BADMINTON: The Gaitpost’s Top 10 Shopping Destinations

Whilst many top names have had to sadly withdraw, (we shall miss reigning Badminton champion William Fox-Pitt astride the handsome stallion that is Chilli Morning, the stylish pair that is Ludwig Svennerstal and King Bob and the other half of Equiratings, the charming Sam Watson and Horseware Bushman), the bitter sweet reality of the sport is that their demise allows for other riders to have their moment on the hallowed turf. 

To the delight of the international equestrian community, both Ben Hobday and Sallie Ryle’s V8 Supercob, Mulry’s Error and Alice Dunsdon and Fernhill Present will be competing.  

No.1 Noble Outfitters

Innovative, stylish and affordable puts Noble Outfitters as our No. 1 go-to shopping destination for 2016.  With the ever-changing weather so unpredictable at the moment, there is something for every eventuality thanks to their technical layering system plus gorgeous accessories and time-saving tools.  

Seek out Noble Outfitters in the Country Collection Pavilion, Stand No. 206, Hinnegar Way

No. 2 Honri Hats

Paul Baynham-Honri and hat maker Steve have over 50 years experience in the making, fitting and selling of bespoke hats. They use traditional methods and each hat is individually shaped and fitted. Definitely worth a visit to see their gorgeous collection of silk top hats whether for dressage or Royal Ascot.

Discover Honri Hats at Stand No. 159, Swangrove Street.

No. 3 Horse Health

If you’ve never visited Horse Health at a show before, prepare yourself! The LeMieux brand continues to evolve and their are some exciting new additions to the range, including Mesh Air 3D Saddle Pads.

This Mesh Air pad has a Bamboo lining, which is exceptionally soft and features natural wicking, deodorising & anti-microbial properties for performance in all weather conditions.

Horse Health can be found at Stand 88, Somerset Way by the West Area Stand.

No. 4 Haygain

Haygain® is a range of scientifically proven hay steamers that eliminates respirable dust in hay and haylage by killing mould spores and bacteria to produce hygienically clean forage and thus aid in the prevention and management of respiratory conditions. 

Visit Haygain for a demonstration to hear more about how steaming hay and haylage ensures that the essential nutrients are retained within the hay, unlike soaking.

Set your neigh-dar to Haygain on Stand 224 on Withybed Way

No. 5 Peachy Belts

Regularly on show at the MMBHT trot-up, the exciting news from Peachy Belts’ HQ is the launch of the new 30mm belt width, which not only looks fabulous on your jeans but it fits the belt loops on most breeches too.

Dressage divas will love the detachable diamanté buckles featuring Swarovski crystals.

Follow the sparkle to Peachy Belts in the Country Living Marquee

No. 6 Really Wild Clothing

Really Wild’s Country Collection is both practical and stylish for those who love country pursuits. 

Really Wild offers clothing for both a working wardrobe and a country lifestyle. 

The range includes bespoke luxury Scottish tweeds, the finest leather garments, including handcrafted Spanish boots alongside Liberty print silk shirts, chic knitwear and elegant accessories. 

Track your path to Really Wild Clothing on Stand No. 192 on Deer Park Drive

www.reallywildclothing.co.uk

No. 7 Charley Chau

Charley Chau makes beautiful bedding for dogs that looks gorgeous in your home. An award-winning British business, Charley Chau dog beds and blankets are designed to be super-cosy, stylish and practical, and made to perform over time.

With beds as cosy as their signature Charley Chau Snuggle Bed (designed for dogs that love to snuggle under blankets) there’s a Charley Chau for even the most discerning of dogs!

Sniff out Charley Chau at Stand 212 on Severn Mile Street

8. Start Smart

Well worth a visit for their wonderful collection of traditional children’s clothes for a Prince George and Princess Charlotte style-steal.  Favourites include smocked dresses from Annafie, illusive ‘proper’ boys shirts from Ruth Lednik and Alan Paine fleece gilets. Start Smart also have their own collection including traditional children’s shooting coats and velvet collared classic girls coats. It’s never too early for Christmas shopping!

Discover them at Stand No. 199 on Avenue Deer Park Drive

9. Hawkins Organic at Wadswick Country Store

The weather may have been pretty dicey lately but rumour has it temperatures will start to rise soon. Treat your horse to “Buck Off”, the 100% natural organic fly repellent from Hawkins Organic.  Now available in a clever gel formulation that is great for use with a cloth around the areas that are difficult to spray, such as around the eyes, ears and nose. Containing natural herbs and organic lemongrass extract, your horse can spend the summer days grazing and not get annoyed by flies, midges and other flying insects. We also love Lemon Aid, the after exercise Anti Fly Wash.

Seek out Wadswick Country Store on Stand No. 187, Deer Park Drive

10. Collier & Dobson

One of our favourite galleries, Collier & Dobson house a stunning collection of sculpture, original works of art & limited edition prints from leading artists including Debbie Boon, George Bingham and Hamish Mackie. Mackie received critical acclaim last year for his six bronze horses galloping through an extraordinary new public square at Goodman’s Fields in Aldgate.

Stand No. 73, Avenue Deer Park Drive