The Joules Journal / A history of Joules at Badminton Horse Trials

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A History of Joules at Badminton Horse Trials 

27th April 2017

As this year’s world famous Badminton Horse Trials approaches we took some time to chat to Tom Joule about our long history of trading at the event.

Tom Joule is happily animated when he talks about Badminton Horse Trials, it’s clear it’s an event that’s extremely close to his heart. With the Joule name being present at the horse trials for over 30 years, it’s easy to see why.

This historic horse trial was first held in 1949, the brain child of the 10th Duke of Beaufort – the then owner of Badminton House, who wanted to create an opportunity for riders to train for international events on home soil. The event has grown in size and importance to become one of the world’s most prestigious horse trials.

Looking back to our first days at Badminton you could say that Joules has grown alongside the event. Our first stall measured 36sq ft while this year’s stall is an enormous 270sq ft – that’s larger than some of our retail stores.

Our first stall measured 36sq ft while this year’s stall is an enormous 270sq ft – that’s larger than some of our retail stores.
Looking back to our first days at Badminton you could say that Joules has grown alongside the event.
The 1995 Joules Stand at Badminton Horse Trials
The 1995 Joules Stand at Badminton Horse Trials

Tom remembers the very early years of the late 1980s. “There were just three of us back then, and we did everything from pitching up to setting up and manning the stall all weekend long. It was hard work but so enjoyable.”

Right from the beginning the Joules stall stood out from the crowd. Tom’s vision was that the stall, as well as the clothing, should be, “colourful and bright; reflective of happy times. We wanted people to associate us with their weekends and time off – the good times.” It worked, drawing crowds to the stall, many of whom became lifelong customers, calling in for a chat each year.

From a workforce of three there are now over 50 people who make Joules at Badminton happen. Visitors can still buy hats and wellies, but they can also pick up anything from pet beds and coats to kitchenware now too. “The stall is so well known now it’s become a landmark, a meeting place for people during the event.” We were trailblazers back then too, “we were the first traders to operate on the Wednesday before the trials. Well, us and the guy who sells the bacon sandwiches…”

Badminton is so much more than a trade event for us; it’s a part of our heritage
Badminton is so much more than a trade event for us; it’s a part of our heritage
The 2008 Joules Stand at Badminton Horse Trials
The 2009 Joules Stand at Badminton Horse Trials
The 2013 Joules Stand at Badminton Horse Trials

Tom has attended Badminton every year since our first stall launched. If it wasn’t for a little bit of misfortune, MHS King Joules, Tom’s eventer horse ridden by Ollie Townend, would have been competing this year; he’ll be back for Burghley Horse Trials later in the year though.

Badminton is so much more than a trade event for us; it’s a part of our heritage
The 2015 Joules Stand at Badminton Horse Trials

The event has become a home from home for the Joules show team. “It’s set in the prettiest parkland and the surrounding area is beautiful – and welcoming to all us Badminton attendees. The camaraderie between traders is fantastic and as Badminton is the first large event of the season it’s where we all catch up on the year’s goings on.”

Badminton is so much more than a trade event for us; it’s a part of our heritage
The 2015 Joules Stand at Badminton Horse Trials
Badminton is so much more than a trade event for us; it’s a part of our heritage
The 2016 Joules Stand at Badminton Horse Trials

Badminton is so much more than a retail event for us; it’s a part of our heritage and one that we’re incredibly proud to be a part of. In Tom’s words, “It’s part of our DNA.”

Badminton is so much more than a trade event for us; it’s a part of our heritage
The 2016 Joules Stand at Badminton Horse Trials

Will you be attending Badminton this year? Be sure to come along and say hello to us if you are.

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1 Comment

  • Adele M Fox

    23.04.2020 at 19:06 Reply

    Hello Joules Team,

    I think the idea on sharing this lovely journal you have created is Fantastic, Kudos what a lovely thoughtful gesture this is!!
    Your company is a pleasure to do business with and your staff on the phone delightful.
    American businesses should take a page out of your book, instead of the an email and no personal contact or connection with customers. So few have phone contact, what is that a phone and talk to a customer ?? I don’t have the time for that…….Thank you Joules for understanding how important that act is to many people! Your building your business beautifully with a caring, personalized approach and thank you for doing so.

    Glad to see and experience there is more to doing business than just money………..
    I love my purchases from Joules and the wonderful kind treatment you provide.and look forward to speaking with you and ordering again.

    Please take care and be well,

    Sincerely,
    Adele Fox
    .

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