The Top 6 Equestrian Events 2022

In this article we take a look at the top 6 equestrian events 2022.

After almost two years of devastation caused by the COVID pandemic, competitors, event organisers, trade stands and spectators can get ready for a jam packed calendar of action for 2022. Some of our best loved events are set to make a return to the field, including 5* Badminton Horse Trials, which has seen other major changes to operations over the past couple of years.

So, without further ado, here’s our top equestrian events line up for 2022.

Mars Equestrian Badminton Horse Trials

Dates: Wednesday 4th May – Sunday 8th May, 2022

Discipline: Eventing

Returning to the British Eventing calendar for 2022 is our beloved Badminton Horse Trials. Having cancelled 2020 and 2021 events due to the coronavirus pandemic, preparation for next year’s event is now in full swing.
With a new presenting partner, the now Mars Equestrian Badminton Horse Trials is one of only two 5* level equestrian events in Great Britain.

Five days of action, three disciplines and a showcase of the world’s most successful event riders make up the competition running. Trade stands, entertainment, unique experiences and eateries will be plentiful, helping finish the ultimate equestrian event experience.

Helping give the event a full flavour taste, BE90 and BE100 Grassroots Championships have also been given the green light to go ahead. Boasting a new Title sponsorship, the Voltaire Designs Grassroots Championships offer riders the opportunity to get a feel for the turf and competition atmosphere at a lower level of competition.

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Bolesworth International Horse Show

Dates: TBC (June or July)

Discipline: Dressage, showjumping, arena eventing and more

Held in the beautiful grounds of the Bolesworth Estate, this prestigious event is a popular addition to the equestrian competition calendar. Based in the heart of Cheshire, Bolesworth International Horse Show hosts a selection of international classes that attract some of the best showjumpers and dressage riders. The competition culminates on Sunday with the CSI3* Grand Prix, while the famed Puissance, rider relay, and a host of elite classes form the line-up throughout the week.

Visitors can expect to see an array of famous faces across the different disciplines while sipping on a glass or two of bubbly (or soft drink if you prefer). There’s plenty of opportunities to take some time out for a little retail therapy with friends and family; a picnic is a must, not to mention each evening’s entertainment, which will keep you dancing and laughing into the night.

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Land Rover Burghley International Horse Trials

Dates: Thursday 1st September – Sunday 4th September, 2022

Discipline: Eventing

The second 5* equestrian event in our calendar for 2022 is the iconic Burghley Horse Trials, which also boasts one-third of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

Another casualty of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers have confirmed that planning for next year’s event is underway. Featuring a cross country track that spans a little over four miles, the event tests stamina, speed, ability and the relationship of each and every horse and rider combination that enters.

Boasting over 600 carefully selected exhibitors and retail outlets, the event is eagerly earmarked by spectators seeking shopping experiences with the thrill of world-class equestrian sporting competition.

Forming an integral part of proceedings is the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse that allows competitors and visitors to get a feel and preview of up and coming 5* competition horses. Judges score the four and five-year-old age groups for dressage and jumping capabilities while marking for confirmation and quality before marking for suitability.

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Royal Windsor Horse Show

Dates: Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th May, 2022

Discipline: Showjumping, showing, endurance, driving

Hosting the Platinum Jubilee Celebration, the Royal Windsor Horse Show will be the one you won’t want to miss out on in 2022. For a show steeped in Royal history, this outdoor event hosts showjumping from 70 cm to the dizzy heights of 1m60, in the famed Castle arena, looked upon by Her Majesty the Queen.

Alongside a plethora of showjumping, showing and driving, the event also incorporates International Endurance 3*, 2*, 1* and YJ1*which takes place in the grounds of the beautiful Windsor Great Park.

Famed for marking the official opening for the showing season, Royal Windsor horse show boasts a substantial selection of the most talked about and coveted showing classes. Competition as a whole takes place over five arenas each year making it the largest outdoor equestrian event in the UK.

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Horse of the Year Show

Dates: TBC

Discipline: Dressage, showjumping, driving, Pony Club, showing and more

If you’re looking for an ‘all-inclusive’ exhilarating equestrian event, then look no further than the Horse of the Year Show. Famous for the Shetland Grand National, Puissance, and an all-around-inclusive feel for competitors of different abilities, this is a must-see event for all equestrians.

Showjumping features heavily throughout, with many horse and rider combinations thundering around the arena hall, tackling a selection of the best showjumping courses seen in the UK.

Horse of the Year show offers visitors the first tantalising feel for Christmas each year as the lights go down and an international spectacular gets underway. Shopping is second to none, with a feast of products for all and a selection of eateries you can’t go wrong when it comes to filling the time between your favourite classes.

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The London International Horse Show

Dates: TBC (December)

Discipline: Dressage, showjumping, driving, showing, and more … even Santa makes an appearance

A grand exhibition of equestrian action taking place each year just before Christmas that’s bound to get you and your loved ones in a festive mood. Thrilling competition, festivities, shopping, eateries and experiences make for an atmosphere like no other. Historically held in the Olympia London, the three gold galloping horses that sear through the arena lights set the tone and expectation of what’s to come.

FEI Showjumping and Dressage meet the Driving World Cup, while the Shetland Grand National appears once again as crowds cheer for some of the tiniest racers with the biggest hearts. The Kennel Club adds a little extra sprinkling of excitement as dogs are tested for agility and speed in front of thousands of spectators, while The Pony Club Mini Major, Puissance and the Mistletoe Stakes bumps the excitement up to fever pitch.

Competition aside, entertainment in the international arena includes the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, alongside performances from a selection of the most talented horsemen and women in the world today. You won’t want to miss it!