Last week, Badminton Estate welcomed guests for a unique two-day equestrian experience in partnership with Liberty Trails. Riders explored the Estate from horseback alongside one of eventing’s most celebrated figures, Mary King MBE.
©Georgina Preston
Behind the Scenes at Badminton
The experience celebrated Badminton’s rich equestrian heritage. Riders travelled through historic parkland, passed some of the Estate’s best-known landmarks and enjoyed a rare opportunity to ride sections of the world-famous Badminton Horse Trials cross-country course.
A particular highlight was the chance to spend time with Mary King. Drawing on her remarkable eventing career, she shared stories from her years competing at Badminton and offered first-hand insight into what it takes to tackle one of the sport’s most challenging cross-country courses.
Guests also met Badminton Horse Trials Director Jane Tuckwell, who guided the group around the course. Along the way, she revealed the planning, preparation and expertise required to stage one of the world’s leading five-star eventing competitions.
Bobby, Marquess of Worcester, and Estate Director Jasper Hasell joined the rides and shared their knowledge of the Estate’s history and stewardship. Their insights gave guests a deeper understanding of the landscape, its heritage and its day-to-day management.
The experience extended beyond the saddle. Guests enjoyed exclusive access to the famous Badminton stables, breakfast in the Copper Pan Kitchen and lunch in the Stable Courtyard. The group later gathered for a private dinner at Worcester Lodge, creating time to relax, share stories and enjoy fine hospitality.
A Special Celebration of Riding and Heritage
The event provided a memorable celebration of riding, hospitality and the long-standing connection between Badminton Estate and the equestrian world.
Reflecting on the experience, Mary King said:
“A HUGE thank you to everybody for making the Liberty Trails inaugural Badminton Experience with me SUCH a special time. So much fun, laughter, excitement and memories made over the last few days!”
We were delighted to welcome the group to Badminton and share a little of what makes the Estate and the Horse Trials so special. Our thanks go to Liberty Trails, Mary King MBE, Jane Tuckwell and everyone behind the scenes who helped make the experience possible.
For those who love horses and eventing, Badminton is a name that needs little introduction. For this special group of guests, it was a chance to experience the Estate, its history and its world-renowned Horse Trials from a completely different perspective – on horseback.
