Badminton Horse Trials 2022

IT’S BADMINTON WEEK!

Wednesday 4th – Sunday 8th May 2022

How long awaited is this?! It’s been over 2 years since our last Badminton Horse Trials, and doesn’t it feel like it. The return of this event has been so highly anticipated. In 2019 when the last event ran, over 180,000 people attending, putting Badminton into the top 10 sporting occasions of that year. I think it’s safe to say, we’re ready for this!!

Whether you’re a horse fanatic, mad about shopping or just love what the Gloucestershire countryside has to offer, Badminton has something to offer everyone. It’s one of only severn 5 Star Events in the World. With the highest eventing grade, Badminton is the oldest, and considered the pinnacle of the 3-day events- something every event rider dreams of winning. Thursday and Friday host the Dressage phase of the competition, whilst Saturday is Cross Country and Sunday is Showjumping.

This year’s event promises to be a good one! If you’re able to attend this year, don’t forget all tickets are available in advance, and not on the gate.

On to the blog…

Whether you’re attending Badminton this year and stuck with what to wear, or just passionate about Country Fashion, this blog is sure to have something for you!

The Joules Official Badminton Clothing Collection

As an official partner for Badminton Horse Trials, Joules design the official Badminton Clothing merchandise on offer. Joules have attended Badminton Horse Trials since the early 1980’s, and are proud supporters of the prestigious event. Year on year, an exclusive Badminton clothing range is launched, showcasing classic, stylish pieces that you’ll reach for time and time again.

Ranging from hoodies and sweatshirts, to polo tops and shirts, the Badminton clothing range has you covered, whatever the weather. Whether you’re looking for something to wear on the day, or a timeless piece to remember the event by, these pieces will slide seamlessly into any wardrobe.

I have to admit, I have fallen in love with the Jolie Quilted Half Zip Sweatshirt. This sweatshirt is the perfect layer for a horse trials – its beautifully lightweight, but with a cosy lining, making it perfect for throwing on if there’s a chill in the air. The classic quilted design stands out and adds something a little more unique, whilst the funnel neck, ribbed trim and zip fastening offer classic features we all love. With gold embellishment and embroidery against the cream sweatshirt, this piece nods towards a stylish, chic and elegant design, something which could easily be dressed up or down. This is absolutely my must have piece from the collection!

With something for all the family- including the dogs, there really is a piece for everyone!!

You can order online, or buy from the show!

Joules can be found at the following stands at Badminton:
Friends of Joules Pavillion – Stand 252
Joules Main Stand – Stand 16
The Official Badminton Collection Stand – Stand 106

Shop here ⤵️

Joules Badminton Collection

***The official Joules Badminton Merchandise – Available Now!***

How to Dress for a Horse Trials

Comfort is key when it comes to dressing for a Horse Trials. You have to think practically! Dressing for Cross Country Day might be very different to your Dressage and Showjumping days – so think practically about which day you’re going, your plan, the weather, and how much walking you may be doing!

There is no right or wrong at a Horse Trials though, this is the really lovely thing. Lots of people walking round will either have been to their own horses first, or be here helping someone out on the day, so you’ll pass an awful lot of people in their ‘horse clothes’! Whether you’re in your riding/yard clothes, or dressed up, it doesn’t matter – the main thing is to be comfortable, and have fun!! The best thing you can wear to a horse trials is a smile (too cringe?!). No but seriously, feeling confident in your outfit is so important, so whatever you feel your best in is what I’m here to support!

Dressage & Showjumping Days

The Dressage and Showjumping days often involve much less walking than Cross Country day, with more sitting and watching, and more …. shopping! This means it can often be easier to plan an outfit for the day as you aren’t having to worry about carrying round items for long distances.

Dressage and Showjumping days can be dressed up or down as much or as little as you like. I would opt for comfortable trousers, jeans or skirts which can be sat down in without feeling restrictive or uncomfortable. Stick with classic colour ways in tan, black, navy, and pastels for a crisp but chic Spring look. Loafers, and boots are a great option for footwear. I would highly recommend taking a pair of sunglasses, squinting all day looking into the sun can be exhausting!

Cross Country Day

Cross country day has to be about practicality. It’s a long day, with lots of walking, and whatever the weather is doing, often you’ll need to take with you for the day everything you’re going to need, as there would be little opportunity to just pop back to the car.

Most people like to walk around the Cross Country Course throughout the day – meaning you’re getting those steps up. Whilst it’s good for our health, it can be bad for our feet if we don’t dress appropriately. Getting footwear wrong on any long day is painful, and there is nothing worse than blistered or rubbed feet that you’re trying to hop round (or limp round!!) on. I would always opt for shoes that you know are comfortable. Something which you have worn before – you don’t need a 4 mile cross country course to break those new shoes in. I would recommend boots, deck shoes, comfortable loafers or wellies for Cross Country day. Something with a rubber sole often adds comfort for lots of walking!

For your clothing, the weather has to be considered. I would opt for a basic top, whether this be a t-shirt, long sleeve or roll neck, and build the outfit from here. A fleece or quilted gilet is a sensible and popular option, whilst layering with a waterproof or wax jacket is a practical way to finish off your outfit. Carrying layers round all day can be annoying, so do think about what you might actually need to take.

I would opt for a bag which fits over your shoulders to free up your hands. Opting for a medium or large sized handbag will often allow you to roll up a light layer to keep inside. Don’t forget to consider other items which as a fedora, sun cream, sunglasses, raincoat. A fedora is a great way to keep the sun and rain off your head depending on the weather – particularly when out on the Cross Country course!

Top 5 Do’s & Don’ts

Style for Horse Trials and Country Shows has become more of a thing in recent years, but don’t let that put you off, follow my 5 simple do’s and don’ts for easy outfit styling!

– Do have fun with your outfit!
– Don’t overcomplicate your outfit. Stick to a maximum of 3 colours, keep it simple.
– Do pay attention to the weather! You might need suncream, sunglasses, wellies, a raincoat etc!
– Don’t wear new shoes, uncomfortable shoes or something you’ll struggle to walk in all day!
– Do take layers, even if you leave them in the car in the end! Often you’ll set off early & the days weather may not have set in yet!
– Don’t wear open toe shoes, sandals, flip flops. These wouldn’t be my recommendation unless its VERY hot and a dressage or showjumping day.
– Do use your accessories and footwear to tie in colours to your outfit. Either use a contrasting colour through your accessories to create some variation to your outfit, or tone down an outfit with simple black, tan or navy accessories and footwear.
– Don’t overthink what to wear. The day out being enjoyable is far more important than your outfit.
– Do dress for comfort and practicality, Horse Trials are long days, comfort is key!
– Don’t feel like you need to buy a whole new outfit for just one day! I know it feels like you have nothing to wear – but I bet you do! Consider what is already in your wardrobe, as well as if a new piece will add to your wardrobe as a whole, not just one days outfit.

Gallery Outfit Inspiration

Like I mentioned above, there really is no right or wrong way to dress at a Horse Trials – my best advice, comfort is key.

If you do need a little helping hand, I’ve pieced together a few of my favourite looks in collaboration with Joules, who are an official Badminton partner!

Outfit One

Of course I have to start with my favourite piece from the official Joules Badminton collection. This is the perfect Horse Trials piece. Saturday is currently looking to be warm (18 degrees what?!), and dry, so I would layer this gorgeous sweatshirt over a t-shirt or sleeveless top. It’s lightweight enough to carry or just roll into your bag when you don’t need it. I’ve teamed with a pair of black jeans for easy getting up and sitting down on grass all day, as well as a practical but stylish pair of chocolate suede ankle boots.

You could switch up this outfit by swapping black jeans for a pair of pastel or cropped jeans, and switch out the boots for loafers for a more casual warm weather style!

Steal my Style:
Jolie Quilted Half Zip Sweatshirt in Cream | Joules
Monroe High Rise Stretch Skinny Jeans in True Black | Joules
The Rockingham Ankle Boot in Chocolate | Fairfax & Favor (Friends of Joules)

Outfit Two

This outfit is perfect for the person that wants to dress up and make a day of their outfit! Such a simple look to put together using a denim skirt and sleeveless top, finished with over the knee boots and a cosy cardigan. If the weather turns warmer, white is a great, cool colour to wear in the heat, with a light cardi for any breezes, or the start of the day.

If you wanted to dress this look down a bit, why not switch out the over the knee boots for a pair of deck shoes or loafers. For a more relaxed look, switch out the white denim for blue denim.

Steal my Style:

Madeline Cable Pointelle Knit Cardigan in French Navy | Joules
Frida Jersey Woven Mix Frill Top in White | Joules
Cinch Belt in Navy | Mackenzie & George (Friends of Joules)
Greta Denim Mini Skirt in Marshmallow | Joules
The Amira Over The Knee Boot in Navy | Joules

Outfit Three

This outfit is perfect for a day with showers – no one wants to be caught out getting soggy half way round a Cross Country course do they! Using simple monochrome colours is a great base for any outfit, you can then accessorise around this. This pink trench adds a pop of colour whilst the pastel is subtle and springlike, its also lightweight enough to pack into your bag, or carry round easily! Team with a matching chocolate handbag to complete the look.

If you want to switch up this style – swap black jeans for blue denim, and the chocolate knee high boots for a pair of tan Chelsea boots!

Steal my Style:

Salcombe Short Trench Coat in Pink | Joules
Charlotte Frill Pop Over Blouse in Cream | Joules
The Hampton Leather & Suede Belt in Limited Edition Pink | Fairfax & Favor (Friends of Joules)
Monroe High Rise Stretch Skinny Jeans in True Black | Joules
The Flat Regina Boot in Chocolate | Fairfax & Favor (Friends of Joules)

Outfit Four

Outfit four is perfect for if the sun comes out in force! Nothing says easy sunny styling like a denim skirt and a pair of loafers, and this look is perfect for any sun worshipper wanting to top up their tan on the day! The sleeveless tank is airy, whilst the pastel nods towards Spring styling. Completed with Tan accessories, this simple but stylish outfit is sure to be a go to style for many attending shows this year. All you need now is to finish it off with your favourite pair of sunglasses!

To switch up this look, why not swap the loafers for tall boots and add a jacket for a more practical breezy day style.

Steal my Style:

Zinnia Wave Knit Tank in Blue Wave | Joules
Greta Denim Mini Skirt in Marshmallow | Joules
The Hampton Leather & Suede Belt in Limited Edition Pink | Fairfax & Favor (Friends of Joules)
The Newmarket Women’s Loafers in Tan | Fairfax & Favor (Friends of Joules)

Outfit Five

With so many different cuts of jeans being back in style, outfit five is the perfect opportunity to try something different out for your Horse Trials style. I’ve teamed a pair of cropped slim leg jeans with a sleeveless top and heeled ankle boots. Keeping simple, basic colours together, this outfit is classic and understated. Jeans will always be a practical option on show days, especially when walking cross Country Courses.

To change up this look, pick matching accessories in a pastel or bold colour to create a subtle statement, or swap chocolate for tan to create a lighter and brighter style.

Steal my Style :

Frida Jersey Woven Mix Frill Top in White | Joules
Bette Cropped Slim Leg Jeans in Washed Black | Joules
The Rockingham Ankle Boot in Chocolate | Fairfax & Favor (Friends of Joules)

With Badminton starting on Wednesday, there is still an opportunity to get in those pieces you’re wanting in time for attending. Joules will also be attending Badminton, their main stand can be found on Stand 16. Almost all of the clothing items above are ‘New In’ from Joules, and available on the ‘New In’ section of their website which can be found here.

That’s all for now my Darlings!

If you’re off to Badminton, I hope you have the most incredible time.

See you in the next blog.

Lots of Love, Lucinda xo

“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

— Winston Churchill.

Please note I have a working relationship with Joules, and have collaborated with them to produce this style guide. All information was correct at the time of publishing and no links are affiliate links.