woods, as I arrive for a morning coffee with one of the most exciting cross country riders of our times. With stunning views across the hills of 'white horse country' near Marlborough in Wiltshire, his horses enjoy one of the most stunning vistas I've ever seen. As you enter the driveway horses poke their heads out of the windows of the American style barns - bright, alert and interested, yet relaxed and happy. This one of the busiest event yards on the circuit, with all the facilities an event rider needs. Like Andrew says 'you need good facilities to get the results'.

This New Zealander is as synonymous with eventing as Mark Todd is. He's been a member of the senior team as far back as 1984, just four short years after seeing his first British 3-Day Event at Badminton, when grooming for Mark Todd. Since then he has probably walked the Badminton course more times than anyone other than course designer, Hugh Thomas, and completed a record 29 times.

Badminton 2011 - There's An App For That!

The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials has gone truly mobile for the 2011 event with the launch of an iPhone App that brings all the news, views, interviews and results to your iPhone in a mobile friendly user interface.

FEATURES:

• Comprehensive Live Results
• News, Twitter & Facebook Feeds
• Audio & Video Content
• Animated Cross Country Course Guide
• Photo Galleries
• Share Information via Email, Twitter & Facebook
• Rider Profiles
• Visitor & Ticket Information
• Shopping Village Directory
• Start Times & Timetable
• Weather Forecast

The app produced in association with HSBC as part of their HSBC FEI Classics sponsorship provides access to all the news and information about the event that you can access out on the official Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials website www.badminton-horse.co.uk , but in the palm of your hand. It also integrates with key social media platforms so you can easily share news and photos from the event with your friends on twitter and facebook.

The Road Back To Badminton | At Home With The Tapners

Video Interview With Paul Tapner

Paul Tapner, winner of last year's Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, made the headlines last month after his horsebox was rear ended on the way to a showjumping competition, loaded with horses.

Despite this horrific accident in which neither horse or human were seriously injured, Paul has continued to make great strides in his preparation for this year's event and defence of his title. Badminton bound Kilfinnie heads to Belton CIC*** this weekend for his final prep run before relaxing with some spa and physio treatment and being fitted for his special "Badminton handmade shoes".

THE STARS COME OUT AT BADMINTON FOR CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Walk The Course With Badminton 2010 Winner Paul Tapner

Two of Britain’s top riders will lead course walks during this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Wiltshire-based Paul Tapner - last year’s Badminton winner on Inonothing- and Dorset-based William Fox-Pitt - one of Britain’s most successful event riders of all time - are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK along the way.

Volunteers are encouraged to raise £100 in sponsorship to take part in the walks which will give them a unique insight into one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events.

Paul heads the first walk on Friday 22nd April at 5:30pm, followed by William on Saturday 23rd April at 11am.