May 9, 2026
Before the first horse leaves the start box at Mars Badminton Horse Trials, Nicole Brown sits down with the man behind the questions, Eric Winter.
From the lake to the Vicarage Vee, from camera angles to ground conditions, Eric opens up on what really goes into building a Badminton cross-country track, and why obvious doesn’t always mean easy.
He talks inspiration from places like Luhmühlen International Horse Trials, why he wants riders to bring their very best cross-country horses here, and the balance between education, sport, and entertainment at the highest level.
There’s also a fascinating look at how the course is wheeled, where seconds are won and lost, and why this year’s track might look straightforward... right up until you try to ride it at 570 metres a minute.
Highlights
Guests
Fairfax
Saddles
Scientifically designed saddles, bridles, and girths, built to help
horses move freely, comfortably, and at their best.
Visit
Fairfax Saddles
EcoVolts
Built for life on the move, from walking cross-country tracks to
covering every corner of the showground.
ecovoltz.co.uk/— please
use your existing partner link if you have a direct landing
page.
Uvex
Trusted by top riders worldwide for premium helmets and gloves,
combining protection, comfort, and performance.
Explore Uvex Equestrian
Zebra
Products
Supplying world-class equestrian brands, from performance tack to
rider essentials, trusted across every discipline.
Visit Zebra
Products
U.S. Equestrian
Open
A new era of championship sport across jumping, dressage, and
eventing in the United States.
Website: usequestrianopen.org
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:
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