The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Held annually in Badminton, England, the event attracts the top riders and horses from around the globe. The competition is fierce, with riders vying for the title of champion. As such, it is no surprise that the second place finisher at the Badminton Horse Trials often receives considerable attention and praise.
Background on the Badminton Horse Trials
The Badminton Horse Trials is a three-day eventing competition. The event consists of three phases, dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Each phase tests the horse and rider’s skill and ability. The event is held in the grounds of the Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire, England.
The event has been held since 1949 and is considered to be the premier event in the sport of eventing. It is the only event in the world to offer a £250,000 prize purse. The event is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, which also includes the Kentucky Three-Day and the Burghley Horse Trials. Winners of all three events are awarded a bonus of €500,000.
Winners of the Badminton Horse Trials
The winners of the Badminton Horse Trials are crowned the champion and are presented with the coveted Badminton Trophy. The event has been won by some of the world’s most renowned event riders, including Mark Todd, Pippa Funnell, and Andrew Nicholson.
In recent years, the Badminton Horse Trials has been won by Laura Collett (2018), Michael Jung (2017), and Andrew Nicholson (2016). All three riders also won the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing in their respective years.
The Second Place Finishers
The second place finisher at the Badminton Horse Trials is often a point of intrigue and admiration. While the winner of the event is crowned the champion, the second place finisher is often considered to be the “bridesmaid”.
In 2018, the second place finisher at the Badminton Horse Trials was Pippa Funnell. Funnell is a four-time winner of the event, having won the title in 1999, 2004, 2005, and 2007. She is the only rider to have won the event four times.
In 2017, the second place finisher was Piggy French. French is a rising star in the eventing world, having won the Mitsubishi Motors Cup in 2017 and the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in 2016.
In 2016, the second place finisher was William Fox-Pitt. Fox-Pitt is a seven-time winner of the event and has also won the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest eventers of all time.
Conclusion
The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. The event has been won by some of the world’s most renowned eventers, including Mark Todd, Pippa Funnell, and Andrew Nicholson. While the winner of the event is crowned the champion, the second place finisher is often considered to be the “bridesmaid”. In recent years, the second place finishers at the Badminton Horse Trials have included Pippa Funnell, Piggy French, and William Fox-Pitt.