The 2011 Badminton Horse Event

Even for non-equestrians it is popular family holiday. In 2011 the event takes place over the Easter weekend, April 21-25. The show is over a five day period with a variety of shopping opportunities that rival any town mall. It makes the perfect destination for a family day out.

The Three Day Event showcases dressage, cross country, and show jumping. One of these occurs each day allowing spectators to decide their area of interest or take in the full range of events. The riders aren't the only champions. The horses can only compete at Badminton if they've earned sufficient points in the previous season to qualify.

William Fox-Pitt has won a record 40 Three Day Events including the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trails (2004). In 2011 he has entered five horses from which to choose. Entries from 12 countries include a strong squad from Germany. Andrew Nicholson from New Zealand boasts 29 finished but has yet to win the event brought three horses including his own World Equestrian Games Bronze Medallist, Nereo.

The show has been extended to include Thursday 21st April to include the Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championships for amateur and weekend riders. All the trade stands will be open for business including #141 which offers Dodson & Horrell horse feed, herb supplements. They have their feed experts there to help answer any queries or concerns owners may have regarding their horse's diets. This extra day affords viewers an opportunity not only to visit the stands but to walk the cross country course as well.

Cancer Research UK has been chosen as the 2011 Charity of the Year for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. This always means they receive large funds for their work.

The United State has a contingent of six riders, one of their largest contingents in years. Three members of Canada's WEG Silver Winning Team have joined the Americans in crossing the pond for this three Day Event.

The women riders are also well represented. Tina Cook comes with her 2009 European Champion horse. Piggy French brought two of her winning rides with her, and three times Badminton victor Pippa Funnell will ride for the first time since 2008. Mary King, a previous winner of the Mitsubishi Badminton Equine Trails, arrives with three horses from which to choose. Daisy Berkeley and Lucy Wiegersma with her 2008 runner-up horse also deserve a hard look.

Those new to the event have winning histories that mean they should be closely watched. Laura Collett has made a golden trail through the age specific ranks, and James Robinson, who is a practicing vet, represents the non professionalrider with his horse Comanche.

With the London 2012 Summer Olympics a year away, the International team managers will be keeping a close eye on Badminton this year to work out how their plans are evolving.

Dodson and Horrell are Experts in Horse Feed and Horse Nutrition