
Badminton Horse Trials 2025 – Results, Winner and Schedule
The MARS Badminton Horse Trials 2025 concluded in May 2025 with British rider Rosalind Canter securing victory aboard LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO. The competition marked the 77th edition of the premier CCI 5* three-day event, held annually at the Badminton Estate in South Gloucestershire under the patronage of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort.
Canter delivered a masterclass in precision riding, finishing on her dressage score of 25.3 penalties without adding faults across the cross-country or show jumping phases. The event drew elite competitors from multiple nations, contesting a prize fund of £125,000 across the demanding disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
Results from the 2025 fixture establish the current competitive hierarchy ahead of the 2026 championship, scheduled for 6–10 May 2026. Analysis of the entry list, scoring patterns, and official timetables provides essential context for understanding the event’s standing within international eventing.
When and Where is Badminton Horse Trials 2025?
The 2025 competition took place from Wednesday, 7 May to Sunday, 11 May 2025. The fixture occupied the historic grounds of Badminton Estate, located in Badminton, Gloucestershire, GL9 1DF.
7–11 May 2025
Badminton Estate, GL9 1DF
CCI 5* Three-Day Event
Advance Ticket Purchase Required
Key Facts About the 2025 Event
- Rosalind Canter claimed her victory aboard LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO with a flawless cross-country and show jumping performance.
- Oliver Townend secured second place with a total of 26.3 penalties, while Ireland’s Austin O’Connor finished third on 31.2 penalties.
- The competition represented one of only seven CCI 5* events held worldwide, indicating the highest level of eventing difficulty.
- Organizers distributed £125,000 in prize money among the field of Olympic medallists, world champions, and top-20 ranked athletes.
- Entries for the 2025 championship closed on 20 March 2025 at 12:00 noon following a ballot process.
- The event comprised dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases, with the Shetland Pony Grand National featured alongside main competition.
Event Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | 7–11 May 2025 |
| Venue | Badminton Estate, Gloucestershire |
| Competition Grade | CCI 5* |
| Total Prize Fund | £125,000 |
| 2025 Champion | Rosalind Canter & LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO |
| Winning Score | 25.3 penalties |
| Entry Deadline | 20 March 2025 |
| Estate Access | Tickets purchased in advance only |
How to Buy Tickets for Badminton Horse Trials 2025
Attendance at the 2025 event required advance ticket purchases through the official Box Office. No sales occurred at the gate during the competition days.
Tickets were available exclusively online or via telephone at 01454 218375 up until midnight the night before attendance. Grandstand seating required separate reservations from general admission.
Purchase Methods
Spectators secured entry through the official website or by contacting the Box Office directly. The system operated until 12:00 midnight on the eve of each competition day. General admission granted access to competition areas, though specific seating in grandstands demanded additional tickets.
Gate Times and Access
Grounds opened at 8:00 am on Wednesday through Friday, 7:00 am on Saturday, and 7:30 am on Sunday. Trade stands commenced operations from 9:00 am, with earlier openings on weekend days. Spectators arriving by vehicle followed directed parking protocols on the estate grounds.
For those planning attendance at future events, Your Parking Space Discount Code offers alternatives for parking arrangements near major UK sporting venues.
Entries and Favorites for Badminton Horse Trials 2025
The 2025 entry list featured a competitive field of international riders, with final results confirming British dominance atop the leaderboard. The ballot process concluded in March 2025, determining the starting order for the dressage phase.
Organizers closed the entry ballot on 20 March 2025. Queries regarding entry procedures for subsequent championships directed to Alex Harbottle at alex.harbottle@badminton-horse.co.uk or via telephone at +44 (0)1454 218272.
Final Results and Standings
The competition concluded with Rosalind Canter securing the title ahead of a tightly contested field. The final leaderboard demonstrated the narrow margins separating podium positions at the five-star level.
| Rank | Rider & Horse | Total Penalties | Dressage | Cross Country | Show Jump |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rosalind Canter – LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO | 25.3 | 25.3 | 0 | 0/0 |
| 2 | Oliver Townend – COOLEY ROSALENT | 26.3 | 21.1 | 1.2 | 4/0 |
| 3 | Austin O’Connor – COLORADO BLUE | 31.2 | 30.8 | 0 | 0/0.4 |
| 4 | Harry Meade – CAVALIER CRYSTAL | 33.8 | 33.8 | 0 | 0/0 |
| 5 | Emily King – VALMY BIATS | 38.5 | 27.3 | 7.2 | 4/0 |
Lower placings extended to 24th position, held by Sammi Birch with 62.0 penalties, while some competitors including Jesse Campbell recorded retirements during the cross-country phase.
Competitive Field Composition
The entry comprised Olympic medallists, world champions, and athletes ranked within the global top-20. British riders occupied four of the top five finishing positions, demonstrating the host nation’s strength in the discipline.
How to Watch Badminton Horse Trials 2025 Live
Official coverage of the 2025 championship streamed exclusively through Badminton TV, the dedicated broadcasting service powered by ClipMyHorse.tv. This platform provided the sole authorized method for viewing all competition phases remotely.
Badminton TV served as the only official source for live and archived coverage of the 2025 event. The service offered season passes for comprehensive access to current and past championships.
Streaming Access
Subscribers accessed Badminton TV through the official website, with applications available for mobile devices. The platform delivered live feeds from the dressage arena, cross-country course, and show jumping ring, alongside expert commentary and competitor interviews.
Archival Footage
The streaming service maintains an archive of previous championships, allowing review of the 2025 rounds including Canter’s winning performance and the decisive cross-country phases that determined the final standings.
What Was the Schedule for Badminton Horse Trials 2025?
The championship followed the traditional five-star format spread across five days, commencing with grassroots competitions and culminating in the show jumping final.
- Tuesday 6 May: LeMieux Grassroots Championships – Dressage competitions held at The Slaits from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Wednesday 7 May: Gates opened 8:00 am. Grassroots finals in dressage, show jumping, and cross-country (9:00 am–4:30 pm). First Horse Inspection for the main competition at 4:30 pm.
- Thursday 8 May: Gates opened 8:00 am. CCI 5* Dressage phase from 9:00 am to approximately 5:00 pm, including a dressage display at 12:30 pm.
- Friday 9 May: Gates opened 8:00 am. Cross-country phase for the main competition throughout the day.
- Saturday 10 May: Gates opened 7:00 am. Shetland Pony Grand National at 10:30 am. Continuation of cross-country jumping from 11:30 am to approximately 5:00 pm.
- Sunday 11 May: Gates opened 7:30 am. Show jumping finals determining the ultimate championship standings.
What Information Was Confirmed Before the 2025 Event?
Preparation for the championship involved distinguishing between fixed logistical elements and competitive variables subject to change.
| Established Facts | Pending or Variable Information |
|---|---|
| Event dates: 7–11 May 2025 | Final entry list pending ballot completion |
| Location: Badminton Estate, GL9 1DF | Weather conditions affecting ground state |
| Entry deadline: 20 March 2025 | Specific withdrawal dates for entered combinations |
| Prize fund: £125,000 | Final cross-country course modifications |
| Competition format: CCI 5* | Starting order determined by ballot draw |
What Is the Significance of Badminton Horse Trials?
Badminton Horse Trials represents one of the most challenging equestrian competitions globally, held annually on the Duke of Beaufort’s estate since 1949. The 2025 running marked the 77th championship, maintaining its position alongside Kentucky and Burghley as a pinnacle of three-day eventing.
The CCI 5* classification indicates the highest difficulty level in eventing, requiring horses and riders to demonstrate excellence across three distinct disciplines. The competition serves as a critical preparation ground for Olympic Games and World Championships, with performances at Badminton significantly influencing national team selections.
Visitors to the region often combine attendance with other cultural attractions. RHS Garden Bridgewater Tickets provide access to another significant horticultural destination, though located separately from the Gloucestershire estate.
Official Sources and Results Documentation
Official results and technical details derived from the Badminton Horse Trials organizing committee and the official event website.
Rosalind Canter – 58 LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO
Total Penalties: 25.3 | Dressage: 25.3 (4th) | Cross Country: 0 (2nd) | Show Jump: 0/0— Official Results, Badminton Horse Trials 2025
Summary of Badminton Horse Trials 2025
The 2025 Badminton Horse Trials concluded with Rosalind Canter’s victory, reinforcing British eventing strength through precise, penalty-free jumping phases. The championship maintained its CCI 5* standards with a £125,000 prize fund, while the provisional schedule for 2026 indicates the event will return from 6–10 May 2026. Spectators and competitors alike anticipate the next ballot, which will determine the field for the 78th running of this historic competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Badminton Horse Trials?
Badminton Horse Trials is an annual CCI 5* three-day eventing competition held at the Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire. It is one of only seven such events worldwide, featuring dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases over five days.
Who won Badminton Horse Trials 2025?
Rosalind Canter won the 2025 championship riding LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO with a total score of 25.3 penalties.
Can I still buy tickets for the 2025 event?
No, the 2025 event concluded in May 2025. Tickets for the 2026 championship, scheduled for 6–10 May, are available through the official Box Office.
When is Badminton Horse Trials 2026?
The 2026 event is scheduled for Wednesday, 6 May to Sunday, 10 May 2026 at the Badminton Estate.
How do riders qualify for Badminton?
Riders must meet minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) at CCI 4* or 5* level. Entries are then subject to a ballot process, as the event typically receives more qualified applications than available starting places.
Where can I watch replays of the 2025 competition?
Archived coverage is available through Badminton TV, the official streaming service powered by ClipMyHorse.tv, which maintains a library of past championships.
What does CCI 5* mean?
CCI stands for Concours Complet International. The 5* rating represents the highest level of difficulty in eventing, with demanding cross-country courses, complex dressage tests, and high show jumping courses.