Mark Todd makes strong start at Badminton

Kiwi veteran Mark Todd has won Badminton four times. Photo / Getty

Four times champion Sir Mark Todd has made a strong start to the Badminton Horse Trials in England.

The Kiwi veteran is fifth after the first day of dressage on his Olympic mount Leonidas.

Todd amassed 42.9 penalty points to lie just 4.2 points off the leader.

Todd said his horse was superb.

Jesse Campbell is the next best Kiwi in 19th but Andrew Nicholson has struggled on the younger of his two horses Qwanza, in 30th place.

Nicholson rides his big hope Nereo tonight while Todd also competes again on NZB Campino.