Equestrian
September 2015Burghley Horse Trials
A three-day event (which confusingly takes place over four days) that has just been given the International Best Event Award for the fifth time, the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials consist of a Dressage phase, Cross-country and Show Jumping. It is a rigorous test of all round horsemanship.
The Cross Country track at Burghley is one of the most challenging courses in the world. The show jumping is a tense climax, as some of the best show-jumpers in the world battle out the final title, with just a few penalty points between them.
This prestigious event dates to 1961 when the Marquess of Exeter invited the British Horse Society to transfer the event to his estate. As well as the annual trials, Burghley has hosted two World Championships and six European Championships.
Members enjoy the hospitality of the Members' Enclosure, while many other visitors enjoy the chance to explore the grounds, picnic, and sample the array of food stalls. The emphasis throughout the event is on practical clothing and sensible footwear, since there will be plenty of walking around, sometimes in inclement weather.
Burghley House is said to be the finest Elizabethan stately home in the country, and it forms a spectacular backdrop to the Trials. If you want a change from the equine entertainment, take your family down to the lakeside, where you can enjoy the Land Rover Terrapod or test your skills at the Pedigree Dog Agility.
