If you’re planning to go to two of the most popular eventing shows of the year here is my top tips! I have been traveling to horse shows both with work and for social outings, and sometimes it’s hard to know what to expect, what to wear and better yet where is the best view! 

1. Book your tickets early

Tickets are sometimes hard to get, make sure to note what you want to see and when. Free seating into the dressage is fine if you’re not that bothered but for high interest riders these fill up FAST. Ours for Badminton last year were £12 and we were able to come and go as you please and rest your tired feet undercover. They were well worth it. Similarly good showjumping seats sell out fast so be prepared.

2. Sort accommodation early 

For Burghley accommodation goes very quickly so make sure your prepared. Badminton offers great camping availability, we did this last year, and it worked out only £22 pound dearer then buying full weeks access to the show; I don’t think we could have found accommodation for £22 pound, never mind saving the hassle of parking and driving in every morning!

3. Know where your towing eye is!

This might sound daft however parking is on grass at both events and if the weather is not terribly kind you can get stuck very quickly. Don’t forget to locate it before you leave, nothing is worse then pushing your Mini Countryman through 2 fields of mud to get home… Trust me on that one. 

4. Don’t stay at the same fence!

On Cross country day go down to the lake or a popular fence somewhere on the course early and get a good spot. Bring snacks, eat your breakfast and watch a few at that fence, but walk to the next fence after a few passes. Don’t worry we seen every fence with a great view, often you get to fence have an ok view for the first horse, but when another one comes, you can take the person in front of you spot as they will walk on to the next. Don’t stay at one fence all day, get a good look at them all!

5. Walk the course backwards

Hear me out on this one, start towards the back of the course and walk up if you want to see a horse at every fence. Retirements and issues happen often so if you are at the end of the course at the last few riders they may not get to you, they should hopefully jump the first few fences tho! 

6. Nightlife

Badminton nightlife is some of the best, make sure you go out in the evening and enjoy it! 

Things to make sure to pack:

1. Shoes – a comfortable runner to walk in or a good pair of wellies or boots (Depending on the weather!).
2. Coat – For the rain or to sit on.
3. Stool – if your going to find standing on your feet on cross country day hard on your feet, bring a lightweight stool or seat that you can sit and watch a few at a fence for a rest.
4. Refillable water bottle – There are refill stations everywhere.
5. Battery pack – Phone charger points are non-existent.
6. Toilet roll & hand sanitizer– the portaloo situation can be interesting… 

Have a blast!