Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the world. It is held annually in the UK and has been running since 1949. It is a three-day event that combines dressage, show jumping, and cross-country riding. The event attracts thousands of spectators each year and is considered one of the most challenging and exciting events in the sport. Many of the world’s top riders compete in Badminton Horse Trials and those who do well can often take home a big purse of prize money. But before you can compete in Badminton Horse Trials, you must qualify.
Qualifying Requirements
In order to qualify for Badminton Horse Trials, riders must meet a number of criteria. First and foremost, riders must be members of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). Riders must also have competed in at least three BEF-affiliated competitions in the year before the event, and have earned at least 60 British Eventing points in that time. Riders must also have competed in a minimum of two international events in the year prior, and earned a minimum of 10 points in each.
In addition to these requirements, riders must also be at least 18 years of age and must have completed a minimum of 75 days of eventing in the three years prior to the competition. Riders must also have completed a minimum of 10 cross-country courses in the two years preceding the event. Finally, riders must have completed at least one four-star event in the three years prior to the competition.
Selections
Once riders have met the qualifying criteria, they will then be eligible to be selected for the Badminton Horse Trials. Selection is based on a number of factors including the rider’s performance in the qualifying competitions, their experience in the sport, and their horse’s condition. Riders are also judged on their ability to handle the challenging course at Badminton Horse Trials.
Riders are usually selected for the event in two stages. The first stage is the pre-selection, which is usually announced in early April. This selection consists of up to 50 riders. The second stage is the final selection, which is usually announced in late April. This selection consists of up to 40 riders.
Competition Format
Once riders have been selected for the Badminton Horse Trials, they will then compete in a three-day competition. The first day consists of the dressage phase. Riders must perform a predetermined set of movements in the dressage arena. The second day consists of the show jumping phase. Riders must navigate a series of jumps and obstacles in the show jumping arena. The third day consists of the cross-country phase. Riders must navigate a challenging course of fences, ditches, and water jumps.
The competition is scored on a points system. Riders are awarded points for their performance in each phase, with the highest-scoring rider being declared the winner. The winner of the competition is awarded the title “Badminton Horse Trials Champion”, as well as a large purse of prize money.
Conclusion
Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious and challenging equestrian competitions in the world. In order to compete in Badminton Horse Trials, riders must meet a number of criteria, including being a member of the British Equestrian Federation, having competed in a number of BEF-affiliated competitions, and having earned a minimum number of points in international events. Riders must also meet a number of other criteria in order to be selected for the competition. Once selected, riders will then compete in a three-day competition, with the highest-scoring rider being declared the winner.