
The Badminton Horse Trials is a prestigious five-day eventing competition, one of only seven CCI Five Star events in the world. It is considered one of the most dangerous equestrian sports, with a history of rider deaths and injuries. Horses and riders compete in dressage, cross-country, and showjumping phases, requiring a diverse range of skills and attributes. The jumps in the cross-country phase can be up to 1.30 metres high and 2.30 metres wide, with some jumps, such as the infamous KBIS Broken Bridge, featuring a maximum drop of two metres. The height and width of jumps vary depending on the event and level of competition, and the aim is to complete the course within the optimum time without incurring penalties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height of jumps | 1.30m high |
| Width of jumps | 2.30m wide |
| Brush fence height | 1.40m high |
| Regular fence height | 1.20m high |
| Regular fence width | 1.80m wide |
| Brush fence width | 1.80m wide |
| Drop at the end of the broken bridge | 2m |
| Width of the ditch for the Rolex Grand Slam Rails | 3m |
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What You'll Learn

Jumps vary by event and level of competition
The Badminton Horse Trials is a prestigious equestrian event that tests the skill, courage, and versatility of both horse and rider across three disciplines: dressage, cross-country, and showjumping. The jumps vary depending on the event and the level of competition, with the aim of challenging the competitors while ensuring their safety.
In dressage, the first phase of the trials, horses and riders perform a series of predetermined set movements in a rectangular arena. This phase showcases the precision, elegance, rhythm, and communication between the horse and rider. The complexity of the movements increases with the level of competition, with the Badminton Dressage test containing 26 movements that are judged and scored by a Ground Jury.
The second phase, cross-country, is considered the most exciting and dangerous part of the trials. Horses and riders must complete a 4-mile course, jumping over solid man-made and natural obstacles, including water jumps, steep inclines, and technical fences. The height of the cross-country jumps can vary, with some up to 1.20 meters or 1.40 meters for brush fences. The course designer aims to strike a balance between creating a challenging course and ensuring it is manageable for riders developing at this level.
The final phase, showjumping, is where the jumps are typically at their highest. In the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials, the showjumping phase featured jumps up to 1.30 meters high and 2.30 meters wide. This phase tests the agility, accuracy, and athleticism of the horse and rider, requiring them to jump a sequence of fences without knocking them down within a set time.
The Badminton Horse Trials is a five-star event, the highest grade, and is one of only seven such events worldwide. The competition attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year and has a rich history dating back to 1949. Over the years, efforts have been made to enhance safety, including redesigning jumps and courses to reduce falls and injuries.
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Solid man-made and natural obstacles
The Badminton Horse Trials is a prestigious five-day eventing competition, one of only seven annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events in the world. It is considered one of the most dangerous equestrian sports, with a history of rider deaths and injuries. As such, there is a constant effort to improve safety, including redesigning jumps and courses to reduce falls and injuries.
The competition consists of three phases: dressage, cross-country, and showjumping. The cross-country phase involves horses and riders jumping solid man-made and natural obstacles within a set time. This includes regular jumps, as well as jumping in and out of water, over fences in the water, and navigating steps, ditches, and steep inclines. The course also features more technical obstacles, such as narrow, angled, or closely spaced fences that require precise jumping and quick decisions.
The height of the jumps varies depending on the event and level of competition. At the Badminton Horse Trials, the fences can be up to 1.20 metres high, or up to 1.40 metres for a brush fence. The width of the fences can also vary, with some being up to 1.80 metres wide.
One notable obstacle at the Badminton Horse Trials is the KBIS Broken Bridge, which features a leap of faith at the end of the bridge over a large gap, with a maximum two-metre drop. Another challenging obstacle is the LeMieux Eyelash Brushes, which includes an angled 1.45-metre-high brush followed by a wide ditch full of water, jumped on an angle to another angled 1.45-metre-high hedge.
The solid man-made and natural obstacles in the cross-country phase test the bravery, stamina, and jumping ability of both horse and rider. It requires a unique skillset and is considered the most exciting discipline of the Badminton Horse Trials.
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Jumping test on the final day
The Badminton Horse Trials is a prestigious equestrian event that attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year. It is one of only seven Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events in the world, classified by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The event has a rich history, dating back to 1949, and has become a highlight of the equestrian calendar.
The trials consist of three phases: dressage, cross-country, and showjumping. The jumping test on the final day is a crucial component of the competition. After navigating the physical challenges of the cross-country phase, horses and riders must demonstrate speed, accuracy, and agility in the jumping test. This final phase is designed to push the competitors to their limits and determine their overall performance.
The showjumping course features jumps up to 1.30 metres high and 2.30 metres wide. These jumps test the technical skills and precision of both horse and rider. The course may also include obstacles such as water jumps, steep inclines, and narrow or angled fences, adding to the complexity.
The riders' starting order for the jumping test is based on their performance in the previous phases, with the rider in last place jumping first and the leader jumping last. This format builds excitement as the winner remains unknown until the final horse completes its routine. Riders must execute a seamless performance, as knocking down fences or exceeding the optimum time incurs penalty points.
The Badminton Horse Trials is renowned for its challenging course design, attracting the equestrian elite to participate. The jumping test on the final day is a showcase of athleticism, precision, and courage, where competitors strive to execute flawless performances to secure their victory. This thrilling conclusion to the trials underscores the skill, dedication, and partnership between horse and rider.
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Penalties for knocking down fences
The Badminton Horse Trials is a prestigious annual competition that attracts over 200,000 spectators and riders from across the globe. It is one of only seven five-star events in the world and is considered one of the toughest equestrian events. The competition consists of three phases: dressage, cross-country, and showjumping.
In the showjumping phase, riders jump in reverse order of merit, with the rider in last place going first and the leader going last. This adds to the excitement as the winner is unknown until the final horse has jumped. The showjumping phase requires the horse and rider to jump a sequence of fences without knocking them down within a set time. The jumps can be up to 1.30 metres high and 2.30 metres wide.
The Badminton Horse Trials is known for its challenging course, and penalties play a significant role in the competition. Riders aim to negotiate each obstacle without incurring penalty points. In the showjumping phase, penalties are incurred for knocking down fences. For each fence knocked down, the rider receives four penalties. Additionally, penalties are given for refusals, with a second refusal or a fall resulting in elimination.
The penalty points accumulated during the showjumping phase are added to the penalties from the previous cross-country and dressage phases. These penalties contribute to the final score, with the lowest score being the desired outcome. The penalty score is calculated using the following formula: (Average Good Marks Percentage – 100 + Errors) x 1.5 = Penalty Score. This calculation ensures that the dressage phase has the desired influence on the overall competition.
Overall, the Badminton Horse Trials is a demanding and thrilling event, with the final showjumping phase often determining the winner. Riders must demonstrate accuracy, care, and athleticism while navigating a challenging course without incurring penalties for knocking down fences or exceeding the optimum time.
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Safety measures to reduce falls and injuries
The Badminton Horse Trials is a prestigious five-day equestrian event that attracts large crowds and is one of only seven annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events. It involves dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, with horses and riders jumping solid man-made and natural obstacles within a set time. The jumps can be up to 1.30 metres high and 2.30 metres wide.
Horse riding is a dangerous sport, and falls are common, with one in five riders sustaining a serious injury during their riding career. Therefore, safety measures are essential to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Here are some key measures to consider:
Rider Safety Equipment:
- All riders should wear accredited safety helmets that meet proper standards, as mandated by the FEI.
- Safety vests are required for cross-country, racing, and rodeo competitions and are recommended for other disciplines.
- Consider wearing additional protective gear, such as safety stirrups, especially for children and novice riders.
Horse Safety:
- Grease the horse's front and hind legs to prevent trauma from brush jumps and reduce the risk of rotational falls.
- Ensure the horse is sound and fit to compete through inspections before and after the cross-country phase.
Rider Skill and Supervision:
- Novice riders should seek instruction from experienced coaches and avoid attempting jumps and stunts without supervision.
- Riders should be alert and aware of their horse's potential reactions to sights, sounds, and smells, avoiding sudden noises that may startle the horse.
Course Design:
- Redesign jumps and courses to minimise fall risks, such as using collapsible fences instead of solid jumps.
- Ensure the ground conditions are suitable, as hard ground after a long period without rain can be dangerous.
Rider Fitness and Awareness:
- Riders should avoid riding while tired, under the influence of medication or alcohol, or when feeling unwell, as it can impair their reflexes and increase the risk of falling.
- Riders should be educated on the signs and symptoms of potential injuries, such as TBI, to seek timely evaluation and treatment.
By implementing these safety measures, the risks of falls and injuries at events like the Badminton Horse Trials can be significantly reduced, allowing riders and horses to compete with enhanced protection and peace of mind.
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Frequently asked questions
The jumps vary depending on the event and level of competition. For example, the jumps for the CCI5* event are 1.30m high, while the fences for the cross-country course can be up to 1.20m high or up to 1.40m for a brush fence.
The Badminton Horse Trials is an annual equestrian event that takes place over four days in May. It is one of only seven Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events in the world and is considered one of the most prestigious.
The competition consists of three phases: dressage, cross-country, and showjumping. Dressage is a test of set movements performed by the horse and rider in a rectangular arena. Cross-country involves jumping over solid natural and man-made obstacles, including water jumps. Showjumping is the final phase, where horse and rider must jump a sequence of fences without knocking them down.
Horses receive four penalties for each show jump they knock down or refuse to jump. A second refusal or a fall results in elimination.
There are typically between 80 and 90 riders competing, with some riding two horses.











































