The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious and renowned equestrian events in the world. Set in the magnificent grounds of the Badminton House estate in Gloucestershire, England, this CCI5 level level competition is one of the highlights of the international eventing circuit. Every year, the Badminton Horse Trials attracts the best riders and horses from all over the world. Seaver caught up with eventer Libby Seed. Finishing 28th out of 83 starts at the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials, she reflects on her experience.

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Who is Libby Seed?

Seaver partner rider Libby Seed is a talented English eventer. She has been passionate about the sport from an early age. She has established herself as a true competitor in this demanding discipline, notably taking part in the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials show in 2022. Today, Libby is dedicated to the training and development of her young horses. She carefully prepares them for future competitions.

To follow her daily life, visit her Instagram account!

The insides of Libby's preparations for Badminton 2022.

Taking part in the Badminton Horse Trials was of particular importance to Libby and her family, who put a lot of effort into it. Preparing for this event takes a lot of time, and is very intense both physically and mentally. When it comes to preparing the horses, Libby has adopted the same approach as for the previous events she has taken part in, focusing on the physical condition of both her horses and herself. Libby confided to us that she "(...)concentrated on dressage, which was the most difficult part of the competition" for her and her horse.

Arrival in Badminton, a crucial and emotional first day.

During her first steps at Badminton last year, Libby was overwhelmed by this sense of unreality. She describes the key stages in her arrival at the competition.

"Just get out there and enjoy the experience with your horse."

The first step was the veterinary visit. Then it was time to collect the rider's pack and install the horses in the stables. The atmosphere, the prestigious facilities and the setting of the competition made an immediate impression on her. Although the competition had not yet begun, she realized that she was going to be part of it. Particularly enthusiastic and eager to get started, she remembers her first training session on site and her walk around the stables. She tried to make the most of it and soak up the atmosphere. This experience was the dream of a lifetime, and she was going to savor every moment of it.

The most dreaded event: the cross-country course.

For the young rider, as for many of the competition's participants, it was the cross-country test that gave her the most nervousness. " With dressage, it's all about preparation beforehand," says Libby. You just have to apply what you've worked on and rehearsed in training, so it's the least stressful part. The cross-country event, on the other hand, generates a lot of adrenalin, especially a few hours before the event. In order to prepare herself as well as possible for this event, Libby rode the course several times on her own, but also accompanied by her mother, who has accompanied her to competitions since she was very young, and her trainers.

As for the show jumping, all she wanted was a clear round. She wanted to finish the show, and she did! It was a real source of pride for Libby to finish her show jumping competition with no penalties, and to have gone all the way through this unique experience.

The final word: his advice for riders aspiring to take part in Badminton.

If Libby Seed were to draw a lesson from this experience, it would surely be this: "To take part in an event of this level is an immense privilege, especially after having worked hard day and night to reach this level". When the competition goes well, even without a final result, it's the best reward of all, and very rewarding," says Libby.

"It's a privilege to enjoy and savor every moment, because you never know if you'll have the opportunity to compete at this level again."

Libby Seed

So she stresses that it's essential to enjoy even stressful situations, and to fully absorb every experience.

The Seaver team is delighted to count among its ambassadors such a gifted rider as Libby Seed. We're happy to offer her protection and peace of mind when she rides. By using theSAFEFIT by Seaver airbag, Libby is assured of protection in the event of a fall. This is particularly important when working with young horses.