“We are very keen to reflect the huge accolade of winning such a high-level five-star competition, as well as the great achievement of finishing in the top 20,” said Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell.
Badminton 2023 promises to be a memorable weekend, as it coincides with the Coronation of the King and Queen Consort. The first day of dressage will be on Friday (May 5). There will be a break in the middle of the second day of dressage (Saturday, May 6) so that everyone can watch the Coronation on the big screens. The cross-country will be on Sunday (May 7) and the show jumping finale on Monday (May 8), which is now a Bank Holiday.
“It should be a really celebratory occasion which we hope will be fun for everyone and a great atmosphere,” said Mrs Tuckwell.
Badminton is also pleased to announce that the benefiting charity for 2023 will be the Air Ambulances UK, an organisation which provides such a crucial service, particularly in the countryside and in horse sport. Simmy Akhtar, Air Ambulances UK CEO said “We are extremely proud and honoured to be chosen as the charity of the year for Badminton Horse Trials 2023 presented by Mars Equestrian. We’re excited to have the opportunity to showcase the lifesaving work of the UK air ambulance charities who work tirelessly to bring the Emergency Department to the patient no matter where they are often including unfortunate riding incidents. We look forward to welcoming and engaging visitors, participants, supporters, and suppliers to our stand during the event.”
The Ground Jury at Badminton will be the vastly experienced trio of Angela Tucker (GBR, President), Andrew Bennie (NZL) and Xavier Le Sauce (FRA). Andrew Temkin from the USA will be Technical Delegate, assisted by Marcin Konarski from Poland.
The system that all tickets must be purchased in advance, with no admission at the gate, was successful in helping to ease traffic congestion in 2022 and will be repeated. The Box Office opens in January.
