It’s that time of year again for the annual equestrian pilgrimage to Gloucestershire as the 2018 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton horse trials takes place between 2-6 May

and the expectations of this year’s event is that it is likely to be a classic as former winning combinations Andrew Nicholson with Nereo (2017)  and Michael Jung with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW (2016) return to do battle once again. Added to that there are a total of eight other former Badminton champions on the list of the 2018 Badminton Horse Trials entries.

It will not come as a surprise to hear that the ongoing wet weather has decimated the British Eventing calendar this spring, leading to a number of withdrawals due to riders feeling their horses have not had sufficient preparation, including Laura Collett with the former seven-year-old World Young Horse champion, Mr Bass. This means all horses and riders who were originally on the wait list have now been accepted.

Sadly time has run out for Tina Cook, who has not fully recovered from dislocating her shoulder at Burnham Market at the end of March. She decided to withdraw as she felt she would be unable to ride at her best.

Held in the grounds of Badminton House in Gloucestershire, this year’s event will have a new-look cross-country course, as designer Eric Winter has decided to send riders anti-clockwise around the course this year, heading to the quarry and Huntsmans Close at the start of the course. One of just six four-star events in the world, the Mitsubishi Motors-sponsored event in Gloucestershire is arguably the most prestigious. The list of winners is a true who’s who for the sport of eventing and we can’t wait to see who will add their name to the roll of honour in 2018. 2018 Cross Country Course

Eric Winter’s course design

(this interactive course can be found on the official badminton site – under the reference competition)

Take a fascinating interactive tour with six times Badminton winner Lucinda Green and course designer Eric Winter. Filmed walkthroughs, drone flyovers, photos, audio, intelligent direct and alternative routes and statistics.