‘Badminton is almost mythical. So to actually be here is tingly, goose-bumpy and a great feeling’: the debutante relishing the moment, and why she has a Piglet mascot

Samantha Lissington soaks up the “magical” atmosphere at Badminton.

Samantha Lissington broke the sub-30 barrier with her first appearance in the iconic arena for the Mars Badminton Horse Trials dressage phase.

The 33-year-old New Zealand rider, who is based in Hungerford, lined up at two CCI5*s last year with Lord Seekonig, but this is her first British five-star.

She spoke of the “magical” experience of competing at Badminton.

“It’s a funny feeling coming here,” she says.