Badminton Horse Trials: Most Successful Riders

who has won badminton horse trials the most

The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the world's most prestigious equestrian events, attracting top riders and horses from around the globe. The event has a unique format, with horses stabled in stately homes, adding to the sense of occasion and tradition. With no bias towards age or gender, the Badminton Horse Trials have seen diverse winners over the years, from the youngest champion, 18-year-old Richard Walker in 1969, to the oldest, Mark Todd, who won at the age of 55 in 2011. The current record holder for the most wins is Lucinda Green, with six victories between 1973 and 1984. This article will explore the records and highlights of the Badminton Horse Trials, including notable winners and their remarkable achievements.

Characteristics Values
Rider with the most wins Lucinda Green
Number of wins 6
Years of wins 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1983, 1984
Horses ridden during wins Be Fair, Wide Awake, George, Kildare, Regal Realm, Beagle Bay
Riders with four wins Captain Mark Phillips, Mark Todd
Rider with three wins Pippa Funnell
Rider with two wins Oliver Townend
Horses ridden by Townend Flint Curtis, Cooley Rosalent
Rider with one win Jock Paget
Horse ridden by Paget Clifton Promise
Year of Paget's win 2013
Rider with one win William Fox-Pitt
Horse ridden by Fox-Pitt Chilli Morning
Rider with one win Gemma Tattersall
Horse ridden by Tattersall Chico Chico
Year of Tattersall's win 2023

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Most successful rider: Lucinda Green

Lucinda Green is the current record holder for the most wins at the Badminton Horse Trials, having won on six separate occasions. Green's first win came in 1973 while riding Be Fair, and her subsequent victories were in 1976 with Wide Awake, 1977 on George, 1979 aboard Kildare, 1983 on Regal Realm, and 1984 riding Beagle Bay.

Green's record is particularly impressive given the unpredictable nature of the event. The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the world's most prestigious equestrian events, and victory is a career highlight for any professional rider. The unique setup of the event, with its stately stables and historical setting, adds to the sense of occasion for the riders.

Green's success at the Badminton Horse Trials is a testament to her skill and the strong partnership she had with her horses. Her achievements have inspired other riders, and her record remains unmatched to this day. With the two riders who have come closest to her record, Captain Mark Phillips and Mark Todd, now retired, it is uncertain who will challenge Green's record in the future.

Green's dominance at the Badminton Horse Trials has solidified her legacy in the equestrian world, and her achievements continue to inspire and motivate riders striving for success in this challenging and unpredictable sport. Green's success showcases the importance of a strong relationship between horse and rider, as well as consistent performance across all phases of the competition. Her record of six wins stands as a testament to her talent, dedication, and partnership with her horses.

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Oldest rider to win: Mark Todd

Mark Todd is the oldest rider ever to win the Badminton Horse Trials. He was 55 years old when he won in 2011. This was Todd's fourth win at the event, with his previous victories coming in 1980, 1994, and another year unknown.

The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the world's most prestigious equestrian events. The event has been running since 1949 when the five-year-old horse Golden Willow, ridden by John Shedden, won the inaugural competition.

In 2023, the individual title was won by British rider Gemma Tattersall, riding Chico Chico. The team title was also won by a British team, composed of Tattersall, Ruth Edge, William Fox-Pitt, and Pippa Funnell.

The record for the most wins at the Badminton Horse Trials is held by Lucinda Green, who has won the event six times, in 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1983, and 1984. Mark Todd is one of two riders to have won the event four times, along with Captain Mark Phillips.

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Youngest rider to win: Richard Walker

The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the world's most prestigious equestrian events. The youngest competitor to win the Badminton Horse Trials was Richard Walker, aged 18 and 247 days, when he rode Pasha to victory in 1969.

Walker's win at the young age of 18 demonstrates the unique nature of the equestrian sport, where a rider's success is not dependent on their age or gender. The victory at such a young age highlights Walker's talent and the strong partnership between him and his horse, Pasha. This win is a testament to Walker's skill and dedication to the sport, achieving a feat that many older and more experienced riders have yet to accomplish.

The Badminton Horse Trials has a rich history of young talented riders like Walker, who have gone on to have successful equestrian careers. The event is known for its challenging course and prestigious setting, providing a platform for young riders to showcase their abilities. Walker's win in 1969 blazed a trail for future young riders, proving that age is not a barrier to success in the equestrian world.

The Trials have continued to witness exceptional performances by young riders over the years, with the event serving as a launchpad for many successful equestrian careers. Walker's achievement as the youngest winner remains an inspiration and a reminder that talent and dedication can overcome age and experience in the equestrian arena. His win encourages young riders to pursue their passions and showcases the potential for success at any age.

Richard Walker's victory at the Badminton Horse Trials in 1969, at the young age of 18, is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the special bond with his horse, Pasha. His win not only solidified his place in the history of the Trials but also inspired future generations of young riders, demonstrating that youth can indeed conquer experience in the world of equestrian sports.

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Rider with most wins in 2023: Gemma Tattersall

Rider Gemma Tattersall, based at the purpose-built yard of Tattleton Stud in Horsham, has had a successful career in dressage and eventing. Tattersall's career in riding began at a young age, and by the time she was eight, she had started winning in dressage and eventing. She passed her Pony Club A test and became a member of the British junior squad.

In 2003, Tattersall took the ride on Jesters Quest, and the following year, the pair won the National U-21 Championship. In 2005 and 2006, she won Young Rider team gold medals. In 2007, Tattersall and Jesters Quest made their four-star debut, completing both Badminton and Burghley. In 2009, she was given the ride on Kings Gem, with whom she won the U-25 championship in 2010.

Tattersall's notable partnerships include those with Arctic Soul and Quicklook. With Arctic Soul, she completed Badminton five years in a row and was a member of the British team for the 2018 World Championships in Tryon, winning team gold. In 2017, she was a member of the British squad for the European Championships, riding as an individual and completing in 8th place with Quicklook V. In 2016, with Quicklook, she was a member of the team for the Rio Olympic Games.

In 2015, Tattersall gained her first CIC3* win at Burgham with Chico Bella, and in 2016, the pair won the CIC3* at Bramham. That same year, with Chilli’s Gem, she finished 7th in CCI2* at the World Young Horse Championships. In 2017, she earned the title of National Champion, winning the British Open CIC3* at Gatcombe with Arctic Soul.

In 2021, Tattersall achieved her first-ever five-star eventing win at the Bicton Horse Trials in the UK, overtaking overnight leaders in the final jumping phase with Chilli Knight. In 2022, she married Gary Stevens, and with her horse Jalapeno, owned by Christopher Stone, she gained 6th place at the Badminton Horse Trials.

While Tattersall has had a successful career, she is not the rider with the most wins at the Badminton Horse Trials. That record is currently held by Lucinda Green, with six wins.

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Rider with most five-star wins: Oliver Townend

Oliver Townend is a British rider who has won nine five-star events, including the Badminton Horse Trials in 2009 riding Flint Curtis. In 2024, he won his 10th five-star event at the Kentucky Horse Trials with Cooley Rosalent, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse. This was his fourth Kentucky win and his 100th five-star start.

Townend has also placed at the Maryland Five Star several times, coming second in 2021, and third in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, he finally secured his first Maryland Five Star win with his veteran five-star partner, Ballaghmor Class. This was Townend's fourth win with Ballaghmor Class and his 11th five-star win overall.

Townend's success ties him with accomplished equestrians Andrew Nicholson and Lucinda Green for fifth place in total five-star wins. Ahead of them are William Fox-Pitt (14 wins), Michael Jung (11 wins), Sir Mark Todd (11 wins), and Ginny Elliot (10 wins).

In 2025, Townend and Ballaghmor Class aimed to become the most successful British combination in eventing history at Badminton.

Frequently asked questions

Lucinda Green holds the record for the most wins at the Badminton Horse Trials, with six wins.

Lucinda Green's wins were in 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1983, and 1984.

Captain Mark Phillips and Mark Todd have both won the Badminton Horse Trials four times.

The youngest competitor to win was Richard Walker, aged 18 and 247 days, riding Pasha in 1969.

The individual title in 2023 was won by British rider Gemma Tattersall, riding Chico Chico.

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