Undergraduates go behind the scenes at Badminton

BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Sports Performance undergraduates enjoyed a behind-the-scenes visit to the world famous Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

The students were privileged to have an ‘access-all-areas’ tour of the Media Centre – an area exclusively reserved for accredited members of the press – with Badminton’s Media Director Julian Seaman.

Event rider Francis Whittington talks to the undergraduates

Event rider Francis Whittington talks to the undergraduates

Julian, who was also the Media Manager at Greenwich Park during the 2012 London Olympic Games, shared his expert knowledge with the students and answered their questions.

Reaseheath undergraduate Lydia Binks said: “Julian offered us an insight into what goes on behind the scenes at the Media Centre to make sure that Badminton is available to be watched and that results are constantly updated – this takes a lot of effort from many people.”

Our students were also given the opportunity to meet International Event rider Francis Whittington, who was himself competing at this elite event. Francis, who is one of this country’s most respected event riders, offered much sound advice about forging a successful career in the horse industry.

Reaseheath student Tyler Simpson, who intends to pursue a career in Eventing, said: “This trip was definitely an eye opening experience. We met some really good industry contacts and I have definitely found a path which I want to follow. Going to Badminton has given me the urge to keep working hard to achieve success in the eventing world”.

The visit concluded with a guided course walk to view some of the awe-inspiring cross-country fences featured on Guiseppe Della Chiesa’s magnificent four mile course.

Our HE equine students will next be involved at Bolesworth International Horse Show which runs from June 15 -19.

Head image caption: Julian Seaman with Tyler Simpson, Hannah Baker, Lydia Binks and Jack Moore in the Media Centre