8 things to do when visiting Badminton Horse Trials
Badminton Horse Trials is the greatest test in eventing for horse and rider. The event takes place at The Badminton Estate owned by the Duke of Beaufort and is the one of most prestigious horse trials in the world. This year the competition takes place from 1st May 2019 – 5th May 2019. THEx have put together the ultimate guide of things to see and do when attending the horse show.
- Watch the trot up. The first trot up takes place in front of Badminton house on the Wednesday afternoon. This is the inspection of the health and fitness of the horses competing. They are examined by a team of elite vets who deem them sound and accepted to compete. It is also a chance for the audience and media to see the horses up close as well as the boutique fashion of the riders from tweed, feathers and tassels.
- Watch the dressage. There is something mystifying about siting in the badminton stand under the red and white roof and watching these powerful athletes perform from extended trot, to half-pass and flying changes it is inspiring to see.
- Hit the shopping village and make sure you bring a big handbag! There is something for everyone at Badminton from the latest tack, equipment and gadgets to boutique scarfs, jewelry, hats, boots, handbags and fashion. Not to mention the country home stands, horseboxes, jumps, stables Jacuzzi’s and BBQ’s! And if that wasn’t enough there is a huge range of delicious food and drink to suit your requirements.
- Walk the cross-country course. The course starts and ends in the main arena with 33 jumping efforts. Take in the size and difficulty of the fences whilst exploring the beautiful grounds of the estate. Cross Country day is Saturday make sure you spend time at the water complex and Vicarage V for all the thrills and spills of eventing.
- Head to the warm up arena and take in how the professional riders prepare their horses up for dressage, cross country and show jumping. You can learn so much about different techniques and exercises as well as see first hand what tack and equipment the riders and horses are using.
- Listen to Radio Badminton – this is the best way to stay tuned to all the live action. From the hilarious dressage commentary by Pammy Hutton to rider updates and interviews always keep your radio Badminton on you for the latest updates and laughs.
- Watch the lunch time demonstrations. There are dressage masterclasses from top riders such as Carl Hester, the stallion parade – show casing the best graded sports horses as well as the eventful Shetland pony grand national and The Duke of Beaufort Hunt display.
- Be there at the prize giving – the top competitors parade around the grandstand cheering and waving. The energy from the crowd is incredible and you never know you might be in the back ground of one of Ben Hobdays entertaining live social media videos!