20 things Britain gave the (horse) world
1 Eventing
IT was actually started by the military in continental Europe, but the idea of eventing being an equestrian sport for everyone, with a well-organised calendar of events aimed at training riders for the Olympics, can be credited to the 10th Duke of Beaufort, who kicked it all off 71 years ago at Badminton.
This gave Britain a head start with technical skill. And although other countries, notably Germany, have now invented more sophisticated scoring systems, there is a reason why English predominates in the control box on cross-country day.
2 Lucinda Green
THE six-time Badminton winner and sought-after trainer remains a heroine whose joyous, athletic, empathetic style of riding and sporting manner inspired young eventers from all corners of the globe.
Lucinda continues to beat the drum for cross-country influence; not everyone agrees with her all the time, but it’s a discussion that needs to be kept alive.
