Excitement is building for the upcoming Defender Burghley Horse Trials as the iconic event, scheduled from 4-7 September 2025, shakes things up! For the first time in eight years, the cross-country course will be completely reversed, promising a brand new experience for riders and spectators alike.
Renowned course designer Derek di Grazia has reimagined the course, aiming to offer fresh challenges and strategies for the competitors. Known for his work on the Tokyo 2021 Olympic course, Di Grazia is all about making this year’s event an exhilarating spectacle.
“For those who’ve been following Burghley for years, the course reversal will be thrilling,” he shared. With famous fences popping up in new places, and the terrain offering unexpected challenges, competitors will need to adjust their strategies on the fly.
The Burghley tradition continues with beloved features like Winner’s Avenue still in play, but Di Grazia emphasises that it’s the overall feel—not just individual jumps—that makes it truly special. As he puts it, “It’s about the collection of all the jumps and how they ride as a whole.”
Expected to compete are some of the sport’s biggest names, including former winners and Olympic gold medallists Oliver Townend and Ros Canter. Their presence adds to the allure of this beloved eventing spectacular.
Burghley House, with its rich history and stunning landscape, remains a pinnacle in the equestrian calendar, drawing the world’s top riders and enthusiastic fans for over half a century. Ready for a memorable equestrian weekend? More info can be found at www.burghley-horse.co.uk. 🌟🐎 #BurghleyHorseTrials #EquestrianExcellence #NewChallengesAhead