Kristian Ferrell
The Badminton Horse Trials is a prestigious five-day equestrian event that takes place annually in May in South Gloucestershire, England. The competition, which was first held in 1949, is one of only seven annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events in the world. The most recent winner of the Badminton Horse Trials in 2025 was Ros Canter riding Lordships Graffalo, making her the first rider to regain the title non-consecutively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2023 |
| Winner | Luc Chateau |
| Horse | Viens du Mont |
| Previous Winners | Alice Casburn and Topspin (2022), Wills Oakden (2021) |
| Oldest Human Winner | Mark Todd (won his fourth Badminton at age 55 in 2011) |
| Youngest Equine Winner | Golden Willow (won the first Badminton competition in 1949 at 5 years old) |
| Youngest Human Winner | Jock Paget (won in 2013) |
| Tallest Winner | Four horses have won with a height of 17hh: Durlas Eile (1965), Columbus (1974), Custom Made (1997), and Word Perfect II (1998) |
| Shortest Winner | N/A |
| Most Completions | Andrew Nicholson (won in 2017 on his 37th attempt) |
| Best Dressage Score | Oliver Townend (scored a 19.7 in 2019) |
| Yellow Warning Cards Issued | Mollie Summerland (2022), Maxime Livio (2022), Oliver Townend (2023) |
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What You'll Learn
- Youngest winner: Golden Willow, ridden by John Shedden in 1949
- Oldest winner: Mark Todd, who won his fourth Badminton aged 55 in 2011
- Tallest winners: Four horses have won that were 17hh, including Word Perfect II in 1998
- Most completions: Andrew Nicholson, who won in 2017 on his 37th attempt
- First female winner: Margaret Hough in 1954
Youngest winner: Golden Willow, ridden by John Shedden in 1949
The first-ever Badminton Horse Trials were held in 1949 by the 10th Duke of Beaufort to let British riders train for international events. It was advertised as "the most important horse event in Britain". The event saw 22 horses from Britain and Ireland compete, with the five-year-old Golden Willow, ridden by John Shedden, taking the trophy.
Golden Willow was the youngest horse to win at Badminton. The horse began his career as an eventer, then won Badminton, and at the age of six, began a rather ill-fated career as a racehorse. Despite John Shedden's advice against it, Golden Willow's owner felt that the prize money the horse was earning as an eventer was insufficient. Shedden was certain that the horse's hot-headedness and tendency to bolt would be ill-suited to life on the track.
In the first Badminton competition, eight of the 22 starters failed to complete the cross-country course. The event was the second three-day event held in Britain, with the first being the 1948 Summer Olympics. Badminton was the home of the first European Championship in 1953, won by Major Laurence Rook on Starlight XV.
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Oldest winner: Mark Todd, who won his fourth Badminton aged 55 in 2011
Mark Todd is a New Zealand equestrian legend and a UK-based seven-time Olympian. He is the oldest winner of the Badminton Horse Trials, having won his fourth title in 2011 at the age of 55. Todd first competed internationally as a member of the first-ever New Zealand team that contested the World Championships in 1978. Soon after, he moved to England and won his first Badminton with Southern Comfort in 1980. He is particularly remembered for his partnership with the horse Charisma, with whom he won two Olympic gold medals in 1984 and 1988.
In 2000, Todd retired from the sport after winning bronze at the Sydney Olympics. However, he made a return to eventing in 2008 at the age of 52 and won his fourth Badminton title three years later. His win in 2011, riding NZB Land Vision, was 31 years after his first win. Todd's victory made him the oldest rider ever to win the Badminton Horse Trials.
The Badminton Horse Trials, first held in 1949, is the oldest competition of its kind in the world. It was established by the 10th Duke of Beaufort to allow British riders to train for international events. The event was first advertised as "the most important horse event in Britain." Over the years, it has grown in popularity, attracting large crowds, especially for the cross-country day.
The sport has also had its share of dangers, with several rider deaths and serious injuries. To address these concerns, measures such as protective equipment and course redesigns have been implemented to enhance safety for both horses and riders.
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Tallest winners: Four horses have won that were 17hh, including Word Perfect II in 1998
The Badminton Horse Trials, the oldest competition of its kind in the world, celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024. The event, which was first held in 1949, has seen several remarkable horses and riders emerge as winners.
One notable winner was Word Perfect II, a tall horse standing at 17 hands high (hh). Word Perfect II and his rider, Chris Bartle, achieved victory in 1998. Sadly, Word Perfect II was put down at the age of 30 in 2018, following a long and happy retirement at the Bartles' Yorkshire Riding Centre.
Word Perfect II's career was a surprise to many, including his trainer Alison, who admitted she "never expected him to do more than two-star." The horse was initially shy and lacked confidence, but with Alison's support, his talent and confidence grew.
Three other horses matching Word Perfect II's height of 17hh have also won the Badminton Horse Trials. This height is considered quite tall for a horse, and it is impressive that these large horses were able to demonstrate the agility and athleticism required to excel in equestrian sports.
The Badminton Horse Trials have showcased the skills of both horses and riders over the years, with only two people winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing: Pippa Funnel in 2003 and Michael Jung in 2015/2016.
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Most completions: Andrew Nicholson, who won in 2017 on his 37th attempt
The Badminton Horse Trials, the oldest competition of its kind in the world, celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024. The event, founded in 1949, is considered one of the most dangerous equestrian sports.
Andrew Nicholson, a talented equestrian from New Zealand, holds the record for the most completions at the Badminton Horse Trials. He finally won the event in 2017, on his 37th attempt, riding Nereo. This victory came just 18 months after a crashing fall that nearly ended his career.
Nicholson's victory in 2017 was particularly remarkable given his long history of participation in the event. He first competed at Badminton in 1984 and had completed the event an impressive 37 times prior to his win.
Nicholson's equestrian career is highlighted by numerous notable achievements. In addition to his victory at Badminton, he has won the prestigious Burghley event five times, as well as securing victories at Kentucky and Pau. His dedication and perseverance over the years have earned him a well-deserved place in the record books.
Andrew Nicholson's story at the Badminton Horse Trials serves as a testament to his determination and passion for the sport. His persistence in the face of challenges, including a career-threatening fall, is an inspiration to equestrians and athletes alike.
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First female winner: Margaret Hough in 1954
The Badminton Horse Trials, the oldest competition of its kind in the world, celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024. While Sheila Willcox was not the first female winner, that honour goes to Margaret Hough, who won the competition in 1954. Hough was ahead of her time in her rigid methodology (which still applies today) and her professional attitude towards what was then an amateur sport. In 1959, she beat David Somerset, later the 11th Duke of Beaufort and host of Badminton, who worked full-time as an art dealer. This was despite his children, including the present Duke, jumping up and down beside the showjumping ring, yelling, "Go on, knock one down!".
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Frequently asked questions
Andrew Nicholson of New Zealand won the Badminton equestrian in 2017, riding Nereo.
The first winner of the Badminton equestrian was Golden Willow, ridden by John Shedden. Golden Willow was just five years old at the time, making him the youngest winner in the history of the competition.
Pippa Funnell, who won in 2003, and Michael Jung, who won in 2015/16, are the only two people to have ever won the Grand Slam.
