Burghley Horse Trials

10 ways to enjoy yourself!

BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS

10 ways to enjoy yourself!

We love Burghley! And it’s not just because it’s close to our warehouse in Rutland and our easiest show logistics wise. The setting is utterly beautiful but don’t let that or the incredible shopping distract you from the fact that it’s an important international equestrian competition. One of only seven CCI 5* rated, (Concours Complet International), horse trials in the world, it’s where champions are made. With over 173,000 visitors over the four days, more than 600 carefully selected exhibitors, an average of 80 of the world’s top competitors and a prize fund of over £300,000, there’s never a dull moment at Burghley!

1. Plan ahead and treat yourself to a Burghley Hamper. Order beforehand
from Made in Oldstead, the official hamper supplier for Burghley Horse Trials. Made under the watchful eye of a Michelin starred chef, simply order a Classic/Vegetarian, and collect at Burghley. It’ll save you carrying food
around and all you’ll have to do is enjoy your day!

2. For even greater luxury, hire a Bell Tent in the Burghley Boutique, on-site accommodation situated in the walled garden, for the duration of the show. Complete with luxury showers and loos, a bar, pamper area and a complimentary breakfast, it’ll only set you back £1649 for two... You can even ride a golf buggy to and from the course - utter luxury. And you can stay with up to five dogs, how great is that?

3. If you feel that the dogs may get a bit bored whilst you're shopping, then simply plan ahead and book them into the Dog Crèche for a couple of hours. It’s open daily from 9-5 but booking is advisable (essential for Sunday afternoon). For further information, call Steve Penistone at Samsalin Dog Rescue on 07764 489 919 or email samsalindr@yahoo.com.

4. Whilst you’re shopping, make a beeline for our stand! We’re situated in the Country Living Pavilion and all our Drying Coats for wet dogs, Mitts for muddy paws and legs, dog Leads and Throws will be at special show prices. There are dog Drying Coats you can try on your dog, so you can be sure of the size too.

Head over to Ruff and Tumble Instagram and enter our Competition to win a pair of Ariat Skyline Solaris Waterproof Boots , a Ruff and Tumble Moss Country Collection Drying Coat with a corduroy trim, a Ruff and Tumble matching Moss Lead in clip/slip/slim/thick options and 2 x tickets and car pass to the Defender Burghley Horse Trials for Saturday 2 September.

5. The first horse inspection at 4pm on Wednesday is a key event because you get to see the horses for the first time, and it’s a beautiful parade in front of the Grand Jury. New for 2023 is the Tea & the Trot Up, which starts with a Champagne Tea at 2pm in the Members Enclosure. You’ll meet Captain Mark
Philips, previous winner and this year’s course designer, see some of the fences close up and learn expert insights on this year’s event and course from some Burghley legends. Tickets are £300 pp, and limited to 100, so this is for diehard cross-country fans!

6. If you have any Defender lovers with you at Burghley, the Defender Experience gives visitors the thrill of being driven in one of the latest Defender vehicles over dynamic display equipment. It’s based on the South side of the Lake throughout each day of the event.

7. Don’t miss The Shetland Pony Grand National on Saturday in the main arena at 9.30am – it’s joyous!

8. The Final of the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Competition is held at Burghley and is the culmination of competitions throughout the year. It’s viewed as the shop window to view potential ‘five star’ horses at an early age, and is a preview of great things to come!

9. If you’re on a budget, buy your tickets early as they are discounted. A day ticket for Thursday plus parking, at the time of writing, is £42. The gates are open from 7.30am-6.30pm, so why not have an early walk through the park followed by breakfast? The food is fantastic, and the stalls open early for the exhibitors.

10. Saturday is Cross Country Day, which starts at 11. The most
gruelling of days, with a course that stretches across the park, it’s exciting and dramatic to watch. Tickets and parking for Saturday at the time of writing are £63, but if you love horses, nail-biting excitement and shopping, all in beautiful surroundings, Saturday is the day for you!