Belgian Rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier Exceeds Expectations at Badminton Horse Trials After Kentucky Reroute
belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and her home-bred mare, Hooney D’arville, secured a noteworthy 14th-place finish at the prestigious Badminton Horse trials. The unexpected appearance at badminton followed a strategic change of plans,driven primarily by financial considerations related to a potential run at the kentucky Three-Day Event.
Kentucky Dream Derailed: A Financial reality Check
De Liedekerke-meier, 37, initially aimed for Kentucky, believing its cross-country course design, overseen by derek di Grazia, would better suit her horse.”Derek builds what my horse has been used to in the past,” she explained. However,the financial burden of transporting Hooney D’arville to the United States proved prohibitive,even with a strong performance. “I tried crowdfunding, but even if you finish third [in Kentucky] then you still don’t break even after your transport costs,” she stated.
Badminton Debut: A Calculated Risk Pays Off
The decision to reroute to Badminton was not taken lightly. While acknowledging the enormity of the Badminton course,de Liedekerke-Meier saw it as invaluable experience for the 12-year-old mare. “She’s a really careful horse and it’s so so big [at Badminton] and sometimes she can take a look,” she said. Despite hoping for another five-star event prior to Badminton, she trusted in Hooney D’Arville’s potential. “I thought [we’ll go to Badminton rather] for experience and to keep learning, so I hope she’s enjoyed it.”
Homebred Connection: A Full Circle Moment
The accomplishment at Badminton held special importance for de Liedekerke-Meier, marking a return to the event after her last appearance in 2016. Riding a homebred mare, hooney d’arville, whose dam, Nooney Blue, was her ride at the 2010 World Equestrian Games further enriched the experience. “It feels really good to be back. I forgot how much the atmosphere is here, so special,” she stated, highlighting the unique atmosphere of the event.
De Liedekerke-Meier has a strong record, having previously represented Belgium at two Olympic Games, four World Championships, and six senior European Championships.
Looking Ahead: European Championships in Sight
With Badminton complete, de Liedekerke-Meier now has her sights set on the European Championships, scheduled to take place at Blenheim Palace in September.
Solid Performance: Dressage and Cross-Country Results
The pair’s final score reflected a solid performance throughout the competition, achieving 31.7 in the dressage phase and adding 13.6 time penalties during the cross-country.
What was the primary *purpose* of Lara de Liedekerke-Meier sharing her experience with the financial challenges of competing at Kentucky, and how might this resonate with other equestrian athletes?
Belgian Rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier Exceeds Expectations at Badminton Horse Trials After Kentucky Reroute
belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and her home-bred mare, Hooney D’arville, secured a noteworthy 14th-place finish at the prestigious Badminton Horse trials. The unexpected appearance at badminton followed a strategic change of plans,driven primarily by financial considerations related to a potential run at the kentucky Three-Day Event.
Kentucky dream derailed: A Financial reality Check
De Liedekerke-meier, 37, initially aimed for Kentucky, believing its cross-country course design, overseen by derek di Grazia, woudl better suit her horse.”Derek builds what my horse has been used to in the past,” she explained.However,the financial burden of transporting Hooney D’arville to the united States proved prohibitive,even with a strong performance. “I tried crowdfunding, but even if you finish third [in Kentucky] then you still don’t break even after yoru transport costs,” she stated.
Badminton Debut: A Calculated Risk Pays Off
The decision to reroute to Badminton was not taken lightly. While acknowledging the enormity of the Badminton course,de Liedekerke-Meier saw it as invaluable experience for the 12-year-old mare. “She’s a realy careful horse and it’s so so big [at Badminton] and sometimes she can take a look,” she said. Despite hoping for another five-star event prior to Badminton, she trusted in Hooney D’Arville’s potential. ”I thought [we’ll go to Badminton rather] for experience and to keep learning, so I hope she’s enjoyed it.”
Homebred Connection: A Full Circle Moment
The accomplishment at Badminton held special importance for de Liedekerke-Meier, marking a return to the event after her last appearance in 2016. Riding a homebred mare, hooney d’arville, whose dam, Nooney Blue, was her ride at the 2010 World equestrian Games further enriched the experience. “It feels really good to be back. I forgot how much the atmosphere is here, so special,” she stated, highlighting the unique atmosphere of the event.
De Liedekerke-Meier has a strong record,having previously represented Belgium at two Olympic Games,four World Championships,and six senior European Championships.
Looking Ahead: European Championships in Sight
With Badminton complete, de Liedekerke-Meier now has her sights set on the European Championships, scheduled to take place at Blenheim Palace in September.
Solid performance: dressage and Cross-Country Results
The pair’s final score reflected a solid performance throughout the competition, achieving 31.7 in the dressage phase and adding 13.6 time penalties during the cross-country.
Q&A: Lara de liedekerke-Meier’s Badminton triumph
Why did Lara de Liedekerke-Meier choose Badminton over Kentucky?
Financial constraints were the primary reason. The cost of transporting hooney D’Arville to the US for the Kentucky Three-Day Event proved too high, even with potential crowdfunding. Badminton offered a more accessible option, despite its challenging course.
What is the Badminton Horse Trials, and why is it significant?
The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious three-day eventing competitions globally, attracting top riders. It’s renowned for its challenging cross-country course, which tests the stamina, skill, and bravery of both horse and rider. Finishing at Badminton is a major accomplishment.
How did Hooney D’Arville perform at Badminton?
Hooney D’Arville, the homebred mare, finished in a commendable 14th place. This was a significant achievement considering the last-minute change of plans and the mare’s relative lack of experience at such a high level.
What are time penalties in eventing?
In the cross-country phase, riders are given a set time to complete the course. Time penalties are incurred for exceeding the optimum time. Each second over the time limit adds penalties to the rider’s overall score. lara and Hooney D’arville had 13.6 time penalties.
Who is Derek di Grazia, and why is he relevant?
derek di Grazia is a renowned cross-country course designer, particularly known for designing the course at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. He is respected for building courses that are suitable for a range of horses.
What’s next for Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney D’Arville?
Their focus is now on the European Championships at Blenheim Palace in September, providing another chance for the pair to compete at a high level.
What is crowdfunding, and how is it used in equestrian sports?
Crowdfunding is a way to raise funds from a large number of people, typically online. In equestrian sports, riders often use crowdfunding to cover the expenses of training, travel, and competition, particularly when competing at high-level events where costs can be substantial.
Lara de Liedekerke-Meier’s story highlights the dedication and resilience required in eventing. Her strategic shift to Badminton paid off, proving that adaptability and a focus on experience can lead to success. Follow her journey as she aims for the European Championships!
