What are the Badminton Horse Trials?
Held annually in the grounds of Badminton House (home to the Duke of Beaufort), Badminton has seen hundreds of thousands of spectactors arrive each Spring since the 1970s. Tucked away its South Gloucestershire hideout, the three disciplines are spread across four days of competition (and a trot up on Thursday), with a vast shopping village filling much of the site, complete with trade stands of all varieties.
What's the itinerary?
We provide you with bed and breakfast accommodation in hand-picked hotels across the surrounding countryside. Then, most importantly, we transfer you to and from the event on the day (or indeed several days) you're attending. Once at Badminton, you're free to roam the grounds at leisure, though we're happy to provide reserved grandstand seats for the dressage on Friday and Saturday, and for the showjumping on Monday.
What happened in 2023's edition?
This year's edition was won by Ros Canter aboard the Michele Saule owned Lordships Gruffalo. Canter's win saw her produce the biggest winning margin in elite eventing history, collecting just four time vaults in the showjumping showstopper. Canter was World Champion in 2018, and saw off fellow Brit Oliver Townend this year, along with Irish raider Austin O'Connor, on the hunt for a first Irish win since the 1960s.
What about a course walk with William Fox-Pitt?
Guests in 2023 were treated not only to the expertise of broadcaster Aly Vance, but to an exclusive course walk with William Fox-Pitt. William, who's a two-time winner of the competition, guided guests through the challenges of the cross-country course, and met guests for drinks with his wife, ITV presenter Alice Plunkett.