The Badminton Tour Diaries: Thursday

It’s Thursday at Mars Badminton 2025, and the stories are already building.

In today's Badminton Tour Diaries, Nicole and Diarm catch up on the standout dressage performances from day one — from Tom McEwen’s personal best to Oliver Townend’s score on Ballaghmor Class — and unpack what it means for the weekend ahead.

Nicole catches up with Lara de Liedekerke-Meier on her return to Badminton — joined by her husband, coach, trainer and Belgian team chef d’équipe, Kai-Steffen Meier— as they reflect on her test from today, the cross-country track, and what it means to ride at the sport’s pinnacle.

We also go inside the Will Rawlin Eventing Experience with Sarah French and Jane Jessop, who offer a fresh take on five-star ownership — and how syndicates like this are opening up the thrill of top-level sport to passionate supporters across the country.

Grassroots rider Brian Leung, a British Army Reservist, shares his inspiring journey from late starter to qualifying for the LeMieux Grassroots Championships — and what it means to ride at the iconic grounds of Badminton House. 

We’ve also teamed up with YETI to spotlight the teams behind the scenes — starting with head groom to Susie Berry, Chrisy Salmon, on the magic, chaos, and care that makes five-star possible

Highlights:

• Back at Badminton – Lara on her dressage, the track, and wearing many hats with Kai
• Accessible Ownership – Behind the scenes with the Will Rawlin Eventing Experience
• From Service to Start Box – Brian’s grassroots path and what it means to represent the military
• Grooms Behind the Scenes – Chrisy Salmon shares what it takes to care for five-star horses

Guests:

• Lara de Liedekerke-Meier – Five-star winner and back at Badminton with her homebred mare

• Kai-Steffen Meier – Belgian team coach and five-star rider

• Brian Leung– Grassroots competitor and British Army Reservist

• Jane Jessop & Sarah French – Members of the Will Rawlin Eventing Experience

• Chrisy Salmon – Head groom to Susie Berry

 

The Eventing Podcast Badminton Podcast Diaries are brought to you by Eco Voltz, Voltaire Design, 247 Clothing Direct, and YETI — brands that support the sport and the stories that shape it.

• Eco Voltz – Makers of premium electric bikes for countryside life and competition days. Visit them at Stand 44 or explore the range at www.ecovoltz.co.uk.
• Voltaire Design – Handcrafted French saddles trusted by elite riders across the world. Find them at Stand 243 and online at www.voltairedesign.com.
• 247 Clothing Direct – Premium custom clothing designed with style, quality and performance in mind. They’re not exhibiting this year, but you can bro