Badminton’s backstage heroes
MARGARET HOPKINS, STABLE MANAGER
MARGARET’S role as stud groom at Badminton encapsulates anything equestrian that happens on the estate, which means she is stable manager during the event.
“We have 110 stables spread over various yards, and as soon as hunting finishes all the boxes are cleaned out, pressure-washed and disinfected, and any maintenance done,” says Margaret, who has been at Badminton since 2009. “The competitors start arriving from Monday. We supply straw and shavings – if riders want anything else, they can order it through me and we will try to supply anything within reason.”
Margaret does the stabling plan, and tries to accommodate everyone’s wishes.
“The Club Yard is the furthest away, and therefore the quietest. The main yard, where the stable manager’s office is located, is very busy,” she says.
“The stables are the hub of everything and I enjoy the interaction with the competitors and grooms. The horses come in all shapes and sizes, and every year I learn something new.”
She and her team
