Shop til you drop at:
Balmain & Balmain – charming furniture and household artefacts (stand 120)
Berkeley Studio Ltd – rummage through the baskets of bargain sporting prints (5)
Cordings – smart, timeless, classic clothes served with old-fashioned courtesy (200)
Cousins of Cheltenham – for Magic jeans, probably the best cut in the world (114)
Frimble of Ripton – beautifully cut, elegant coats for ladies (3)
In the Saddle – satisfy your wanderlust (67)
Nomad Ideas by Farquhar Trading – gorgeous, colourful Turkish imports of bags, slippers and kelims (257)
Patey Hats – for a better profile (263)
Wool Overs – reasonably priced, quality jumpers and cardies (131)
Beatrice von Tresckow Designs Ltd – silk clothing in mouthwatering, deep colours (208)
Also recommended: Festival of Food for presents and last-minute bottles to take your host and Rural Crafts Tent for a cornucopia of original presents
Riders to watch at Badminton 2011
Mark Todd – for a masterclass in cross-country riding. Don’t rule out a fourth Badminton victory for the 55-year-old; he’s last to go on the exciting prospect Land Vision
Pippa Funnell – another on the comeback trail. She also has three wins under her belt and has a realistic chance of a fourth on the magnificent chestnut jumper Redesigned
Caroline Powell – the first New Zealand woman to win a four-star (Burghley last year) would love to make it a double on the irrespressible 18-year-old grey, Lenamore
Kristina Cook – the reigning European champion, a hugely able horsewoman, has never finished in the first three at a four-star and has a point to prove on Miners Frolic
Nicola Wilson – a smiley addition to the British squad, Opposition Buzz is unlikely to do a good enough dressage to win, but they are an exhilarating partnership to watch across country
Oliver Townend – the 2009 winner likes to keep it simple and stick to one ride on a grey horse, this time the promising Ashdale Cruise Master
Andrew Nicholson – Townend’s great mate has more Badminton completions than anyone (29) and would be a popular winner. His best placing to date is second in 2004, and he has live chances on his world bronze medallist Nereo
Mary King – Another rider who knows her way around, no one works harder than Mary, and the 49-year-old deserves a third win, most likely on the handsome Imperial Cavalier
Jean Teulere – The stylish Frenchman only makes rare appearances in Britain, but don’t discount this former world champion on Matelot du Val
William Fox-Pitt – the reigning world number one and class horseman has every chance with Kentucky winner Cool Mountain
Dark horses:
Canadian riders Serena O’ Hanlon and Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch sprung a surprise when winning team silver at the World Equestrian Games last year – they make their debut; Australian Sam Griffiths should overlook a blip at the same event and could win on Happy Times; and young Brit Gemma Tattersall is sure to have a blazing cross-country round on the former Mary King mare Kings Gem
