
The Badminton Horse Trials, an annual five-day equestrian event held in South Gloucestershire, UK, has been cancelled several times. The event, which dates back to 1949, has been called off due to various reasons, including bad weather, foot-and-mouth disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, the trials were cancelled due to the pandemic, and in 2023, it was cancelled due to waterlogged grounds. The Badminton Horse Trials attract over 170,000 visitors and are considered a highlight for professional event riders, offering significant press coverage and prestige.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancelled in 2023 | Yes |
| Reason for cancellation in 2023 | Waterlogged course |
| Past cancellations | 1966, 1975, 1987, 2001, 2012, 2020, 2021 |
| Reasons for past cancellations | Bad weather, foot-and-mouth disease, waterlogged ground, COVID-19 pandemic |
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What You'll Learn

The 2021 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The Badminton Horse Trials is an annual equestrian event held in the spring, typically in May, at the Badminton Estate in South Gloucestershire, England. The event dates back to 1949 when the 10th Duke of Beaufort hosted it to help British riders train for international events. It is one of only two four-star equestrian events held in the UK and is considered a highlight of the season for professional event riders.
However, the 2021 Badminton Horse Trials were unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the second consecutive year that the event was cancelled, as the 2020 event also fell victim to the pandemic. The cancellation of the 2021 event was announced on March 1, 2021, with the organisers expressing their disappointment and regret.
In a statement, the Badminton Director, Jane Tuckwell, acknowledged the encouraging government announcements and the rollout of the vaccine but noted that the situation remained fragile and unpredictable. She said, "I am sorry that the 2021 event has become unworkable despite our best efforts." The Duke of Beaufort also shared his disappointment, especially since it was the second consecutive cancellation.
The health and safety of those involved in the event and the local community were paramount in the decision-making process. Following consultations with Public Health England and South Gloucestershire Council, it was deemed that the scale and location of the Horse Trials made it impossible to secure the surrounding area. The potential health and safety risks posed by the event were deemed unacceptable.
The Badminton Horse Trials have now resumed, with the 2025 event taking place from May 7th to 11th. The event continues to attract a large number of visitors and is a significant highlight in the equestrian world.
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The 2012 event was cancelled due to waterlogged ground
The Badminton Horse Trials, an annual equestrian event held in South Gloucestershire, England, has been cancelled several times. The event dates back to 1949 and was first organised by the 10th Duke of Beaufort to help British riders train for international events.
In 2012, the event was cancelled due to waterlogged ground. Heavy rainfall had left the course completely flooded, making it unsafe for participants and spectators. The event organisers, Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell, and the Duke of Beaufort released a statement expressing their disappointment and regret, acknowledging that the cancellation would be shared by many eager attendees.
The 2012 cancellation was not an isolated incident due to challenging weather conditions. The Badminton Horse Trials have a history of cancellations and alterations due to adverse weather. In 1963, the event was downgraded to a one-day competition due to poor weather. Subsequently, in 1966, 1975, and 1987, the event was cancelled outright because of severe weather conditions.
The 2012 cancellation due to waterlogged ground highlighted the importance of prioritising safety and the impact of challenging weather on equestrian events. The decision to cancel the event was made to ensure the well-being of all involved and to prevent any potential hazards caused by the flooded grounds.
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The 2001 event was cancelled due to foot and mouth disease
The Badminton Horse Trials, an annual equestrian event, has been cancelled several times in its history. The event was cancelled in 1966, 1975, 1987, 2001, 2012, 2020, and 2021. The 2001 event was cancelled due to foot and mouth disease.
Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including horses. It causes fever, blisters, and lesions in the mouth and feet of affected animals. The disease can spread rapidly through close contact and shared equipment, and the outbreak in 2001 led to the cancellation of many events and gatherings involving animals, including the Badminton Horse Trials.
The decision to cancel the 2001 Badminton Horse Trials was made to protect the health and safety of the horses and prevent the further spread of the disease. It was a difficult but necessary choice to ensure the well-being of the animals and mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
The cancellation of the Badminton Horse Trials in 2001 was a significant disruption to the equestrian community and the event participants. The trials are a prestigious event in the equestrian world, offering riders press coverage and prestige, enhancing their careers and attracting sponsors and owners. The cancellation meant that riders lost an important opportunity to showcase their skills and gain recognition.
The impact of the cancellation extended beyond the participants. The Badminton Horse Trials typically attract over 170,000 visitors, and the event's cancellation affected the local economy, businesses, and vendors who rely on the influx of visitors during the trials. The loss of the event also impacted the equestrian community, who consider the trials a highlight of the season, and the fans who eagerly anticipate the competition each year.
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The 1987 event was cancelled due to bad weather
The Badminton Horse Trials, an annual equestrian event, has been cancelled several times. The 1987 event was cancelled due to bad weather. This was not the first time the event had to be cancelled because of inclement weather. In 1963, the event was downgraded to a one-day competition due to poor weather conditions. In 1966 and 1975, the Badminton Horse Trials were also cancelled due to weather-related issues.
The decision to cancel the 1987 event was likely made to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved, including the horses and riders, as well as the spectators and staff. Bad weather can create unsafe conditions for outdoor equestrian events, potentially leading to injuries or accidents.
In addition to weather-related cancellations, the Badminton Horse Trials have also been cancelled due to other unforeseen circumstances. For example, in 2001, the event was cancelled due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, posing a threat to the health and safety of the horses. Similarly, in 2012, the event was cancelled again due to waterlogged ground conditions, which made it unsafe to proceed.
The cancellation of the 1987 Badminton Horse Trials would have been a significant disappointment for competitors and enthusiasts alike. The event holds a prestigious position in the equestrian world, attracting participants and spectators from around the globe. The cancellation would have disrupted training schedules, competition preparations, and the overall equestrian calendar.
The impact of the cancellation would have extended beyond the immediate disappointment. For competitors, the Badminton Horse Trials represent a valuable opportunity to gain press coverage and enhance their reputation in the equestrian community. A successful performance at Badminton can be a career-changer, elevating riders to the prestigious class of elite athletes. Sponsors, owners, and team selectors often use Badminton as a platform to discover and support talented riders. Therefore, the cancellation not only disrupted the immediate plans but also potentially influenced the trajectories of many equestrian careers.
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The 1975 event was cancelled due to bad weather
The Badminton Horse Trials, an annual event held in South Gloucestershire, England, has been cancelled several times in its history. The 1975 event was cancelled due to bad weather.
The Horse Trials, first held in 1949, is a prestigious event that attracts over 170,000 visitors and significant press coverage. It is one of only seven annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events worldwide. The event typically includes two days of dressage, followed by cross-country, and concludes with showjumping.
The 1975 cancellation was one of several occasions where the event was cancelled or altered due to weather conditions. In 1963, for example, the event was downgraded to a one-day competition due to poor weather. More recently, in 2012, the event was cancelled due to waterlogged ground caused by heavy rainfall.
The decision to cancel the 1975 event due to bad weather was likely made to ensure the safety of participants, officials, and spectators, as well as to maintain the quality and integrity of the competition. Weather conditions can significantly impact the horse trials, affecting the ground conditions and the overall experience for all involved.
The cancellation of the 1975 Badminton Horse Trials due to bad weather is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor events and the potential impact of weather conditions on such occasions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the event has been cancelled several times.
The 2021 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yes, the 2020 event was also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yes, the 2012 event was cancelled due to waterlogged ground.
Yes, the event has been cancelled due to bad weather in 1966, 1975, 1987 and downgraded to a one-day event in 1963. It was also cancelled in 2001 due to foot-and-mouth disease.





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