The 2025 edition of Defender Burghley Horse Trials got underway Wednesday afternoon with the first horse inspection taking place between showers.
Fifty-two horses were presented to the Ground Jury of Andrew Bennie (New Zealand), Christina Klingspor (Sweden) and Valerie Pride (USA).
All passed the trot-up except one horse – Burghley debutante Laura Birley’s Bob Cotton Bandit.
Australians Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB are now all set for the dressage phase in the second half of the draw on Friday. The pair will enter the arena at 11.39am local time, 8.39pm AEST Friday.
Best dressed at the trot-up
Winner of the Hi Ho Silver best dressed lady award at the trot-up was New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington, who sported a pale blue Zara trouser suit accessorised with her grandmother’s bracelet and Fairfax & Favor boots. The best dressed man was British rider Matthew Heath, clad in a tweed suit with long jacket, by Holland Cooper.
