"Well, I've still not seen the video of Badminton yet to see why we made a mistake. I have had some reports back that I was too far right and others say he looked like he went between the flags as he thought correct. I genuinely thought it was all okay, correct stride, angle, etc. However, we took off and then veered dramatically left and banked the corner/hedge and went the wrong side of the flag, so 20 penalties were issued and I called it a day as he was entered at Chatsworth anyway and hopefully will then go to Luhmuhlen 4*. I can't understand why he would make such a mistake other than completely misreading it as many others did too. The course caused carnage, experienced scalps mainly which is very unusual. I'm not sure yet if I like the new flagging system and short back rails on corners but time will tell if it will stay or not.

Certainly sorted the men from the boys and some made it look positively easy. Such a shame we made a mistake as Jasper is usually there with Spring Along and Lenamore as one of the best cross country horses but this time it was not to be. We started really well, very slickly, Sophie and John Bowen did a great job, I now hear that all the cameras were on us expecting a repeat performance of last year, they should be so lucky! I can't be disappointed though with our week as he did a great test, one small mistake, changed on the serpentine but quickly we corrected it and still executed a very good change. I felt one of the judges was rather harsh but a 48 was very respectable especially for the first day, (sorry to be controversial but the marks DO get better on the second day). He walked and reined backed beautifully, I think we're cracking it.... I was also relieved that the XC of the grass routes didn't make too much difference to him. Having just one of the days affected by XC seemed so unfair, only some of us too as it didn't start until later. I took Jasper up to the main arena with a heavy duty fly mask on which helped keep him calm. I didn't get to see any of the grassroots but I'm sure they had an amazing time. There was much controversy surrounding it saying we didn't want them there etc but this wasn't the case. However, remember this is the pinnacle of our horses career and also £60,000 and WEG selection at stake so when we have galloping horses go past/near us before our tests we're not that keen!

The week couldn't have been better though, apart from the weather, how the ground was so amazing still was unbelievable. We had torrential rain all night on Saturday - I couldn't believe it would still be on let alone perfect going. I must admit I thought I may end up withdrawing! I wish all the events could have ground as good... I guess it shows how much they've done since 2007. The week at Badminton is always enjoyable whether we do well or not, obviously it's hard to put into words how fantastic it is when a good result is achieved but the excitement and buzz of Badminton is brilliant. We are also lucky to have fantastic hospitality too, courtesy of the ERA dinner and the other various restaurants. Food is very dear to my heart so this is a big factor for me!

I also visit my sponsors' stands, this year there weren't so many there but Ariat was and I signed numerous photos for people! Is nice to give something back and meet the people who come to watch us. I left early Monday to get back before the traffic built up so I didn't see Paul Tapner win, congratulations, he seems to be having a great year. I was also delighted for Daisy coming third. I love that horse, hope they are selected for WEG.

I left Badminton happy though, a good, relaxed test and a great start, all the other bits are generally solid so here we come Luhmuhlen...."

STOP PRESS! You can watch our Badminton extravaganza on H&C TV Sky 280 from noon until 9pm on Saturday 8 May.