What is it? Britain’s second-oldest international horse trials (after Badminton), founded in 1961 by the 6th Marquess of Exeter, who was an Olympic gold medallist in hurdling. It is one of seven five-star (highestlevel) horse trials across the world, famed for its gracious backdrop, autumn sunshine (we hope) and challenging cross-country course, which offers spectacular viewing on undulating ground. Horse trials—or eventing, as it is known internationally—is the three-phase Olympic sport that encompasses dressage, cross-country and show jumping.
At Burghley, there is also Pony Club show jumping (Thursday) and the final of the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse competition, a shop window for equine stars of the future (Friday). Many spectators, however, will barely look at a horse all weekend—the shopping is famously smart. As well as all things horsey, there is high-end art, clothing, jewellery, furniture and food.
This story is from the August 30, 2023 edition of Country Life UK.
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This story is from the August 30, 2023 edition of Country Life UK.
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