At the end of the HorseQuest Horse Inspection 70 horse and rider combinations from 10 nations make up the start list for the 2018 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.
The Members of the Ground Jury, Angela Tucker (President) Dr Ernst Topp, and Sandor Fulop ensure that all horses are fit and ready to compete at this prestigious 4* competition. Two horses were held for re-inspection; Fernhill Frankie II (Joseph Murphy) and Verdi (Clelia Casiraghi) and subsequently withdrawn by their riders.
Last year’s winner and world number one Oliver Townend presented three horses MHS King Joules, Ballaghmor Class, and Cooley SRS and looks a strong contender to retain his title in 2018. As ever Antipodean riders such as Tim Price riding Bango and Ringwood Sky Boy, Mark Todd riding NZB Campino and Kiltubrid Rhapsody and Andrew Nicholson riding Jet Set IV and Swallow Springs are sure to pose a strong challenge, alongside an experienced field of home grown talent including Kristina Cook on Star Witness and Sarah Bullimore on Reve du Rouet.
Former double Olympic Champion Sir Mark Todd (62) will be the oldest rider in the competition, while first-timer, Sam Eckroyd (21) is the youngest rider entered. A strong Irish contingent has made its way to Burghley Park this year, led by Elizabeth Power, Austin O’Connor and Michael Ryan. While Germany’s sole representative is Andreas Dibowski. Katrin Khoddam Hazrati represents Austria and Ludwig Svennerstal, Sweden. There are three representatives from the USA: Buck Davidson and Park Trader, Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby, and Andrea Baxter and Indy 500.
The best dressed riders were Caroline Powell and Alexander Bragg – judged by Emma Warren of HiHo Silver and Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Ros Canter, a member of Britain’s Eventing team at the forthcoming World Equestrian Games, will ride the guinea pig dressage test with Zenshera, in front of the Ground Jury at 9:10 a.m. on Thursday, August 30th before the first rider Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules kicks off the competition in the Main Arena at 9:30 a.m.
Follow the live scores here. Watch the live stream on the Burghley Facebook Page.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.
The 2024 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp is just a little over a month away and all over the country, young riders are preparing for their trip to Ocala, Florida, to participate in this year's prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O'Connor. This year's camp takes place Dec. 31, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, and will feature classroom sessions, guest lecturers, and in the saddle work as a group to help strengthen the foundation of each rider selected to participate.