Eventing season is on the horizon, and all of us here at Joules can’t wait to kick things off with one of our all-time favourite equestrian events: the world-famous Badminton Horse Trials.
Joules has been attending Badminton Horse Trials for over 30 years now, with our first stall measuring only 36sqm. A lot has changed since those early days, with our main stand now ten times bigger, measuring at a whopping 360sqm (and that’s not even including our Little Joule and Official Collection stands!).
If you’ve never been to Badminton Horse Trials before and are looking for some top tips to get the most out of this unforgettable experience, you’ve come to the right place. Here is our guide to Badminton Horse Trials 2023…
When and Where
The dates of Badminton Horse Trials 2023 have had to change due to the King’s Coronation.
This year’s trials will take place on Thursday 4th May to Monday 8th May at the site of the historic Badminton House and Estate.
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY – Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships
FRIDAY – Dressage
SATURDAY – Dressage
SUNDAY – Cross Country
MONDAY – Show Jumping & Presentation
Joules at Badminton
- You’ll find our main range of clothing and accessories at Stand 18. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to snap a photo at Joules’ special Street Party Table, where you can raise a toast to the new king and capture an unforgettable moment at Badminton.
- Head to stand 102 to get your hands on the new 2023 official Badminton Collection by Joules. Discover styles for all the family that are the perfect way to celebrate the event, and the coronation!
- On Sunday 7th you’ll spot the Joules sponsored fence on the cross country course. Here we’ll be celebrating the King’s coronation weekend with the Joules Street Party, a free-to-attend event with picnic tables, photo opportunities and plenty of food and drink available to purchase (anyone for a Pimm’s?).
- There will be two Official Collection pop-up stands to visit during the event: on Wednesday and Thursday on the Grassroots course, and on Sunday on the Cross Country course.
What to Wear at Badminton
Be prepared to do a lot of walking over the five-day event, so opt for comfortable and easy-to-wear layers and footwear that will cope with the park’s uneven terrain. The weather can range from blazing sunshine to torrential rain, so it’s best to be ready for any eventuality.
Of course, don’t forget that you can get your hands on the Official Badminton Collection designed by Joules ahead of the event, and during the event at stand 102.
What to See at Badminton
- At the Grassroots Championships on Wednesday and Thursday, you can watch the best grassroots horses and riders in the country. You can shop the Badminton Official Collection pop-up stand on the Grassroots course, too.
- The first horse inspection is always a great experience to watch in front of Badminton House.
- Make sure to walk the cross-country course. You can do this any day other than Sunday, and is a great way to really see how technical the jumps are. Just make sure you don’t walk on the actual course!
Shopping at Badminton
When you’re not engrossed in all the action on the equestrian side of things, the Shopping Village at Badminton Horse Trials has more than 500 trade stands to browse at your leisure, including:
- The Joules Main Stand at stand 18.
- The Official Collection designed by Joules at stand 102.
- HiHo Silver, the official jeweller of the Badminton Horse Trials.
- A huge selection of other well-known brands to shop with.
Food & Drink at Badminton
There is a fantastic selection of food and drink available to enjoy at Badminton Horse Trials, including grills, smokehouses, coffee houses, delicatessens, sweet treats, local produce, bakeries and more! In short, there’s something to cater for all tastes. Of course, there’s always the option to pack a picnic too. Here are our tasty tips…
- You’ll always find a great choice of food in The World of Food and Drink zone, that includes a garden area with tables and chairs and a big screen.
- Arrive early for breakfast! There are lots of delicious options to choose from.
- The Pig & Whistle is a traditional pub setting with a great atmosphere, situated next to The Main Big Screen.
- The Fairfax and Favor Badminton Lakeside is perfect location to enjoy a wonderful assortment of gourmet food and beverages in the premium surrounds of the iconic Lakeside.
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