The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most popular and prestigious events in the equestrian calendar. In 2016 the world’s premier 3-day-event takes place from Thursday 5th May to Sunday 8th May. Tickets and car passes may be purchased directly from the box office which will open for priority booking on Monday 4th January and for public booking on Monday 11th January.
 

Badminton Horse Trials by rayand

Enjoy a family friendly, sporting day out in a spectacular countryside setting in the grounds of Badminton House in Gloucestershire, with excellent shopping and more. The Badminton Horse Trials is one of just six annual Concours Complet International (CCI) four-star events.

The history
The first event was held at Badminton in 1949 when the 10th Duke of Beaufort decided to host an event to help British riders train for future international events. The event has been cancelled five times, due to bad weather in 1966, 1975, 1987 and 2012, and due to foot and mouth disease in 2001. Weather also forced the event to downgrade to a one-day competition in 1963.
 

Badminton Horse Trials by Ross Elliott

What happens?
Badminton Horse Trials is one of the toughest and most exciting equestrian events. It’s the ultimate test for horse and rider who must complete the competition with a different discipline or phase each day; a dressage test demonstrating obedience, discipline, accuracy and elegance; a 4 mile cross-country ride jumping several solid man-made and natural obstacles within a set time; and show-jumping on a course designed to test their agility and accuracy at speed.

 

 
What else?
Keep close to the action and combine your visit with a stay at Henfield Barn. 11 miles from Badminton House, Henfield Barn provides the perfect Badminton Horse Trials accommodation. With a 3 night minimum stay, the barn offers the perfect blend of boutique-style luxury and rural charm and sleeps up to 15 guests in 6 en-suite bedrooms with spa facilities and an indoor heated pool.