Badminton Horse Trials
Badminton
Events Experience
Month: May
The Badminton Horse Trials take place on the magnificent Badminton Estate, each May. This beautiful estate is home to the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort and the trials are regarded as the most important in the UK.
The legacy of the horse trials dates back to the late 1940s when the then-10th Duke of Beaufort recognised there was a need for honing the equestrian skills available in this country. After witnessing Great Britain’s poor performance in the 1948 Olympic Games he believed it was a sport, given the strong tradition of hunting and racing in this country at the time, that we should excel in. The Badminton Horse Trials remain an important part of the Olympic team selection process today.
Taking place over a long weekend, these trials are a fully-fledged and impressive event. The five-day show starts with the International competition. This begins with a horse inspection and the culmination of the Voltaire Design Grassroots cross-country competition. It continues with Dressage and the thrills of the Cross Country. Before the oh-so-popular Show Jumping competition rounds off the trials.
There is a wealth of attractions to keep visitors entertained beyond the equestrian activities. The shopping village has more than 500 traders and retailers with equestrian, lifestyle, and fashion brands. Plus, there is a huge array of food and drink options to enjoy. This includes a range of food stands, a traditional pub and street food vendors. Sit-down lunch options and pre-bookable picnics to pick up on arrival are also available. Visitors can also try the Isuzu off-road challenges, experience the thrills and spills of the fun fair or try their dog over the agility course.
Dogs are welcome but please ensure they are kept on a short lead at all times. A dog creche is also available.
