Badminton Horse Trials
This year’s trip to Badminton Horse Trials was about so much more than world class sport. For Cool Ridings members, it was a day rooted in visibility, belonging, opportunity and connection, proving once again why creating inclusive spaces in equestrianism matters so deeply.
From meeting with FEI leaders, to spending time together in the Le Mieux Lakeside Pavilion, every part of the day reinforced the importance of opening doors and creating meaningful experiences for underrepresented people within the sport.
The atmosphere throughout the day was described by members as full of “community spirit”, exactly the kind of environment Cool Ridings continues to champion across the industry. One of the standout moments of the day was the exclusive cross country course walk led by Jesse Campbell. For many guests, hearing directly from an elite rider in such an open and welcoming way made the sport feel more accessible and relatable. Members appreciated not only Jesse’s technical insight, but also the way he created space for conversation and curiosity. From discussing lines and distances to explaining the thought process behind tackling some of Badminton’s biggest questions, the walk offered a genuine behind the scenes look at elite eventing.
Tegan reflected:
“The course walk was my favourite part of the day. I’d never have had that opportunity or experience before.”
The day continued with access to the Le Mieux Lakeside Pavilion, an experience that many members described as both exciting and deeply meaningful. For some, it was their first time accessing a hospitality environment at a major equestrian event and it highlighted just how important representation and inclusion are within these spaces.
One powerful piece of feedback from a member:
“It meant that the equestrian industry may actually start to see us.”
Christine echoed that feeling of intentional inclusion:
“We hadn’t just popped out for the day. We were there with meaning.”
The day also included a special prize presentation supported by Hiho Silver, celebrating members and recognising the positive energy and contribution they bring to the Cool Ridings community. These moments of recognition continue to build confidence, connection and encouragement for riders and supporters alike.
Moments like these matter. Visibility matters. Collaboration matters. When brands, organisations and communities come together with genuine intention, the impact reaches far beyond a single event day. It helps people feel welcomed, valued and seen within a sport that still has work to do in becoming truly inclusive.
Throughout the event, one message came through clearly: representation changes experiences. As Ifa shared:
“Just showing up and showing that we are in and a part of this industry is more than half of the battle.”
That sense of belonging sat at the heart of the entire day. Whether members were reconnecting with familiar faces, exploring Badminton for the first time, or imagining new possibilities for themselves within the sport, the event demonstrated what can happen when people are welcomed into spaces authentically.
Cool Ridings remains committed to building those opportunities, creating pathways, partnerships and experiences that not only celebrate diversity within equestrianism, but actively help shape a more inclusive future for the sport and the wider community.
Because the future of equestrianism grows stronger when everybody feels they belong.
