Are you a horse enthusiast looking for the best horse events to attend in 2023? Then look no further! This article will provide you with the year’s top five must-see horse events. From classic showjumping competitions to eventing championships, these horse events will surely give you an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a spectator or a participant, you’ll want to add these events to your calendar. Read on to learn more about the top 5 horse events you can’t miss in 2023!
1) Badminton Horse Trials presented by Mars Equestrian
When: 4-8th May 2023
Discipline: Eventing
Tickets: Priority booking available from January 2023
Badminton Horse Trials, presented by Mars, is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Held in Gloucestershire, England, this CCI5*-L event draws enormous crowds and no.1 rated equestrian competitors. It consists of three phases of competition: dressage (Thursday-Friday), cross-country (Saturday) and showjumping (Sunday).
With a prize fund of over £380,000, this event is the ultimate test of horse and rider skills, ability and experience, with only the best making it to the top of the leaderboard. In addition to the competition, there is also a plethora of shopping and entertainment for spectators. Food courts feature around the venue, allowing spectators to celebrate with a prosecco on the VIP terraces or lay back on the grass with a picnic basket as the thundering of hooves speeds past during the cross-country phase of the event.
Whether you’re an avid equestrian enthusiast, wanting to see some of the best horses and riders in action, or looking for a family day out, this event is sure to provide something for everyone!
2) Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials
When: 31st August – 3rd September 2023
Discipline: Eventing
Tickets: TBC
Another of the most prestigious equestrian events in the calendar, The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, is an event that any horse enthusiast won’t want to miss in 2023. Taking place a little later on in the year, this three-day event is held at Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire, and features a CCI5*-L competition.
Again, each phase is designed to test horse and rider, while the other levels of competition are offered for lower-level combinations. Each day of the event, riders must complete a discipline test in dressage, cross country and showjumping. At the end of the competition, the overall winner will be determined by a combination of points earned in all sections. Top placings at this event get a share of the £320,000 prize fund.
Burghley Horse Trials is one of the longest-running equestrian events in the world and draws competitors from around the globe. It’s also one of the most significant social events of the season, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of entertainment for those attending. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience, this event is not to be missed!
3) LGCT London
When: 10th-13th August 2023
Discipline: Showjumping
Tickets: Available later in the year
The Longines Global Champions Tour of London forms part of one of the industry’s most prestigious showjumping events. Taking place at the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea, it is one of the most exciting equestrian events in the United Kingdom (UK). Forming one leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League, the competition features some of the best riders and horses from all over the world as they take on challenging showjumping courses up to CSI5* level. With multiple levels of showjumper and plenty of reasons to celebrate, it’s a sight to behold and is sure to get your heart racing!
This event provides a fantastic opportunity for spectators to experience showjumping ability and skill at its best. Hospitality is set to get your mouth watering while you watch on as riders such as John Whitaker, Pieter Devos, Scott Brash, Edwina Tops-Alexander and more jump the dizzy heights and winding tracks.
Whether you’re a fan of showjumping or just looking for something exciting to do in London, this event is a must-see for anyone looking for a thrilling experience.
View the LGCG and GCL 2023 Calendar update here.
4) Horse of the Year Show
When: 4th-8th October 2023
Discipline: Dressage, Showjumping, Driving, Showing (various), Pony Club, Puissance
Tickets: Available later in the year
The Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is one of the most significant indoor equestrian events in the UK and a must-see for any horse enthusiast. Held each year since 1949 at the NEC Birmingham, HOYS celebrates the best of British dressage, showjumping, pony club mounted games, showing, AND driving, making it an unmissable event for any fan of horses.
Hundreds of riders spend their year attending events across the country in the hope of qualifying for this iconic event that brings together the best of the best to battle it out for the enviable trophies. From retired racehorses to heavy cobs, over the 5 days, you’ll get to see it all.
For spectators, not only does the event give enthusiasts a chance to watch a series of championship finales, the Puissance wall and the Grand Prix competition, but HOYS also offers fantastic entertainment in the form of stunning displays and FEI classes. On top of this, there are several other attractions, such as large trade stand halls full of fabulous shopping experiences, interactive displays, rider signing opportunities and an exciting lineup of daredevil stunt riders.
In 2023, HOYS will return for its 74th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever. With hundreds of horses competing in various equestrian classes, it’s sure to be a must-see spectacle for anyone interested in horse events.
5) London International Horse Show
When: 13–18 December 2023
Discipline: Dressage, Showjumping, Driving, Puissance, Pony Club
Tickets: Due to go on sale in spring
The London International Horse Show is an enormously popular equestrian event annually in London. This indoor show has been held since 1907 and is one of Europe’s most important showjumping competitions. It boasts some of the world’s best horse and rider combinations competing for top honours in various classes, including the FEI Driving World Cup and Grand Prix dressage and showjumping.
The London International Horse Show offers various disciplines for spectators to enjoy, including showjumping, dressage, scurry driving, pony club mounted games and much more. It also features special displays such as the Shetland Pony Grand National. Overall, this equestrian event attracts huge crowds each year.
The London International Horse Show is not just a competition but also an event that celebrates Christmas for equestrians with a magical shopping experience. Spectators have the chance to experience the atmosphere of the horse world and enjoy amazing performances from stunt and performance riders while waving to Father Christmas as he rides around the arena on his sleigh! Whether you are an experienced equestrian or just starting out, this show is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
2023 is an exciting year for horse events, with a wide range of thrilling experiences to enjoy, especially now COVID restrictions are a thing of the past. Whether you want to take in some of the world’s most prestigious showjumping competitions or visit Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And, of course, let’s not forget the grand finale – the iconic London International Horse Show, which is always an event to remember.
With modern-day technology, there’s sure to be a host of live streams and broadcasting available should you not be able to make it, but nothing quite beats the thrill of being there in person. So we advise you to get organised and book tickets early (when available) to make the most of the year’s events.
Whichever horse event you attend, you will have a fantastic time!
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.