New course-designer for Badminton Horse Trials

Blenheim course-designer Eric Winter says it is a “dream come true” to be appointed to take on the role at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials from next year. Mr Winter has been appointed to take over from Giuseppe Della Chiesa, who after three years in which he “successfully brought a fresh eye to Badminton Park” felt unable to accept the invitation to continue.

The 53-year-old, who celebrated his birthday yesterday (17 May) has designed the course at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials for 10 years. During that time, he has also designed for the Asian Games, two European Pony Championships, a European junior and a European young rider championships.

He was technical delegate at Badminton from 2011 to 2014 and completed the event as a rider in 1991.