There are few sporting events that live up to the hype. Wimbledon? Too many strawberries. Cheltenham? Too many suits. But the Badminton Horse Trials? That’s a different beast entirely—and after finally ticking it off the bucket list this year, I can confirm: it’s absolutely worth the hype and the sore legs.

I landed in Badminton for the big one—cross-country day. Sunshine, thousands of fans, and the sort of adrenaline-pumping action that has you wondering if maybe you too could take a spin over a few logs on a five-star rocket horse (spoiler: I absolutely couldn’t, but let a man dream).

I brought my dad along for the ride—because big moments are better when you’ve someone to share them with—and we were also there doing a bit of coverage for The Grassroots Gazette, road-testing a shiny new AI system to help capture the buzz. Honestly, the only thing more high-tech than our kit was the footwork on display from those horses.

Standout rounds? You’d be hard-pressed to beat Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. She’s classy, brave, and sharp as a tack—textbook Oliver. But the moment that got the Irish blood pumping was Austin O’Connor on Colorado Blue (a.k.a. “Salty”)—that horse attacks a cross-country course like it owes him money. Watching him tear around had every Irish fan on their feet.

And speaking of Irish pride— Calmaro for Joseph Murphy was  an absolute treat to watch. He’s long been one of my favourite horses, and seeing him up close? Unreal. What I’d give to get even half a gallop on him.