'It's obvious why riders love Kentucky'

Pippa Roome reflects on the US five-star and her favourites for Badminton

- Pippa Roome

KENTUCKY is one of those places where they say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” Event week this year lived up to that, with everything from biting wind to monsoon-like rain and blazing sun.

Ask any foreign rider why they come to Kentucky and they say they just love it there; it's easy to see why. The permanent facilities at the Kentucky Horse Park are excellent, the main stadium is impressive and Derek di Grazia’s cross-country course always gets a result without punishing horses.

The Americans also can’t do enough for their visitors. You know as soon as they hear a British accent, they'll ask where you're from and give you a warm welcome. At the Wednesday night party for riders, connections and officials – held at the immaculate sales complex at Fasig-Tipton - they lay on a lavish buffet and free bar.