Masterclasses

The Masterclass programme offers a unique opportunity to hear from world-class riders and leading experts in the Main Arena. Informative and entertaining, these demonstrations offer fascinating insights into the skill, expertise and dedication that shape top-level equestrian sport.

Thursday 3 September | Lunchtime

Harry Skelton

Champion jockey Harry – son of showjumping Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton – will give a very special Masterclass. Harry plans to provide a unique insight into how he incorporates techniques and exercises from other equestrian disciplines into the training of top-class racehorses to enhance their performance and development. This highly anticipated session will conclude with a Q&A, allowing fans to delve deeper into the Skeltons' innovative approach.

Thursday 3 September | End of Dressage

Clayton Fredricks & Andy Heffernan

Australia’s former World Championships silver medallist and leading course-designer Clayton Fredericks will lead a Masterclass dedicated to the intricacies of cross-country course-design. Clayton will be joined by another popular course-designer and Olympic rider, Andrew Heffernan – the pair are Burghley’s course-designer Derek di Grazia’s assistants for 2026, and their insights will be fascinating.

Friday 4 September | Lunchtime

Carl Hester

Carl will work with a grand prix rider on their freestyle performance, with a leading event rider on the CCI5* dressage test. Alongside these, we are delighted to be welcoming Annabelle Wesley and Vanir Kamira, who partnered Piggy March to her first Burghley victory in 2022, back to the Defender Burghley’s Main Arena this year. Now 21 years old, Vanir Kamira will be one of the horses taking part in the ever-popular Carl Hester Masterclass.

Friday 4 September | End of Dressage

The Howden Way

BHS Fellow and CCI5* event rider Kylie Roddy will lead a demonstration from The Howden Way Young Horse Academy. Showcasing some of the sport’s most exciting young horse combinations, the session will feature talented six-, seven- and eight-year-olds and provide invaluable training tips on producing top young event horses through the levels. Visitors will gain an insight into the key stages of development, training methods and horsemanship required to nurture future stars of the sport.