By time time you read this, it’s likely Burghley cross country day will be underway already, but in any case: WELCOME to the biggest day at “Big, Bad, Burghley!” We can’t wait to see how today shakes out on what is arguably (or, maybe not) the toughest cross country course in the world.
I mean, just look at this. Look at it!
Photo via Sarah Ennis on Facebook.
Safe to say, we’re feeling good about watching, maybe not so good at the prospect of riding. But as Monica Spencer, who unfortunately is not tall enough to plank the iconic Cottesmore Leap as pictured above, said yesterday, “I’m terrified, but I’m sure once I leave the start box, I’ll find some bravery!”
In all seriousness, we’re wishing everyone safe rides today. As we all know, safety is never guaranteed in high-risk sports like these. The biggest priority is getting our horses home safely and confidently — I think most riders will tell you that the rest is nearly icing on the cake, especially when bearing in mind those we have lost and those who are currently recovering from injuries. Let’s always remind ourselves to do right by our horses, and to let this guide our decisions and our mentality as we take on life’s challenges (even if those don’t include a Burghley cross country ride).
U.S. Weekend Events
Five Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer]
CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Major International Events
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [EN’s Coverage]
Saturday Links
Check out the data-packed Form Guide put out by Equiratings ahead of today’s cross country and tomorrow’s show jumping at Burghley. Want more back stories on each horse and rider? Study up on our own Form Guide here.
Medal Or Not, Grooms Deserve Recognition Too
Burghley Young Event Horse Winner is Tipped to Go All the Way
U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team Clinches Team Gold at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Nominations Open for US Equestrian’s 2024 Pegasus Award and Lifetime Achievement Award
Reframe the Way You See Distances
Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands
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It may be the final days of summer, but it’s still HOT HOT HOT out there in most areas. We’ve been obsessing over the Equilibrium Quick-Chill Sheet, which leverages water-activated conduction technology to effectively dissipate heat from your horse’s body, promoting optimal comfort without the hassle of traditional soaking methods. Easily reactivated with water, it offers a reusable, eco-friendly cooling solution that can be used multiple times, making it ideal for competitive environments, remote locations, or even during travel restrictions like hose pipe bans.
Video Break:
Go back to Burghley 2015 and ride around cross country “between the ears” with William Fox Pitt and Fernhill Pimms:
