EXCITEMENT is building in the equestrian world as the countdown continues to the start of the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials at the Duke of Beaufort’s Estate.

The course, which was built last year with preparation for the 2012 Olympic games in mind, is ready to test one of the highest class entries for many years. Confirmed competitors including Olympic, World and European champion Michael Jung, as well as the entire British silver medal-winning team of William Fox-Pitt, Zara Phillips, Mary King and Tina Cook.

The cancellation of Badminton in 2012 due to the horrendous weather and ground conditions came as a huge blow for all involved. However, director and cross country course designer Hugh Thomas is optimistic for this year’s event.

“After the tragedy of last year, people reacted as if we’d had a serious bereavement,” said Hugh, speaking as finishing touches were being made to the course.

“Everyone was very supportive and we did appreciate it. The only saving grace was that it was a very easy decision to make as it was a completely hopeless situation; the conditions were awful, truly extreme.

“Fortunately it looks like the trade stands have survived and are back this year and all our supporting sponsors are still with us.”

In 2013 we revert to normal, and organisers are hoping that the glory of Olympic success will lead to record breaking crowds, especially as this year there is the added excitement of a realistic attempt to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. William Fox-Pitt is a live contender and that has only happened with a rider here twice before.

And Hugh has made one or two subtle changes to the track which would have been an Olympic selection trial for several nations.

“There was no point in building a completely new course, and it is mostly what would have been jumped last year, had the event gone ahead. There are a few tweaks – as a course designer you’re never completely happy,” said Hugh “For example the fences in the water have been raised again after being lowered for last year’s competition – some people said I ‘chickened out’! There are still only three compulsory jumps, despite the complex being festooned with flags. It is a severe test for riders to turn and jump these narrow fences into water. There is a very long alternative, in a course which provides fewer alternatives than there would have been a few years ago. You have to remember that there is still a big difference between Michael Yung and the less experienced riders and we need to give everyone the opportunity to complete the course.

“Another fence which has changed this year is the Colt Pond – now the Mirage Pond – which is being filled in with water again so that riders have to jump out of the water and take the two hedges on an angle. We need to test the riders as much if not more than the horse, to see if they can react to the unexpected.”

And as part of the Olympic Legacy programme the fence that was the Ancient Market Place at Greenwich Park has been placed at the Swindon Designer Outlet Sunken Lane.

The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials takes place Friday 3 – Monday 6 May, with the first inspection of horses taking place at the North Front of Badminton House on Thursday, May 2. Two days of dressage take place on Friday and Saturday, followed by Cross Country on Sunday and the final day of Show Jumping and Prizegiving on Monday, May 6.

The Grassroots Championship for amateur riders takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, 1 and 2 May.

For tickets and more information visit www.badminton-horse.co.uk