Defender Burghley Horse Trials

04/04/2026

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter, from beautiful Burghley in springtime. No music needed for this one, the lambs do the talking 🐑 🐣

01/04/2026

What a career, Mary! Our 1996 winner and an icon of the sport for so many decades. Wishing you a very happy retirement, though we are sure you won’t sit still for long!

Watch this space for a little something special coming later on today…

The time has come - I have decided to hang up my boots. I started my 46th year of eventing this year and rode at Tweseldown and Moreton (finished 2nd on Barry 😜), and have now decided its time to stop competing and to send my last event horses to Emily to continue their career.

I have loved my eventing life, and feel so lucky to have had so many amazing horses, and have wonderful memories which will stay close to my heart forever.

Since the London Olympics I’ve loved producing my homebreds and competing up to 3*.

I will be busy with my breeding programme and producing the young stock, plus will be supporting Emily more. I can now go on holiday and not feel guilty about the horses I should be riding!!

Thank you so much to my family, friends, owners, grooms, sponsors, vets, farriers and wonderful supporters that have made this journey, over the many years, so incredibly special.

28/03/2026

Inspired by the ever-brilliant to look back at a golden era for Burghley ✨

26/03/2026

We are so delighted to see our back-to-back defending champions, and Lordships Graffalo back out competing for the first time since Burghley, and since the birth of Ros and Chris’s second child in January.

Ros and Walter completed their first event of the season last week with a double clear, as they begin their campaign towards .

In celebration of this fantastic partnership being back in business, we wanted to share the highlights from their cross-country round here at Defender Burghley 2025, which saw them on their way to claiming their second consecutive title here.

23/03/2026

There’s a certain magic that only Defender Burghley brings… it’s more than just a competition - it’s a celebration of world-class sport and British heritage, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Burghley House. Here, legends are made and stories unfold.

And now, that moment is getting closer.

There is just one month to go until the Defender Burghley Horse Trials Box Office opens ahead of the 2026 event ‼️

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or planning your very first visit, this is your chance to be part of something truly special.

Key dates for your diary:
🗓️ Thursday 23rd April: Box Office opening
🗓️ Thursday 3rd - Sunday 6th September: Defender Burghley Horse Trials

The countdown is on…

19/03/2026

How do we ensure that the cross-country course at Defender Burghley is a fresh challenge every year?

Course-designer, Derek di Grazia, explains the process for making changes to the track every year, to ensure that competing at Burghley remains a true test at the top of the sport, while being fair and safe for both horse and rider.

16/03/2026

At Defender Burghley, partnerships are about more than just a presence on the event site - they’re about a shared belief in the sport, its heritage and its future. Our partnership with LeMieux is one built on shared values and a genuine passion for equestrian sport, and we are proud to celebrate that.

We’re delighted to share that LeMieux have extended their sponsorship of Defender Burghley Horse Trials and will be returning with their distinctive combination of innovation, performance and contemporary style.

With a reputation for technical excellence and thoughtful design, LeMieux has become a trusted name for riders at every level. From high-performance competition wear to beautifully crafted essentials for horse and rider, the brand reflects the same dedication to quality, attention to detail and pursuit of excellence that defines Defender Burghley.

Together, we share a commitment to supporting the sport, celebrating its heritage and inspiring the next generation of equestrians.

We’re proud to continue this journey and look forward to another exciting year together.