It’s Thursday at Mars Badminton 2025, and the stories are already building.

In today's Badminton Tour Diaries, Nicole and Diarm catch up on the standout dressage performances from day one — from Tom McEwen’s personal best to Oliver Townend’s score on Ballaghmor Class — and unpack what it means for the weekend ahead.

Nicole catches up with Lara de Liedekerke-Meier on her return to Badminton — joined by her husband, coach, trainer and Belgian team chef d’équipe, Kai-Steffen Meier— as they reflect on her test from today, the cross-country track, and what it means to ride at the sport’s pinnacle.

We also go inside the Will Rawlin Eventing Experience with Sarah French and Jane Jessop, who offer a fresh take on five-star ownership — and how syndicates like this are opening up the thrill of top-level sport to passionate supporters across the country.

Grassroots rider Brian Leung, a British Army Reservist, shares his inspiring journey from late starter to qualifying for the LeMieux Grassroots Championships — and what it means to ride at the iconic grounds of Badminton House. 

We’ve also teamed up with YETI to spotlight the teams behind the scenes — starting with head groom to Susie Berry, Chrisy Salmon, on the magic, chaos, and care that makes five-star possible

Highlights:

• Back at Badminton – Lara on her dressage, the track, and wearing many hats with Kai
• Accessible Ownership – Behind the scenes with the Will Rawlin Eventing Experience
• From Service to Start Box – Brian’s grassroots path and what it means to represent the military
• Grooms Behind the Scenes – Chrisy Salmon shares what it takes to care for five-star horses

Guests:

• Lara de Liedekerke-Meier – Five-star winner and back at Badminton with her homebred mare

• Kai-Steffen Meier – Belgian team coach and five-star rider

• Brian Leung– Grassroots competitor and British Army Reservist

• Jane Jessop & Sarah French – Members of the Will Rawlin Eventing Experience

• Chrisy Salmon – Head groom to Susie Berry

 

The Eventing Podcast Badminton Podcast Diaries are brought to you by Eco Voltz, Voltaire Design, 247 Clothing Direct, and YETI — brands that support the sport and the stories that shape it.

• Eco Voltz – Makers of premium electric bikes for countryside life and competition days. Visit them at Stand 44 or explore the range at www.ecovoltz.co.uk.
• Voltaire Design – Handcrafted French saddles trusted by elite riders across the world. Find them at Stand 243 and online at www.voltairedesign.com.
• 247 Clothing Direct – Premium custom clothing designed with style, quality and performance in mind. They’re not exhibiting this year, but you can browse the range at https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/ 

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