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.”
