Badminton Horse Trials at 70: a platinum competition

In 2019, for the first time, Badminton – along with the other former CCI4* events in the world, Kentucky, Burghley, Adelaide, Luhmühlen and Pau — will be categorized as a CCI5*-L competition, with the ‘L’ standing for ‘long.’ That 5* classification is the highest possible in the sport, and in the future, the elite competitions will have to satisfy certain criteria to maintain it: mandatory minimum prize money of €150,000, closed-circuit television for public, athletes, owners, and the ground jury, a minimum of 30 and maximum of 75 starters, and a 6,270–6,840-metre cross-country course (11-12 minutes) with 40–45 efforts.

Over the years since their creation by the 10th Duke of Beaufort, there have been various ups and downs and twists and turns in the Horse Trials’ existence. For example, in 1955, they were moved to Windsor for one year at the invitation of The Queen, on the occasion of the second European Championships. And in later years, bad weather forced the cancellation of the Trials in 1966, 1975, 1987 and 2012, while in 1962–63 the competition was shortened to one day due to bad conditions. Foot-and-mouth disease led to the cancellation of the 2001 Event.

But of course Badminton is also characterized by tradition and continuity, including its long-standing, 28-year partnership with sponsor Mitsubishi Motors, which will finally come to an end after the 2019 edition. “It is always sad when a very successful partnership comes to an end, and especially when, over the years, event and sponsor have developed a genuine friendship,” said Badminton’s Event Director Hugh Thomas last year after the announcement of the change. “However, when one door closes, another one opens, and it will be exciting to see where that leads.” 

Another Badminton tradition is its designated charity of the year, which in 2019 will be YoungMinds, the United Kingdom’s leading charity in favour of the well-being and mental health of children and young people. And for its platinum anniversary this year, the Horse Trials will also be welcoming 70-year-old ticket holders for a tea party. 

Along the way, individual riders and horses have added their stand-out achievements to Badminton’s history books, like in 1988 when Ian Stark became the only rider to finish first and second in the same Trials, with Sir Wattie and Glenburnie respectively. And with regard to what riders and spectators can expect this year, organisers have stated that, “Eric Winter’s 3rd year as course designer will see the track reversed as is traditional, so the Quarry comes right at the end of the course. The Lake this time will be about 2/3rds of the way round, so will be quite a test for any horses that are not fully fit.” Improved internet access, print-at-home tickets and expanded credit and debit options on-site have also been touted as hoped-for improvements to the visitor experience.