The 2022 Badminton Horse Trials are the highlight of the equestrian calendar. Can't make it to South Gloucestershire? Viewers in the UK can watch the finale of the world-famous Badminton Horse Trials free on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer. Outside the UK? Follow our guide below to watch a Badminton Horse Trials live stream from wherever you are.
Date: 4th-8th May 2022
Venue: Badminton Estate, England
FREE stream: BBC iPlayer (UK)
Watch Badminton from anywhere with ExpressVPN
International stream: Badminton TV ($26.99)
The schedule for the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials will be familiar to regular attendees. The actions kicks off on Wednesday 4th May with the international competition, including horse inspections and the culmination of the amateur eventing.
Badminton continues with the dressage on Thursday 5th May and Friday 6th May, before the cross country on Saturday 7th May. Course designer Eric Winter reckons it's the "biggest and boldest" to date, so expect plenty of spills.
Then on Sunday, it's the mane event – the show jumping. Title contender and reigning champion Piggy French (GBR) has had to withdraw Brookfield Inocent and will start on Trevor Dickens’ Vanir Kamira.
Want to watch the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials free online? We'll show you how to do just that – without having a 'mare.
Badminton Horse Trials free live stream
In the UK, BBC iPlayer will stream Sunday's all-import 'top 10' Show Jumping live and FREE of charge. The programme starts at 2.15pm BST / 9.15am ET.
Simply sign up for a BBC account with an email address and a UK postcode (e.g. W1A 1AA).
Of course, BBC iPlayer is ONLY available within the UK (and with a valid TV licence).
Away from the UK at the moment? No need for a long face – simply use a VPN to access BBC iPlayer from abroad. It's easy – follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Note: UK viewers also have the option to live stream Badminton – but not the top 10 show jumping, which is exclusive to the BBC – on Badminton TV (£19.99 a year).
Watch Badminton Horse Trials from abroad using a VPN
Even if you have subscribed to the relevant Badminton Horse Trials rights holders, you won't be able to use them when outside your own country. The service will know your location based on your IP address, and will automatically block your access.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps you get around this obstacle. A VPN creates a private connection between your device and the internet – and saves you money! What's not to love?
How to use a VPN to watch Badminton Horse Trials
Using a VPN to watch Badminton is incredibly simple:
1. Install the VPN of your choice. ExpressVPN is the one we recommend.
2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. For the show jumping, you may wish to choose 'UK' for BBC iPlayer.
3. Then head over to BBC iPlayer on your browser or device and enjoy the free Badminton Horse Trials live stream. Simple!
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Watch Badminton Horse Trials in the US and Australia
International viewers – including those in the US and Australia – can watch every moment, including Sunday's top 10 show jumping, on Badminton TV.
Subscription to the streaming service, which has a colt following, costs $26.99 a year.
Don't forget: UK fans can watch free coverage of Sunday's top 10 show jumping live on BBC iPlayer. UK nationals with a TV licence can access BBC iPlayer from abroad using a VPN. Full details above.
2022 Badminton Horse Trials schedule
All times BST
Wednesday 4th May 2022
Gates open – 8.00am – Tradestands open 9am
9.00 am – 4.15 pm (approx.) – Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Class (The Slaits)
4.30 pm – FIRST HORSE INSPECTION – North Front Badminton House
Thursday 5th May 2022
Gates open – 8.00am – Tradestands open 9am
9.00 am – 5.00 pm (approx.) – DRESSAGE
12.30 pm (approx) – DRESSAGE DISPLAY WITH LAURA TOMLINSON
Friday 6th May 2022
Gates open – 8.00am – Tradestands open 9am
9.00 am – 5.00 pm (approx.) – DRESSAGE
12.30 pm (approx) – DRESSAGE DISPLAY WITH LAURA TOMLINSON
Approximately 5.00 pm (to follow Dressage) STALLION DISPLAY
Saturday 7th May 2022
Gates open 7.00am – Tradestands open 9.00am
10.30 am – Shetland Pony Grand National
11.30 am – 5.00 pm – CROSS COUNTRY TEST
Sunday 8th May 2022
Gates open 7.30am – Tradestands open 9.00am
8.30 am – FINAL HORSE INSPECTION – North Front Badminton House
10.00 am CHURCH SERVICE – Badminton Church
11.30 am (approx.) – JUMPING TEST (First Part)
2.30 pm – BAND DISPLAY
3.05 pm – PARADE OF COMPETITORS (From Morning Jumping)
3.30 pm – JUMPING TEST (Top 20)
4.30 pm – Parade of the Duke of Beaufort’s Hounds
4.45 pm – PARADE OF TOP 20 COMPETITORS and PRESENTATION OF PRIZES
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