Home | Defender Burghley Horse Trials

Date

5-8 September 2024

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

Oliver Townend Swallow Springs DBHT 97492

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

Harry Meade Cavalier Crystal DBHT PN23 59547resized

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

David Doel Galileo Nieuwmoed DBHT 100626

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

Picnics

Premium picnic hampers from Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks

Celebrity Talk Area

Get up close to your favourite riders and equestrian personalities

Winners’ restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal in chilled private area within Members’ Enclosure

Tea & the Trot Up

Want to get your Defender Burghley Horse Trials experience in 2023 off to a brilliant start? Why not treat yourself to an extra special Pol Roger champagne afternoon tea 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.

Explore latest news

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

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3 September 23

The cream of the crop

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Oliver Townend Ballaghmor Class DBHT 100623

3 September 23

Pure Class from Townend

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3 September 23

Class of 2023 report

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David Doel Galileo Nieuwmoed DBHT 100562

3 September 23

David Doel wins the Avebury award

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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

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