The Badminton Horse Trials CCI5*-L, held in Gloucestershire, England, has announced the decision to run the 2021 edition with limited spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event released the following statement:

“After much deliberation the decision has been taken to run the Badminton Horse Trials 2021 event ‘Behind Closed Doors’ but with the potential to include a limited number of spectators should the spring guidelines/restrictions allow us to do so. All will be under constant review in the coming months, and we will keep our loyal supporters and the eventing community posted with the latest news and developments throughout the coming months via the Director’s blog and our social media handles and website. Our overriding priority will continue to be the health and safety of all those involved in staging the event.”

The event is planning to offer live streaming and will release further news as the event gets closer.

“We realize that this is not the scenario everyone would wish for, but feel by announcing our intentions now it will give all involved in whatever capacity the opportunity to plan accordingly,” said event director Jane Tuckwell. “To deliver the ‘Behind Closed Doors’ event will not be without its challenges, but we look forward to bringing you a great competition in partnership with Science Supplements and Mars Equestrian.”