Not standing on cracks and eating a banana before cross-country – we find out what some of this year’s competitors at Mitsubishi Motors Badminton are superstitious about and what their secret weapon is.

Hannah Sue Burnett (USA)
“I am very superstitious and have a couple of little habits that I stick to. I never walk the course on a Wednesday at three-days, and I absolutely have to eat a banana on cross-country morning. I had muscles cramps once while riding across country, so I now eat one banana before I ride.

“My coaches and my awesome grooms are my secret weapon – I couldn’t perform as well as I do without them.”

Nicky Roncoroni (GBR)
“I always wear the same colour underwear when I’m competing – pink – because it’s a really happy colour!

“My secret weapon is my mum who takes all my wrath and is always there to support me and help me.”

Tina Cook (GBR)
“Neck straps are my secret weapon and I always use one when I’m riding sharp or young horses. I’m very aware not to grab a horse in the mouth if I lose my balance and I feel quite naked if the horse I’m riding isn’t wearing one. I also love my Ariat Bromont boots because they are so warm and lovely to ride in the winter. I live in them in the winter.”

Andrew Hoy (AUS)
“My secret weapon is my partner Stefanie Strobl. She keeps me going and holds everything together.”

Lydia Hannon (GBR)
“Being organized is my secret weapon. Everything has got to be easy and relaxed so that I can get myself in the zone mentally.”

Sarah Parkes (GBR)
“I’m superstitious about using or wearing new things for the first time at competitions. I only like to wear or use things that I’ve worn before.”

“I wear a Mojo band all the time which is my secret weapon. It’s a bit like a magnetic band which is meant to help with balance and co-ordination and it really works.”