'Spectacular' equestrian event celebrates 75 years

News imageDavid Davies/PA Wire Badminton HouseDavid Davies/PA Wire
News imageDavid Davies/PA Wire Badminton Horse TrialsDavid Davies/PA Wire

The Badminton Horse Trials are held in front of Badminton House, home to the Duke of Beaufort
The event is used to prepare British riders for the Olympic Games

Athletes and spectators celebrated the 75th anniversary of a prestigious and historic equestrian tournament.

The Badminton Horse Trials take place outside Badminton House in South Gloucestershire every year in May.

The event was started in 1949 by the 10th Duke of Beaufort to prepare British riders for the Olympic Games.

Event director, Jane Tuckwell, said it was an "amazing achievement" for what she described as a "spectacular" affair.

News imageBadminton Horse Trials
The Badminton Horse Trials are held in South Gloucestershire every year in May

This year, the five-day event includes a museum to highlight its history.

Queen Camilla is expected to attend the final day to present the trophy to the winner.

News imageBadminton Horse Trials
The tournament is held over five days

Ms Tuckwellsaid it still had "that magic ingredient it had all of those years ago".

"Anybody that comes here is bowled over by the enormity of it," she said.

News imageBadminton Horse Trials
Ms Tuckwell said vistors were always "bowled over" when they came to the event

"It sits in front of what I think is the most beautiful house in the country - Badminton House with its lake in front.

"It just sets the event off to be something spectacular."

News imageBadminton Horse Trials
A museum looking at the event's history is part of this year's on-site activities
News imageBadminton Horse Trials
Ms Tucker said the event was a "spectacular" affair

The Badminton Horse Trials runs until Sunday.

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