'Best horse in the world' does double at Badminton
Writtle-bred Lordships Graffalo becomes just the fifth horse ever to win twice
Superstar horse Lordships Graffalo, who was bred at ARU Writtle, has won the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials for the second time.
Ridden by Ros Canter, the horse affectionately known as Walter followed up his 2023 victory on the challenging course by sealing victory on the final day of the weekend’s competition in Gloucestershire.
Later, an emotional Canter called Lordships Graffalo “the best event horse in the world”. The 13-year-old Lordships Graffalo becomes only the fifth horse to have won twice at Badminton, and the weekend’s triumph follows up victory at the Burghley Horse Trials in September.
The bay gelding has also won a European title and an Olympic Gold medal during his glittering career.
ARU Writtle, on Lordship Road, is one of the UK’s leading centres for equine education and performance, housing around 70 horses on campus.
As well as offering courses at college, undergraduate and postgraduate level, ARU Writtle has a number of indoor and outdoor riding arenas, livery facilities for students’ horses, and an Equine Academy for talented riders.
“Lordships Graffalo is a remarkable horse and he will always enjoy a lot of support from us at ARU Writtle. Winning twice at Badminton is an incredible achievement and he and the superb Ros join an extremely elite club. Their record is simply incredible, Ros has produced him so beautifully.
“We continue to follow Lordships Graffalo’s career with great pride following the small part ARU Writtle has played in his life. Credit must go to Pennie Wallace, our co-breeder and to Caroline Moore, who was Ros’ trainer who sadly died earlier this spring.”