The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world, and it has been running since 1949. It is an event that brings together the best horses, riders and trainers from across the globe to compete for the title of Badminton Horse Trials champion. It is a three-day event that tests the horse and rider’s skill and endurance and is a showcase of the best of equestrian sport. In recent years, the event has become increasingly popular and profitable, with the profits it makes going to fund the event and its associated charities. But how much profit does the Badminton Horse Trials make?
The History of the Badminton Horse Trials
The Badminton Horse Trials was first held in 1949, at the Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire, England. The event was created by the 10th Duke of Beaufort and was inspired by the ‘Grand National’ steeplechase held at Aintree, Liverpool. The event has grown since then and is now held annually, with the event moving to the Badminton Estate in 1959. It is now considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events, with competitors from all over the world competing for the title of Badminton Horse Trials champion.
The Event and Its Competition Classes
The Badminton Horse Trials consists of three days of competition. The first day of competition is the dressage, where the horse and rider are judged on their ability to perform a set pattern of movements. The second day is the cross-country, which is an endurance test that requires the horse and rider to navigate a set of challenging obstacles. The third and final day is the showjumping, where the horse and rider must jump a set of obstacles in a pre-determined order. The event also consists of competition classes ranging from novice to advanced, with each class having its own set of rules and regulations.
The Cost of Attending
The cost of attending the Badminton Horse Trials varies depending on the type of ticket purchased. Day tickets range from £20-£35, while a three-day ticket costs £50-£75. The cost of attending the event also includes the cost of parking, which ranges from £10-£20. There are also additional costs such as food, drinks and merchandise, which can add up to a substantial amount.
The Profits of the Badminton Horse Trials
The Badminton Horse Trials is a profitable event with the profits it makes going to fund the event and its associated charities. The profits from the event come from the ticket sales, merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, and other sources such as corporate hospitality. It is estimated that the event generates around £5 million in revenue each year.
Sponsorship Deals
Sponsorship is an important source of revenue for the Badminton Horse Trials, with some of the world’s biggest brands choosing to sponsor the event. Companies such as Land Rover, Rolex, and HSBC are some of the major sponsors of the event, with some of them paying millions of pounds to be associated with the event. Sponsorship deals also provide additional funding for the event, which can be used to improve the facilities and to add additional attractions.
Charitable Donations
The Badminton Horse Trials is also a major fundraiser for a number of charities, with the event donating a portion of its profits to these organisations. Some of the charities that the event has supported in recent years include the British Horse Society, the Brooke, and the Injured Jockeys Fund. The event also provides additional funding to these charities through fundraising activities such as auctions and raffles.
Conclusion
The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events and it generates a significant amount of profit each year. The profits from the event are used to fund the event and its associated charities, with some of the world’s biggest brands choosing to sponsor the event and charitable organisations benefiting from donations. It is estimated that the event generates around £5 million in revenue each year.