The day has finally arrived. It’s been a long time coming as I’ve not, for one reason and another, been to Badminton since 2004 – or put another way, not in Ursula and Joshua’s lifetime!
Anyway I’m here and it feels great. It’s a very special feeling pulling up at Badminton and getting settled in. Badminton has an aura about it that is hard to put in to words – a sense of history, heritage and such a special atmosphere. Today the place is full of hussle and bussle but it’s very relaxed as we all have it all to play for and everyone is just pleased to be here. The sense of anticipation and excitement is very much in the air – it’s great to be here.
Tim and Hipp are on great form. I took them for a hack this evening with Eleanore and they both felt very relaxed. All the action starts tomorrow afternoon with the trot up at 4.00pm. We’ve made a plan for each day to try and help us stay focussed and organised, and ensure the horses stay in a good routine – they will hack tomorrow in the morning before the trot up and go for several picks of grass in hand and then I’ll school them both after the trot up.
Anyway I’m off to grab a bite to eat with Eleanore and Vicky in the canteen at the stables and get an early night.
Cheers,
Bill
Photo Michael Payne – Posted 28th April
