Reflecting its growing status as one of Britain’s most popular events, Burgham International Horse Trials’ summer fixture (27-30 July) has received outstanding entries.
Among those competing in the principal CIC3* class are Zara Tindall, who will be riding her top horse, London 2012 Olympic silver medallist High Kingdom and who is making her Burgham debut, British number one Oliver Townend, former World and Olympic champion Blyth Tait, World and Olympic bronze medallist Caroline Powell and Australian triple Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy. Riders from 10 different nations – including Japan and Hong Kong – feature in the CIC3* alone, while in total 12 countries will be represented at Burgham over the weekend.
Locally-based British heroes will be fighting it out in the three international classes as well, among them Ben Hobday, Nicola Wilson and Jamie Atkinson.
Event Director Martyn Johnson said:
“We have received the most incredible entries, with lots of the country’s top riders choosing to come to Burgham for the first time.
“We are also delighted to be running a CIC* for the first time, giving an opportunity for amateur riders to compete at international level, and it has proved as popular as we thought it would. We try our utmost to provide the best possible conditions for everyone – spectators, volunteers, riders, owners and grooms, and next week’s event is set to be our best ever.”
The Owen Pugh Burgham International Horse Trials, which is situated near the A1 between Newcastle and Alnwick, starts with dressage on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 July. On Saturday 29, spectators will be treated to a feast of exciting cross-country and showjumping – as well as the international eventing, there is a busy affiliated showjumping ring climaxing in the Burgham Classic 1.40m Grand Prix, with £3,000 prize-money and £1,000 on offer to the winner. There is showjumping on Sunday 29 as well as a full range of national eventing classes, ranging from 90cm to novice.
There is excellent children’s entertainment, and a great range of tradestands and locally produced food on offer.
For big reductions on tickets, book before midnight on Thursday, 20 July. Visit www.burghamhorsetrials.co.uk to book. Tickets can be bought online until the night before your visit, or on the gate.
