BADMINTON (Part 1) - Having major regrets!!

BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS VLOGS ARE HERE!!!! Wow, what a journey it's been, guys. If you've been following along, you'll have seen an awful lot of work has gone into getting myself and Jam here. As per request, I have kept these videos super long for you, which has meant we needed to split them into 2 parts.
In part 1, we show the arrival, getting Jammy settled, and going off to walk the course for the first time. It's safe to say I had huge regrets about entering the 100 class that first time I walked it. You then get loads of behind-the-scenes action, with Han and I trying to put the tent up being a personal highlight, before ending with the dressage. I hope you enjoy coming along for this first part; it's certainly the more relaxing one... See you for part two where we have the show jumping and cross country action!

[@amber_matthews]

the "I better not look" when realising how wide the jumps will actually be is so real

[@MaiseandThePonies]

Omg Amber just realised you commented. Love ur channel ❤

[@popcorns_world_]

Omg amber

[@Lauren_eq]

I love your channel so much amber!!!!

[@TheMedievalEquestrainArcher]

omg ambers here

[@SPierre-dm4wo]

Also keep meaning to say that I love the new dressage score display! I learn a lot watching the judges' marks and comments in real time :)

[@sasha56777]

I am CRYING at Rich letting you fall so spectacularly to the ground😂😂the lady watching in the background looked concerned for your wellbeing hahaha Well done on a superb sub 30 test, Meg and Jam Bam. There is nothing I love more than these extra long Badders vlogs - cannot wait to see Part 2👏

[@algeebo]

“How can you sore like an eagle when you’re surrounded by turkeys” RICH 😭😭 he’s fab. I think this is my fav badders vlog to date! Just the vibes. 🌟🌟🌟 I adore Emily’s “just get on with it” attitude too 😂😂😂 Looking forward to the next 😄🩷

[@Equestrian81]

4 x rewinds on Rich missing catching Meg 😂 Love Rich. Love the team togetherness. Meg and Jam - you absolutely smashed it 💯 👏🏻

[@elphick.event.ponies]

He had zero intention of ever catching me 😂

[@annjohnson8437]

Rich was a wonderful surprise!

[@lulawilliams2980]

I love hearing Em's commentary on the course walk - as someone who's never jumped XC, it's so interesting to hear all the reasoning and thinking behind it.

[@margauxnodvin7478]

Agreed! I’ve taken some of my braver jumpers around the XC jumps I had built for kicks when I opened my hunter/jumper barn here in the US. I just had some basic things built at different height options. I think I topped off at 100cm, bc they ARE just for fun. It’s nothing like a full course, but I do have some lovely hills to work with. I managed by happy accident to have one related distance -two small steps on three strides. Everything else is pretty much make up your own course! 😂 I have learned that I MUCH prefer jumping uphill to jumping downhill. Even the 80cm log pile is scary cantering downhill (to me). I jumped a 100cm hogsback on a steep downhill on my bravest horse, and I thought I was going to wet myself! 😂 That was some of the MOST fun I’ve ever had riding, though. My bravest jumper and I galloping around solid fences and scary (to every other horses) ditches in the crisp autumn air. What a great memory of times with my beloved big chestnut boy, Sandor. Obviously he was an incredible show jumper, but I find it a treat to cross over and have a play in another discipline. Especially with such a brave and honest horse. The one I have now literally spooks when he sees a patch of grass in the field which is differently colored than the rest. I’ve managed to get him UP the small steps, but I think that’s about as much as I’m going to get from him. I’m currently refurbishing and adding new XC jumps for our braver jumper riders. And hopefully myself. It’s been awhile since I’ve jumped around anything solid. Thinking back to galloping around all those jumps, not knowing enough about XC to even wear body protectors, much less air vests over them (at age 47, I don’t even ride on the flat without my air vest since I broke a bunch of ribs last year), I’m grateful that we were all so lucky, and no one ever had a fall or a stop! I’d really love to try a real course one day. A very, very small one. Maybe 70 cm! 😅

[@falconk9]

I live for the Rich commentary segments lol

[@egeegee7146]

Em is such a bonus to add a really forward positive approach which reduces some of the absolute complexity and negativity Meg is often want to do. Sometimes you are at your buckle with your legs on still guiding sitting just behind the motion and can put in the most amazing jump with what ever comes. It is a skillset to be learned. That course is full up and will be exhilarating to ride. Awesome.

[@caitlin3925]

I love when you leave in the extra bits and banter. Laughed so hard at your calling Em and Tina “the corns”. Rich is just the greatest, he always steals the show 🤣

[@absolutgemini24]

Omg the jump attempt in Rich's unsuspecting arms! Oh that was classic. RICH- "well how do we get you up from here"

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

Watching that bit with you and Han trying to put the tent up had me rolling! Wish you'd been able to show more of that. 🤣

[@agentk62]

Congratulations Meg! 🎉🎉 Watching you get your confidence back from your fall has gotten me back in the jump saddle after having my own bad fall in 2022 that resulted in permanent nerve damage (complex regional pain syndrome), but seeing you being realistic about how hard it is to get confidence back even after just an accident has changed my own riding. ❤

[@annjohnson8437]

I knew it would be a terrific video when I saw the dream team ... Meg, Hobbit, Han, and Jam Bam!!! Well done! I am excited for part 2! ❤

[@SPierre-dm4wo]

Loving the shot of Hobbit going There And Back Again just as you're explaining the magic potion that turns Jamelia the Grey into Jamelia the White! Very on-brand for the Elphicks, lol 😄

[@RobinT346]

Love Em's coursework. I don't even do XC and it makes me feel brave!

[@didisouth7486]

I laughed so much at you and Han in the tent 😂 took me right back to camping with friends unable to stop talking!

[@margauxnodvin7478]

Same!!! I loved that bit, with the shadow animals and giggling. Definitely brings back fun memories!

[@janeminwell4395]

Jams face in the SLO-mo was adorable, trying so hard! Beautifully ridden Meg, and big thanks for including so much content. 👏🏻

[@spickandspanhomeorganising2836]

Meg you’re amazing!!!! Rich had me cracking up ‘how can you soar like an eagle when you’re surrounded by Turkeys?’ 😂

[@bredoesports]

I love how your trainer really simplifies what you should be doing up to a fence. I feel like simplifying the game would make you less nervous about doing it!

[@palominojoy1899]

It was super seeing the whole team supporting Meg and jambam. Rich cracked me up and loved his and hobbits dressage commentary. Was a really enjoyable dressage . Loved this video so so much💗💗

[@Jennifer-]

Meg - you and Jam looked so connected and happy! You could tell you both were in the zone and in your element!! Congrats on the sub 30 dressage score. Absolutely well done 🎉🎉

[@RSeq]

Loved the walk with Emily. Really interesting to hear her thoughts, and also the warmup with Rich! The turkey comment was hilarious, and him dropping you nearly killed me off. You’ve got such a great team behind you!

[@DK-pl8xd]

I ready for part two! I’ve been watching every one else’s Badminton 2024 videos, but yours is the one I mostly want to see!!!!

[@Shima_2510]

So pleased for you Meg. Everyone needs an Emily! Love how she talked and guided you around the fences. Such a great team you have! x

[@margauxnodvin7478]

Just finished this one, and loved it! (I know, I’m late). You and Jam look SO beautiful doing dressage. I have a grey as well, and I applaud you for getting Jam so brilliantly white! I’ve had several greys, and I feel they go out of their way to roll in the ONE spot of red clay in their grassy paddocks. I remember having one bathed to a shining white, and putting on his stretchy hood, his full coverage stable blanket (a “rug” in U.K. speak), and even wrapping his legs in pillow wraps and standing wraps over- and he STILL ended up getting stains from the red dirt footing underneath the shavings (which he dug up) and the one pile of manure in his stall. SO fun having to bath with cold water at a show in the middle of winter! Luckily, I only had to wash a few spots, and I have a great spray stain remover which I never compete without. Anyway, this was a fun vlog to watch! Lovely dressage test, even with the blip. As always, I enjoyed the banter between you and your friends/trainers. Rich “I promise this does NOTHING for me!” while adjusting your ear piece wire pre-dressage, then totally dropping you post-dressage had me rolling with laughter! I’m SO looking forward to part 2!!!! Which I’m going to start right now, even though I need to go to bed early. But priorities, right? 😅

[@cmccabe5587]

What an awesome pony! Love Jam Bam ❤ great to see your whole team together. Love the badders videos.

[@fleetskipper1810]

What a great vlog. What a great support crew. And Rich just cracks me up. He was so worried about your test, he was riding it with you every step of the way.

[@LivsRidingLife]

It was such a genuine pleasure to watch all your hard work payoff and land after completing this cross country course!! I felt your elation!! I can't wait for part 2💖

[@emmamonks1982]

Anyone else getting super impatient for the rest of the Badders vlog 😅. I’m literally checking KZbin 3 or 4 times a day to see if it’s been uploaded 😩. Lol.

[@carolreising3463]

Ditto!

[@margiesmith8912]

So many laughs! And RICH, OMG, I was dying...Congrats!!

[@sarahwhittingham6737]

‘How can you soar like an eagle when you’re surrounded by turkeys’ …..Rich you legend 😂😂 Awesome Vlog Meg well done x

[@annejarvis7002]

I must say, the 'purple shampoo concoction' and how close you got to it, Meg, I was worried that a couple of Smurfs would be heading off to Badminton 😂 I needn't have worried, Meg's chemistry talents prevailed🎉 You both looked amazing in the dressage. You rode with such confidence & Jam was so fluid in her movements, well done🥳. A joyous vlog - congratulations to all Team Elphick ❤

[@vezhopkins714]

loved the big grin on your face when you finished the dressage even when you had a tiny hiccup, but that's just some thing to work on for next year ;) and jam looked so shiny and sparkly ✨✨even though there was lots of mud so ace work meg and ace work groom team !!! 🐎🐎🐎

[@Egan_Equestrian]

HUGE congrats meg!! You and Jam SMASHED it out there on badders turf, definitely think its Jammys favorite event!!

[@law7897]

I love your Badminton vlogs. Well done Meg. I know I’m going to cry in part two (cos I always do). Thanks Meg xx

[@word20]

The work in the Dressage was brilliant and it was shown by the points that you have gotten.

[@Makemeupmissa]

I really really really enjoyed watching this! Such a great team and a great Jam! Just a joy to see. Cannot wait for part 2!

[@wbuck926]

Such a fun video! So beautifully ridden. Rich is wonderful!! So funny and sweet.

[@cali_girl779]

Fantastic to see you enjoying your time with so many friends and family. Happy Birthday Hobbit! 😂😂 oh meg your vlogs make me laugh! Morning sunrise and calming music, cuts to Meg’s toothbrush. I died. Rich had the best commentary, absolutely hilarious! The turkey/eagle comment, the handsy bit, the celebratory fail. You and Han are so cute together. The tent shenanigans are appreciated. Emily is also a favourite, she just says it how it is. Great Job Team Elphick!

[@1827Beethoven]

Well done Meg, fab dressage results! Can't wait to see the SJ and XC! 🥂

[@workingcanter7788]

Enjoyed this so much! Look forward to the Badders vlogs every year 🤩 love all the support you have from everyone!! Definitley smashes it 💯🫶🏼

[@andreamurison7225]

Fantastic vlog!!! Rich was hilarious, and I really, really loved his commentary during your test - it was great to hear him say exactly what you should do, and then watch you do it! Can't wait for the 2nd installment!

[@wylime]

OMG you unlocked a memory! Jillian McKeith said you are what you eat! I hadn't thought about that in years 😂😂😂

[@melissashanahan9747]

This is the most amazing dressage test! I was crying when I was watching. I love badminton vlogs!! xxxxxxxxxxx

[@mariad7967]

This is a great Vlog! I really enjoyed seeing "behind the scenes" and love hearing your dressage trainer coach you. Thank you also for posting the dressage test and comments - super informative!!

[@april5666]

Rich makes Badminton for me. I love his giggling-such a lovely good friend and teacher. :). Notwithstanding that drop/catch. Congrats at sub 30 ;)😊

[@Lucywilson_shadoweventing]

You and Han are just to funny love you Meg you need to believe in your self you are an amazing rider! ❤

[@Talkingg]

More than anything Meg, it looked like you were just having fun! The smile on your face was worth every low you've had, what a great test and I'm so excited for the next part!!

[@debbieredmon5063]

So exciting! Love your positive attitude! You were ready to rock and roll!

[@law7897]

I love how you talk about what you ate the years before and I remember with Bear you only ate prunes, but you worry about the chilli xx

[@topgunsmaverick]

Meg talking under her breath when Emily isn’t paying attention is absolutely hilarious. Meg you and Jam have done so well, your super brave mate a massive well done to both of you👏🏼🩷

[@helenleprince8070]

1:34:36 the lady behind jaw dropped when meg fell and I watched that like 10 times wheezing😂😂

[@ChloeJoness21]

Well done Meg!! You and jammy have done amazing so far! Cannot wait for part 2! ❤❤

[@valeriefergusson269]

My third time watching ! Jam’s grooming is superb she looks wonderful and Rich is great at explaining everything well done xx

[@bill-eb3vi]

congrats meg!!!! i’m so excited to watch this!!! thank you for making this video so long i genuinely love it and will watch every second ❤ could watch 6 hours of it and wouldn’t complain

[@Hellosavvyy]

I was literally rotting away waiting for this postttttttt

[@soof9727]

Megan being a Swiftie makes her even more likeable than she already was!❤❤😂

[@vikkineish5790]

Meg a brilliant vlog, full of serious stuff and hilarious moments. You muttering under breath on your course walk had me giggling. Your epic pony is testament to all your hard work and commitment. Can’t wait for part 2.

[@sarahcooper3378]

Love Coronation Chicken....😅 what a great start to the event. Really like being on the course walk and hearing the advice etc. Jam really does know where she is and struts her stuff accordingly. And then of course there is Rich!....love his one liners. He is the favorite Uncle on the side lines being nervous but very proud. Looking forward to part 2 and that last fence XC. ❤

[@helen-akaprincesspeachesme6578]

Congratulations 🎉 I love the new way that you do the dressage scores and comments, it’s so so helpful. Also you need to get some plastic shoe covers for your boots!! I use them to keep my boots clean until I get on!!

[@trebrehrm]

Really enjoy watching your videos, it’s like a bit of escapism for me and I also learn a lot from watching. You seem very happy and like you’re having lots of fun, something to aspire to. Great camera work too.

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

I’ve been checking daily (hourly) for this vid to drop! Awesome start - can’t wait for part 2! Love all the support from fam, friends, and fab trainers. What a crew! ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@lils.eq.135]

Loving the uncut bits i cant stop laughing!!! very well done meg. xx

[@yvette-mx6pw]

Absolutely brilliant Meg and JamJam 🎉😁Fantastic video we need part 2 and part 3 pleeeease 🙈🤣🥰

[@LauraGunn99]

When I say I ran to KZbin to see this!!! So proud of you Meg, such an inspiration to see your come back and how honest you are! Massive congrats 🦄🩷

[@april5666]

Also, kudos on video production-wow, smooth ad innovative-love the moving title graphic image-really nice job!

[@cathyd3012]

Super fun to watch. Lovely test & perfect song with Jam & you in slo-mo. You both look in happy harmony with each other..so inspiring. I love your gorgeous Connemaras.

[@suzannechance5876]

I thought this was a whole Lotta fun! Meg.....you looked and rode great. Congrats on a fine video!

[@christinemartindale8715]

That was a super dressage test Meg you and jam look gorgeous well done can’t wait to see round 2 of badders. As always you lot cracked me up 🤣🤣tfs🤗🏇🤗

[@jayreed7015]

You and Han are a crack up. 😂 You two should not be left unsupervised. 😂😂😂 Well done by the way. I knew you could do it. 👏👏

[@zaktheadventuredog4024]

Well Done Meg and Jammy!!!! You have an amazing team behide you, Rich is great couch, even though he cant catch you! Congradulations on your dressage score!!! I hope you proud Meg! Great Vlog. Cant wait to see more!!!! xxxxx

[@fantellerhur]

love the super long videos 💗💗 feels like getting the full experience right along with u

[@ponyparty28]

I know you are probably listening to Em like "She's got balls of steel" but actually she's bang on the money in all of her comments and worth her weight in gold! If you can at all channel her words in your head as you are going around the course, you're in for the win! absolute gem of an addition to the team (she and Simon both) 💖

[@Theagingequestrian5335]

Great job!! Fun to see and hear Rich’s commentary…he’s such a nervous parent! 😊

[@PikaPiiChii]

I absolutely peed myself laughing after Rich dropped you. Also, the sunglasses to the eye was a nice end to pt.1 Congratulations Meg!

[@equestrian_lolly]

I'm sooooo exited meg I've been for watching your highs and lows for 4 years now and I'm so glad you've got your confidence back I hope you enjoy yourself at badminton❤❤❤

[@tanialudowyk5089]

When you were trying to get across the mud to your horse before dressage ,just a tip for next time, if you have plastic bags put them on your feet go across mud then take them off lol 😊

[@donnasteinberg1398]

Such fun!!! Living the good life!! Good for you on your test! Jam is precious too and gorgeous! Good luck on the next round💕

[@shurburt4663]

i would say this is my new favorite meg vlog but let’s be real this is just another favorite added to the collection 😂

[@ThorbjrnPrytz]

I mean You broke the cardinal rule from 'the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy'! Always bring a towel!!!

[@Morganpies]

Rich makes me howl, he’s so funny I adore him and I’ve never even met him ha! Im so emotional for you watching this and I’ve not made it to the end yet!

[@jjrides]

What an awesome, whale of a time! We love all the bits you edit out usually Meg and it being Badminton, absolutely, leave everything! One thing that makes your vlogs so special, is we always feel like we are right there with you, so thankyou! And congrats!!

[@Star.s_Editz]

Meg, I want you to know, you're my idol, I look up to you and think of you while riding, I want to be like you some day and you inspire me, seeing you get a 29.5 in dressage at Badders is unimaginably inspiring, I'm very proud of you and Jam and I hope you keep in a good mood and go double clear inside the time when jumping, I wish to see Whinnie and Wilma competing there soon, seeing you be proud of your riding made me feel great about mine xx

[@Avery_JH]

this was amazing! can't wait for part 2!

[@jessicahigdon3962]

Great video Meg. Knew you could do it. Can't wait for part 2. Great shots Pete. What a team. Super support you have Meg.

[@ChloePrice92]

Sorry but 1:44:09 had me in tears - the MLG crosshair was perfect lmao

[@izzybarlow9973]

Congrats Meg! you and Jam did amazing! i really enjoyed meeting you on saturday.

[@evelynjellema9827]

Well done! I loved finding out you had a sub 30! Such a great vlog, the team work and friendship is so lovely. Well ridden also!

[@vogelvrouw]

the bits of you and han in the tent laughing at nothing was great, its such a recognisable vibe

[@janetrodgers7051]

Eeeeeeeek can't wait to see this. PJS on Chinese takeaway and i am ready xxx

[@MissJools11]

Jam Bam chose the right time to produce a sub 30 Dressage test, looking forward to watching part 2 and seeing you and Jam tackling the BE100 X-Country Course.

[@lemmebeawinnerequestrian7555]

I stayed up after my bedtime for this!!! ❤❤❤ Well done Meg and Jammie! Ugh, that stumbled to trot!!! 😢 beautiful test. 😍

[@littleredhen2143]

Loved every minute of this video. You and Jam have worked so hard and it's paying off. You've got a great team with you and love the way you and Rich (whose a legend!) Interact. Looking forward to part 2❤

[@alicegplays98]

Had your video of Bear at Badders 4 years ago come up just before this. This was like having deja vu but on a little grey, your dressage test was the exact same! You absolutely smashed it though Meg, you should be so proud

[@vogelvrouw]

Im so freaking proud of you!! The progress you made after that terrible fall is amazing! Its very inspiring, ive never had a fall like that (knock on wood) but i do have anxiety and the impact that the fall had on your mental health really felt like my anxiety so its super inspiring to see you work with it and qork through it

[@livarr9427]

Awww love how Emily did the course walk with you , you have such an amazing team behind you xxxx

[@shaydlane8366]

Amazing! Great vlog, great team! ❤❤

[@AiSayuki]

Well ridden Meg and Jam! ❤ Amazing team you got there with you. Well done everyone. It is a joy to watch your groupdynamics and see the results (nice moving, white beautiful Jam!). Can't wait for part 2 😊

[@trippinggauntlet4520]

I hadn't seen a really thorough and well explained course walk before, Emma was amazing, she communicated the challenges and solutions so clearly with such a positive manner. Please pass on my respect and best wishes to her. Congratulations again to the whole team for a very successful badders '24.

[@sachadevelle]

What a great video, loved the walking of the course, the dialogue from your team and that dressage test!