Badminton 2025: Brutal, Brilliant, and Back – Equitas Is Watching
Badminton is back, and we’re all eyes on it. From May 7th to 11th, the MARS Badminton Horse Trials storms into Gloucestershire for its 76th edition, and while we won’t be ringside, we’ll be bringing you the sharpest, gutsiest updates each evening—cutting through the noise and zeroing in on what actually matters.
This isn’t just a box-ticker event. It’s five-star at full throttle: high stakes, fierce reputations, and a sport that asks more of its athletes—equine and human—than most can grasp. Forget polished PR lines; Badminton is where nerves fray, decisions make or break, and you either step up or step off.
The entries this year are pure fire. Caroline Powell is back with Greenacres Special Cavalier, hoping to hold the crown she snatched last year. Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo are poised, Tom McEwen is loaded with both JL Dublin and Toledo De Kerser, and Laura Collett brings Bling. Oliver Townend’s fielding two: Swallow Springs and Tregilder. Tim Price? He’s not messing—Falco, Vitali, and Viscount Viktor are all coming. For Ireland, Joseph Murphy rides Calmaro and Belline Fighting Spirit, with Sam Watson partnering Ballyneety Rocketman. And don’t underestimate Tayla Mason—she and Centennial just squeezed in and could cause a shake-up.
The course? As brutal and beautiful as ever. Eric Winter’s designed a track that doesn’t let up—running clockwise this year with 32 fences designed to test nerve, scope, and mental stamina. From the goliath Keeper’s Table at fence 2 to the notorious MARS Lake at 8–10abc, there’s danger baked in early. Huntsman’s Close will claim a few, and the Eyelash Brushes look tame until you ride at them on tired legs and a ticking clock. Optimum time: 11 minutes and 45 seconds. Riders will need to be brave and smart, but above all, adaptable.
And before the big guns even hit the turf, the LeMieux Grassroots Championships take centre stage on May 6th. For many riders, this is the dream—competing on the hallowed grounds of Badminton in front of a crowd that knows what it’s looking at. These aren’t just hobby riders; they’re hard-working amateurs juggling jobs, families, and full-on training schedules. They’ve earned their place, and believe me, they’ll fight for it. Some of the biggest heart you'll see all week will show up before the five-star even starts.
Off the course, it’s classic Badminton mayhem—thousands expected, 500+ trade stands, and the usual fanfare from the Shetland Pony Grand National to the hounds on parade. It’s as much a pilgrimage as an event for many.
Here’s what to expect from Equitas: each evening, we’ll drop our take on the day’s biggest moves—rider reactions, Irish interest, top scores, training room tension, and the stuff you won’t hear in the official roundups. No frills, no fluff—just honest, bold storytelling that cuts to the core.
Plan Your Visit:
- Dates: May 7–11, 2025
- Location: Badminton Estate, South Gloucestershire
- Tickets: Must be bought in advance—there are no gate sales
- Live Stream: Available via Badminton TV on ClipMyHorse.TV
- Full Schedule & Start Lists: badminton-horse.co.uk
Badminton 2025 is a crucible—and we’ll be watching it burn, break, and build champions. Join us for the real stories, every evening, right here on Equitas.
