Home | Defender Burghley Horse Trials

Date

3 - 6 September 2026

Count

The world's greatest 5* equestrian event

Defender Burghley attracts fantastic crowds to witness exhilarating equestrian action alongside browsing the world renowned shopping avenues in this truly stunning location.

Three Day Eventing is a comprehensive test of the all round ability of the horse and rider, comprising Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping.

Thursday

Dressage

The Dressage phase of the Three Day Event tests the basic training of the horse, which helps the horse to develop an improved posture for carrying a rider and increases his obedience and calmness.

Thursday Programme

Friday

Dressage

The Dressage phase of the Three Day Event tests the basic training of the horse, which helps the horse to develop an improved posture for carrying a rider and increases his obedience and calmness.

Friday Programme

Saturday

Cross Country

The most popular and the most demanding of the three disciplines. With over four miles of Cross Country course and 30 fences, visitors can get close to the action on the Saturday.

Saturday Programme

Sunday

Jumping

Held on the Sunday of the Event, Jumping is the final element of the competition and our course at Defender Burghley is designed by International Course Designer Paul Connor.

Sunday Programme

Defender Experience

Experience the thrill of being driven in one of the latest Defender vehicles over dynamic display equipment

The Insights Stage

Interviews, activities and entertainment from world class lifestyle and equestrian personalities

Members' Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious breakfast or a la carte lunch in the vibrant Members' Restaurant

Samantha Lissington LORD S DBHT25 PN38632

Tea & the Trot Up

Treat yourself to an extra special Pol Roger Champagne afternoon tea & exclusive trot up experience

Emperor Bell Tent Super Deluxe Sleeps 2 1 DBL 39

Burghley Boutique

Established in 2019, Burghley Boutique is THE place to stay for the ultimate glamping experience at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

The Avebury Restaurant

Fine dining restaurant serving breakfast and full a la carte lunch menu daily.

Explore latest news

Keep up to date with all the latest news from Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

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Oliver Townend Ballaghmor Class DBHT 100623

6 September 26

Paige Watson wins the Spillers Horse Care prize at Defender Burghley

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2 Oliver Townend Ballaghmor Class DBHT 1 CI23 122820 1

6 September 26

Ballaghmor Class, one of the greatest horses in eventing history, will be officially retired at Burghley on Sunday

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5 September 26

Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight are on fire to lead at Defender Burghley

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5 September 26

Holly Richardson sets the standard on cross-country day at Burghley

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Celebrating over 60 years of exhilarating equestrian action

With over 173,000 visitors over the four days, more than 600 carefully selected exhibitors, an average of 80 of the world’s top competitors and a prize fund of over £300,000, 21st century Burghley Horse Trials is a far cry from the inaugural event, which took place over 60 years ago with just 19 competitors and in front of a mere 12,000 people.

Our history