May 09, 2025
Townend and Cooley Rosalent Seize Lead After Dressage at Badminton Horse Trials
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE, England—Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent have taken the lead after the dressage phase at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials. Townend, a seasoned competitor with a history of five-star wins, secured a score of 21.1 penalties with the grey mare, positioning them at the top of the leaderboard.
Townend’s score puts him ahead of his Tokyo Olympics teammate, Tom McEwen, riding JL Dublin (22.4 penalties), and Gemma Stevens on Jalapeno (24.7 penalties). The all-british top 10 also features the 2023 winners, Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who are in close contention in fourth place with a score of 25.3.
With the top combinations separated by a slim margin, a thrilling cross-country day is expected. Townend and Stevens will each ride a second horse later in the day, adding to the excitement as they currently hold ninth and tenth places, respectively, on Ballaghmor Class and Chilli Knight.
Townend, now 42, brings extensive experiance to Badminton, with 18 previous completions. His first five-star victory came at Badminton in 2009 aboard Flint Curtis. Since then, he has achieved multiple victories at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
Cooley Rosalent, an 11-year-old mare owned by Paul and Diana Ridgeon, previously won at Kentucky. Townend noted the mare’s capabilities: “She is still quite babyish, but she coped very well in the atmosphere of the dressage… She is very nippy across country; she can adjust her stride, and she has a great galloping pedigree.” He also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the sport, adding, “Sometimes it’s your day, and sometimes it’s not.”
Stevens, 40, expressed her satisfaction with Jalapeno, a 17-year-old mare sired by Badminton-winning stallion Chilli Morning. “The two horses are similar types, but have different ways of going,” Stevens said, referencing her first ride, Chilli Knight. She anticipates the challenges of the cross-country course, stating, “If you’re not terrified at Badminton, why are you here!”
The cross-country phase begins at 11:30 a.m. BST.
For full results, click here.
Based on the provided text, here are two PAA (Possibly Answerable) related questions:
May 09, 2025
Townend and cooley Rosalent Seize Lead After Dressage at Badminton Horse Trials
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE, England—Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent have taken the lead after the dressage phase at the MARS Badminton horse trials. Townend, a seasoned competitor with a history of five-star wins, secured a score of 21.1 penalties with the gray mare, positioning them at the top of the leaderboard.
townend’s score puts him ahead of his Tokyo Olympics teammate, Tom McEwen, riding JL Dublin (22.4 penalties), and Gemma Stevens on Jalapeno (24.7 penalties). The all-british top 10 also features the 2023 winners, Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who are in close contention in fourth place with a score of 25.3.
With the top combinations separated by a slim margin, a thrilling cross-country day is expected. Townend and Stevens will each ride a second horse later in the day, adding to the excitement as they currently hold ninth and tenth places, respectively, on ballaghmor Class and Chilli Knight.
Townend, now 42, brings extensive experiance to Badminton, with 18 previous completions. His first five-star victory came at Badminton in 2009 aboard Flint Curtis. Since then, he has achieved multiple victories at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and the defender Burghley Horse trials.
Cooley Rosalent, an 11-year-old mare owned by Paul and Diana Ridgeon, previously won at Kentucky. Townend noted the mare’s capabilities: “she is still quite babyish, but she coped very well in the atmosphere of the dressage… She is very nippy across country; she can adjust her stride,and she has a great galloping pedigree.” he also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the sport, adding, “Sometimes it’s your day, and sometimes it’s not.”
Stevens, 40, expressed her satisfaction with Jalapeno, a 17-year-old mare sired by Badminton-winning stallion Chilli Morning. “The two horses are similar types, but have different ways of going,” Stevens said, referencing her first ride, Chilli Knight.She anticipates the challenges of the cross-country course, stating, “If you’re not terrified at Badminton, why are you here!”
the cross-country phase begins at 11:30 a.m. BST.
For full results,click here.
Badminton horse Trials: Q&A
Q: What are the Badminton Horse Trials?
A: The Badminton Horse Trials are one of the world’s premier three-day eventing competitions, where riders compete in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.It’s a true test of horse and rider athleticism and partnership.
Q: What is “dressage,” and why is it important?
A: Dressage is a French term meaning “training.” In eventing, it’s the first phase, testing the horse’s suppleness, obedience, and balance through a series of prescribed movements. A good dressage score sets the stage for success.
Q: Who is Oliver Townend, and why is he a favorite?
A: Oliver Townend is a highly decorated British event rider. He brings extensive experience to Badminton, with 18 prior completions and multiple five-star victories. He is known for his skill and determination.
Q: How does the cross-country phase work?
A: The cross-country phase is a timed test over a challenging course of solid fences, testing the horse’s stamina, bravery, and the rider’s skill.penalties are incurred for refusals, run-outs, and exceeding the optimum time.
Q: What makes the Badminton cross-country course so special?
A: the Badminton course is renowned for its demanding terrain and technical fences. Its challenging nature makes it a true test for horse and rider, and a thrilling spectacle for spectators.
Q: What is a “five-star” event?
A: “Five-star” is the highest level of eventing competition, representing the most challenging courses and the most skilled riders and horses. Badminton is a prestigious five-star event.
Q: What does the future hold for Cooley rosalent?
A: Cooley Rosalent,being an 11-year-old mare,is still considered to be in her prime. She may continue to compete at the highest level for several more years, showcasing her talent and Townend’s skill.
Q: Where can I find the full results?
A: You can find the full results on the Badminton Horse Trials website. (See the link in the article above)
Stay tuned for the thrilling cross-country phase! The competition is far from over.
