Ayrton Oneill
The Badminton Horse Trials is an annual five-day event held in May in South Gloucestershire, England. It is one of only seven Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events in the world, as classified by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The event features dressage, a stallion parade, the Shetland Pony Grand National, and cross-country, culminating in a show jumping test. The Horse Trials have a history of rider deaths and injuries, and the FEI has been working to reduce dangers by redesigning jumps and courses and encouraging the use of protective equipment. The 2024 and 2025 events were cancelled, and the 2026 event is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, May 6th to Sunday, May 10th.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday 6th- Sunday 10th May 2026 |
| Location | Badminton House, South Gloucestershire, England |
| Tickets | Must be purchased in advance, including for car parking |
| Camping | Available from Tuesday 6th May 2025 |
| Ticket Types | Grandstand, Lakeside Pavilion, Camping and Portcullis Club |
| Ticket Fees | £2.50 booking fee, £2.50 postage and packaging fee for camping tickets |
| Discounts | Early bird discount until 31st March 2025 |
| History | First held in 1949, cancelled or downgraded several times since |
| Yellow Warning Cards | Issued for dangerous riding, abuse of horse, and incorrect behaviour |
| Serious Injuries and Fatalities | Several incidents since 1992 |
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What You'll Learn
- The 2026 event will be held from Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th May
- Tickets must be purchased in advance
- The event includes dressage and show jumping
- The trials attract large crowds, with up to a quarter of a million people attending
- The event has been cancelled several times, including due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The 2026 event will be held from Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th May
The Badminton Horse Trials is an annual five-day event held in May each year. It is one of only seven Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events recognised by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The 2026 event will be held from Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th May.
The trials were first held in 1949 by the 10th Duke of Beaufort to enable British riders to train for international events. It was initially advertised as "the most important horse event in Britain". The event has been cancelled several times, including in 1966, 1975, 1987, 2001, 2012, 2020, and 2021. The 2020 and 2021 cancellations were due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Badminton Horse Trials attract large crowds, especially for the cross-country day, which is the second-largest such event in the world in terms of money made. The event includes dressage, a stallion parade, and the Shetland Pony Grand National. Sunday features show jumping over knock-down arena jumps.
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Tickets must be purchased in advance
The Badminton Horse Trials is an annual event held in May in South Gloucestershire, England. It is one of only seven annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events worldwide. The event has a rich history, dating back to 1949, and attracts large crowds, including up to a quarter of a million people on cross-country day.
For those interested in attending the Badminton Horse Trials, it is important to note that tickets must be purchased in advance. This includes tickets for car parking and admission to the event grounds. The Badminton Horse Trials website emphasizes that there will be no ticket sales at the gate, so prior planning is essential.
The Badminton Box Office typically opens for priority booking in early January, catering to those who have previously registered by purchasing tickets in advance. The general release of tickets usually follows in mid-January, offering an early bird discount for those who book before the end of March.
In addition to the standard admission tickets, there are various ticket options available for the Badminton Horse Trials. These include Grandstand tickets, which are required for arena jumping and need to be purchased for children aged four and above. Lakeside Pavilion bookings can also be made, offering a premium experience with a catering tent, closed-circuit television, electricity, and Wi-Fi. However, it is important to note that car passes and admission tickets must be pre-booked separately for this option.
With the popularity of the event and the requirement to purchase tickets in advance, it is advisable to plan and secure tickets early to avoid disappointment.
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The event includes dressage and show jumping
The Badminton Horse Trials is a prestigious annual equestrian event that takes place over five days in May, in South Gloucestershire, England. The event has a long history, dating back to 1949, and is one of only seven Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events recognised by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI).
Show jumping, the final phase of the competition, takes place on the last day, Sunday. Riders and their horses must navigate a course of knock-down arena jumps, testing their agility and precision. This thrilling conclusion to the event attracts large crowds, with spectators able to enjoy the action from the temporary grandstands or the main area near the start and finish lines.
In addition to dressage and show jumping, the Badminton Horse Trials also feature cross-country, which takes place on Saturday and is a highlight for many spectators. The cross-country phase is renowned for its challenging course and attracts crowds of up to a quarter of a million people, making it the second-largest such event in the world in terms of attendance.
The event offers a range of hospitality options and shopping experiences, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the stunning location of Badminton House, the seat of the Duke of Beaufort. With a rich history, high-level competition, and a diverse range of equestrian disciplines, the Badminton Horse Trials are a highly anticipated event for equestrian enthusiasts and the general public alike.
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The trials attract large crowds, with up to a quarter of a million people attending
The Badminton Horse Trials, held annually in May, is a five-day event that attracts large crowds of up to a quarter of a million people. The event, hosted in South Gloucestershire, England, is one of only seven annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events recognised by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI).
The trials have a long history, dating back to 1949 when they were first organised by the 10th Duke of Beaufort. The event was initially designed to provide British riders with an opportunity to train for international competitions. Over the years, the Badminton Horse Trials have grown in popularity, attracting participants and spectators from around the world.
The event offers a range of activities for all ages, including dressage, the Stallion parade, and the Shetland Pony Grand National. The main attraction, however, is the Cross Country phase, which takes place on the Saturday and draws the largest crowds. This phase is known for its thrilling and challenging course, which has been the site of many memorable victories and defeats.
The Badminton Horse Trials also have a well-organised ticketing system, with various options available for spectators. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and there are different types of tickets, such as Grandstand tickets and Lakeside Pavilion bookings, each offering unique experiences and amenities. The event caters to families, with children under a certain age allowed free admission, and even dogs are welcomed, provided they are kept on short leads.
With its prestigious history, exciting competitions, and inclusive atmosphere, it is no surprise that the Badminton Horse Trials continue to be a highly anticipated event, attracting a diverse and dedicated audience year after year.
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The event has been cancelled several times, including due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The Badminton Horse Trials, held annually in May, is a five-day event that takes place in South Gloucestershire, England. It is one of only seven annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events recognised by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The event has a rich history, dating back to 1949, when it was first held to allow British riders to train for international competitions. Since its inception, the Badminton Horse Trials have been cancelled or downgraded on several occasions due to various circumstances.
One of the earliest cancellations occurred in 1966 for unknown reasons. In 1975 and 1987, the event was also cancelled, but the specific reasons are not mentioned. In 2001, the trials were cancelled due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including horses. This cancellation was crucial to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the health and safety of the animals and participants.
In 2012, the event faced another setback due to waterlogged ground conditions, which made it unsafe to proceed. As a result, the event was cancelled, and participants and spectators had to wait another year. The most recent cancellations occurred in 2020 and 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. These cancellations were in line with public health measures and restrictions on large gatherings implemented to control the spread of the virus.
Despite these cancellations, the Badminton Horse Trials have persevered and remain a prominent event in the equestrian community. The next edition of the trials is scheduled for May 2026, and organisers and participants alike look forward to resuming this time-honoured tradition. The resilience and dedication of those involved ensure that the legacy of the Badminton Horse Trials continues, adapting to challenges while prioritising the well-being of all participants.
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Frequently asked questions
The Badminton Horse Trials take place annually over five days in May. The event has been cancelled or downgraded on several occasions due to bad weather, disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event takes place in the park of Badminton House, the seat of the Duke of Beaufort in South Gloucestershire, England.
The 2026 Badminton Horse Trials will take place from Wednesday, May 6th to Sunday, May 10th.
Tickets for the 2025 event are on sale now, with an early bird discount applicable until March 31st, 2025. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and there will be no sales at the gate.
