Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Sep 5, 2025 12:01 am -

The Defender Burghley cross country course is now live on CrossCountry App for viewing! This year, Derek di Grazia has reversed the direction of the course for the first time since 2017, and it certainly has riders buzzing. We’ll have a full round-up of rider reactions coming your way later today, and of course stay tuned for our traditional cross country live blog from Burghley tomorrow. In the meantime, we’ll embed the full course below (and you can also watch a preview on Burghley TV), or you can click here to view it on CrossCountry App.

Major International Events

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

Strzegom Autumn Show (Poland): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Five Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

Stone Gate Farm Mini H.T. (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

You can be like U.S. coach and Olympic medalist Leslie Law and use just seven jumps for your show jumping warm-up! It’s a fact that overdoing it in warm-up can be a real thing, and rather than tire your horse (and yourself!) out before you even get in the ring, use Leslie’s tried and true strategy, outlined here, to set yourself up for success.

The challenge of keeping lesson programs financially viable is a real thing. One program in Pittsburg, PA, has begun to think outside the box, implementing a semester system and offering unmounted make-up lessons to help move towards a more sustainable future. Read up on how it’s been working and perhaps find some tips for your own program here.

We’re just a few days removed from USEA American Eventing Championships, but we’re still wistfully dreaming of eventing in sunny California and you can look back through some of the best photos from an epic week here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Catch up on some news from Stable View, and don’t forget that the CCI1*-S level has been added to this year’s Oktoberfest event, happening September 26-28 in Aiken, SC. More information + entries are available here.

Video Break

Hear from a very happy David Doel after his star of a Burghley dressage test yesterday with Galileo Nieuwmoed:

“We’ve Got a Future to Build”: Piggy March Takes Burghley Thursday Lead

By on Sep 4, 2025 2:04 pm -

Piggy March and MCS Maverick. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

[To catch up on this morning’s action, head to our full lunch break report here.]

Nobody can ever say that Piggy March swept into the Thursday dressage lead having simply hopped on the product of somebody else’s hard work: the quirky MCS Maverick, who won Bramham in 2023 with Pippa Funnell aboard, is a unique sort of character who requires an outsized amount of mental management to stop his clever brain from turning an eventing week into a series of complicated conspiracy theories delineated with bits of red string. That’s a commitment that Piggy has happily devoted countless hours to since the horse joined her stable. 

Well, just about nobody would ever say that – Piggy herself is, of course, the notable exception. 

“He’s a beautiful horse, and he’s got it all there. He’s had the best training in the world; he’s come from Mrs. Funnell, so I haven’t got any excuses,” she says. 

There were no excuses needed today: the pair posted a 25.7 after delivering the standout test of the day, earning them the lead by a margin of nearly three penalties. 

“The big thing with this horse is getting his brain,” says Piggy, who made her debut with ‘Eric’ earlier this year, finishing eighth in the CCI4*-S at Bramham, their first FEI event together. All the way through, Piggy’s stayed in close contact with her great friend Pippa, unpacking how best to tackle the constant busyness that the horse craves without overdoing it. 

“That’s just what the two days have been here — riding, lunging, riding, lunging. He’s not the finished article yet, and his body isn’t really as strong as where I’d like it to be — it’s still going to develop a lot over the next couple of years. You can’t work him too hard, otherwise he’ll get sore and fragile in his body. So it’s a bit of work, a bit of loose lunging, grazing, seeing people. That was brilliant for him. His mind is going to be little bits and pieces, and of course, it’s going to get better. But I’d say for our early stages of us being together, and in an atmosphere like that, I’ll take it all day long. I don’t want another go to go in and try to do it any better!”

Piggy March and MCS Maverick. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

For Piggy, even just being back at Burghley is something special. This week is her first appearance here – young horse classes notwithstanding – since 2022, when she won with the now-retired Vanir Kamira. Since then, she’s been in something of a rebuilding process for the top levels – and now, she’s got one for the big tracks and one for the championships in the excellent Halo, who will head to the European Championships later this month. 

“Burghley is really special, and it’s been a buzz all summer thinking, ‘I’ve got a horse I can go back to Burghley on,’” she says with a smile. “That buzz disappeared with absolute sick butterflies the last three days, though! But I think for everyone who events and likes riding at the top of the sport, it’s the pinnacle of it. I think it’s the ultimate test of horse and rider for me personally, because the terrain is demanding, so it takes a lot of brain work for riders as well.”

Would it be beyond the realm of possibility to imagine that this very new partnership could win the whole thing this week? Not at all – but for Piggy, the focus and the priority is wholly on finishing the week with a happy, healthy horse and an even stronger understanding in one another, and if that goes hand in hand with a placing, then so much the merrier. 

“I’ve got a lot to figure out with my guy on Saturday, with a very new relationship,” she says. “I’ll be very interested in learning an awful lot on the way round. Walking the course, I’ve been like, ‘I wonder what he’s going to do — what he’ll think of this or that.’ It’s very different from coming here with Vanir Kamira, who was my last horse here, that I sort of knew her inside out and knew how she’d think about things. With him, I’ve got a lot to learn myself, personally, out there. But I’m going to have a go. I just want him to finish; I’d love him to have a good experience this week. He’s only 12, and there’s lots to come with him, with his body, physically. I think I’d just love for him to have a happy week. And we’ve got a future to build.”

Alex Bragg and Ardeo Premier. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

A cursory glance at Alex Bragg’s competition record with Ardeo Premier would give you the overall impression of a very good cross-country horse – one whose grit and game nature gives him the chance to climb after a less competitive first phase. At five-star, that’s been a 35.5, a 39.7, a 35.2 – and, today, a 28.4 and overnight second place. 

“You can never say I’m not full of surprises,” he quips. “I’m thrilled with that. Eddie, as we know him, can be a little bit anxious and goes within himself sometimes. He doesn’t express himself by rearing, bucking, and all that. He just sort of tries to hide.”

That, he says, has been the focal point of their training for this phase. 

“I’m trying to initiate that belief in him and trust him — just ride him forward and say, ‘be brave. I’m feeling brave, so you can be brave too!’ I feel more comfortable doing that when I’m in a jumping arena and cross country. But in the dressage, it’s never been maybe my strongest phase, especially when I started, and I guess I’ve got to get over that a little bit.

“I think today I had to lead, and I did, and he was really, really honest and followed me,” he continues. “His highlight, the thing he’s good at, is the canter, and so today I really went for it. He’s not a big-trotting horse, so we just tried to be correct. In those 8-metre circles, if you’re not accurate, these judges — especially at the side, in the corner — can see everything, and they just hammer you for it. So I tried to be accurate there.”

As the test progressed, Alex got the feeling he was sitting on something special – but, he says, “you’re never brave enough to look up at the screen! But you’re kind of tempted to be like, ‘how am I getting on?’ You don’t want to lose concentration – it’s the atmosphere, and the adrenaline, and your own nerves that you’re dealing with. So to actually execute a test like that… I’m really, really pleased.”

The final result is something that he’s been quietly confident would come at some point. 

Alex Bragg celebrates a seriously good day in the office. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

“I’ve always believed he was capable of a 70% test. He can do everything very, very accurately. It’s the same in his jumping — he’s technically very accurate, very good. He doesn’t have heaps and heaps of talent and capability, but the trainability of him and his heart makes up for that. So yes, I did believe he could do that. I think I always knew where his strengths and weaknesses are, and I think knowing that helps you to get the marks where you can, and to not lose the marks.”

Now, he’s looking forward to keeping up the good fight – this time, from a front-loaded position. 

“The mark is really great,” he says. “I always seem to be chasing the leaderboard; my jumping is probably my strength, and I probably find jump horses more than I look for those classic dressage types, which probably shines through in that.”

Even more than that, though, he’s brimming with pride in what the twelve-year-old gelding has already accomplished this week.

“Obviously, the score is so important, but for me, inside the performance, how much the horse really tried — and I think he tried really, really hard. It’s him, not me, it’s him. He did a great job. I mean, he exceeded my expectations.”

Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

The fourth time was the charm for Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy, who set their five-star personal best of 28.8 to sit third overnight – their first time going sub-30 after two Badmintons and last year’s Burghley. 

“I’m really, really chuffed with that,” says Will. “We’ve worked very hard over the last year, since we were at Burghley last year, and even in the last couple of weeks – it’s just all coming into place. Leading up [to this week] I haven’t done very long training sessions, because I’ve done what I’ve needed to, and he’s felt so good, and I don’t see any point making the horse do any more than that.”

At thirteen, Ballycoog Breaker Boy – also called William at home – is stepping into his prime, but even he had a starstruck moment as he headed into the ring today.

“He definitely went in there and sort of lit up, and I was a bit like, ‘oh God!’ He’s not generally a horse that would get stage fright, but it was definitely the most atmospheric arena I’ve been in, having done Badminton twice and been here last year as well – so it was interesting. But he was with me all the way through. I was just kicking myself because his changes have been so spot on this year, and then I just didn’t quite execute them like we could. But it can’t be perfect all the time.”

The pair’s sterling effort catapulted them to the top of the leaderboard, though their tenure there was short-lived – they were followed into the arena by Piggy and Eric, who swiftly took over. But, laughs Will, “a few years ago [at Bicton’s pop-up CCI5*] I took the dressage lead on another horse, and then was immediately followed and beaten by Piggy – but she’s not a bad person to find yourself behind!”

That proliferation of competitive scores means that our morning leaders, David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed, find themselves in overnight fourth position on their 29.6, just ahead of another new entry into the top ten. 

Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

That came from Harry Meade on his second ride of the day, Crystal Cavalier, with whom he finished fourth at Badminton this spring. On that occasion, we saw them start – and finish – on a score of 33.8, and last year, they were third here (for the second time) when starting – and again, finishing – on a 31.3. 

Today, though, they confidently put their best-ever five-star dressage score on the board: a smart 30.5 that sees them take fifth at the halfway point of this phase.

“I’m thrilled with her,” Harry says. “She’s a really game horse. She’s a proper five-star contender: she finds jumping pretty easy, but she’s always been quite affected by crowds and things, and today I was delighted with her. Sometimes, if you try too hard on her, she begins to go a little bit sour, almost, so it was very much just about keeping her sweet and keeping her enjoying it.”

Today, he says, “she felt very happy in there. It was a really lovely, soft test, and it was very much a clear-round test, but also the way of going was soft and open, and that allowed the freedom, rather than going a little bit tight.”

Though Harry’s lead-up hasn’t been totally conventional – he had to spend a stint out of the saddle after sustaining injuries falling off a bicycle earlier this season – he and his horses alike have been feeling better and better in their lead-up to this week. 

“I’ve felt she’s been in a really sweet place the last few weeks, and then that’s been maintained since we got here,” he says. That ended up being something of a saving grace: they headed into the arena as the crowd burst into cheers for new leaders Piggy and Eric, but rather than freezing up against the sudden outpouring of atmosphere, the fifteen-year-old stayed well in the zone.

“I probably shouldn’t have gone in so early,” laughs Harry. “But she’s always been one who just, when you hold, she stares into the distance, and actually, today I had a genuine softness in her and it was lovely.”

Caroline Powell and High Time V. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Ireland’s Joseph Murphy, second this morning with Belline Fighting Spirit on 30.9, now hold sixth place overnight, while former Burghley champion Caroline Powell steps into seventh place with the thirteen-year-old High Time on a 31.1. 

That score represents a serious upward trajectory for the gelding this season: at Badminton, we saw the pair post a 36.6, and in 2024, they went as high as 39.2 at four-star. 

“[The partnership has developed] quickly,” says Caroline. “He’s changed a lot from Badminton. The first time I rode him, I was like ‘oh – is there something wrong with him?’ But I think he just grew up. [Dressage coach] Tracie Robinson has worked really, really hard on him, and it’s lovely, because he’s coming back to me now. It’s nice when they do that.

“I thought he would heat up a little bit [in the ring], but he was great. I wanted to just do as good as we can. We can do very, very good work, and we can do some very, very sparky work. So what he did there today, I’m pretty chuffed with.”

Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza II. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

British-based Frenchman Gaspard Maksud finished sixth here last year with the twelve-year-old Zaragoza, “but we were five marks better in the dressage,” he laughs. And yes, sure: on that occasion, it was a 26.8 to get their week started, and today’s test saw them put up a still-very-respectable 31.8, but it’s all relative, isn’t it? Especially when you consider that the British-bred mare, who’s also previously finished sixth at the 2022 World Championships, has been lightly run since Badminton, and frankly, she’s been delighted to be back out. 

“She did a three-star ten days ago, and that’s about what she’s done – and she was feeling very, very fresh there, but she’s been very good here — really listening,” says Gaspard, who’ll be delighted not to have repeated the sparkly 39.7 they scored in that prep test. 

“Maybe we could ask a little bit more in the test [today], but I think she did a nice test, no really big mistakes or anything. I was quite happy with her. She was very relaxed, and yes, I probably want to be in the 20s, but she hasn’t done much, to be fair.  She’s done pretty much nothing. But she came here, she knows why she’s here, and she enjoys it. She actually kept it all together in the test, and she was very focused on me, so there’s lots of positives.”

Holly Richarson and Ballyneety Silver Service. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

The pair will close out day one in eighth place, while Great Britain’s Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver Service are our final new additions to the top ten, moving into ninth on a 32.4 – the same score as US representatives Grace Taylor and Game Changer, who delivered their test in this morning’s session. 

“His medium trot is his strength,” says Holly of her ten-year-old level debutant. “So it was really good to pull off those mediums and the extended work, and his walk, as well, is amazing. So it was good that he stayed calm enough to actually produce a good walk.”

Though Holly herself has a couple of Burghleys behind her, a first five-star for a horse is always a fact-finding mission, and today was no exception.

“He hasn’t done a lot of these huge [competitions], so I wouldn’t really know [if he gets hot]. I didn’t really know how much to work on ahead of it. But actually, he stayed really level. He’s quite spooky, and he went around the outside spooking. I thought, ‘Oh no, here we go!’ But he actually really stayed with me.” 

We’ll return to the main arena tomorrow morning at 10.00 a.m. local time (5.00 a.m. EST) with fan favourites Alice Casburn and Topspin first up to bat – and some serious heavy-hitters sprinkled throughout the day, including the return of Aachen winners Tim Price and Vitali, who hold the Burghley dressage record (a nice and normal 18.7, in case you missed that one) and former winners Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo among them. Until then: Go Eventing!

Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

ICYMI: Thursday at Defender Burghley

By on Sep 4, 2025 12:26 pm -

We are full swing into Defender Burghley, and we’re experimenting with a new “coffee break” style wrap-up of the day for those of you who want the bits and bobs to fill the gap between reports.

Our classic full round-up of the best of today’s tests will be along as soon as riders have been wrangled for their reactions, Chinch has been consulted, and the whole thing’s been edited down from 6 million words to a more digestible 5.5 million – eyes on the website for that dropping just as soon as two eventing nerds and an obnoxious chinchilla can make that possible.

Until then, here’s a quick recap of what went down between the white boards today…

1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Heading the charge and leading Burghley overnight is Piggy March and MCS Maverick who are sitting pretty on a score of 25.7.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 In second spot is Alex Bragg and Ardeo Premier who are on a score of 28.4.

3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the podium as things stand is Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy on a score of 28.8.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

Whilst the scores are obviously important in the grand scheme of like, winning the whole dang thing, we all know that eventing is about so much more than just numbers. So here’s a run-down of some of the other goings on in the dressage ring at Burghley:

☔ Preamble Predicament – The weather’s already been a talking point at Burghley, with a storm delaying the first horse inspection yesterday and the rain turning on and off, off and on, like it doesn’t know which way’s up. Poor Nick Luck and Tina Cook were caught in a proper downpour during the preamble while we waited for the competition to start. Props to whoever had an umbrella handy.

🎤 Insider Insight – We were treated to dressage judge Nick Burton and dressage king Carl Hester in the commentary box. So cool to have such insight.

🎶 Spa Day? The snoozy music being streamed like, all day, elicited some yawns in the crowd, where the fashion of the day was raincoats-a-go-go all round. It sure seemed to seep into the horses too, with more ambling out of the ring than jig-a-jogging, on the whole. Very cool to see such relaxed and happy horses.

😁 Mr Charming – Trailblazer and World No. 1 Harry Meade looked like a man on a mission as he kicked off the action with Kentucky third-placer Et Hop Du Matz this morning. Sadly, he’d opted to swap out his pink horse inspection pants for more traditional white breeches. It was leg day for Harry as his gelding seemed particularly affected by the sleepy soundtrack. That didn’t stop him turning on the charm for the judge at C though, giving his best and most beautiful smile as he walked past on his way out after his test. Yup, we clocked that, Harry. They scored 32.7.

🧸 “Warm Fuzzies” – Samantha Lissington may have had a tricky day at the office with her 5* debutant Billy Alberto, who was busy playing with his bit rather than focusing on the job at hand for a lot of his test. Sam gave a great display of tactful riding and nursed him through. “Hey ho!” she said afterwards, showing just the right attitude when it comes to horses and admitting that dressage is “not his forte”. They’re not here to rival the leaders on the first day and she was pleased the horse kept it together. On a delightful note, her parents have flown over from New Zealand to watch which Sam says has given her lots of “warm fuzzies”. Aw. She sits on a score of 39.5.

🌱 Snack Time – Aimee Penny’s PSH Encore took the opportunity of rewarding herself for a PB with a bite of the Burghley grass on the way out of the ring. The mare made her Burghley debut with a first sub-35 score at 5*, so that snack was well-deserved. It was 34.4 for them.

🐮 Cow Kicks – Game Changer took slight offence in a couple of flying changes and let Grace Taylor know just how he felt, kicking out before delivering what turned out to be clean changes. Perhaps he wanted to make sure everyone had clocked his very attractive quarter marks across his bum and down his flanks – for sure the most stylish so far. The gelding was the picture of relaxation on the way out of the ring. “He was a good boy,” said Grace. They landed on a score of 32.4.

🤫 Fireworks Avoided (kind of) – Global Fision M was hot, hot, hot at the first horse inspection yesterday, literally running rings around Lauren Innes as she tried to trot him up. The announcer today asked the crowd to stay silent as the pair made their way round the arena, and the spicy gelding seemed to have things under wraps. A couple of snorts and some masterful riding from Lauren had us holding our breath. The walk was OK. But then… the rodeo came calling after the reinback and ‘Flipper’ showed off some of his snazzy dance moves. Full props to Lauren for getting him back and continuing on with the test. This guy has oodles of ability and talent and it’s an absolute testament to Lauren’s horsemanship and knowing her horse that she’s able to keep him as together as she does. She shushed the crowd as she halted to finish the test, almost before she saluted. They did the classic jig-jog on the way out but Lauren looked delighted – a first sub-40 result for them at 5* – 38.7.

👍 Thumbs Up – FOD specialist Galileo Nieuwmoed “absolutely nailed it today,” said a delighted David Doel after they scored a PB, with every chance that’ll be their finishing score. The rain poured down but that didn’t dampen David’s enormous grin as he delivered a test which trended sub-30 almost throughout and put him into the lead at the lunch break. David says the gelding’s “feeling the best he’s ever felt in his body”, which has gotta have him feeling good about the prospect of a first 5* win – maybe? Look out for them on Saturday, “He’s an absolute weapon cross country,” David grinned. Galileo gave us a taste of what’s to come as he added a little jump to the end of his test, thankfully after the halt and salute. David gave an elated thumbs up as he jogged out of the ring. The first sub-30 of Burghley – 29.6 and 4th place overnight.

👣 He’s Got the Walk – Holly Richardson’s 5* debutant Ballyneety Silver Service excelled himself with a gorgeous walk section deserving of a 9 for the extended from the judge at C, in what was an impressive showing for the gelding’s first time at the top level. Riding in a snaffle bridle with no spurs, Holly really helped her guy to build in confidence throughout his test and there’s more to come as he establishes himself at the level, for sure. They scored 32.4 to sit in the top 10 after the first day’s competition.

🌶️ Hot Shot – Caroline Powell says herself that her Burghley guy, High Time, is a bit of a hot dude and he showed that in the ring today, although Caroline gave us an absolute masterclass in settling a horse that’s feeling a big atmosphere, really bringing out the best in the gelding and getting him straight back on track after a whoopsie in the extended trot saw him canter a few strides, so much so they scored a 9 in the shoulder in just afterwards. Caroline was beaming at the end of the test, with the hugest pats for the horse for a job, on the whole, very well done. They scored 31.1.

👻 Spooky Central – Spookiest horse of the day was certainly Simon Grieve’s 5* first-timer Autograf, whose tail got higher and higher the further he got through his test. The huge breath out from Simon as he saluted at the end said it all. He said the horse was “a little bit starstruck” but “we’ve got to try these things” and overall he was pleased with the gelding’s efforts. They landed on a 37.4.

🐴 Hey, Buddies? Ballycoog Breaker Boy called out for his buddies while he was in the ring, although the only help he needed was from his very tall pal on board, Will Rawlin. Together they produced a correct and classy test which trended sub-30 throughout and elicited a huge cheer from the crowd as it went into the lead, albeit temporarily. Will’s clearly got some fans out there. Will was “absolutely thrilled,” saying the horse “really pulled it out the bag”. Indeed he did. He sits in 3rd on 28.8.

💩 Bathroom Break – Alex Bragg’ll have been relieved Ardeo Premier got his bathroom break out of the way before entering the ring today. Squinting in the sudden burst of sunshine, Alex set up his test with a beautiful halt for three 8s and so it continued. Striking and bold work, particularly in the canter (I’m looking forward to seeing this guy go on Saturday), the test was impressive throughout with Carl Hester commenting that “the potential is huge” for the partnership. Total showman and fan fave Alex gave a huge double thumbs up and a punch of the air as the crowd gave the biggest cheer of the day for the pair’s best international score of their career, which rocketed them into 2nd place. Afterwards Alex said, “You’ve got to go in there believing,” which he clearly did. Don’t stop, Alex. They’re on 28.4.

🩰 Best Foot Forward – Relatively new, incredibly elegant, pairing Piggy March and MCS Maverick got off to a super start with two 8s and their test continued to impress the judges and Nick Burton in the commentary box. Piggy’s taken over the ride from great mate and legend Pippa Funnel and says the gelding’s been “trained by the best in the world”. It’s no secret that this guy can be a tricky customer and getting into his mind has been a priority for Piggy, and they sure seemed to be of one mind between the boards today. Correct and classy, they went straight into the lead with a score of 25.7.

🫶 Cute Guys – It’s so great to see horses that are obviously in the game for the cross country delivering sweet tests in the first phase, and we had two cute examples of such this morning, courtesy of two Toms. 5* debutant Tom Strawson’s Public Address really showed he was on his Tom’s side, being rideable and working hard to do what he was being asked, despite dressage not being the easiest for the former point-to-pointer. Huge pats for him as he ambled out of the ring looking very relaxed on his big day at Burghley. They squeaked sub-40 with a 39.8. And Tom Bird’s Cowling Hot Gossip really tried for his Tom and showed an improvement on his previous scores at the level, which is what it’s all about at the end of the day – partnership, love of the sport, and building on each performance. They scored 43.2.

🫡 Best Salute – The prize for the most extravagant salute for sure goes to Gaspard Maksud, with Carl Hester awarding the accolade, which was clearly appreciated by the E judge who gave it an 8. The mare was a little cheeky in the ring today, sticking her tongue out at the judges for a lot of the way round in what was a bit of a hit and miss kind of test. Watch out for them on Saturday though – blink and you’ll miss this incredibly quick duo. They finished up the day’s sport with a score of 31.8.

I’ll leave you with some wise words from World No. 1 Harry Meade, which he shared after his 5th place test with Cavalier Crystal: “It’s about understanding the horse, knowing what they’re capable of and accepting certain things and working with them to try and get the best performance you can, but not forcing them to be something they’re not”. Yessir.

Stay tuned for the full report coming your way on the website. We’ve got a classic EN live blog in the offing on Saturday too. EN’s where it’s at.

The action resumes tomorrow at 10am BST / 5am ET with every test live on Burghley TV (subscription required) – don’t miss it!

Go eventing!

Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

Good Habits: Joseph Murphy on Learning from Michael Jung

By on Sep 4, 2025 9:20 am -

Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Joseph Murphy will be the first to tell you to hold your proverbial horses, that there are two phases left to come, after a good dressage performance. But to come in to Defender Burghley and lay down a personal best for a horse that’s not slipped into the low 30s often, if at all, in the past, deserves some exploration.

Belline Fighting Spirit, a 10-year-old Anglo European gelding by Freeman VDL, is contesting his third CCI5*, first Burghley, this week. Prior to this, the horse’s personal best in FEI competition was a 31.8, earned at the 3*-S level back in 2022. Today, despite some touch and go weather, the Irish Olympian piloted “Spirit” (love that barn name) to a 30.9, shaving nearly four points off his previous best 5* mark earned at Pau (his debut at the level) last year.

“It wasn’t perfect in there,” Joseph, ever the realist, said after the test. But should his weekend finish according to plan, it will be the accumulation of Joseph’s pursuit of betterment, and some extra education he’s gained from none other than triple Olympic champion Michael Jung of Germany.

Joseph’s maintained a friendly relationship with Michael through the years, helping to source horses for him and asking for some assistance. Michael has earned a reputation for his meticulous preparation of his horses, and Joseph shared that those “good habits” are paying off in his own way now.

Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

“There’s the accumulation of a lot of things—-what makes him such a brilliant horseman, and how he works with his horses, and how compassionate he is with them,” he explained. “But the competition side, for me, is how disciplined he is in his preparation and what he expects from the horses. I think that’s the biggest thing. If I had this conversation with him now, he’d be probably shaking his head, thinking, ‘Well, that’s just what I do.’ But from the outside, it’s incredible, really—-how he prepares for an event and how he expects the horses to be right at the right time, for the dressage and for all phases.”

Joseph maintains a level of self-awareness that allows him to have an open mind, even so far into his own eventing career as he is, about the ongoing education of the event rider and horse.

“I think that, you know, I hold my hands up: I haven’t been riding good enough. I haven’t been preparing good enough. I haven’t probably been disciplined,” he continued. “The riding, in one way, came quite natural to me. But that’s not a great thing either, because then you tend to ride a little bit off the seat of your pants. And that’s what I was doing until I really now started knuckling down…I’ve got feedback from judges. I’ve watched videos. I’ve been more disciplined in my preparation and training with the horses every day. And I think that’s the thing that’s now starting to show.”

He’s coming off a banner preparation run at Lisgarven in Ireland, where all of his horses finished inside the the top 7 or better across divisions; for him, that’s the proof that some of these good habits are beginning to show and pay off in a big way.

“For me, that’s incredible. My goals are starting to come off. To come here with this horse and it’s another personal best—it’s a goal for me,” he said. “So I think that with a change of mindset, that’s really what I’m talking about. I have to focus on that and believe in it, and not let the outside world dictate a little bit what I do. We all can get drawn into teams and championships and trying to rush horses and so on. But I’m in a lucky position. I have some fantastic owners who are very supportive. They more or less give me free rein, and I want to get the results for them now. I feel I can, as a rider, I feel like I can do it, but I need to put it together now. In a way, I’m probably my own worst critic, but that’s how it has to be now.”

It can be difficult to tangibly state what it is a rider has learned from someone like Michael Jung. Really, even Michael himself can’t really put it into words, but Joseph tried: “The preparation events—-he would always bring the horses to a place where they’re going to be prepared properly, whether it be in the dressage ring or a jumping ring. Everything is thought of—-it’s just not on a whim. And that’s why the good results come. He’d be definitely made a different way than most people, but he knows his horses so well. So I think for me, the takeaway is the good habits that creates in the competition environment and before it.”

Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

Horses for Courses (and Fact-Finding): Billy Alberto Finds a Purpose with Team Lissington

By on Sep 4, 2025 9:18 am -

Samantha Lissington and Billy Alberto. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

New Zealand rider Samantha Lissington comes into this week’s Defender Burghley well-mounted with two horses coming off of great seasons to date, but each of her rides carries a slightly different role as a part of her burgeoning team.

The 13-year-old Billy Alberto, an Anglo-European registered gelding by Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve, wasn’t a horse that was selected outright as a potential 5* horse, truth be told. He’s had a colorful competitive history, never quite nailing the dressage in a way that would allow him to really compete at the top levels. His owner, Alison Spence, had the horse with British rider Sophie Fouracre previously, and Sophie would take him through the 4* level. But, as Sam puts it, “the dressage was just proving too disappointing and too disheartening.”

At that point, Ali’s daughter, Honor, took the reins and competed Billy Alberto at the British Novice level, but a thought remained in the back of Ali’s mind: what if they gave it one more crack to get to the 5* level? The horse was a good cross country jumper — he wasn’t strong (“whilst he’s quite resistant on the flat, he’s the opposite jumping,” Sam describes. “And he just sort of…you steer him like a motorbike, and he just jumps whatever’s in front of him and and he just never said, has never said no, or never looked for a way out.”) and he had the rideability in the jumping that he lacked on the flat.

Here, Sam entered the picture. “[Ali] was like, ‘actually, I want to have one more crack and see if he’s a five-star horse.’ And I said, ‘Look, I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do everything I can.'”

Sam’s only had the ride on Billy Alberto since January of this year, but already he’s found a valuable role within her team: front-runner.

Many riders who come to these big 5* events with more than one horse will use strategy to inform the order in which they run their horses. Not every event will give riders the luxury of choice, but when she’s able, she’ll put “Bertie” out as her first horse, using him as a fact-finder and trusting in her confidence that he’s got the chops to jump around and give her insights for her next, and potentially more competitive, horses.

Samantha Lissington and Billy Alberto. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

This week, she’s done just that, riding her more experienced partner, Lord Seekönig, second. She feels this will come in handy come Saturday, when she tackles her first Burghley cross country since 2019.

“In a short space of time, I was like, actually, this is a really useful horse on our team,” Sam says. “And one of the agreements that I have with Ali was that he runs first, because that then is a really useful member of our team, even if the dressage doesn’t make progress. So then we can work away on the dressage attempt to make some progress on that. On that side, he’s getting to go to big competitions, and he also is my front runner for the other horses to then gain experience, put that into them.”

Of course, she’s riding two completely different horses, so her riding and strategy for cross country will adjust for their respective styles. “[The Lord Seekönig horse is] quite a nervous person, but you wouldn’t know it on cross country. He can be strong. So that’s my sort of continued work on is to try and ride with as light a contact as possible, so that when I do use the reins, it means something, whereas Bertie canters around with an inverted neck in a snaffle! So they are quite different.”

Sending Bertie out first, though, will still provide valuable information to use later on. “I think that first ride gives you a fact finding mission on the terrain more than anything, at Burghley. What’s it going to feel like? What’s the undulations? What’s something to be aware of?”

She’s still focused on her dressage for now — one thing at a time — but her strategy will go into full implementation come Saturday. “I mean, I’m trying to, this year, very much focus on the next job in front of me and not worry too much about Saturday’s job until it’s Saturday. So that’s been working. So far. It’s working pretty well.”

Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

Thursday Morning at Burghley: David Doel’s Back with a Bang

By on Sep 4, 2025 8:53 am -

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

You’d be forgiven if you’d glanced over the day one line-up for the Defender Burghley Horse Trials and thought to yourself that perhaps it wasn’t stacked with first-phase heavy hitters – but despite a flurry of rain showers, a buzzy, fishbowl atmosphere in the ring, and a collective shift towards the 30s, this morning’s competition gave us plenty to get excited about. 

Chief among that list of thrills? The return of David Doel and the stalwart Galileo Nieuwmoed, who have taken the early lead on a score of 29.6 – their best-ever score at the level. 

“That was absolutely mega,” beams David – perhaps the happiest man in the world to be getting gently drizzled on in a tailcoat. “It was really cool. Definitely, this is the best he’s ever gone in the ring. He was really settled, really rideable, and just nailed everything, really, for me. That’s probably about the best he’s ever going to be able to do: he’s not built to do dressage, so I’m absolutely stoked about it.”

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Getting the gelding to this point hasn’t been about a sea change in the training, but rather, David explains, about making sure he’s at his happiest and most relaxed and then trusting that he knows what he’s doing.

“It’s nothing major. Look, he’s 14 years old now, and he knows how to go sideways; he knows how to do his flying changes. It’s just really been getting him settled in the ring. We just changed his warm-up a little bit in how we did it. He actually went for quite a long, loose lunge this morning — we let him get all the bucks and excitement out of him without working his body too hard. He’s not built for dressage, and so I think in the past we’ve probably made him a little bit tired in his body, and he got a bit cranky about that. So yeah, we’ve just changed his warm-up pattern a little bit.”

For David and ‘Nobby’ – “he’s called that for a reason, because he’s a big knob,” grins David, reminiscing on yesterday’s kite-flying experience at the trot-up – their five-star trajectory so far has largely been about climbing, and climbing very, very well. They’ve previously finished third at Maryland, ninth at Luhmühlen, eighth at Kentucky, fourth at Pau, and an achingly close second here in 2023 by less than a penalty, and almost all of those occasions have seen them start firmly in the mid-30s. 

Now, David can focus his attentions on Saturday’s tough track, knowing he’s sitting on a horse who can make great strides up the leaderboard – but this time, he might not have to. 

“It’s the joy of having a jumping horse; we’re looking forward to going cross country on Saturday,” he says. 

It’ll be a welcome chance for redemption after an uncharacteristic fall for both horse and rider late on course this spring at Badminton, but neither are any worse for wear for the experience: “We gave him plenty of time off to recover, because we both hit the ground hard, and we didn’t want to rush him back. If he’d come here on one prep run, he’d have been fine, but he had a great run at Dauntsey in the Open Intermediate, and a great run around the British Open at Hartpury, too, and he’s on great form.”

 

Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Ireland’s Joseph Murphy held onto the lead for much of the morning after putting a 30.9 on the board with the smart ten-year-old Belline Fighting Spirit, but settling for second at this early juncture won’t be a dampener on his spirits: that score represents a significant international personal best at any level for the gelding, who’s been prone to a mid-to-high 30s score throughout his career. 

“I’m really pleased,” he says. “This certainly wouldn’t be his strongest phase, but he’s a beautiful horse, and now he’s more on side and I’m a bit more confident with him. This has been the goal since the springtime, really, to come here.”

This will be the young horse’s third five-star: he made his debut last season at Pau, where he delivered a 34.8 and a steady clear, and then came to Badminton in the spring. There, the buzz of the first phase cast a light on the cracks in the foundations, and the pair started their week on a 39.2, ultimately completing with a 20 on cross-country, too, and chalking it up to an educational and formative week in the office. 

Since then, Joseph has honed in on the building blocks he felt were missing that week, all the while planning for a Burghley campaign.

“I’ve put a nice bit of mileage into him at four-shorts since Badminton – the reason for that, for me, was that I needed to get to know him a little bit better in the atmosphere and in the environment,” he explains. “In one way, he didn’t really need the mileage of the runs, but in another way, mentally, he needed to learn that this is the way.

“Of course, I’ve made mistakes on the way to here, because I was trying different things, but I had a very solid system for him today. It wasn’t perfect in there — he’s still just a 10-year-old — but I wasn’t perfect either. I think over time, going away with that sort of confidence, it’s going to be very good.”

Today’s performance isn’t a coincidence, and it isn’t an outlier. At 48, and with a decade and a half of five-star mileage behind him already, the Olympian could be set in his ways and his system – but over the last couple of seasons, he’s been committing himself to reimagining how he tackles the sport. 

“I hold my hands up: I haven’t been riding good enough,” says Joseph. “I haven’t been preparing good enough. I haven’t probably been disciplined. The riding, in one way, came quite naturally to me. But that’s not a great thing either, because then you tend to ride a little bit off the seat of your pants – and that’s what I was doing until I really now started knuckling down.”

Though Joseph has long had a reputation as an efficient, capable cross-country rider, the first phase has been something of a nemesis to him – and so, in order to counterbalance his natural instincts, he decided to go straight to the source: his foundations. He’s long trained with Tracie Robinson, Team Ireland’s dressage coach, but he’s also turned to old friend Michael Jung for help. Perhaps even more importantly? He’s made his continuing education his priority even in his rare moments of quiet time.

“Tracy has spent a few years now really trying to get the basics into my riding. But she can’t do it all on her own. I’m responsible for a lot of it as well,” he says. “So I’ve got feedback from judges. I’ve watched videos. I’ve been more disciplined in my preparation and training with the horses every day. And I think that’s the thing that’s now starting to show. As a rider, I feel like I can do it, but I need to put it together now. In a way, I’m probably my own worst critic, but that’s how it has to be now.

“And I’ve spent a bit of time over in Germany with Michael Jung,” he continues. “When you see his system about how he wants the horses to behave in the environment, and how he goes about that—it’s something I’m learning more now. And this horse really has taken to it.”

“Of course, we’re at a three-day event, so there are two more phases. But again, the whole weekend is all about learning and being competitive as well. I’m not just here to make up the numbers either. I want to do it in a nice way, but I’m looking forward to Saturday and seeing what it brings, and seeing how the horse handles the terrain and the massive jumps that are out there.”

Grace Taylor and Game Changer. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Grace Taylor made waves on her five-star debut here two years ago with Game Changer when the pair went sub-30 for the first time in their international career, and though their 32.4 didn’t quite cross that barrier, the British-born and -based US representative was pleased to shave three whole marks off their last two five-star scores. That was a solid enough effort to see them take third place going into the lunch break. 

“It’s an amazing atmosphere, an amazing arena to be in, and it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be there – and he loves it,” says Grace. “The dressage was fine – he was a good boy, just a few mistakes. My trainer [Lisa White] and I have just been working on having him much more strong, supple, and in front of the leg, and he’s enjoying his dressage more. He was always more of a jumping horse, but I always knew he could do really good dressage, so I was frustrated with myself that I wasn’t getting the marks. But it’s getting there.”

“At Badminton,” she continues, “he actually did a really nice test and was trending well, and did one change early and got ones for that movement, and the movement was double-marked. That was a shame because he was trending about 70%. So maybe we’ve just had a few big mistakes and the odd bad day. But this, to me, is the bare minimum of what he deserves, and I think it’s my responsibility to get that for him.” 

It’s not hard to see how the pair might well find themselves back under the 30 barrier before too long: their respectable 32.4 comes even after two tricky flying changes and a near break in the extended trot, but such was the consistency of the rest of their work that they kept the final number down. 

This will be Grace and Game Changer’s first Burghley since that 2023 debut, and this time, they return with the experience gained not just in that week, but in two Badmintons and a Maryland run, too.

“I suppose I came with more knowledge this year. I’m very confident I’ve got him fit enough, and obviously anything can happen on the day — they can come out and have not such a good day, not firing on all cylinders, and there’s not always a lot you can do about that. However, I’m not quite so naïve anymore — I’m probably still very naïve, but less so! I still think the course is very tough. I’d say it was a monster when I walked it last time. It’s a monster again. But it’s Burghley.”

Keen fans of the sport might have been disappointed yesterday to see Grace trot up her own horse: at Badminton, her father Nigel, British team selector, head honcho of Aston-le-Walls Eventing Centre, and notably hobble-y jogger, deputised for her on the final day, to huge cheers.

“Big Nige wasn’t allowed to trot up for me this time, because he didn’t train hard enough,” she says dryly. “I don’t want him to pull a hamstring. I thought he was going to curl up and die after trotting the horse last year. I thought that might be the end of him — I was digging a hole on Badminton Lawn for him.”

Still, she says, rolling her eyes, “he did have a suit in the car ready!”

Harry Meade and Et Hop du Matz. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

World Number One Harry Meade has three horses in the race for the third year in a row here, and the first of them, the eleven-year-old Et Hop du Matz, got his considerable efforts off to a flying start with a 32.7 – the best international score of his partnership with the British rider. That sees them take a provisional fourth place so far, with one more of Harry’s rides – the smart Cavalier Crystal – to come today. 

“There was one little mistake in the flying change, but he’s very much a horse still in his first year at five-star, and I was pleased with him,” says Harry, who finished third at Kentucky this spring with the Selle Français, adding nothing to his dressage score of 34.2 on that occasion. “There’s lots more to come. He’s a big, gangly spider of a horse and he will get better and better with age.”

Austin O’Connor and Sixmilewater. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Ireland’s Austin O’Connor rounds out the Thursday morning top five with the first of his two rides, the five-star debutant Sixmilewater. They posted a 33 – not an upper-level personal best, which came at Blenheim CCI4*-L last year with a 28.8, but a score that certainly sits in the better end of their usual margins. 

“I’m delighted with the horse,” says Austin. “It’s his first five-star, and he kept his head and didn’t do a lot wrong. I think it was probably as good, if not better, than we expected at this stage.” 

Burghley might feel like a bold choice for a five-star debut, but, says Austin, “we may as well be finding out now as opposed to postponing it for another couple of years! He’s jumped some big tracks. He’s jumped Blenheim, he’s jumped Bramham. I’m hoping it will suit him here. It’s going into the unknown to a degree, but we’ll find out early on. And if he’s coping, he’s coping and if not, there’s always another day.”

Austin will return to the main arena tomorrow with a horse hotly-tipped to take a podium place here in the ineffable Colorado Blue, previously third (twice!) and eighth at Badminton, a winner at Maryland, and twice an Olympian. Burghley is, in theory, the sort of event a horse like ‘Salty’ – quick, bold, and with a heart the size of the colossal fences – is born to win, but so far, their campaigns here have been plagued with little bits of bad luck. Now, the Irishman is determined to set the record straight – something he opted for over an arguably set in stone selection for the Irish team at this month’s European Championships. 

“You’re always on a mission, aren’t you? But, you know, Salty owes us nothing. It’s sport, and we’ve got to get the rub of the green. But he’s on great form, but it’s great to have him here,” says Austin. “The decision was sort of between myself, management, and the owners, to be fair. It’s obviously a shame not to be going to Blenheim, but on the other hand, you don’t get many five-star horses like him in a lifetime, so it’s chicken and egg isn’t it?”

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Our second US representatives, 20-year-old Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre, round out this morning’s top ten with a 37.4, over a penalty better than their five-star debut score at Kentucky this spring. But either which way, Cassie isn’t here to try to change the world on the flat: this week, and, arguably, her whole season thus far, is about foundational education. 

“I’m really happy with him,” she says. “Dressage isn’t his easiest phase, and we’ve been working really hard training with Ros [Canter] and Ian Woodhead. His changes are what they are right now, and we’re really going to try and figure them out this winter, because I think that’ll push us into a different place once we get those — especially in the five-star test when there are four of them, which makes it hard to do. But I really thought his trot work was just so much better and stronger for him.”

Cassie came to the UK a week after Badminton to base herself with reigning European champion, former World Champion, and Badminton and Burghley winner Ros – an experience that she says has been transformative so far. 

“For the last couple of years, I’ve really been watching her and studying her, and thinking that if I could ride like anyone, I’d want to ride like Ros,” says Cassie, who’s in her Junior year of a Journalism degree. “So last fall, we asked her if I could base with her, and she said yes. It’s been amazing. I think it came at totally the right time for me; I was really looking for someone to bring me into their program and just be such a supportive person, and she’s exactly that. Honestly, when people ask me what it’s been like, I say it’s exceeded all my expectations.”

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

The initial plan was to head home in December to help balance riding with her university studies – but now, she says, “I’m going to stay for as long as she’ll have me! This autumn I’m doing online school, and a lot of my friends are actually all abroad in Europe, so that’s fun. It’s worked out well; my school let me do online instead of being at a base program somewhere else. I’ll have to go home for a little bit this winter, and skip out on the English winter, which everyone tells me is a good time to leave, and then I’ll be back full-time. I’m just trying to make it work, get through it. I’m committed to seeing it all through, which is a little bit crazy, but it’s worth it.

“I kind of went in not having a ton of confidence. Kentucky went well, but I just felt like I wasn’t riding as well as I could be,” she continues. “She’s just great on every aspect — the mental side, and also just the training at home. That’s where I think our focus lies. Then when you get to the show, it’s really no different, because what you’ve done at home, you just try and carry it through. Honestly, it’s a bit easier when you get to the show, because you’re not trying to push and do this and that. She’s kind of taught me a lot about the training at home.”

Dressage will resume at 14.00 local time (that’s 9.00 a.m. EST), with local competitor Emma Hyslop-Webb getting us back underway with Jeweetwel. The day’s competition will close out around 16.00 (11.00 a.m. EST), with France’s Gaspard Maksud coming forward on his 2022 World Championships mount Zaragoza, with whom he recorded a sixth place finish here last year. We’ll be back after the close of play with another full report on the afternoon’s action – plus, keep it locked on EN throughout the day for plenty more stories and insights from beyond the top five.

Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

Thursday News & Notes from Virginia Horse Center Foundation

By on Sep 4, 2025 12:01 am -

Before we dive headlong into yet another weekend of top sport eventing, let’s take just a moment to remember our WHY. At the end of the day, we come to work — whether that work is riding, grooming, working in business management or media, or caring for horses as a vet or farrier — for the horses who give us incredible joy and fulfillment in our lives. We do this for them, and it remains our responsibility to do right by them at all times, and to treat them as the special partners they are. Don’t forget it — it’s an important reminder for us all!

Major International Events

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

Strzegom Autumn Show (Poland): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Five Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

Stone Gate Farm Mini H.T. (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

Take a moment to celebrate the Thoroughbred on the heels of #AEC2025! Check out who the top Thoroughbreds were, taking home multiple Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program awards through the weekend here.

“The art of doing nothing’s a hard thing,” says Boyd Martin, who recently wrapped up a clinic tour ahead of the fall season. Practical Horseman was on site at the second annual Windurra Camp at Boyd and Silva’s home base, and there are many takeaways for every rider even if you didn’t have a chance to attend yourself. Keeping with the theme of building confidence on cross country, read some more tips from Boyd here.

British Eventing, with an eye to the future, has welcomed a team of independent, non-executive directors to their team. The new INEDs will play a key role in helping British Eventing realise its ambitions — from enhancing the UK’s leading venues and embracing digital innovation, to broadening participation, expanding global reach, and building commercial sustainability across all levels of the sport. Read more on these new hires here.

Sponsor Corner: Virginia Horse Center Eventing & Foundation

📅 Mark your calendars! Entries for VHC Eventing are NOW OPEN at EventEntries.com 📲

Join us October 30 – November 2 for an unforgettable weekend of competition, proudly presented by Capital Square, featuring international divisions including CCI1*-L, CCI2*-L, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S.

It’s a weekend not to be missed, and we’ll be right there with you providing press and media coverage to the event. See you soon!

Video Break

If you’re at Burghley this week, don’t forget to stop by the Insights Stage all week for chats with top riders and more! The full schedule can be found under the “What’s On” tab here.

Cross Country Machines and World Beaters: Meet the Field of the 2025 Defender Burghley CCI5*

By on Sep 3, 2025 3:49 pm -

Tomorrow, we’ll finally see the first horse down centerline after months of anticipation of the first CCI5* of the fall season: Defender Burghley. We’ve got 51 starters on the final list after a handful of withdrawals from the original entries, and you can follow along with each and every pair using our handy Form Guide.

This year, we’ve made a few adjustments and updates to our Form Guides, and for Burghley this year we’re bringing you a few new changes to how we’ve formatted it, based both on feedback we’ve received from readers as well as our own experiences using it.

Many of you preferred a Form Guide that was accessible natively here on EN, without the need to open a new window or app to view our database now housed on Notion. With that in mind, you can now find a large portion of the need-to-know directly below. Here’s how our Burghley Form Guide is arranged:

Use this post to see quick stats and a write-up on the recent form of each entered pair. You can click through the entries using the list below (sorted alphabetically by rider last name), or you can keep scrolling to view each pair in succession (useful for following along during the live stream on Burghley TV!).

If you want to dive even deeper, you can also click on the horse/rider name to see their full profile within our Notion database. These profiles include backstories on the pair, breeding information, fun facts and more. Choose your own experience!

Have questions or feedback about this Form Guide? Email us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear it!

Entries by Rider Name (click the name to jump directly to that pair’s write-up):

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]

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By Drawn Order:

#1: Harry Meade and Et Hop du Matz

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Upton House Intermediate, 27th (71.4)
  • Kentucky Three-Day 5*, 3rd (34.2)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 25th (60.6)

According to EquiRatings’ Prediction Center for this week, Et Hop du Matz is the least likely of Harry Meade’s three rides to take home the title this week — but he has been given a near-30% chance at a top-10 finish. This will mark “Hoppy’s” first UK 5* start, but a third place at Maryland 5 Star last year on a course that’s quickly earned a reputation as grueling should be a good prep for this debut of sorts.

[Read Et Hop du Matz’s full profile]

#2: Austin O’Connor and Sixmilewater

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 19th (49.1)
  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 22nd (48.4)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 22nd (92.7)

Austin O’Connor brings forward an exciting debut horse in Sixmilewater, who’s enjoyed some steady preparation as he legs up for this forthcoming big effort. Austin’s posted on social media in the past that “Buster” had struggled before with jumping into the water, but he’s had two consistent clears in his last stops on the road to Burghley. He’s generally known as a cross country machine (and we all know Austin knows how to ride a strong track), and if he can channel that energy on Saturday he can be well-placed alongside his more experienced stablemate, Colorado Blue.

[Read Sixmilewater’s full profile here]

#3: Samantha Lissington and Billy Alberto

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 14th (72.8)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 55th (61.5)
  • Chaumont en Vexin 4*-L, 2nd (35.8)

Sam Lissington’s been on top form this year so far, and while she’s remained pragmatic about it, she’s also not leaving a single stone unturned as she heads toward this weekend with two very competitive horses. She most recently tested all of the gears and buttons at one of the toughest short-format events in the UK at Hartpury’s British Championships, leaving with good results on both horses and focus on fine-tuning the bits and bobs as Burghley looms closer. Billy Alberto, the lesser experienced of Sam’s two rides, hasn’t been given a very strong shot at the top 10 by EquiRatings, perhaps owing to his general (and relatable) disdain for dressage, but often that attitude yields a through and through, real deal Burghley horse. We’ll know in a few days, but this isn’t a pair to count out for a strong Eventing Manager weekend.

[Read Billy Alberto’s full profile here]

#4: Aimee Penny and PSH Encore

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 27th (48.5)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 21st (53.7)
  • Luhmühlen 5*, 23rd (100.6)

Are we sensing a theme yet? In case you’re new around here, or simply follow eventing more casually, Burghley is world-renowned as the toughest cross country course in the world, owing both it its dimensional size and technicality as well as its hilly terrain. Even in perfect conditions, which early weather forecasts indicate Saturday should be, this is a test that not all will succeed at. However, you’re seriously upping your chances if you bring a good cross country horse — even if they take a strong disliking to the first phase, like PSH Encore tends to have in the past. Aimee Penny rides this homebred of Power Sports Horses with the understanding that they’re here to eat monstrous courses for both — that may also mean a few extra marks left behind in the dressage or a pole down on Sunday, but we’re guessing the feeling of taking this spicy mare cross country makes up for any competitive shortcomings.

[Read PSH Encore’s full profile here]

#5: Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Carlow-Lisgarvan 4*-S, 7th (38.6)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 11th (37.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls International 4*-S, 10th (44.4)

“Spirit” is ready for another step up as his 5* career continues, having started out at Pau last fall before tackling his first Badminton this past May. As you look at this horse’s FEI record, you can see his rider begin to ask more of him as he gains experience; this year, he’s been asked to go a bit faster on cross country, with Joseph trusting that he’s begun to build that base of strength and condition to carry him forward into some even tougher challenges such as this weekend.

[Read Belline Fighting Spirit’s full profile here]

#6: Tom Bird and Cowling Hot Gossip


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 21st (48.2)
  • Dauntsey Park Intermediate, 13th (60.4)
  • Badminton 5*, 39th (85.2)

Tom plucked Cowling Hot Gossip from a field as an unbroken five-year-old, paying just £1000 for the British-bred gelding that would go on to be something of a horse of a lifetime. No, this pair won’t really pose a threat to the Lordship Graffalos of the world — but the feeling “Jasper” must give Tom flying across the country has to be absolutely priceless — and well worth that initial cost of entry. It’s not unlikely that this pair will move up in the standings after a mid-field dressage test, though they are coming off a personal best at Hartpury, and while their show jumping record may hold them back from finishing on their dressage score, this is nonetheless becoming one of the pairs in the field with the best relationship and history of 5* performances.

[Read Cowling Hot Gossip’s full profile here]

#9: Padraig McCarthy and MGH Mr Messack


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 20th (48.0)
  • Millstreet International 4*-L, 10th (51.5)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 27th (62.1)

The ever-thoughtful Padraig brings forward a debut horse this week, and again keeping with the theme of solid cross country performers, MGH Mr Messack ticks the right boxes. The dressage is ever a work in progress with this one, who won’t pose a threat on Thursday, but he’s already proven he can run and jump at distance with a strong top-10 finish at Millstreet’s 4*-L and a clear round at the tough Hartpury 4* as his final prep for this weekend. He was also the sole horse to make the time at the 4*-L at Blenheim last year. At just 10, this Irish horse won’t be pushed to put in his absolute best performance as Padraig rides with the long view in mind, but it shouldn’t be surprising if they make some steady climbs in the standings after cross country to put themselves at least within competing distance.

[Read MGH Mr Messack’s full profile here]

#10: Grace Taylor and Game Changer


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 8th (32.5)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 7th (31.5)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 18th (44.2)

One of our two U.S. pairs riding for the Stars & Stripes this weekend, Grace Taylor and Game Changer already have one Burghley cross country completion under their belts, so they’ll be coming into this year knowing they’ve got a whole additional year of experience to build off of. Their weekend at Burghley came to an untimely end when Grace withdrew “Sydney” before show jumping, but before that they’d turned in an impressive sub-30 dressage and jumped clear. They’ve come out very strong this year with some impressive performances on the flat, and if they can put those pieces together this weekend they will be the top-placed U.S. combination.

[Read Game Changer’s full profile here]

#11: Lauren Innes and Global Fision M


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 23rd (49.2)
  • Burnham Market International 4*-S, 23rd (48.9)
  • Tweseldown Intermediate, 13th (33.2)

Kiwi rider Lauren Innes has become something of a stalwart at these big, beefy British 5*s, and for good reason: “Flipper” (which probably wins the award for our favorite barn name of all time) is nothing short of a cross country machine, and while they’re not quite as competitive as they’d like to be on the flat, it’s a bit more forgivable at an event like Burghley. You’ve GOT to have a good cross country horse with staying power to make it around this course, and if Lauren can finish close to her dressage score, she’ll have yet another solid finish to add to her impressive collection.

[Read Global Fision M’s full profile here]

#12: Tom Jackson and Hawk Eye


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 13th (61.1)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 3rd (25.9)
  • Burgham International 4*-L, 3rd (32.7)

Tom Jackson brings forward an exciting 5* debutant in Hawk Eye, who is a former ride of European Champion Nicola Wilson who came to Tom via Kristina Hall Jackson. He’s shown his chops for the top levels and is hitting that age where horses tend to really flourish as they gain the strength and conditioning required to become a 5* horse. You can expect a steadier weekend from Tom and “BB,” but even a solid completion with perhaps just some time on cross country will help this talent for the future set sail for success as he gains more experience.

[Read Hawk Eye’s full profile here]

#15: David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 3rd (32.7)
  • Dauntsey Park Intermediate, 1st (29.6)
  • Burnham Market International Advanced, 11th (56.1)

Most would have picked David Doel and his seasoned campaigner, Galileo Nieuwmoed, as podium finishers at MARS Badminton this spring, but a shocking elimination on cross country meant David would need to regroup for another run ’round a “home” 5* here this weekend. This pair has knocked on the door of becoming 5* champions in the past, and a podium finish is far from out of the question if they can show their consistent form across phases. EquiRatings has given this pair a 47% chance at a top 10 finish, and they could go one better and make their way onto that coveted podium when the dust settles on Sunday.

[Read Galileo Nieuwmoed’s full profile here]

#16: Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 40th (54.5)
  • Alnwick Ford International Intermediate, 11th (52.9)
  • Kentucky Three-Day 5*, 18th (80.0)

Cassie is a rising talent for the U.S. who brings forward a horse she knows very well for her Burghley debut. They didn’t have the most perfect of debuts at the level at Kentucky in April, but they finished full of experience and have had the benefit of training from the US Equestrian Eventing Pathway Program to set them on their way for a strong finish this weekend. They won’t be too much in contention after dressage, but they do have the chops to get it done on cross country. Redfield Fyre has been known to have a pole or two in the show jumping, but Cassie will have it in her head to finish on or as close to her dressage score as possible to firmly tick that Burghley box as she continues to develop her own skills and her string for the future.

[Read Redfield Fyre’s full profile here]

#17: Tom Strawson and Public Address


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 40th (54.5)
  • Alnwick Ford International Intermediate, 11th (52.9)
  • Kentucky Three-Day 5*, 18th (80.0)

Who doesn’t love a horse nicknamed “Brian”? Brian, aka Public Address, makes his 5* debut alongside his rider, Tom Strawson, which already gives them the cojones award in our book. Public Address is a full Thoroughbred, which will lend itself well to the grueling test that’s coming Saturday. We wouldn’t pick this pair out to really compete here this week, but really — if they can manage a clear (or, better yet, a double clear) cross country, they will make some moves up the board as this weekend does reward good jumping and galloping and not necessarily strength on the flat.

[Read Public Address’ full profile here]

#18: Daniel Alderson and Blarney Monbeg Pepper


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Bramham International 4*-L, 4th (33.0)
  • Belsay International 4*-S, 29th (47.3)
  • Ballindenisk 4*-S, 8th (48.4)

After narrowly missing out on a podium finish at, arguably, one of the best 5* (and Burghley in particular) preps at Bramham this summer, Daniel Alderson and “Pepper” are another pair poised to make their 5* debut here this weekend (and therefore also recipients of the cojones award, which we definitely will not be giving out in physical trophy form). This feisty Irish mare has already proven that tricky courses are exactly her game, and this is another pair capable of making some major moves up the board once dressage is over with and it’s on to the fun stuff.

[Read Blarney Monbeg Pepper’s full profile here]

#19: Emma Hyslop-Webb and Jeweetwel


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 45th (81.6)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 30th (57.2)
  • Bramham International 4*-S, 34th (81.9)

Emma Hyslop-Webb returns for another go at Defender Burghley after jumping around here last year with Jeweetwel (which was also both her and “Huey’s” 5* debut and deserving of a cojones award as well). A pesky 20 and a hefty amount of time on cross country prevented the pair from being more competitive, but they’ve got some strong results in the intervening months to build off of and leave this weekend feeling they’ve improved across all three phases.

[Read Jeweetwel’s full profile here]

#20: Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 12th (59.0)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 8th (33.1)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 31st (53.7)

Podium finishes at MARS Badminton in 2024, Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint certainly made their fair share of fans in their 5* debut. They now come forward for their first crack and Burghley, having focused primarily on National-level events in their lead-up to this weekend. Speed is a strong suit of this pair’s, and a big contributor to their success at Badminton, but of course Burghley is a different beast. If they can manage a similar performance to their Badminton efforts, they will be well-placed in the victory gallop come Sunday.

[Read RCA Patron Saint’s full profile here]

#21: Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver Service


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Frickley Park International Intermediate, 13th (67.3)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 29th (48.4)
  • Bramham International 4*-L, 20th (42.0)

Holly Richardson is looking to have another 5* horse for her string after this weekend as the 10-year-old “Butler” makes his debut after an impressive string of results in preparation for this move-up. He still needs some work in the final phase, but cross country has become his speciality, and will serve him well this weekend. Even a low-40s finishing mark will be a strong debut for this pair, and Holly will be riding with an eye to the future with this young rising star.

[Read Ballyneety Silver Service’s full profile here]

#22: Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 43th (55.1)
  • Badminton 5*, 23rd (58.6)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 14th (40.5)

Will Rawlin and “William” come in as a highly-touted pair that’s demonstrated consistency at this level, especially on cross country. They’ve taken it steady in their preps for this weekend, and they’ll be looking to build off a top-25 finish at MARS Badminton this spring. They’re liable to have some time on cross country, but they can put in a really nice test to set themselves up well for the rest of the weekend.

[Read Ballycoog Breaker Boy’s full profile here]

#23: Piggy March and MCS Maverick


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 19th (47.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 1st (36.1)
  • Aston-le-Walls 4*-S, 25th (53.1)

Most eventing fans in the know will be buzzing to see the 5* debut of this newer partnership between Piggy March and MCS Maverick, who competed at the 5* level with Pippa Funnell. Piggy’s remained pragmatic about “Eric’s” competitive potential this weekend, understanding that she’s only had the ride on this, at times, powder keg of a horse for a few months. But Piggy wouldn’t bring the horse to an event like Burghley without some confidence that they’ve got the ingredients and the strength of partnership to make a good run to build off of. MCS Maverick has the tools to be very competitive at major events like this; the key will be managing his emotions and reactivity on the first day and keeping him focused and in the bridle on cross country. It won’t be shocking if this pair have a strong, top-15 or better performance, but also understandable if Piggy opts to take it slower and steadier, racking up time penalties but gaining strength and trust in her newest ride to come back and go for the win next time around.

[Read MCS Maverick’s full profile here]

#24: Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Upton House Intermediate, 32nd (67.4)
  • Badminton 5*, 4th (33.8)
  • Thoresby Park International 3*-S, 72nd (58.8)

Podium finisher alert! Cavalier Crystal seemed to absolutely love Burghley last year, finishing third in strong fashion with Harry in the irons. She then went on to take home fourth at MARS Badminton this past spring, so it’s not unusual to be thinking about this pair for your Eventing Manager team or when you’re tasked with picking a winner among your barn pals. Harry, always a consummate horseman, knows exactly how to get a horse fit for a test like this, and even with Derek di Grazia’s reversed track this year, we can count on this pair as one that should show us the way — and make it look almost easy in the process.

[Read Cavalier Crystal’s full profile here]

#25: Michael Owen and J’Adore Salsa


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 41st (54.9)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 3rd (33.5)
  • Bramham International 4*-L, 18th (41.1)

This is another pair who’ve used events like Bramham to really test their readiness for this next step up, and a top-20 finish in the 4*-L this year has set them up well for what could be a very strong 5* debut for “Salsa.” This is a pair that truly has the ingredients to make a very well-rounded effort and finish well as a result; they can be competitive on the flat and also have the chops to jump a clear show jumping on Sunday. Should they prove they can marry those pieces together, they’ll be looking at a top-15 or better finish at Burghley this year.

[Read J’adore Salsa’s full profile here]

#26: Simon Grieve and Autograf


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 18th (45.9)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 52nd (59.1)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 1st (27.0)

When he’s not part of the hosting squad of the Shut Up and Ride podcast (which you should definitely take a listen to!), Simon Grieve is producing 5* horses like Autograf, who makes his 5* debut this weekend. They’ve also got Bramham’s tough 4*-L under their belts en route to this debut, and while Autograf has some improvement to make in the final phase, they’re a good shout to deliver a clear, albeit potentially steady, cross country on Saturday after turning in a respectable dressage score to start off their weekend.

[Read Autograf’s full profile here]

#27: Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 14th (40.6)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 6th (45.1)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 17th (43.5)

This pair have already ticked off Pau, Luhmühlen and Badminton during their 5* tenure and now look ahead to their biggest challenge to date. They may fly somewhat under the radar, but they really should be firmly on your radar as you’re handicapping this field. They’ve notched clear jumping rounds on cross country at both Badminton and Luhmühlen, and if “Eddie” can cope with the additional terrain this weekend, they’ll be well-positioned for perhaps a personal best finish.

[Read Ardeo Premier’s full profile here]

#28: Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Carlow-Lisvargan 4*-S, 13th (51.3)
  • Badminton 5*, 40th (85.7)
  • Ballindenisk 4*-S, 14th (58.0)

If you want to know how to get a horse fit to run around Burghley, Sam Watson is an excellent person to ask. He’s got loads of experience at this event and 5* in general, and his attention to data and detail makes him an all-around expert on how to manage horses well. He’ll put all that to the ultimate test with Ballyneety Rocketman, who steps up the level for the first time this weekend.

[Read Ballyneety Rocketman’s full profile here]

#30: Caroline Powell and High Time V


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Carlow-Lisvargan 4*-S, 13th (51.3)
  • Badminton 5*, 40th (85.7)
  • Ballindenisk 4*-S, 14th (58.0)

Caroline Powell’s latest superstar comes to us via Pau and Badminton for this Burghley debut, and this is another out and out cross country horse that’s become something of Caroline’s staple over the years. This is another pair who will need to sort whether or not they can cope with the Burghley terrain, but a solid effort here will be very validating for Caroline, especially with next year’s World Championships at Aachen looming.

[Read High Time V’s full profile here]

#31: Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza II


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Wellington International 3*-S, 8th (39.7)
  • Badminton 5*, 25th (62.5)
  • Burnham Market International, 16th (46.3)

Grit is one word to describe this pair, who’ve already proven they can jump clear without time on tough cross country (see: their 2022 World Championships performance), and they’ve found success here at Burghley in the past with a sixth place finish last year, adding just 3.6 time penalties on Saturday. This year stands to potentially be an even bigger test with the reversed direction, but if all three phases come together, they could well move on up into the top 5 or better come Sunday.

[Read Zaragoza II’s full profile here]

#32: Alice Casburn and Topspin


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 9th (45.3)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 19 (42.6)
  • Aston-le-Wall Advanced, 3rd (40.0)

Alice Casburn and Topspin have become regular features on these big 5* rosters, and they’ve finished well here at Burghley in the past with a fifth-place finish in 2022. They’re definite climbers, not quite having the strength to compete with the Lordships Graffalos and Vitalis of the world at this juncture, but a pair that can climb is usually well-rewarded here, and you can expect to see them doing just that across Saturday and Sunday.

[Read Topspin’s full profile here]

#33: Max Warburton and Deerpairc Revelry


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 6th (39.7)
  • Aston-le-Walls 4*-S, 1st (25.4)
  • Badminton 5*, 45th (92.1)

Deerpairc Revelery made their 5* debut at Burghley last year, finishing a very respectable 18th. They’ve had a great run-up to this year’s event, with a win at the 4* level at Aston-le-Walls, and if Max can replicate that form for this weekend, we won’t be surprised to see them finish in the top 10 on what promises to be a very challenging weekend.

[Read Deerpairc Revelry’s full profile here]

#34: Elspeth Bryce and Lacoste


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 23rd (44.6)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 7th (46.0)
  • Bramham International 4*-L, 29th (66.1)

Rookie alert! This pair also wins the cojones award and will come forward for both horse and rider’s 5* debut this weekend. They’ve ticked all the right boxes in their lead-up, running the 4*-L at Bramham and also tackling Burgham’s 4*-S this year. Don’t look for a winning dressage score here to set their weekend off, but they’ve been pretty consistent in the jumping phases and should do well to put in a solid finish for their debut.

[Read Lacoste’s full profile here]

#35: Jack Mantel and Jack Daniels


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 24th (52.5)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 38th (53.6)
  • Badminton 5*, 32nd (71.6)

The double Jack is back for another 5* go, and looking to improve on their Badminton performance that featured a steadier cross country and two poles down on Sunday. They aren’t quite at a point where they can really compete with the top pairs on the flat, and this run will be all about continuing that all-important education, but an improved finishing score will make Jack a happy guy when everything comes to a close on Sunday.

[Read Jack Daniels’ full profile here]

#36: Tom Crisp and Dassett Rock Star


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 45th (59.9)
  • Upton House International, 8th (35.8)
  • Badminton 5*, 51st (107.3)

Tom Crisp brings back Dassett Rock Star for a second 5* go this weekend, and he’ll be looking to make some improvements from his run at Badminton earlier this spring, where a pesky 20 and three poles down kept them from being more competitive. They’ve been on good form leading up to this weekend and if they can knock off the penalties they accumulated at Badminton, they’ll finish quite well here.

[Read Dassett Rock Star’s full profile here]

#37: Emma Thomas and Icarus X


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 49th (66.1)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 25th (46.4)
  • Badminton International 5*, 52nd (114.9)

Another pair that debuted here at Burghley (2023), Emma Thomas and Icarus X have become notable figures on the entry lists each time out. Emma earned a clear on cross country back in 2023, and while the buzz this year is that the optimum will be that much harder to attain with the reversed direction of the course, this pair is a solid one to bet on to be well-placed heading into show jumping if they can cross the finish without any silly errors.

[Read Icarus X’s full profile here]

#38: Katie Magee and Treworra


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 1st (29.7)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 2nd (38.2)
  • Badminton 5*, 11th (46.6)

Newly-crowned British Open Champions, Katie Magee and Treworra are poised to make a really strong impression at Burghley this weekend. They were 11th at Badminton earlier this year, and the British Open at Hartpury is arguably one of the tougher tracks one could run, especially in prep for a 5*. They’ll be really well-positioned and prepared to have a good run here, and if their form this year is anything to bet on, this could be a very special weekend to remember.

[Read Treworra’s full profile here]

#40: Tim Price and Vitali


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 2nd (30.9)
  • Aachen 4*-S, 1st (30.5)
  • Badminton 5*, 10th (46.2)

Vitali is a horse that truly needs little introduction, and while he’s earned himself a bit of a *reputation* when it comes to the final phase, he’s certainly a horse that can win at this level. He’s coming in hot off a win at CHIO Aachen and a second in the British Open Championships at Hartpury, and he has done as well as lowering just one pole at Burghley in the past. Tim’s been candid about his struggles on Sunday with this horse, who can set a record on the first day and jump clear and fast on Saturday, and if he’s found a way to manage those poles, you’ll be looking at a podium finisher.

[Read Vitali’s full profile here]

#41: Tara Dixon and Master Smart


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Carlow-Lisvargan 4*-S, 24th (72.2)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 39th (54.6)
  • Belsay International 4*-S, 65th (105.7)

We’ve got another 5* rookie pair here in Tara and “Fred,” who come forward with eventing in their blood and ice in their veins. They’ve got a bit of work to do to make this a competitive weekend, but for all intents and purposes, a finish here this weekend will do a lot to boost both horse and rider confidence as they continue to develop for the future. Show jumping is a particular strong suit for this pair, and if they can emerge from Saturday with just some time penalties, they’ll be well-sat to have a strong debut to build off of.

[Read Master Smart’s full profile here]

#42: Alexander Tordoff and Cool Jack


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 65th (73.9)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 14th (50.2)
  • Riseholme College Lincoln Intermediate, 10th (47.4)

It’s a Burghley debut for Alexander and “Colin,” who stepped up to 5* at Pau last year. They’ve not quite shown the speed on cross country that would allow them to really climb the leaderboard, but for a pair that’s been together since Alex’s junior career, a finish here will be a big feather in the cap, especially if the only thing they add to their starting penalty is time.

[Read Cool Jack’s full profile here]

#43: Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 27th (46.1)
  • Aachen 4*-S, 16th (46.8)
  • Farley Hall Intermediate, 4th (35.2)

Aussie pair Sammi Birch and “Louis” did not have the Burghley debut of dreams when they first came here in 2022, parting ways on cross country and ending their season on a low note. They’ve since, however, completed Badminton twice in the top 25 and will now look to put those Burghley demons to rest for good. They’ve not really got the flatwork to put themselves in a high position ahead of cross country, but a clean pair of jumping rounds will do them well for a much stronger finish than their first go-round.

[Read Finduss PFB’s full profile here]

#44: Matthew Heath and Askari


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 50th (66.2)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 27th (59.5)
  • Belsay International 4*-S, 45th (55.8)

Matt Heath brings Askari back for a second run at Burghley this year, having run here both in 2023 and 2024, albeit with penalties accrued on cross country. They’ll really be looking to deliver a coveted clear round this week, not having the success they wanted at Luhmühlen earlier this year either.

[Read Askari’s full profile here]

#46: Laura Collett and Bling


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 8th (34.2)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 7th (30.0)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 10th (25.1)

It’s a first Burghley for Bling, one of Laura Collett’s rising stars coming up behind the legendary London 52. In fact, you’d have to look back over a decade to find the last time Laura herself competed here at Burghley, as she’s either not had the right horse or been more focused on Championships in the intervening years since she was last here with Noble Bestman in 2011. For her part, Bling spent the better part of nearly three seasons at the 4* and Advanced level, really getting confident before Laura opted to move her up at Badminton. They had a green 20 there, but Laura’s charged ahead and knows she’s got a potential Burghley horse on her hands now. This weekend will still be about education for this 12-year-old, but Laura also doesn’t show up to have a canter around — if she’s feeling good on Saturday, she’ll come home as competitively as she can.

[Read Bling’s full profile here]

#47: Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 8th (43.7)
  • Burgham International Intermediate, 6th (33.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 14th (39.7)

This is another horse that’s done a double clear on cross country at Burghley, and while the road has been a bit up and down for “Henry,” he’s clearly got the ingredients to compete with the best — and he’s got one of the most empathetic horseman sat atop him to boot. If Jesse can harness the best of Henry in all three phases, a top finish here is certainly not out of the question.

[Read Cooley Lafitte’s full profile here]

#48: Aaron Millar and Friendship VDL


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 9th (37.0)
  • Upton House Novice, 16th (54.6)
  • Burnham Market International 4*-S, 55th (69.3)

Friendship VDL showed up to Burghley for his 5* debut in 2024, jumping clear around cross country and just adding time plus a rail on Sunday to his finishing mark for a top-25 finish. They were meant to compete at Badminton in the spring, but had to withdraw ahead of cross country. Expect a low- or mid-30s mark to start things off for this pair, and a steady clear that builds off of the experience and fitness gained in the last 12 months.

[Read Friendship VDL’s full profile here]

#50: Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 5th (27.9)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 1st (21.8)
  • Badminton 5*, 2nd (26.3)

Cooley Rosalent needs little introduction and is nearly a sure thing for a podium finish, if Oliver Townend has anything to say about it. The Kentucky 5* winner and Badminton runner-up makes her first start at Burghley, but she brings tons of experience to the table with an astounding six 5* completions to date. Expect “Rosie” to lead or at least challenge the likes of Lordships Graffalo and Vitali in the dressage and a clear cross country that’s damn near if not bang on the optimum time. If she can deal with the additional terrain this week, you could be looking at your eventual winner or, at the very least, podium finisher.

[Read Cooley Rosalent’s full profile here]

#51: Emily King and Valmy Biats


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 3rd (26.0)
  • Aston-le-Walls Novice, 1st (25.0)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 20th (43.4)

This is another pair who’s really due their day in this oh-so-heartbreaking sport. Emily’s come achingly close to a dream weekend in the past with this horse, finishing as high as fourth place at the level. EquiRatings has given this pair a 15% win chance, and wow, what a weekend it would be if Emily can pull this off. She’s been on great form with Valmy Biats this summer, bringing home two sub-30 finishing scores in her preps, including at the 4*-S at Scone Palace in Scotland, and she should be riding a wave of confidence knowing that this 10th start could be the charm.

[Read Valmy Biats’ full profile here]

#52: Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Strzegom 4*-S, 1st (34.8)
  • Badminton 5*, 7th (40.2)
  • Radolfzell 3*-S, 2nd (27.9)

Somehow left off the European Championships team for Germany, we get the benefit of having one of the country’s rising talents with us this week in Christoph and D’Accord FRH, who’ve come close to a podium finish at this level in the past. They were ninth at Kentucky in 2024 and seventh at Badminton this year, and while this will be their Burghley debut with its added challenges, they’ve proven time and time again that they can finish strong when it counts the most. Of note: this pair has also gone clear inside the time at both of their 5* starts, and while the consensus this year at Burghley is that the time may prove to be nearly impossible, this will be one pair to give it a good crack.

[Read D’Accord FRH’s full profile here]

#53: Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 1st (22.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 4th (40.2)
  • Badminton 5*, 1st (25.3)

Does this pair even need any handicapping? It’s hard not to feel Ros can just swoop right to the win this weekend, and it would be silly to put all your eggs in one basket so early. But hey, if consistency is your thing, you can’t really get much more consistent than this pair, who handily won this event last year to add to their growing pile of trophies. Ros is riding fairly early on in her pregnancy with her second child, and she removed herself from Europeans selection as a result, so there’s of course a chance she’ll go out on Saturday and feel she isn’t 100%. However, barring that, this will be the pair to watch all weekend as they bid for their second consecutive Burghley title. They’re coming off a win (on a 22.8!) at the tough 4*-S at Hartpury, so they’ll be full of confidence as they tackle this next challenge.

[Read Lordships Graffalo’s full profile here]

#54: Selina Milnes and Gelmer


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 17th (45.9)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 56th (69.3)
  • Badminton 5*, 54th (139.4)

Having completed Badminton twice, it’s now time for Selena Milnes and Gelmer to make their debut at Burghley this week. Their 5* record isn’t *perfect* — they had some trouble at Badminton this spring — but they’re coming off some solid prep runs to get ready for this next challenge. They’ve got a low-30s mark in them on the right day, but this weekend’s success will come down to the jumping phases. If Selena can manage just time penalties, they’ll be well-sat to have their best 5* finish to date.

[Read Gelmer’s full profile here]

#55: Arthur Marx and Church’Ile


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Badminton 5*, 50th (106.9)
  • Les 5 Etoiles de Pau 5*, 41st (80.4)
  • Aachen 4*-S, 38th (114.3)

It’s always interesting to see the paths riders choose to take to Burghley. For example, Arthur Marx brings forward Church’ile with six other 5*s already under his belt at both Pau and Badminton. Of course, there are multiple variables on why coming here to Burghley wouldn’t have made sense, but it also indicates that perhaps Arthur wanted his horse to carry that ever-important base of fitness and experience into this big test. This is a pair that’s also struggled a bit at the level, so a sensible goal for them will be to jump clear on Saturday and Sunday, but they’ve proven they can complete at the level many times over. Now, it’s about the fine-tuning so they can be ever more competitive.

[Read Church’Ile’s full profile here]

#56: Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 4th (35.2)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 5th (42.7)
  • Badminton 5*, 3rd (31.2)

Terrain doesn’t seem to be much bother for “Salty,” who won the MARS Maryland 5 Star in 2023 on tough going. He’s finished on the podium at the level a total of three times, and while Burghley is actually the event he’s had the least success at (his top finish here is 14th, in 2024), this is another horse that’s an all-out cross country machine. He’s not a slouch on the flat, and while he won’t dip down into the low 20s, he can still put in a respectable score to finish on, which he’s proven he can do multiple times over.

[Read Colorado Blue’s full profile here]

#58: Tom Bird and Rebel Rhyme


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 38th (61.2)
  • Dauntsey Park Intermediate, 14th (64.9)
  • Bramham International 4*-S, 28th (46.0)

“Hughie” is a former hunt horse who should take to this Burghley track with gusto. He’s not going to be Tom’s most competitive ride this week, but it’s all about experience and improvement, even by the smallest margins. Tom will be looking to improve on their 2023 run here, which was marred by some errors on cross country and several poles down on Sunday.

[Read Rebel Rhyme’s full profile here]

#59: Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekönig


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 5th (37.3)
  • Little Downham Intermediate, 2nd (34.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 5th (44.9)

As the more experienced of Sam Lissington’s two rides, Lord Seekonig is poised to be very competitive here this weekend. He’s coming off a fifth in the British Open Championships and a second at an easy Intermediate run this summer, and while his 5* record is not *quite* as strong as we’re sure Sam would like, this is a rider who’s been on great form and knows exactly when to ask for more from her string of horses. This weekend stands as an opportunity to rise to the occasion, and with three good phases you’ll be looking at one of our top finishers in the victory gallop on Sunday.

[Read Lord Seekonig’s full profile here]

#61: Harry Meade and Annaghmore Valoner


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Upton House Intermediate, 30th (61.7)
  • Burghley 5*, 4th (31.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 20th (43.3)

Fourth here last year in her Burghley debut, Annaghmore Valoner comes forward ready to potentially finish even better this year with Harry Meade. She’s been lightly campaigned as is Harry’s nature for his horses, but she’s a consistent lady who can show up to drop a score in the 20s and finish on it when needed. This is another potential podium finisher — don’t let her time penalties in any prep runs fool you. She’s done the time here before, and with any luck she’s well-poised to do it again on Saturday.

[Read Annaghmore Valoner’s full profile here]

Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]

The Rest is Still Unwritten: Drama at Burghley’s First Horse Inspection

By on Sep 3, 2025 2:30 pm -

Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There’s always a unique kind of buzz and anticipation that comes before the first horse inspection at a CCI5*. That final hour before it begins feels like the hinterland of possibility: the nerves haven’t totally kicked in yet, the atmosphere is convivial and unhurried, and everyone – from the groundsmen doing their rounds to the coffee stand folks steaming their first lattes of the week, has time to stop and chat and smile. To lean on a cliché, you could say that it’s the calm before the storm; today at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, it actually just… was the storm. 

Though most of the day thus far had escaped some pretty grizzly weather warnings, in the final couple of hours before everything was set to kick off, they all caught up with us at once. Team EN was split between the sensible one, tucked away in the media centre, and the deeply silly one (me), hiding under a tree at the Leaf Pit, wringing bucketloads of water out of my bra and wondering if a tree might not be the best protection from lightning. We all survived, but morale was dented, frankly. 

The relentlessness of the rainfall (and all its accoutrements) meant that the trot-up got shunted a half-hour along in the schedule, which mostly worked out in everybody’s favour – at least until the final few horses and riders, at which point we all got to feel the rain on our skin, no one else can feel it for us, only we can let it in, et cetera et cetera. 

Today gave us our first introduction to this week’s ground jury, presided over by Andrew Bennie of New Zealand, who’s joined by Christina Klingspor of Sweden and Valerie Pride of the USA.

Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sadly, the field of 52 was thinned by one at this early juncture: Burghley first-timer Laura Birley was sent to the holding box with her 17-year-old Bob Cotton Bandit, and upon re-presentation, the pair were not accepted into the competition. 

That was the only combination to even glimpse the holding box at this first inspection – though it wasn’t the only display of drama. Even in the ever-shifting landscape of eventing, Burghley remains the pinnacle in terms of terrain and stamina questions, and many of the horses taking part in the competition were more than happy to show off just how fit they are – to the chagrin, perhaps, of their well-coiffed and grimacing handlers. Though more than a few decided to demonstrate their scope to the crowds, and one or two slipped the lead and attempted to make a dash for cross-country, all were happily returned to their assigned seats and kept it together enough to get the job done. 

Sam Lissington and Billy Alberto. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The HiHo Silver Best-Dressed awards went to New Zealand’s Sam Lissington, who’s double-handed this week with Lord Seekonig and Billy Alberto, and to Great Britain’s Matt Heath, who brings forward Askari for his third crack at Burghley.

Matt Heath and Askari. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

And now? It’s on to day one of dressage, which begins tomorrow at the remarkably sociable hour of 10.00 a.m. local time (5.00 a.m. EST – less sociable, sorry). The first horse and rider to enter the ring will be World Number One Harry Meade and the trailblazer of his three rides this week, Et Hop du Matz. He’ll be followed by Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and his first of two rides, Sixmilewater. We’ll see both of our US representatives come forward tomorrow, too: British-based Grace Taylor will come forward with Game Changer at 11.15 (6.15 a.m. EST), while Cassie Sanger, who’s been based with Ros Canter during her stint on European soil this summer, will ride at 11.47 (6.47 a.m. EST) with Redfield Fyre. 

We’ll be bringing you two jam-packed reports tomorrow, but that’s not all: this week, Team EN is also a two-horse runner, so you can expect plenty of extra insights into the competition and its participants, plus, of course, our bumper form guide and Ultimate Guide, which will be live and kicking this evening. Keep it locked on EN, pop your wellies on, and let’s Go Eventing!

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]

World Champions, Olympians and First-Timers to Take On 2025 Agria FEI Eventing European Championships at Blenheim

By on Sep 3, 2025 9:00 am -

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

With just two weeks to go, the anticipation is building for the prestigious Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace from 18 – 21 September. All nations have now released the names of their team riders, showcasing a plethora of talent, from first timers to seasoned champions – it is sure to be the event of the season.

The team lists are a ‘who’s who’ of eventing royalty, with Germany’s team featuring Grand Slam winner, triple Olympic gold medallist and triple European Champion Michael Jung and Arville FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2025 winners Calvin Böckmann and Libussa Lübekke. Great Britain will present Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallists Laura Collett MBE and Tom McEwen, as well as World Champion Yasmin Ingham, and renowned five-star riders Piggy March, Caroline Harris and Bubby Upton.

Susie Berry and Clever Trick. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

From further afield, Turkey will put forward a sole rider, as Kumru Say flies the flag for her country’s first ever appearance at this level of the sport, whilst Norway’s Yasmin Olsson-Payne will make her debut at senior European level riding the nine-year-old Cos Me Will.

Sweden has a strong selection for contention, looking to secure a podium position again after their team bronze at the Europeans in 2021. Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo TSF, who were a part of the 2021 team, are joined by Frida Andersen who has two Olympics, two European Championships and a World Championships under her belt. Sofia Sjöborg, will bring Govalent for his first Championship, with Amanda Staam and Corpoubet AT – who were part of the Swedish team at the European Championship 2023 and Olympic reserves in Paris, rounding out the team.

Olympians are dotted throughout, with Nicholas Touzaint – former dual European Champion – making the French team following his team silver medal at Paris 2024, and Ireland’s selection consisting of Olympians Susie Berry and Sarah Ennis. Switzerland’s rider selection mirrors that of their Paris selection, with Robin Godel, Mélody Johner, Nadja Minder and Felix Vogg announced, but only Nadja Minder will ride the same horse she took, partnering up again with Toblerone.

Nadja Minder and Toblerone. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Blenheim is preparing to host what promises to be a fiercely contested Championship. The blend of world-class titleholders and first-time competitors will make this year’s Agria FEI Eventing European Championship a weekend to remember.

To find out more, and book your tickets, visit bpiht.co.uk.

Please find the full entry list below:

AUSTRIA
Harald Ambros, with Vitorio Du Monete
Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati, with Renegade
Lea Siegl, with Van Helsing P

BELGIUM
Wouter De Cleene, with Quintera
Lara De Liederkerke – Meier, with Hooney d’Arville
Karin Donckers, with Ceres De La Brasserie
Senne Vervaecke, with Google van Alsingen

CZECH REPUBLIC
Jaroslav Abik, with Madock
Pavel Brezina, with Turin

FINLAND
Sanna Siltakorpi, with Bofey Click

FRANCE
Sebastien Cavaillon, with Elipsco De La Vigne
Luc Chateau, with Cocorico de L’Ebat
Alexis Goury, with Je’Vall
Benjamin Massie, with Figaro Fonroy
Astier Nicolas, with Alertamalibo’or
Nicolas Touzaint, with Absolut Gold HDC

GERMANY
Nicolai Aldinger, with Timmo
Calvin Böckmann, with The Phantom of the Opera
Malin Hansen-Hotopp, with Carlitos Quidditch K
Michael Jung, with fischerChipmunk FRH
Libussa Lübbeke, with Caramia
Jérôme Robiné, with Black Ice

GREAT BRITAIN
Laura Collett, with London 52
Caroline Harris, with D. Day
Yasmin Ingham, with Rehy DJ
Piggy March, with Halo
Tom McEwen, with JL Dublin
Bubby Upton, with Its Cooley Time

HUNGARY
Noémi Viola Doerfer, with Piltown Harry
Balázs Kaizinger, with Herr Cooles Classico

IRELAND
Susannah Berry, with Clever Trick
Ian Cassells, with Millridge Atlantis
Aoife Clark, with Full Monty De Lacense
Sarah Ennis, with Dourough Ferro Class Act
Robbie Kearns, with Chance Encounter
Padraig McCarthy, with Pomp n Circumstance

ITALY
Daniele Bizzarro, with Stormhill Riot
Pietro Majolino, with Vita Louise DH Z
Vittoria Panizzon, with DHI Jackpot
Arianna Schivo, with First Lady de Belheme
Giovanni Ugolotti, with Duke of Champions

LITHUANIA
Aistis Vitkauskas, with Commander VG

LUXEMBOURG
Christian Chabot, with Flora-B-Lux

NORWAY
Yasmin Olsson-Payne, with Cos Me Will

SWEDEN
Frida Andersen, with Stonehavens Baby Blue
Christoffer Forsberg, with Hippo’s Sapporo TSF
Sofia Sjoborg, with Govalent
Amanda Staam, with Corpoubet AT

SWITZERLAND
Robin Godel, with Global DHI
Mélody Johner, with Erin
Nadja Minder, with Toblerone
Felix Vogg, with Frieda

TURKEY
Kumru Say, with Baladin De L’Ocean La

You can find the full list of entries for this year’s Agria FEI Eventing European Championship here.