Springtime each year sees Badminton Horse Trials open its gates to hordes of eager horse lovers, shoppers, foodies, canine companions, screaming children and long-suffering family members! We bring you the ultimate guide to what to expect and what to look forward to at this wonderful annual equestrian event.

Recognised the world over as a quintessentially British pastime, a major horse race can cause people to flock to the tracks by the thousands. And the spectacle isn’t all about the sport; British horse racing has become synonymous with high fashion, haute-cuisine, A-list celebrities and even members of the Royal family, to say nothing of the incredibly impressive horses and the feats they accomplish. From the Royal Ascot to the Cheltenham festival, Britain leads the way when it comes to world-famous racing events. And with that in mind, we thought you’d a appreciate a summary of the UK’s main horse racing events, focussing on the best of them all!

County shows are an integral part of rural life and a real opportunity for the wider agricultural community to come together and showcase their talents, produce and passion for what they do. For the equine world, county shows provide something for all levels and a huge variety of disciplines. For the amateur rider, just qualifying for a county show is a big deal and something they will work towards and see as a highlight of the season. For professional/competitive riders county shows are the all-important qualifiers for their bigger classes at HOYS/RI (Horse Of The Year Show/Royal International) and an equally vital part of the season. Whether a competitor, groom or spectator, there really is something for everyone at these charming local events, as Becky Parker explains…

For most of the grooms out there, you may have a chosen discipline or two that sets your heart racing and is your main point of interest. However, what about a show where you can see the great and good of the horse world, from a huge array of equine disciplines, all in one place? Of course, we can only mean one thing, the imminent Royal Windsor Horse Show!