Going to Badminton Horse Trials? Come and say hello!

Timings for our guest conversations with Roly

Thursday 7th May, 2.15pm – Lee McKenzie

Thursday 7th May, 3.30pm – Pippa Funnell MBE and Zara Tindall MBE

Friday 8th May, 4pm – Esme Higgs (This Esme)

If you’re going to this year’s Mars Badminton Horse Trials, do come along to our stand at 92 Beaufort Way and say hello – our team will be delighted to see you! As well as finding out more about rehoming and taking part in our raffle, you’ll be able to have a go at our brand-new ‘hook-a-horse’ game and see if you can add your name to our buzz wire grand prix leaderboard!

Visitors to our stand on the Thursday and Friday will have the chance to hear from leading voices from across the equestrian world, as we’ll be hosting three conversations with several of our Patrons.

On the afternoon of Thursday 7 May, television presenter and World Horse Welfare Patron Lee McKenzie will join our Chief Executive Roly Owers on our stand for a live discussion to share how she became involved in our charity, her views on the 2026 Badminton Horse Trials course and insights into her life with horses. At the heart of Lee’s family business are the retired mares who remain on the yard as much-loved and valued companions, bringing their steady influence to younger members of the herd.

Later that afternoon, internationally renowned event riders and World Horse Welfare Patrons Pippa Funnell MBE and Zara Tindall MBE will join Roly to explore their expectations for this year’s cross-country course, highlight the combinations likely to capture attention and offer insight into life behind the scenes at elite yards. The discussion will also shine a spotlight on the often-unsung heroes of eventing: the companion horses who play vital roles within top yards. From trusted companions to retired partners, they will discuss the value these horses bring, how they earn their keep and the importance of maintaining their mental stimulation and wellbeing as part of a professional team.

On the afternoon of Friday 8 May, Roly will be joined by presenter, content creator and Patron Esme Higgs for a fresh perspective on the event. Reflecting on the 2026 competition, the pair will also explore the role horses play in busy modern lives, from balancing demanding careers with horse ownership to the appeal of non-ridden companions. Drawing on personal experience, Esme – who has rehomed World Horse Welfare Duke and kept her childhood horses into retirement – will share how these horses enrich her herd as well as her day-to-day life.

Visitors to this year’s Badminton Horse Trials are all welcome to come and listen to these discussions and ask questions of their own. And if you’d rather just come and have a chat, please do – our team will be very happy to see you.

Not booked your ticket yet? You can do so on the Badminton Horse Trials website.