Burghley welcomes the world’s best
Make a date with this year’s Defender Burghley Horse Trials, which showcases international eventing’s leading event riders. By Barbara Young.
Preparations across Burghley Park are well underway as this year’s Defender Burghley Horse Trials (4th-7th September) gets ready to welcome the world’s top horse and rider combinations.
The four-day spectacular celebration of world-class sport, together with exceptional shopping, makes for an unforgettable day out in one of Britain’s most iconic settings.
Every year since 1961 when the event was first held on the estate’s magnificent Elizabethan parkland, thousands of spectators and top exhibitors gather in the superb surroundings of Burghley House, making this one of Britain’s greatest annual sporting events.
Defender Burghley centres on the CCI5* competition – the elite test of dressage, cross-country and showjumping at the highest level within the sport of eventing for the very best horses and riders in the world.
Last year’s winners Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who are also the reigning champions of Mars Badminton Horse Trials, will be a strong combination to watch our for with Tim Price, Oliver Townend and Tom McEwen also strong contenders.
Future champions
Burghley is also the proving ground of future champions. On the Thursday, the LeMieux Pony Club Team Showjumping competition in the House Arena is always popular with young fans of the sport.
The prestigious Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse finals takes place on Friday 5th September featuring Britain’s best four- and five-year-olds, which always draws a huge crowd to the House Arena.
The two classes will be worth a total of £8,000 for 2025, with a first prize of £1,500 for both the Dubarry five-year-old champion and the Dubarry four-year-old champion.
Six-times Defender Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt will make his debut as a Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final judge, where he will assess “potential to gallop” for the top 10 finalists in both the four- and five-year-old sections.
William will join an impressive line-up of judges this year: dressage will be assessed by experienced ground jury member Harry Payne and young horse producer Judy Bradwell, jumping by multiple Olympic, World and European eventing medallist Bettina Hoy and legendary former eventer, trainer and course-designer Ian Stark, while highly respected vet Fred Barrelet will judge “suitability and type”.
Martyn Johnson, director of Defender Burghley, said: “We are delighted that Dubarry are continuing to support these celebrated championships. While the CCI5* at Burghley shows the world what the very best and most experienced horses and riders can do, the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals showcase our future champions and are very important for breeders, riders and owners.”
New this year
Champion Equestrian, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, is this year’s Official Safety Partner of Defender Burghley Horse Trials, marking the union of two icons of British equestrianism in a shared commitment to safety, quality, and care for rider wellbeing.
As part of the partnership, Champion takes a prominent role at this year’s Defender Burghley Horse Trials, offering expert safety fittings and live demonstrations, as well as the launch of several new products.
Also new this year is the opportunity for a limited number of spectators to reserve space in one of two exclusive parking areas located right in the heart of the action: the iconic Leaf Pit and Herbert’s Hollow.
Positioned on the edge of the course, these premium spots offer the perfect base to enjoy the thrill of the day – whether from the comfort of your car or gathered around a picnic table with friends and family.
With only 30 pitches available at each location, availability is limited, so early booking is essential.
Shopping and refreshments
From luxury homeware and handmade jewellery in the Lifestyle Pavilion, to country fashions, artisanal crafts and equestrian leading brands in the Horse Village, to gourmet delights along the buzzing Food Walk – there’s something for every shopper.
Take a break and enjoy a hearty breakfast or seasonal lunch in the relaxed surroundings of the Avebury Restaurant. Just moments from the central shopping village and main arena, it’s the perfect place to unwind with family or friends.
Watch the action
If you can’t get there in person, don’t miss a minute of all the excitement, including the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, plus great interviews and behind-the-scenes features by tuning in to Burghley TV.
A Burghley TV subscription will give you an access-all-areas pass to the heart of the action, from the first horse inspection through to the final trophy lift and so much more. Presenter Nick Luck fronts an entertaining and informative daily magazine programme from Defender Burghley during the event, alongside “roving reporter” Rosie Tapner.
Some of Defender Burghley’s exciting main arena demonstrations, including dressage supremo Carl Hester, Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer Henrietta Knight and Team GB’s star couple William and Pippa Funnell will also be screened.
For anyone wishing to watch again, a replay service will also be available on Burghley TV, with footage quickly online after each session.
For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk/burghley-tv
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Lincolnshire Life Magazine Newsletter 12/25 - mailchi.mp/lincolnshirelife.co.uk/lincolnshire-life-magazine-newsletter-12-25