MARS Badminton Horse Trials – who to watch in 2025

The world’s best event riders will gather at Badminton Estate this week for the MARS Badminton Horse Trials (7-11 May). Many of the horses entered in the 5* eventing competition – which comprises of dressage, cross country and show jumping phases – are owned by CLA members. Here we give you a run down of who to watch out for.

Tom Rowland’s ride Dreamliner – one of two at this year’s event - is a British-bred SHB(GB) registered 15-year-old gelding bred by his owners Angela and Mark Chamberlayne. Tom made his debut at the event in 2019 and gained a career best result in 2024 when placed 7th with Dreamliner.

Gemma Stevens is based at the purpose-built yard of Tattleton Stud, owned by Chris Stone. Chris also owns Gemma’s two rides at this year’s event; the 17-year-old British-bred SHB(GB) registered mare Jalapeno and 15-year-old Chilli Knight with whom she won the 5*L at Bicton in 2021.

Bubby Upton will make her fourth successive visit to Badminton riding Cola III, with whom she has completed on three previous visits - the pair finished 10th at last year’s event. Cola is owned by Bubby’s mother Rachel, and she is based at her parent’s yard just outside Newmarket.

Alice Casburn – a CLA member in her own right - will make her fourth consecutive visit to Badminton with her mother Caroline’s Topspin, having made their debut in 2022 when they finished 19th. Alice is based in Norfolk and is one of the youngest riders at this year’s event.

Tom McEwen rides 14 year-old JL Dublin, co-owned by Jamie and Jo Lambert alongside Deirdre Johnston. The horse was formerly ridden to 5* by Nicola Wilson. Gloucestershire-based Tom was given the ride mid -2022 after Nicola suffered a life-changing fall.

Jack Pinkney will make his first appearance at Badminton with Rehy Revelation, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Simon and Mags Hope of Aston Mullins Stud in Buckinghamshire.

This year’s event at Badminton will mark the 76th running of the horse trials competition at the home of The Duke and Duchess of Beaufort. The first Badminton Horse Trials took place in 1949, at the request of the 10th Duke of Beaufort. Inspired by the 1948 Olympic Games in London, he wanted to create an event that would help British riders train for future international competitions. What started with just 22 competitors has grown into a global spectacle that attracts the best event riders and horses from across the world. This year 85 combinations from around the world will compete to be crowned the winner.

We’ll keep you updated over the next few days on how these combinations get on at this world-famous equestrian event.