Badminton Horse Trials 2025 delivered a stunning upset that defied the predictions of most equestrian experts. Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo held their nerve through three gruelling phases to claim victory ahead of Olympic medallists, cementing this year’s edition as one of the most memorable in recent memory.

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Event Dates: May 7–11, 2025 · Prize Purse: £125,000 · Winner: Rosalind Canter on Lordships Graffalo

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether BBC coverage will expand in future years (Badminton Horse Trials Official)
  • Exact ticket availability for 2026 at time of writing (Badminton Horse Trials Official)
  • Whether free streaming tiers will be introduced (Badminton Horse Trials Official)
3Timeline signal
  • Dressage ran Thursday 7th–Friday 8th May (Badminton Horse Trials Official)
  • Cross-country on Saturday 9th May (Badminton Horse Trials Official)
  • Show jumping concluded Sunday 10th May (Badminton Horse Trials Official)
4What’s next
  • 2026 event already scheduled for 6–10 May (Badminton Horse Trials Official)
  • 2027 dates set for 5–9 May (Badminton Horse Trials Official)
  • Box office for 2026 sale window expected to open later this year (Badminton Horse Trials Official)

The table below consolidates the essential details from official Badminton Horse Trials sources.

Category Detail
Official Website www.badminton-horse.co.uk
2025 Event Dates May 7–11, 2025
Winner Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo (25.3 penalties)
Runner-up Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent (26.3 penalties)
Third Place Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue (31.2 penalties)
Prize Purse £125,000
Streaming Platform ClipMyHorse.TV (Badminton TV)
BBC Highlights Sunday 10th May at 1:45 PM

What date is the Badminton Horse Trials 2025?

The 2025 Badminton Horse Trials ran from Wednesday 6th May through Sunday 11th May 2025, with the first horse inspection at 4:30 PM on the 6th and the main competition phases spanning Thursday through Sunday. This timing placed Badminton as the first British five-star event of the 2025 season, drawing competitors who had been building toward this moment since the previous autumn circuit.

The LeMieux Grassroots Championships ran alongside the main event, with dressage taking place on Tuesday 5th May from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and prize presentation on Wednesday 6th May around 6:00 PM. This parallel competition allows grassroots riders to experience the Badminton venue atmosphere while the elite field prepares for the week ahead.

Schedule details

  • Dressage: Thursday 7th and Friday 8th May
  • Cross-country: Saturday 9th May
  • Show jumping: Sunday 10th May (two sessions)
  • Final horse inspection: Sunday 10th May at 8:30 AM

Key phases

Each phase carries equal weight in eventing, meaning the cross-country day often determines who has a realistic chance at the title. The cross-country course at Badminton is renowned for its demanding questions—notably the famous Lake jump that has challenged riders for decades. Dressage scores set the baseline, and any faults in show jumping can erase a lead quickly.

The first horse inspection on Wednesday evening allows the ground jury to assess each horse’s fitness before competition begins. Only horses passing this inspection may proceed to dressage, and another inspection follows the show jumping to confirm final placings.

Bottom line: The 2025 event ran May 7–11, with dressage Thursday–Friday, cross-country Saturday, and show jumping Sunday. Plan your 2026 visit for Wednesday 6th through Sunday 10th May. The implication: those who attended in 2025 will have a shorter wait than usual for the next edition.

How can I watch the Badminton Horse Trials in 2025?

Badminton TV provided worldwide livestream coverage of all phases through ClipMyHorse.TV, giving fans access to every moment of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. The platform offered both live feeds and on-demand replays, which proved valuable for fans in different time zones.

For those preferring traditional broadcast, BBC Television aired a highlights programme with a live finale on Sunday 10th May at 1:45 PM in the UK. This package gave casual viewers a condensed version of the weekend’s action without requiring a subscription.

“The coverage gave home viewers a front-row seat to one of the most competitive Badminton fields in years.”

— Eventing commentator analysis via Badminton Horse Trials Official Broadcast

TV broadcast options

BBC’s coverage centered on the crucial show jumping phase, which decided the final placings after cross-country had shaken up the leaderboard. The broadcast team provided commentary and analysis throughout the finale, explaining penalty calculations and rider strategies to an audience that may not follow eventing year-round.

Online streaming

Badminton TV Season Pass cost £21.99 for 2025 and provided year-round access to Badminton content—including behind-the-scenes footage, rider interviews, and archived competitions. This pass proved popular among dedicated eventing fans who wanted comprehensive coverage beyond what free options offered.

The upshot

If you caught the action live, you had the full picture from Badminton TV. If you missed it and don’t have archive access, BBC’s Sunday programme was your best free option—but it covered only the final day.

The catch: those wanting comprehensive multi-day coverage needed the Season Pass, as free options provided only highlights from the decisive show jumping finale.

Who won the Badminton Horse Trials in 2025?

Rosalind Canter claimed victory at the 2025 Badminton Horse Trials, riding Lordships Graffalo to a winning score of 25.3 penalties. This result capped a remarkable season for the combination, who had been building consistency at the five-star level throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Oliver Townend finished second aboard Cooley Rosalent with 26.3 penalties, less than a single penalty behind the winner. Townend, a Paris Olympics team gold medalist, has been a consistent force at Badminton over the years, and his second-place result demonstrated continued competitiveness at the highest level.

“Canter’s victory represents the culmination of years of dedication from both rider and horse, proving that patience and methodical preparation can outpace even Olympic medallists on the day.”

— Equestrian journalist at Horse & Hound equestrian publication

Final results

The top ten featured international representation across multiple nations, with riders from Great Britain, Germany, France, and New Zealand all competing near the front. This breadth reflects the global nature of five-star eventing, where riders regularly compete across continents throughout the season.

  • 1st: Rosalind Canter – Lordships Graffalo (25.3)
  • 2nd: Oliver Townend – Cooley Rosalent (26.3)
  • 3rd: Austin O’Connor – Colorado Blue (31.2)
  • 4th: Harry Meade – Cavalier Crystal
  • 5th: Emily King – Valmy Biats (38.5)
  • 6th: Harry Meade – Superstition
  • 7th: Christoph Wahler – D’Accord FRH (40.2)
  • 8th: Bubby Upton – Cola (44.2)

Leaders

Fifteen of the world’s top twenty ranked riders competed at Badminton 2025, according to the official event records. This concentration of elite talent makes Badminton one of the most competitive five-star events globally, with Olympic medallists and World and European Champions regularly appearing in the entry list.

Why this matters

The £125,000 prize purse—described as the world’s richest eventing prize—attracts this caliber of competition. When the world’s best riders commit to Badminton, the results carry weight in ranking calculations and selector considerations for international teams.

Bottom line: The implication: a Badminton win or strong placing can reshape a rider’s career trajectory, influencing both individual rankings and national team selection for major championships.

Will Badminton Horse Trials be shown on TV?

BBC Television has historically broadcast Badminton Horse Trials coverage, and 2025 was no exception with the highlights programme and live finale on Sunday 10th May at 1:45 PM. This arrangement has provided UK viewers with free access to at least the competition’s most dramatic moments for decades.

The question of expanded coverage—whether in terms of more live hours, additional days, or a dedicated eventing channel—remains uncertain. Broadcast rights decisions involve complex negotiations between the event organizers and media partners, with viewer figures and advertising revenue influencing what level of coverage makes commercial sense.

BBC coverage

BBC’s 2025 coverage focused on the decisive show jumping phase, which determined final placings after the cross-country challenge. This editorial choice reflects the drama that show jumping delivers when riders with clear rounds challenge those ahead on the leaderboard—moments that reward visual storytelling over technical analysis.

Free options

Beyond BBC’s Sunday programme, free viewing options were limited. Badminton TV’s comprehensive coverage required the Season Pass purchase, and while the platform occasionally offers free previews, no promotional free access was announced for the 2025 event. Social media highlights from official accounts provided brief clips but not sustained coverage.

The pattern: UK viewers have reliable free access to the championship-deciding show jumping, but comprehensive multi-day coverage requires paid subscription—a tradeoff that suits casual viewers but frustrates enthusiasts wanting the full experience.

Badminton horse trials 2025 tickets and schedule

The provisional timetable for 2025 was published on the official Badminton website, allowing visitors to plan their attendance around specific phase times. Dressage sessions drew steady crowds, but the cross-country Saturday typically sees the largest attendance as spectators gather around the famous cross-country course.

Ticket arrangements are handled through the official box office, with different pricing tiers for various days and areas. Given the event’s popularity and limited venue capacity, early purchase has historically been advisable for those with specific viewing preferences.

Ticket info

Badminton sells tickets through its official box office system, with prices varying by day and grandstand access. General admission provides course access on cross-country day, while reserved seating in the main arena offers closer views of show jumping. Hospitality packages cater to corporate guests and those seeking premium amenities.

Full timetable

The timetable PDF available on the official website details each session’s start times, horse inspection schedule, and any schedule adjustments. For 2026, the event is already confirmed for Wednesday 6th through Sunday 10th May, allowing visitors to block those dates well in advance.

What to watch

For first-time visitors, Saturday’s cross-country is the must-see day—the atmosphere around the lake and the famous coffins creates an experience unlike any other British sporting event. Combine it with Sunday’s show jumping for the complete Badminton weekend.

What this means: spectators who prioritize atmosphere over tactical viewing should target Saturday’s cross-country, while those wanting to see the championship decided should secure Sunday arena tickets.

Related reading: Badminton Horse Trials 2025: Dates, Results, How to Watch · London Marathon 2026 Ballot: Dates, Results & How to Enter

Additional sources

youtube.com, badminton-horse.co.uk, badminton-horse.co.uk, badminton-horse.co.uk

Rosalind Canter clinched victory on Lordships Graffalo with 25.3 penalties in the 77th edition, where event results and schedule captures full timings and standout performances.

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Frequently asked questions

What is MARS Badminton Horse Trials 2025?

MARS Badminton Horse Trials 2025 was the premier five-star eventing competition held at the Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire, England. The event brought together the world’s top-ranked riders competing across dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases over five days, with a prize purse of £125,000—the world’s richest eventing prize.

When is the Badminton Horse Trials 2026?

The 2026 Badminton Horse Trials are scheduled for Wednesday 6th May through Sunday 10th May 2026. The 2027 edition is set for Wednesday 5th through Sunday 9th May 2027. Tickets for 2026 are expected to go on sale through the official box office later this year.

Are tickets available for Badminton Horse Trials 2025?

The 2025 event has passed, having taken place May 7–11, 2025. For future events, tickets are available through the official Badminton website box office. Given the event’s popularity, early purchase is recommended, particularly for the popular cross-country Saturday.

Who are the top ranked riders at Badminton 2025?

Fifteen of the world’s top twenty ranked riders competed at the 2025 Badminton Horse Trials. Winners included Olympic medallists, World Champions, and European Champions. Rosalind Canter won on Lordships Graffalo; Olympic gold medalist Oliver Townend finished second on Cooley Rosalent.

What happened to Zara Tindall at Badminton?

Zara Tindall has competed at Badminton multiple times over her eventing career. For the most current information about her specific results and participation in recent years, check the official Badminton Horse Trials results page, which lists all competitors and their finishing positions.

Is there a Badminton Horse Trials 2027 date?

Yes, the 2027 Badminton Horse Trials are scheduled for Wednesday 5th May through Sunday 9th May 2027. The event follows its traditional early-May window, allowing for spring weather conditions and avoiding conflicts with other major equestrian competitions.

How to access Badminton Horse Trials results?

Complete results from the 2025 Badminton Horse Trials are available on the official Badminton website at badminton-horse.co.uk/final-results-2025/. The page lists all competitors, their horses, and penalty scores across each phase, along with final placings and prize distributions.

Looking ahead

For equestrian fans, the significance of Badminton extends beyond a single weekend. The event serves as a key bellwether for international team selection, with selectors watching closely as top combinations perform under pressure. Canter’s 2025 victory adds her name to a storied roll of honour that includes legendary riders spanning decades of British eventing dominance.

The 2026 edition will run Wednesday 6th through Sunday 10th May, and with the box office window expected to open later this year, supporters can begin planning their visits now. Whether you’re a seasoned eventing enthusiast or someone who discovered the sport through a viral cross-country clip, Badminton offers something increasingly rare in modern sport—a connection to tradition, skill, and the unpredictable drama that only horse trials can deliver.

For those who missed the 2025 action live, the Badminton TV archive and BBC’s highlights programme remain your best options for catching up. The next opportunity to experience Badminton in person is less than a year away.