EQUINE students from Wiltshire College & University Centre witnessed sporting history from inside the arena during a recent residential trip to Badminton Horse Trials, one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events.
Students attended the event across the full week, gaining behind-the-scenes experience during daytime visits from Tuesday to Thursday before staying on site for a residential experience from Friday to Sunday during the final weekend of competition.
Across several days, students worked behind the scenes alongside course builders and event teams, helping prepare the showjumping arena by cleaning and painting poles, arranging fillers and flowers for fences, moving jumps into the main arena and supporting the arena party during the final day of competition.
The experience gave students the chance to see first-hand what it takes to deliver a world-class international sporting event – from course design and arena preparation to rider safety and live competition support.
Students described the behind-the-scenes access and immersive atmosphere as one of the most memorable experiences of their studies so far.
Summer Turnbull, 17, said: “I think my top highlight was definitely being behind the scenes and seeing how the event gets put together. Putting it all up, cleaning all the jumps, painting all the jumps and working in quite a good team that are knowledgeable as well.”
Throughout the weekend, students worked closely with experienced course designers and builders, learning how courses are carefully designed to challenge riders while remaining safe for horses and competitors.
Arden Evans, 18, said: “It’s really interesting watching the course designers build the course and seeing how they make it competitive while still keeping it safe. Now, when I go showjumping myself, I can look at fences differently and understand why they’ve been designed that way.”
As well as gaining practical experience, students also had the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Badminton up close – meeting riders, seeing presenters and watching world-class competition from inside the arena itself.
Students described the surreal experience of working so closely alongside famous riders, presenters and equestrian professionals throughout the event.
Immy Morcom, 16, said: “We got to see all the riders walking around near us and eating lunch nearby. It felt surreal being so close to everything happening. I also saw Clare Balding shopping, which was quite funny.”
The group watched Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo make sporting history by becoming the first horse and rider combination ever to win Badminton Horse Trials three times.
Immy said: “Being in the arena and witnessing history when Ros Canter became the first ever three times winner – it was just amazing – the atmosphere was incredible.”
Summer said witnessing the historic win from inside the arena was a moment she will never forget. She added: “It’s a once in a lifetime experience that is so rare to have.”
Go behind the scenes at Badminton
From setting up camp beds and building fences to standing inside the arena during the final showjumping, follow the students’ full weekend in our behind-the-scenes feature.
Students said the atmosphere inside the arena was one of the highlights of the weekend, particularly during the final showjumping, prize giving, lap of honour and hounds parade.
Immy said: “The environment is really nice. When you’re in the arena, everyone’s really happy, it’s loud and it’s really nice and enjoyable.”
Alongside the competition itself, students also watched the stallion display, explored the event village and learned more about different career paths and progression routes within the equine industry.
Some students spoke with universities and industry professionals during the event, while others valued the opportunity to work alongside experienced equestrian teams – including former Wiltshire College & University Centre students now working professionally at Badminton.
The trip also gave students the chance to experience different areas of the industry linked to their future ambitions, with students hoping to progress into careers including equine surgery and veterinary medicine.
Summer said one of the best parts of the trip was being able to work in such a good team and learn from the experts: “You learn so much from the people there because they’re knowledgeable and experienced. They’ll give you advice and help when you need it.”
Students stayed on site throughout the final weekend, fully immersed in the fast-moving environment of one of the world’s leading equestrian events.
Equine lecturer Ria McLean said: “Our students were an absolute credit to both themselves and Wiltshire College & University Centre during their time supporting the arena party at Badminton Horse Trials. They showed exceptional professionalism, enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the event, even in challenging conditions and during physically demanding tasks.
“They approached every role with maturity, positivity and a real willingness to support both each other and the wider event team. Their professionalism and work ethic were recognised by organisers and staff throughout the weekend, and they should be incredibly proud of the contribution they made to such a prestigious international event.”
Explore Equine at Wiltshire College & University Centre
From industry placements and live events to hands-on practical learning, Equine students at Wiltshire College & University Centre gain real-world experience alongside their studies.
