The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Every year, the best riders and horses from around the world come together to compete for the title of Badminton Horse Trials Champion. The event, which lasts for four days, consists of three phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Each year, a different rider and horse combination is crowned the champion of the Badminton Horse Trials.
History of Badminton Horse Trials
The Badminton Horse Trials was first held in 1949 and has been held annually ever since. It was established by the 10th Duke of Beaufort and is now considered to be the most important event in the international three-day eventing calendar. The event takes place in the grounds of Badminton House, the ancestral home of the Duke of Beaufort, and is now owned by HRH The Duke of Beaufort and the Badminton Estate.
Rules of the Event
The Badminton Horse Trials follows the rules of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). The event consists of three phases which must be completed in one day: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. In the dressage phase, riders perform a series of movements to demonstrate the horse’s obedience, suppleness and balance. In the cross-country phase, riders must navigate obstacles over a course of approximately 10-12km in the quickest time possible. In the show jumping phase, riders must clear a series of obstacles in the shortest time. The winner of the Badminton Horse Trials is decided by combining the scores of all three phases.
Past Champions
Since its inception, the Badminton Horse Trials has been won by some of the most famous riders and horses in the world. In the early years, British riders dominated the event with the likes of Mark Todd, Mary King, and Pippa Funnell all winning the title. In recent years, riders from other countries have begun to challenge the British dominance of the event, with riders from countries such as the US, Australia, and Germany winning the event.
2020 Badminton Horse Trials
The 2020 Badminton Horse Trials was held from April 29th to May 3rd 2020. The event was won by the Australian rider, Christopher Burton, and his horse, Nobilis 18. They finished the competition on a total score of 45.4, with Burton becoming only the third Australian to win the event.
Conclusion
The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world and is a testament to the skill and athleticism of the riders and horses that compete in it. Every year, riders from all over the world come together to compete for the title of Badminton Horse Trials Champion, and 2020 was no exception, with the Australian rider, Christopher Burton, and his horse, Nobilis 18, being crowned the winners of the event.