Lara de Liedekerke-Meier Eyes Podium Finish at Mars Badminton Horse Trials After Stunning Start

The pressure of a five-star event can break even the most seasoned partnerships, but Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville are currently defying the odds. Coming off a career-defining performance in the opening phase, de Liedekerke-Meier has positioned herself as a primary contender for a top-tier finish at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials.

The Belgian rider entered the competition with a point to prove, delivering a masterclass in the dressage arena that left the field reeling. Pairing precision with poise, de Liedekerke-Meier and the 13-year-old mare, Hooney d’Arville, clocked a five-star personal best of 28.6. The score catapulted the duo into third place, providing a vital cushion heading into the grueling cross-country phase.

For those unfamiliar with the format, eventing is the equestrian equivalent of a triathlon. It begins with dressage (the “ballet” of horse riding), moves to cross-country (a high-speed test of endurance and bravery over solid obstacles) and concludes with show jumping. A personal best at the dressage stage is a rare feat at Badminton, often acting as the springboard for a podium finish.

Overcoming the Odds: The Road to the Arena

The road to this year’s trials was far from smooth. De Liedekerke-Meier’s preparation was nearly derailed by a fall that left the team fearing a fracture. For ten days, Hooney d’Arville remained confined to her stable, leaving the rider uncertain if they would even make the trip to the UK.

Even after arriving, the challenge continued. The mare arrived “fresh and unsettled,” necessitating a rigorous calming regimen. De Liedekerke-Meier and her groom spent hours utilizing in-hand grazing to keep the horse focused and relaxed. The strategy paid off; the mare’s mental state shifted from unsettled to clinical by the time she entered the dressage box.

“If you do a personal best at Badminton, that’s the right place to do it,” de Liedekerke-Meier noted following her ride. She credited her groom’s dedication and the horse’s innate ability to recognize the magnitude of the event, stating, “She knows she’s at Badminton.”

A Belgian Trailblazer in the CCI5*-L

This performance is not an isolated flash of brilliance. De Liedekerke-Meier has already etched her name into the history books as the first Belgian rider to win a CCI5*-L event, a feat she achieved at Luhmuhlen in 2024. That victory signaled her arrival as a world-class force in the sport, proving she could handle the immense physical and mental demands of the highest level of eventing.

Her history at Badminton shows a steady upward trajectory. Having first competed here in 2014, she has navigated the learning curve of one of the world’s most intimidating courses. Last year, she finished 14th, but the 2026 campaign suggests a partnership that has finally hit its peak synchronization.

The Cross-Country Hurdle and Final Standings

While dressage provides the foundation, the cross-country phase is where Badminton titles are truly won or lost. The course is renowned for its cumulative pressure—a relentless series of fences that test a horse’s stamina and a rider’s decision-making under extreme fatigue. De Liedekerke-Meier has approached the course not as a series of individual obstacles, but as a “flow,” focusing on maintaining rhythm to avoid the costly mistakes that often plague leaders.

Following the cross-country phase, de Liedekerke-Meier remains firmly in the hunt for a top ranking. Maintaining a high position after the most volatile stage of the competition is a testament to Hooney d’Arville’s athleticism and the rider’s tactical discipline.

The stakes now shift to the final phase: show jumping. In this closing act, the goal is simple but stressful—clear the fences without knocking a single rail. With the leaderboard tightly packed, a single mistake could drop a rider several places, while a clean round could secure a historic result for Belgian equestrianism.

Key Performance Indicators

• Dressage Score: 28.6 (Personal Best)
• Initial Ranking: 3rd Place
• Horse: Hooney d’Arville (13-year-old mare)
• Career Milestone: First Belgian CCI5*-L winner (Luhmuhlen 2024)
• Badminton Debut: 2014

As the competition moves toward its conclusion, all eyes are on the Belgian duo. Whether they secure the win or a podium spot, de Liedekerke-Meier has already succeeded in transforming a potential disaster—a pre-event injury and an unsettled horse—into a masterclass in resilience.

The final show jumping results will be confirmed following the conclusion of the event. Stay tuned for the official final standings as the world’s best riders battle for the title.

Do you think de Liedekerke-Meier can hold her position through the final jumping phase? Let us know in the comments below.