Introducing Isabel Spearman…

As Badminton is fast approaching, we wanted to share some of the behind the scenes of the event, our sponsorship, our exclusive jewellery collection as the Official Jeweller of Badminton Horse Trials, and lots more with you.

To start this series of blogs, we thought we’d introduce you to Isabel Spearman, who’s very kindly agreed to be one of our team of judges for the best dressed. We sponsor and judge the best dressed rider at the first horse inspection of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and this year’s is set to be really exciting.

Isabel Spearman is a brand and image consultant working with clients in both the corporate and fashion world. Before launching Spearman Consulting, Isabel worked with Samantha Cameron as her Special Adviser covering two general elections and playing a key role in building her public profile. She is also an Ambassador for Smart Works, a charity helping women in need regain their confidence by providing work outfits and interview training. She also writes a weekly column on fashion for The Telegraph. 

To help you get to know Isabel a little bit better before Badminton, we asked her some quick fire questions…

What’s your best memory of Badminton? 

The first time I visited Badminton is still my best memory. Growing up in Scotland with very un-horsey parents didn’t give me much access to attending any 3 day events so the first time you enter Badminton on cross country day and hear the sounds, watch the horses and soak up the atmosphere is pretty memorable. 

How has trot up fashion changed over the years? 

It has changed in that for riders it is a new platform to engage with sponsors and also for many brands it is a new avenue to engage in the sport. 

How do you feel about the trot up being more stylish?

As riders, there isn’t much opportunity to enjoy fashion so while it might be a headache for some, I think a lot of them relish the chance to dress up. 

What do you think about judging the style at the trot up? What are you excited about? 

It’s the closest I am going to get to being involved in Badminton, even if it’s in the smallest way, so I am really excited. I can’t wait to feel the buzz and excitement at the beginning of the competition in a venue that is steeped in so much history. 

What’s been your favourite trot up outfit you can remember? 

I loved Harry Meade in his brightly coloured cords, a great example of having fun with the idea and also, cleverly, using the opportunity to bring on a clothing sponsor. 

Whose style are you drawn to? 

This is such a cliche, but anyone in uniform. It is just so elegant and smart. 

The ‘theme’ this year is timeless classics, so is there anything you’d like to see or any tips you might give for riders?

I would like to ban white jeans! Tailoring is a really easy way of presenting a classic look so look for well cut jackets and coats. I would love to see a lady rider in a really chic trouser suit. 

Don’t forget to follow the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials first horse inspection over at Badminton’s social media on Wednesday 1^st May from 4.30pm. Find out more about how to follow Badminton from home on badminton’s webste. https://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/

A big thank you to Horse & Hound for giving us permission to use the photo of Isabel! You can find Horse and Hound here: https://www.horseandhound.co.uk