Brooke attends Badminton with ambassador, Gemma Stevens
Gemma Stevens at this year's Badminton Horse Trials (Credit: Hannah Cole)
Brooke attended the much-anticipated Badminton Horse Trials last week (8-12 May), with competitors including the charity’s ambassador and British Olympic athlete, Gemma Stevens.
Brooke hosted a group of supporters by invitation from Savills at the five-day event in South Gloucestershire, to thank them for their dedication to improving the lives of working horses and donkeys around the world.
Stevens finished an impressive 14th place overall at Badminton, after a tough competition.
She is a huge advocate for animal welfare and became an official Brooke ambassador in 2021, bringing a wealth of equestrian insight to the charity.
Stevens said: “Badminton means so much to me, and even more so when featuring a charity so close to my heart.
“It’s a privilege to be an ambassador for Brooke and to be able to support their vital work in any way that I can.
“The welfare of equines is very important to me, and Brooke works tirelessly to help people look after their working animals and to ensure their horses, donkeys and mules are well cared for.”
Brooke’s President, Her Majesty The Queen, also attended, meeting guests and presenting trophies to winners in the arena, after hosting a Buckingham Palace reception to mark Brooke’s 90th anniversary last Thursday.
Embarking on her riding journey at just 18-months-old, Stevens has been part of the British World Class Programme since age 16, winning numerous international championships and awards over the last 20 years.
Other Brooke ambassadors in attendance included Richard Waygood MBE, Eventing Performance Manager for British Equestrian’s World Class Programme, and Jane Holderness-Roddam CVO CBE, a previous trustee and now ambassador for Brooke.
First held in 1949 by the 10th Duke of Beaufort, Badminton is a renowned international equestrian event, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.