The 77th year of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials is marked by a boost in prize money. First prize will be 125,000.As befits the worlds most prestigious five-star horse trials, this is the largest first prize and prize fund in the sport of eventing. The overall prize fund for the top 20 finishers has been raised to 451,500.This is fantastic news, said defending champion Ros Canter. Badminton is the horse trials that everyone in the world has heard of and is the one we all desperately want to win. I cant wait to come back and try again.We are delighted to have been able to raise the prize-money levels for what promises to be another excellent and thrilling competition, commented Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell. Last year was of such a high standard so we are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back for what promises to be another great weekend of sport. Perhaps we will even see the future world champion in action!The LeMieux Grassroots Championships for British Eventing 100 and 90 horses takes place on Wednesday, May 6 and prize money for both sections will be increased.The Box Office for the 2026 MARS Badminton Horse Trials is now open, with an early bird booking discount. As in previous years, there will be no admission available on the gate, including on cross-country day https://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/badminton-2026-tickets/

The last month has been a busy period!Rosie and Alex have been dealing with the tradestand applications, and I am pleased to report that the great majority of our regular exhibitors have already confirmed they will be back with us next year. Also, Rosie has contacted many of the volunteers and again there will only be a very few roles that will need filling, thank you to each and everyone of you for your wonderful support. Elise Harvey has returned to the fold, as she does every December, to work alongside Rosie and Alex.The Box Office (Claire and Delyth Elmer) are all but ready for the Box Office to open at the beginning of January. Hopefully, all those on our mailing list will have received our November newsletter but, if not, please contact the Box Office!The stable yard roofs have been worked on over the past two or three years and a section is being re-roofed as I write.Horse welfare is always at the front of our mind, and I have a meeting this week with our Veterinary Delegates (Frederic Barrelet and Liam Kearns) and Tim Randle (Veterinary Service Manager), to ensure we are putting in place all that is necessary for the 2026 event.Recently, I attended the World Horse Welfare Annual Conference which was as inspiring as always, the subject this year being Through the horses eyes.I am delighted that we have announced the Ebony Horse Club as our Charity of the Year for 2026. Suzy and I were lucky enough to visit earlier this week alongside Pippa Funnell, who has become an ambassador for this wonderful organisation based in Brixton London. The charity gives both pleasure and opportunity to many a young person to get involved with horses. Please, I would ask you to support.Suzy Stephens (who looks after all digital) has some fun surprises for you over Christmas time! Which leads me to wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and all best wishes for the New year!

As I write it is pouring with rain, but the work in the Park has been enabled by the good weather that we enjoyed up to last weekend. The cross-country course, show jumping arena and practice areas have now had their Autumn programme of works completed, i.e. vertidrained, compost & sand applied and dressed with slow release fertiliser. Therefore, on this occasion the arrival of the rain is perfect!Last weekend was the annual inaugural course walk with Eric Winter (Course Designer), Mathias Otto-Erley (Technical Delegate), Kai-Steffen Meier (Assistant Course Designer), both of whom we welcome on board for Badminton 2026. Mike Etherington-Smith joined the walk as Course Advisor. It has to be said the ground was perfect, as was the weather unlike 2024 when the walk took place on the weekend of the storms and gales. It is always the moment when the following years event becomes real as Eric shares his enthusiastic thoughts about the course. Of course, there will still be some interesting tweaks to the route of the course as we get nearer to the day! This was followed yesterday by the visit of the TV production team led by Chris Lewis and Michael Cole. The morning being spent on the course, working out in principle the best TV camera positions, which will be confirmed when the team return in March.Last month we also had the first of the traffic management meetings with Tracsis, the police, AA and the home team. This meeting is an opportunity for all to discuss any issues from the previous event, which are then fed into the planning for 2026 to ensure the same does not happen again. Luckily there were few issues from 2025 but one must never be complacent.An essential overhead main electric cable that feeds not only the Event but also half the village has been put underground in a 3m deep trench, this will ensure there is no longer the risk of the cable being hit by high lorries as they enter the Park.Andrew (Tucker) has now put a number of the major contractors in place, which is a good position to be in by mid November. Alex (Harbottle) and Rosie (Latter) have been busy and the tradestand invitations have now gone out. This is just one of the tasks that need to be completed by this time to ensure we are in a good place come the new year.My grateful thanks to Simon Dring, who has retired after many years as The Duke of Beauforts Agent, for his wonderful support of the Event. We welcome Jasper Hasell who is at the helm as Estate Director.Thats all for now be back next month.

As always, when eventing is nearing the end of the current season is when Badminton kicks into full action!What a wonderful summer it was, be it extremely hard work for some organisers making sure the ground was good for their competitions. It was great to see Rosalind Canter & Lordships Graffalo adding their Badminton 2025 win with another at Burghley and also Laura Collett with London 52 (another past Badminton winner) winning the European individual gold medal at Blenheim and congratulations to Tom McEwen on his bronze medal. Both Burghley and Blenheim were great events, providing the sport at its best.We have also kept busy at Badminton through the summer, including additional ground and drainage works to ensure we are as ready as we can be for both extremes of weather. We have also researched further the best way of getting water on the ground in as efficient way as possible. The cross-country course, main area and warm up areas have had their annual Autumn attention from Phil Cole, our ground expert. On this note, I would like to thank Dan Cummins (who joined the Badminton Estate last year) for all his attention to looking after the Park and Horse Trials ground; since the grass started to grow again the mowing has not stopped! Going forward, it is down to nature to being kind to the ground over the Winter/early Spring in order the grass will have a chance to come back strongly in the Spring.The stables have had their annual makeover which always includes a certain amount of repairs.Due to the dry conditions there has been a first! The fish that live in the Badminton Lake had to be moved to the pond from which the water is used for the Horse Trials irrigation in the Spring as the former became so low that the fish were in danger of dying. I believe they are very happy swimming around their temporary location!Over the coming weeks we will be busy contacting contractors, inviting our wonderful family of tradestands to return and getting all ready for the Box Office to open at the beginning of January. The Willis Brothers are busy in the Park making changes to fences, etc.We have had one or two changes in the team. 2026 will see Claire Elmer taking over the reins from her mother, Delyth, and heading the Box Office Team. However, I am very glad to say Delyth is continuing as assistant to Claire. We are very sorry to see Harry Verney leave us as he has retired as Site Manager after many years of overseeing all site matters. Harrys dedication to making sure all was right on the day will be hard to follow but I know Holly Hopkins, who will now be heading the Site Team, will be more than capable.Andy Godwin has been working his magic with drainage and also digging a large trench in order an overhead electric cable can be put underground. This work is essential as at present the cable crosses over the road that leads from the main entrance into the Park but it is no longer acceptable due to, amongst over things, the height of the contractors vehicles ever increasing.More updates next month

Badminton Horse Trials is saddened to learn of the passing of Geoffrey Lane. Geoffrey was known to many at Badminton, having joined the Veterinary Commission in 1981 alongside Frank Mahon. Then, he and Frank together presided over veterinary matters until 1991. In 1992 Geoffrey was joined by Lawrence Gerring and they worked together until 1996. In 1997, the role was re-named Veterinary Delegate and Paul Farrington was his co-delegate until Geoffrey retired in 2012.Throughout his tenure, Geoffrey was much respected by owners, riders and his veterinary peers but most of all, by Badminton Horse Trials, who were incredibly lucky to have a person of his stature in position for 32 years.Geoffrey has remained a good friend to Badminton since his retirement and we all much looked forward to seeing him at the annual pre-event veterinary meeting when his counsel continued to be sought by all. Badminton week will not seem the same without him.

2024 Cross Country Course

Badminton Horse Trials was saddened to hear of the passing of Biddy Wingfield Digby, one of the first women to compete at the inaugural Badminton Horse Trials in 1949.Biddy was one of a handful of women to compete at the first ever event having never undertaken a dressage test like many of her fellow 22 competitors. Riding Brigadier Martins Black Boy, Biddy recalled her memories of the event which included the ever-popular drinks party hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort where her fellow guests included both Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth.Having walked the cross country twice Biddys event was sadly curtailed following the final roads and tracks when her horse became unwell. Her borrowed groom had thought it helpful to give the horse 10lbs of corn the evening before cross country to aid his energy levels causing the horse to not feel himself and his withdrawal before starting the much-anticipated cross country course.Whilst Biddy became a well-known rider of point-to-points, a Master of the Blackford Vale and a key member of the Pony Club she has said that not completing Badminton became one of the biggest disappointments of her equestrian life.A Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Wednesday 23rd July at 3.30pm at Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, Dorset.

Early May already seems a while ago, but the memories are good!Last year, it was thought to be one of the best ever Badmintons, but I think this one probably topped it. The weather, which plays such a vital role in the events success, was helpful from the moment we started the build at the beginning of March, and this made the lead into the actual week so much easier. Thanks to the naturally stored water within the park, we were also able to ensure the ground was as good as possible for the horses, which in turn assisted a large field to provide a very exciting competition from beginning to end.The week got off to a tremendous start with the LeMieux Grassroots Championships, which gave two days of excellent competition and was witnessed by many a spectator.The MARS Badminton International event saw the largest field for a decade with many first timers challenging the established athletes. It was a heartwarming moment when Ros won again on Lordships Graffalo.We enjoyed our association with Guide Dogs as our Charity of the Year, and I took on the challenge of being blindfolded whilst putting a bridle on a mannequin horse which was amusing for those watching!The clear up was also good and you would never know the Event took place with most items having been dismantled or removed by the end of May not bad to do all in 3 weeks. As the photo shows, this included removing the dam from the Lake, as it was not possible to leave it in permanent situ. If we have to repeat, we will have an easier method of installing !!!Thank you to all of you who supported us in whatever way, be it as an owner, athlete, sponsor, tradestand, visitor or at home watching the ClipMyHorse livestream.We are listening to everyones comments about 2025 and are looking forward to 2026 with skeleton plans and improvements being discussed.How exciting to see of two of the Badminton placed riders win their respective events, Bubby Upton at Bramham and Ros Canter at Luhmuhlen very many congratulations to them both.Heres to the rest of the 2025 season, good luck to all those competing at whatever level and here is to MARS Badminton 2026 (Wednesday 6th Sunday, 10th May).I will pick my pen again in October!!

Classic was absolutely fab. I think Eric [Winter, course-designer] has built the most rider-thinking course and the ground rode superbly. Badminton is the one five-star we havent cracked, so I just want to be back tomorrow show jumping. And now Im going for a sleep!Kirsty Chabert, pathfinderIt was a good round, despite the 20 penalties [at fence 19]. Viscount Viktor was fighting a bit at the start and that was our comeuppance the brush came up too fast. But he relaxed after that. He is a class horse.Tim PriceThere were a couple of places where Ballaghmor Class wasnt too impressed with the size of the fence if he sees a fence he doesnt think is big enough, he can get out of my hands, but the old-fashioned fences he respects and his galloping is fantastic. Looking back, I think I enjoyed every minute! And, fair dos to Badminton, as the organisers must have been under pressure with the lack of rain but the ground is very consistent and they couldnt have done more. And its great to be back here in the sunshine!Oliver TownendI had a really nice ride on Belline Fighting Spirit. It was frustrating to have a 20 penalties [at fence 12] he jumped too far off the steps and showed his greenness, but it was 50% my fault. He will gain a lot from this.Joseph MurphyWhat a round! Im not going to lie that was cool! Last year I had no control, but I have changed the bit and felt much more confident this year. Chilli Knight doesnt like to whoa but he knows now when I ask him to whoa that it is for a jump. At Huntsmans Close he was unreal. I knew I didnt have enough seconds in hand to go long.Gemma StevensI am absolutely thrilled. It is Superstitions first run since coming through the finish lines at Burghley. I just jumped two 90cm show jumps this morning which kept him relaxed and he felt great. I loved jumping into the Lake. That is a proper Badminton fence, really cool.Harry MeadeCola was sensational. What a horse he is a fighter through and through. I know him inside out after riding him for nine years.Bubby UptonWhen you breed a horse [Hooney dArville], you never believe you will win a five-star [Luhmuhlen last year] or get to Badminton, but today she has shown me that she is a world-class.Lara de Liederkerke-MeierThere were some really, really good bits she [Cancaras Girl] is amazing, a little firecracker. Im really pleased with parts of it. She was getting tired approaching the quarry and didnt make the distance from the wall to the skinny. Im so mad at myself because I held her together and shes honest as the day is long, but couldnt jump it fromwhere she was. I cant blame her in the slightest.Tiana CoudrayHe [Black Ice] is just a perfect cross-country horse, it was amazing. Its quite long round here and you have time to think about everything. Everything was on Plan A; he hesitated at the top of the stairs he does that at drops, and the lake was good for me as he always lands quite early so good for the short four strides.Jrme RobinThat was so close. Im gutted for him [Dassett Rock Star] and the owners. But was his first time here, and he was quite struck by the venue, as many are. Ive just got to learn to manage him. We had a super-educational round, still lots to learn, but thats what this level is all about. It was nothing but a great experience and a clear round will come, Im excited for his future.Tom CrispIm now hot, hot, hot! Feroza Nieuwmoed was great, an amazing horse.Ryuzo (Sabu) KitajimaIt has been a dream Badminton debut. Rehy DJ Piglet was incredible. He grew in confidence. It was a really strong track and I couldnt be more proud of him. I went around the tree at Huntsmans Close as he was a little tired near the end and I wanted him to have time to see the question.Yasmin InghamMy horse [B Exclusive] was really good, so honest and genuine. I made quite a few changes of plan A, B and sometimes C!Lizzie BaughOur earlier blip had taken the wind out of his [JL Dublins] sails so when we got to Huntsmans Close it was easier to go direct and then the pin came down with his hindlegs. Its one of those things and thats what pins are there for, but he tried his heart out.Tom McEwenI had the most amazing round. It was our first five-star weve only done two long 4-stars and there was a lot to do out there.Rafael LosanoColorado Blue Salty is in the form of his life and he is all heart. Hes more mature now and I am lucky to have him. There has been a lot of rubbish talked which I didnt listen to about the course being softer, but Eric Winter is a damn good designer. Its all a lot easier on a horse like this.Austin OConnorYouve really got to be on your game. I am so grateful for my owners, who got the horse [Valmy Biats] back for me last year. I adore him so much. Ive seen the finish line so many times and not made it, that this feels wonderful I rarely make it to Sunday, Im just so grateful.Emily KingIt was hard work out there we never really got the rhythm the size of the fences made him more careful than usual but my horse [DAccord FRH] is bold and fast. He helped me out a lot. It is an amazing atmosphere here with all the people screaming in excitement.Christoph Wahler [pictured]I am really happy with my horse [Master Point]. He is a blood horse with a big stride. He can get a bit hollow in the combinations and I need to be aware of that, so we played him straight and honest and let him see the fences. Its my first Badminton and I am really happy its a show like nothing else. I hadnt even walked the course before and its above and beyond what people say.Ian CassellsI am so lucky to have this horse. I backed Lordships Graffalo Walter as a three-year-old and I am so privileged to have a horse that is so calm, although he was shaking in the stable beforehand and shis eyes were out on stalks. He knows his job so well. Hes got a turn of foot but he is also rideable.Ros CanterAs far as I am concerned, there was no incident. My foot took the flag out but Cooley Rosalent jumped the fence. Its been a good day. I couldnt be prouder of both horses who are from different ends of the spectrum in experience.Oliver Townend on being given a flag penalty at fence 26:

Kirsty Chabert proved the perfect cross-country trailblazer at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials, putting in a superb round on the mare Classic Vl to come home clear and show her fellow competitors how well Eric Winters course was riding.Next up was Oliver Townend on the wonderful Ballaghmor Class, the pair showing all their experience to come home with a handful of time penalties (4.6). It was their 13th consecutive five-star clear cross-country round, the first pair to achieve such a record for nearly 20 years.Gemma Stevens riding Chilli Knight [pictured] was the first to crack the optimum time of 11 minutes 40 seconds with a superb round as she rose from 10th place to soar into the lead in the early stages of the competition. What a round Im not going to lie, that was cool, she said delightedly.It was no surprise when Harry Meade, the only rider to achieve the optimum time at Kentucky a fortnight ago, romped home with no penalties on Superstition, a horse that he finds is best reserved for the big occasion he hasnt run across country since Burghley last September.Bubby Upton had another excellent round on her long-time partner Cola, and there were clears for first-time overseas riders Senne Vervaecke (Belgium), Jerome Robine (Germany), and Ryuzo Kitajima (Japan).There were run-outs with their first horses for Tim Price and Joseph Murphy, plus Tiana Coudray, Arthur Marx, Joe Meyer, a horse fall for David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed at fence 26 and Kylie Roddys bad Badminton luck continued when she tipped off SRS Kan Do at fence 4. Tom Rowlands pulled up his first horse, Quintilius, after a run-out at the seventh fence, Chinese competitor Alex Hua Tian, who heroically survived a near unseating at fence 17, retired, and Portuguese first-timer Manuel Grave was eliminated for three refusals.