#TeamBlueChip
345 Emily Dobson and Silverlinings Aphrodite (Addie)
Our Road to Badminton Grassroots 2025
Qualifying for Badminton Grassroots again is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time. I was lucky enough to ride there eight years ago with my older horse, Sprite however, sadly we didn’t complete the XC but that experience lit a fire in me that’s never gone out and returning to Badminton again has been one of my goals.
For so many grassroots eventers, Badminton represents the pinnacle - a chance to ride in the footsteps of legends and celebrate the journey we’ve been on with our horses. I’m incredibly proud to say we’ve qualified for 2025 and this time I’ll be heading there with Addie, my eight-year-old buckskin mare.
I’ve had her since she was a freshly backed 4 year old and producing her myself (even though it has come with its challenges) has been so rewarding for me. She’s grown into such a willing, honest partner and sharing this milestone with her makes it all the more meaningful.
We qualified at Blindley Heath back in August 2024 and it felt like we had all the time in the world, yet somehow the moment is already here!
I’m looking forward to embracing every second of it, soaking up the atmosphere, and putting our best hoof forward and everything firmly crossed we make it through those XC finish flags. 🤞
Addie is fed on Joint Care Feed Balancer - For daily joint support
Map and event details
LeMieux Badminton Grassroots Championships, Gloucestershire, GL9 1AA
by kind permission of His Grace the Duke of Beaufort
Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th May 2025
The course will follow part of the route of the International Event, from The Quarry finishing at Huntsman's Close, via the Lake. All permanent pasture. While the fence dimensions are as for normal BE90/100 classes, the technical severity of the course as a whole is appropriate for Championships and the course is much longer than for a standard course (approx. 3000m).
The majority of dressage will take place on Tuesday 6 May. The balance of Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country will be on Wednesday.
