2026 Badminton Diaries Day 3: Dressage Done & Dusted

Dressage is done at Mars Badminton Horse Trials, the leaderboard is set, and now all eyes turn to cross-country.

On Friday's Badminton Diaries, Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo head into Saturday with the biggest dressage lead at Badminton in modern history, but behind them, it feels as open as ever.

We catch up with Austin O'Connor on bringing Sixmilewater back to Badminton, what it takes to build future five-star horses, and why Colorado Blue is still firmly part of the bigger picture. Then Vanessa from Fairfax Saddles takes us behind the scenes, sharing the science, detail, and precision that supports riders like Harry Meade, Tom Jackson, and Bubby Upton at the top of the sport.

Later, Sam Watson joins us on cross-country eve to talk mindset, preparation, and why all the homework is already done. Plus, lakeside chats with Ben Way, Matt Heath, and Rosie Meade as Badminton starts to buzz ahead of Saturday.

Later, Sam Watson joins us on cross-country eve to talk mindset, preparation, and why all the homework is already done. Plus, lakeside chats with Ben Way, Matt Heath, and Rosie Meade as Badminton starts to buzz ahead of Saturday. We also catch up with Tracy and Alan from EcoVoltz on why their bikes have become part of daily life for riders, grooms, and teams across the sport.

Highlights

• Ros Canter leads on 23.7, the biggest Badminton dressage margin on record
• Austin O'Connor on Sixmilewater, Colorado Blue, and building future five-star horses
• Behind the scenes with Fairfax Saddles and the data driving top performance
• Sam Watson on cross-country eve, pressure, preparation, and enjoying the moment
• Ben Way and Matt Heath give their honest read on Eric Winter's track
• Rosie Meade on the team behind getting multiple horses to five-star
• Tracy and Alan from EcoVoltz on supporting the sport from the ground up

Guests

• Austin O'Connor
• Vanessa from Fairfax Saddles
• Sam Watson
• Ben Way
• Matt Heath
• Rosie Meade
• Tracy and Alan from EcoVoltz

This year's Badminton Diaries are brought to you by:

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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