Burghley horse trials get underway today in Lincolnshire

The three day eventing competition attracts the very best horses and riders

Burghley Horse trials
Author: Andy MarshPublished 5th Sep 2024

Lincolnshire's hosting one of the biggest equestrian events in the world from today as the Burghley horse trials get underway.

The three day eventing competition attracts the very best horses and riders and is famous for its challenging cross-country course

It takes place from today up until Sunday.

We've been speaking to Martyn Johnson who's the Event Director.

We're really looking forward to welcoming everybody and we're ready to go

He told us: "The box office has been positive - the weather looks good."

"It's not too hot and it looks like it's going to be dry for the weekend - certainly for Saturday so that will help."

"We're really looking forward to welcoming everybody and we're ready to go."

Olympic Gold medallist Ros Canter from Tallington near Louth is an Ambassador for the event.

She says she's looking forward to debuting her partner - Lordships Gruffalo - who she was also competing with, at the Olympics in July.

She told us: "Gameface is on - I'm here to do a job and that's to try and do the best that I can."

"I'm very excited to have Lordships Gruffalo here - he's never had the opportunity to compete at Burghley because he's often been doing duties for the British team."

We've had some fantastic experiences that have come off the back of the gold medal already

"I think he'll absolutely love galloping round here."

She also spoke about winning that Olympic gold.

"It's been a whirlwind - I haven't quite sat down and really taken stock quite yet."

"We've had some fantastic experiences that have come off the back of the gold medal already."

"Lots of things to enjoy and fond memories to look back on."

She also told us about the horse she'll be riding for the event Lordships Gruffalo - also known as Walter.

"We knew that if he came out of Paris well it might be a nice realistic target for him because he had a quiet spring to be safe for Paris."

"It was always going to be part of the plan if Walter came out feeling good."

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