So Horse: Increased Prize Money for Equestrian Sport

Eventing continues to catch up (even if it still remains far behind the obstacle. In 2026, the winner of the Badminton Horse Trials will pocket €146,000, an absolute record. A significant increase which finally aligns the financial reward with the extreme demands of the discipline.

When the effort pays off

€528,000 distributed among the top twenty, i.e. nearly 56 000 € more than in 2025. Badminton assumes its role as locomotive. Five days of competition, three tests, one of the most formidable cross-country races in the world: eventing has never been a “profitable” sport. So far.

Prestige is no longer enough

Winning at Badminton is an eternal line on a record. But it is also a colossal investment, human, sporting and financial. The reigning champion Ros Canter recalled it bluntly: Badminton is the competition that everyone dreams of winning.
In 2026, this dream is finally accompanied by a reward consistent with the feat.

A message for the whole circuit

The increase does not only concern the elite. The LeMieux Grassroots Championships also benefit from an increase in their prize money. A clear signal: eventing deserves better, at all levels.

The 2026 edition will be held from May 6 to 10.

(Photos ©Badminton Horse Trials)