Coming hot on the heels of the 2014 World Equestrian Games, this year's Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials looks set to be an international affair, with some of the World's leading riders descending on the Lincolnshire town of Stamford for what is considered by many to be Eventing's greatest challenge.??100 horses from 11 nations spanning Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, USA and the UK will be competing for the substantial £62k first prize.
A win for New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson who is entered with both Avebury and Nereo would be particularly popular, especially if attained riding Avebury, as it would make it an unprecedented 'three in a row" for the combination, a feat never before achieved at Burghley.??He won't be the only former champion looking for a win. The entry list includes many past winners; William Fox-Pitt is entered with the experienced trio of Bay My Hero, Chilli Morning and Parkland Hawk, alongside WEG team mate Oliver Townend. As always there will be a strong Antipodean presence led by Sir Mark Todd and Oloa. Australia's Andrew Hoy is another former Burghley champion who has recently relocated to nearby Leicestershire and this year brings Rutherglen. While popular Badminton winner Australia's Sam Griffiths will be striving to secure his place on the podium in his quest to achieve the Rolex Grand Slam.??
The event also sees 27 first time combinations. Young British riders include Lincolnshire-based Gina Ruck a former British Pony team member, who'll be competing on home-produced 12yr old Rehy Too and Kirsty Short from Hertfordshire who brings her U25s partner Cossan Lad. ??They'll face strong competition from established combinations including Izzy Taylor and the diminutive Briarlands Matilda, Piggy French and Jakarta who hasn't competed at 4* level since 2011 and Francis Whittington who this year brings Hasty Imp.??A strong European entry includes five-time Olympian Belgium's Karin Donkers with Lamicell Unique, France's Karim Laghouag and his 2012 Olympic reserve horse, Punch de L'Esques and Germany's Kai Ruder and his Blenheim 2013 partner Gryffindor.?
?Land Rover Burghley Event Director, Elizabeth Inman said:
"The standard of entries is as high as ever this year and we look forward to welcoming some if not all of the World Equestrian Games medallists to Lincolnshire this Autumn. As always Mark Philips' cross country course will provide riders and horses with a true 4* challenge and with Andrew Nicholson & Avebury aiming for an as yet unachieved treble and Sam Griffiths focusing on the elusive Rolex Grand Slam there is all to play for.?
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