Belton Horse Trials are traditionally one of the warm-up events for horses heading to Badminton Horse Trials in May. There are international sections at CCI4*-S – The Grantham Cup attracts over 100 entries – and CCI3*-S level, as well as national classes from advanced down to novice.
In previous years I have been employed by the event photographer at Belton Horse Trials to photograph showjumping and cross country phases in their entirety. This year I was able to go off my own bat and do some work for my own sponsored riders, and some sponsors too. Of course it was also a great time to add content to my equestrian image library too.
Two of my riders, Willa Newton and Eliza Stoddart, had eight horses between them, Greta Mason and Alex Tordoff one each. Besides these there were local friends competing and some of the best horses on the planet to watch with interest.
Willa Newton and COCK A DOODLE DO started the weekend well, winning their novice section. Belton Horse Trials offers some great opportunities for the “money shot” in front of the house.Eliza Stoddart and PRIORSPARK OPPOSITION FREE, one of two horses Eliza had in the Grantham Cup.The other, DICK O MALLEY, taking Eliza to a fabulous sixth place. Open ditches like this make great photo opportunities as they show off the horses’s scope.Greta Mason and COOLEY FOR SURE, 6th in their Open Intermediate section. Alexander Tordoff and COOL JACK had a couple of unfortunate runouts having been well-placed in the Under-25 Advanced class.Harry Meade and AWAY CRUISINGLaura Collett and DACAPOAngus Smales and EL FINITO, three seconds away from winning their sectionPiggy French and QUARRYCREST ECHO preparing for the 5* at Kentucky later this month.Lucy Robinson and COSMIC CHARMNicola Wilson and ERANO M giving me a few heart-in-mouth moments in the latter stages of the intermediate course.Bubby Upton and COLA III won their section in style.Felicity Collins and GLASKER SWEET CLOVER
2 comments
Suzanne brown
Do you have any images crosscountry is sneakers grafensbrook Sophie brown please
nico
Hi Suzanne. Not that I’m aware of. Which section was she in?