For one determined amateur rider, Rachael Hardman, the road to the 2025 Lemieux Badminton Grassroots Championships has been anything but straightforward — and it’s the support from the British Eventing Support Trust that has helped keep the dream alive.
“I’ve been trying to qualify on my mare I M All You Want for eight years, always just missing out,” shares Rachael who works full time in venue management. “Then, just over a year ago, I brought a big baby horse over from Ireland with the help of an amazing friend Claire Hayes, who now co-owns him with me.”
A star in the making
‘Jimbo’ proved to be a star in the making. On his very first outing, he qualified for regionals, and on his first run at regionals, he secured a ticket to the LeMieux Badminton Grassroots Championships 2025.
“We were over the moon,” mused Rachel. “Everything just clicked.”
But as winter training began, things took a devastating turn… “I had a whole plan for the winter — and then I took a nasty fall off my mare. I ended up spending New Year’s in hospital and needed surgery on the 1st of January, followed by another at the end of the month. I was told it would be six months before I could ride again. The dream of Badminton just slipped away.”
A helping hand
That was until Jane Rudd from the British Eventing Support Trust stepped in.
“With her help, I was able to focus on recovery. The support I received – both physically and mentally – reminded me that the Trust isn’t just there for professionals — it’s for amateur riders too. Riders like me.”
Thanks to that support, the recovery has been faster than expected. “I’m back in the saddle. I’ve just started jumping again and I’m hoping to be out at Calmsden in a few weeks for our first event.”
Onwards and upwards
And in a leap of faith, Rachael’s officially entered Badminton. “I entered last night. I’ve got everything crossed that we’ll make it to the start line. Even if we don’t, I’m so proud of how far we’ve come — and so grateful to British Eventing Support Trust for making that possible.”
To find out more about the LeMieux Design Badminton Grassroots Championships, click here.
Want to help riders like this continue their journey?
Visit the BE Support Trust website to find out how to donate or apply for support.
Have your own #JourneyToBadminton story to share? Email us at marketing@britisheventing.com – we’d love to hear it.
