[Hacker]

On Saturday we had a day out at Badminton Horse Trials to watch the cross country event. A very early start saw us getting there at 7am and the day started off very cold. A lot of riders were withdrawing from the event due to the hard ground but may be they just got worried when they saw the fences. These things are huge, photographs and television do not do them justice, big heavy logs up to 4'11" with spreads up to 6'6" means the horses and riders have to be at the peak of fitness - the course is about four miles long and they gallop most of the way.

The crowds were horrendous and at some of the fences it was about twenty deep, we couldn't even get near the water jump. If I go again I'm going to try and get a press pass, some of the 'official photographers' must have good mates as there was no way they were pros, but they were great vantage points.

Anyway, here are a few shots.....




Look at the height of this jump!






Lucinda Fredericks, the eventual winner




This horse is Icare D’Auzay who sadly had a freak accident a couple of fences after this picture was taken, he hit a flagpole which somehow severed an artery. Despite the very best of on and off-course treatment he sadly died a short while later.



I know this isn't a great picture but it gives a very good idea of just how big the fences are:




A cool mutt:

[Boofers]

like um all, good story lines, thanks for sharing.

[skipper954]

Hi Hack

I never ever say this, nor does anyone else on the site, but these are too sharp!

They are stop action shots, and we get no feeling for movement. Perhaps that is what you were after, and if so, you did good

Otherwise, or maybe as they are, great shots.

skip

[Dave]

You managed to get some good captures there Colin, taking in to account the crowds, & really managed to convey the size of some of the jumps

Was brought up as a kid only 10 miles form there & even worked behind the bar when in sixth form to get some dosh ....like you said, mad crowds !!

[stepheno]

Great shots Colin. I'd be happy just to have the opportunity to try that. By the way I think #5 is a belter - that does give the feeling of movement

[namllihs]

Very nice work Hacker, all great shots but I would agree with Stepheno #5 conveys speed/movement.

[P-E]

Nice set and also agree #5 as this shows a sense of movement.

[Angela]

Nice set Hacker! You're right, nothing does justice to the size of those fences

[chickadee]

top shots ,
obviously depends on what you were after , however agree with Skip "They are stop action shots, and we get no feeling for movement." me personally would of preferred bit of movement little bit more to what you have on 5 .Saying this ,this is just my personal thoughts .Taking nothing away from your images ,they are totally brilliant .

[Markulous]

Great set of shots - really conveys what the horses (and riders!) had to face! #2 and #6 for me!

I went to Chatsworth Horse Trials last year - because it's part of the International competition it gets the riders but being relatively unknown ther's very few people. Got some great shots at the water - including the obligatory 'falling in'!

Originally Posted by skipper954

They are stop action shots, and we get no feeling for movement. Perhaps that is what you were after, and if so, you did good

Trust me, the majority want action stopping shots! I had "you should've used a faster shutter speed" type comments. But then I take pics for myself!

Chatsworth Horse Trials are next weekend - hoping to get there but have to see how the week goes first!

[P-E]

Originally Posted by Markulous

Chatsworth Horse Trials are next weekend - hoping to get there but have to see how the week goes first!

Just down the road from me.......any restrictions photography wise?

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by P-E

Just down the road from me.......any restrictions photography wise?

Aside from barring anyone from Sheffield? Nope! I even went on the Friday afternoon (just drove in and parked by the Ring!) to wander around and suss out the best spots as I thought it would be much busier. Worth adding that I went on the slightly quieter Saturday