'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Horse & Hound|September 12, 2024
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
Pippa Roome
'This is the ultimate five-star test'

HOW good it felt to move on from the pressure and controversies of the Olympics to savour the quality of Burghley, the five-star that started when it stood in for Harewood in 1961 because of foot-and-mouth.

My Burghley memories start in 1964 at the Pony Club championships when a Beaufort team including Jane Holderness-Roddam and I were beaten into second and then I rode Rock On to fourth in 1968. I then designed the cross-country for most of the next 30 years.

With Martyn Johnson in charge, Tim Henson chair of the Director's Advisory Group and unprecedented investment and co-operation from the Burghley Estate, the event moves forward in leaps and bounds, with the help of Defender sponsorship.

The team must navigate the challenges of the internet, social media and declining spectators at outdoor events.

Happily, this year Burghley maintained their numbers and improved spectator experiences so hopefully the future is assured, but this is an ever-changing minefield.

THE WORLD'S BEST DESIGNER

THE presence of three Olympic horses in Ros Canter's Lordships Graffalo, Austin O'Connor's Colorado Blue and Susie Berry's Wellfields Lincoln contributed to making this year special.

Esta historia es de la edición September 12, 2024 de Horse & Hound.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición September 12, 2024 de Horse & Hound.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE HORSE & HOUNDVer todo
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Horse & Hound

'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'

Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 07, 2024
New pair pull off a win
Horse & Hound

New pair pull off a win

A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 07, 2024
Lording it over the rest
Horse & Hound

Lording it over the rest

Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 07, 2024
Smith hits flying form
Horse & Hound

Smith hits flying form

A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 07, 2024
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Horse & Hound

Jankorado hits the jackpot

Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 07, 2024
Peanut
Horse & Hound

Peanut

From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 07, 2024
She's a corker
Horse & Hound

She's a corker

Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers

time-read
8 minutos  |
November 07, 2024
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
Horse & Hound

Access all areas Cavalier Centre

The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 07, 2024
'Use it or lose it'
Horse & Hound

'Use it or lose it'

Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 07, 2024
A new way forward
Horse & Hound

A new way forward

Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 07, 2024