The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Held annually since 1949 in the grounds of Badminton House in England, the event is a four-day competition featuring dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The competition is considered one of the three major equestrian events, alongside the Kentucky Derby and the Olympics.
In 2022, the Badminton Horse Trials celebrated its 73rd anniversary and the competition was as fierce as ever. After four days of intense competition, the winner of the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials was announced – it was British rider, Harry Meade, riding his horse, Sandman 7.
Background and Preparation
Harry Meade is a British eventing rider who has competed in the Badminton Horse Trials since 2007. He is a former winner of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, having won in 2011 with his horse, Sandman 7. In preparation for the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials, Meade and Sandman 7 had been competing in a number of competitions across the UK, including the Bramham International Horse Trials in June and the Gatcombe Park Horse Trials in July.
Leading Up to The Final
Leading up to the final day of the competition, Meade and Sandman 7 had put in a consistent performance over the preceding three days. After the dressage phase, they were in second place, just a fraction behind the leaders, New Zealander Tim Price and his horse, Ringwood Sky Boy.
The cross-country phase of the event is where Meade and Sandman 7 truly shone. They put in a faultless performance, with no time penalties, and moved into the lead. With just the show jumping phase left, Meade and Sandman 7 were in pole position to become the winners of the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials.
The Final Show Jumping Phase
The final show jumping phase of the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials was held in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. Meade and Sandman 7 put in an excellent performance, with no faults, and completed the course in a time of 88.3 seconds. With no other rider able to match their performance, the pair were crowned the winners of the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials.
The Reactions
Meade was delighted with the result, saying: “I’m absolutely thrilled. Sandman 7 and I have been working hard all year, and to win the Badminton Horse Trials is a dream come true.”
The crowd also showed their appreciation for Meade and Sandman 7’s performance, with a standing ovation as they were presented with the trophy.
Conclusion
The 2022 Badminton Horse Trials was a fiercely competitive event, with riders from around the world vying for the title. In the end, it was British rider Harry Meade and his horse, Sandman 7, who emerged victorious, much to the delight of the watching crowd. The pair put in a faultless performance throughout the four days of competition, and it is a result that will live long in the memory.