Extra horsepower for Mary King

Mitsubishi Brand Ambassador and Olympic equestrian Mary King MBE will have plenty of horsepower at her disposal when she lends her support to the 25th Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in May.

The four-times British Champion, who won the premier three-day event in 1992 and 2000, has just taken delivery of her latest Mitsubishi – a powerful, long-wheelbase Shogun.

Mary collected the formidable four-wheel-drive model from Livery Dole Mitsubishi in Trusham Road, Marsh Barton, and will use the Shogun to travel all around the country to attend events.

It is arriving at the forthcoming Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials that Mary is most looking forward to though, especially as the Mitsubishi brand she represents celebrates its 25th anniversary of being the headline sponsor of the world-famous event.

Mary said: ‘Badminton has always been the cream of the crop for me, ever since I first experienced it when I was 11 years old with Axe Vale Pony Club. After that visit, when anyone asked me what I wanted to do, I said I wanted to ride at Badminton!

‘Achieving my goal was a great experience, but it was winning Badminton in 1992 on King William that is not only my fondest moment of my time there, but also what I’m most proud of in my career. I’ll always have a connection with Badminton and I’ve still got the edge – if there’s one event I’d like to win again, it’s Badminton.’

Mary added: ‘With its history and huge spectator attendance, there’s something very special about Badminton – whether you’re competing or watching. If you’re spectating, then be prepared to walk a few miles to catch all the action, while if you’re riding, the best advice I can give is what I received from Captain Mark Phillips on my Badminton debut in 1985 – really ride forward and be positive in every fence.’

Her latest Shogun is the second that the six-time Olympian has run and she’s also racked up many miles behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Outlander. Mary’s no stranger to the off-road abilities of the Shogun either, having completed the demanding Mitsubishi Off-Road Driving Experience at a previous Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

On the ability of the Shogun, Mary said: ‘It’s a really good, robust vehicle that is ideal for carrying all I need to care for the horses and it also tows exceptionally well, while at the same time it’s lovely to drive up the motorway.

‘I think the partnership between Mitsubishi and Badminton works so well because they’re perfectly suited, with Mitsubishi vehicles really appealing to equestrians and being the perfect all-round vehicles for their needs.’

Hayden Williams, Managing Director of Livery Dole, presented Mary with her Shogun. He said: ‘Mitsubishi is delighted to continue its partnership with Mary and she’s a fantastic ambassador for the brand. With its spacious interior, go-anywhere capability and being able to tow up to 3,500 kg, the Shogun is the perfect match for her outgoing lifestyle.’