Badminton - Francis Whittington

[Anna*]

Does anyone know what happened to Francis Whittington and Spin Doctor?

[jonswager]

I think Spin Doctor ducked out and Francis fell off. Horse and rider completely fine though

[Cathy248]

I think it was at the Vicarage Vee(sp?), if I remember correctly. He ducked out at the last minute and went into the ditch and she came off into it. As far as I know they were both fine.

[pip]

It was a good thing because no-one rushed over to see if the rider was OK, they were just hanging around to see if he/she (?) emerged and they didn't, it seemed ages before anyone walked over and peered down into the water. There was plenty of time for them to be in trouble. The rider finsihed OK on their second ride.

[Louise C]

I thought that pip - very strange, but I guess they didn't want to spook the horse?

[Cathy248]

If someone interferes does that not elliminate them? So I would guess, as the horse didn't fall, they were waiting to see if she got up and continued her round...

[Badminton fan]

He did get the all clear and rode his other ride successfully in the cross country later on, the Vicarage Vee used to be the old sewage pit so he could have found a better place to fall off. The horse was fine, I was quite impressed as it just stood there and waited for him to come out. The stewards should have approached sooner it did take a long time, but they probably expected him to get up remount and carry on.

[pip]

You can have help to get back on after a fall, that is not "outside assistance."