Wiltshire - Lacock & Badminton Horse Trials

Historic Lacock 1st week of May 2018

See  http://colouredrailsuk.blogspot.com/  post of 31 July 2011 for reference to Lacock.

Lacock located approximately 20km east of Bath is substantially owned by the National Trust which gives protection to the whole village. It is however a lived in working village with shops and accommodation.

We stayed at this hotel that had been maintained with minimal structural change.  Floors are not level.

The Stables cafe adjacent to the hotel car park.

The Tithe Barn built in the 14th century after the Lacock Abbey, of which it was closely associated. While it has had many uses over the years is still much as originally built and is situated across the street from the hotel.

The variable construction along opposite the Tithe barn. This corner house was the hotel cook's home.

Badminton Horse Trials about half an hour north from Lacock

Badminton Horse Trials held on the Badminton Estate 1st - 6th  May 2018.

Dogs of every sort come with their trade stall owners and...

...with spectators.  How many dogs can you see in this view.

The Beaufort hounds also exercise in the Estate park.

Neither is farming forgotten with this crop of Rape seed in a field adjacent to pasture used for car parking during the event.

A picturesque setting for an equestrian event. Quoting the late David Somerset, 11th Duke of Beaufort; that "as he was lucky enough to live in such a wonderful place he was delighted that others could share it".

Mothers and children...

...one of whom would like to see more.

 Police women were well mounted to better observe the goings on.

 Young, older and middle aged.

Badminton is a serious horse event, 4* rated Horse Trial, the highest level.
But these are young jockeys getting a briefing for...

...Shetland Pony Grand National Steeplechase.  Providing some light entertainment, but serious stuff for the junior riders, on Saturday.

Now the serious riders competing in the Dressage phase of the Horse Trials on the Thursday and Friday.

 Saturday brought out the crowds for the Cross Country phase.

Also the summer clothing in the warm conditions.

Officials were in traditional dress, including the pedestrian crossing keepers.

Cross country under way before a big crowd.

But why an open top sports car on the cross country?

 Very well constructed obstacles.

Other riders took a very direct route that appeared difficult but they managed very well, a combination of good riding and very honest horses.

The often quoted Badminton lake had an obstacle at each end but traveling along the bank between the two.

Here the first one, number 8 at the far end of the lake.

 Jonelle Price on Classic Moet going into the lake at fence 9A.

Mitsubishi Motors, lead sponsors, have a L200 Ute either side of fence 10 after leaving the lake. Here being taken by Jonelle Price, the eventual winner.

There is still the third phase, showjumping, yet for some spectators it has been a long week.

Jonelle Price on Classic Moet jumps clear in the final phase to win her second consecutive 4* three day event.

Meanwhile her mother, Lesley Richards, is elated by the win.

Friend, Kath Ward-Smith, here supporting New Zealand competitors.

Andrew Nicholson leading Nereo on a farewell parade.  The horse having completed five times and also won Badminton in 2017.

Nereo's owner, Libby Sellars, delighted with the tribute to her horse that  she has supported Andrew with for many years.

The Beaufort hounds parade prior to the presentation to the successful competitors after six days of fine weather.