A guide to the equestrian season

Three-day eventing at Badminton Horse Trials (Kit Houghton). Main image, the glamour of Ascot (Alamy)

The summer equestrian calendar kicks off in earnest at the beginning of May. Cambridge-based Ollie Carr, who specialises in selling Savills equestrian properties across the eastern counties, picks out the Guineas Festival, three days of exceptional racing in Newmarket (2-4 May), as a celebration of the start of the season. “It’s a high point for me,” he says.

This is swiftly followed by world-class three-day eventing at the Badminton Horse Trials (7-11 May). Held on the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort’s estate in South Gloucestershire, it’s one of the toughest equestrian challenges on the calendar. Savills continues its sponsorship of the event for 2025, and will host a client lunch on the Friday at its lakeside pavilion. Guests are invited to view the cross-country from front-row waterside seats on the Saturday, and to catch the showjumping on the Sunday. The work of renowned equestrian artist Madeleine Bunbury is also on display.

“We love Badminton at Savills,” says Rosie Rickett, associate director of the country house department. “Whether you’re into eventing, as I am – I used to event for 10 years – or just want a day out for the family, there’s so much to see and do: top-level equestrian sport, great hospitality options and shopping.” Louise Harrison, who heads up the Savills equestrian team, agrees. “I recommend walking the course on one of the quieter dressage days, Thursday or Friday,” she says. “The location is magical – just being in the grounds of such a beautiful estate feels special.”

Royal Windsor Horse Show hosts international showjumping, dressage, driving and endurance (Alex Treadway)

Next on the calendar is the Royal Windsor Horse Show (15-18 May), which takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Established in 1943 to raise funds for the war effort, it’s the only show in the UK to host international competitions in showjumping, dressage, driving and endurance. “It’s a traditional schedule and there’s something for everyone,” says Millie Mason, equestrian property valuation specialist for Savills.

Royal Windsor was said to be one of the late Queen’s favourite events of the season – but her must-see was Britain’s most valuable flat race meeting, Royal Ascot (17-21 June). “This is always a highlight of the summer,” says Rickett. “The racing is top-class, but even if you’re not into horses, the fashion is incredible and the picnics are lots of fun.”

The British polo season reaches a peak of activity in June and July, with the Cartier Queen’s Cup final at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor (15 June) followed by the Cowdray Gold Cup Final at Viscount Cowdray’s sprawling 16,000-acre estate in West Sussex (20 July). The latter is one of the most important events on the British social calendar. “What’s so exciting is how close you can be to the thundering hooves,” says Harrison.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is the London location for the Global Champions tour (8-10 August), where equestrian excellence meets global luxe. You can see international showjumpers competing at the highest level in this iconic spot.

The racing is top class at Ascot – and fabulous millinery is also on show (Alamy)

The summer season ends with a flourish at the Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September). Like Badminton, they take place in the grounds of a magnificent country house, this time in Lincolnshire, and it is one of the UK’s 10 most popular sporting occasions by attendance. “It attracts the best horses and riders in the world,” says Rickett. And, adds Harrison, it has “great shopping, for those thinking ahead to Christmas”.